Turnkey Solution
From box selection to refrigeration guidance, we help you move from idea to installation with a streamlined, turnkey process built for commercial projects.
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Walk in cooler and freezer systems are an excellent solution for preserving fresh foods and ingredients while keeping them easily accessible. Ideal for restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities, these units ensure efficiency by allowing frequently used items to be conveniently stored and accessed, saving valuable time in daily operations.
Quick Guides
When choosing the right walk-in cooler or freezer, the first step is to understand whether your project fits into our Quick Ship program or requires a Custom solution.
Our Quick Ship walk-in cooler and freezer models are designed for fast nationwide shipping and easy assembly. In these models, one side of the box is limited to a range between 6 feet and 12 feet, while the other side can be extended much further depending on the layout. For example, the depth may be 6 feet while the width can grow far beyond that, but the depth itself cannot exceed 12 feet within the Quick Ship system. Thanks to their cam-lock panel construction, these models connect together easily and can be assembled without major difficulty. Many customers are able to install them on their own, and we can ship these units anywhere in the United States within 48 hours.
Our Custom walk-in cooler and freezer projects are built for customers who need dimensions or configurations that go beyond the Quick Ship program. With custom models, there are no size limitations. We can build around the needs of your operation, whether you need a larger footprint, a more specialized layout, or a warehouse-scale solution. However, these are not DIY-friendly systems. Because custom walk-ins must be installed by our own team, they are currently available only in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
Our walk-in cooler and freezer pricing starts with the box itself and increases depending on size, configuration, and refrigeration requirements.
Box-only models start at $2,903, while walk-ins with refrigeration start at $6,692. As the box gets larger, the cooling demand increases as well. That means the system requires a more powerful refrigeration unit, which raises the total cost of the project. In most cases, smaller boxes are more affordable not only because of the panel set, but also because they can operate with less demanding refrigeration equipment.
If you are comparing models, it is important to think beyond just the box dimensions. The total cost of a walk-in depends on factors such as the size of the enclosure, whether it is a cooler or freezer, the type of refrigeration system, whether a floor is included, and whether the project is part of our Quick Ship range or built as a custom installation.
Choosing between top mount and remote refrigeration depends largely on where the walk-in will be installed and how the surrounding space is managed.
In most indoor applications, remote refrigeration is the recommended option. Refrigeration systems generate a significant amount of heat, and if that heat is released directly into the interior space, it can create temperature management problems for the building and make the overall environment less efficient. A remote system allows the condensing unit to be placed outside or in another suitable area, helping keep the indoor space cooler and more controlled.
Top mount systems can still be a practical solution in the right setting, especially for certain standard applications, but when heat management, indoor comfort, and long-term performance are priorities, remote refrigeration is often the better choice.
The floor requirement depends on whether you are buying a walk-in cooler or a walk-in freezer.
For walk-in cooler models, a floor is not always required. In many cases, a cooler can be installed directly on an existing surface. However, one important point is often overlooked: if the floor below the walk-in is not insulated, heat can transfer through the ground into the box. That creates extra load on the refrigeration system, causes the unit to run more often, and can lead to higher electricity costs over time. So while a floor may not be mandatory for a cooler, it can still be a smart choice depending on your installation environment.
For walk-in freezer models, an insulated floor is required. Freezers operate at much lower temperatures, and without proper floor insulation, the cold can affect the slab below, leading to cracking, structural issues, and major heat loss. For that reason, all of our walk-in freezer models are sold with insulated floors only.
Keep your ingredients and perishable foods safe and easily accessible with a high-capacity walk in cooler. Perfect for large-scale food service operations such as restaurants, bars, catering services, hotels, and healthcare facilities, walk-in coolers offer the space and versatility needed to store large volumes of food and beverages. Indoor walk-in coolers are ideal for frequently accessed items, while outdoor models provide ample cold storage without taking up valuable interior space.
At Atlantic Supermarket Equipment, we offer a wide selection of commercial walk-in coolers designed to meet the needs of any establishment. Our units are equipped with features like door safety locks to prevent unauthorized access and self-closing doors to maintain optimal temperatures. Whether you need a side-mount, top-mount, or remote refrigeration system, we have the perfect solution for your space.
Choose from leading brands like Astra, Amerikooler, and Atosa, and find walk-in coolers with or without floors to suit your specific requirements. With competitive pricing and fast nationwide shipping, Atlantic Supermarket Equipment is your trusted source for walk-in coolers. Explore our collection today and discover the ideal refrigeration solution for your business.
The cost of building a walk-in cooler typically ranges from$5,000 to $20,000+, depending on size, insulation thickness, refrigeration system, flooring, and installation complexity. Custom-built units, remote compressors, or energy-efficient systems may increase the total investment. For most restaurants and retail operations, mid-sized standard walk-in coolers fall in the$8,000–$12,000 range installed.
There is no functional difference between a walk-in cooler and a walk-in fridge. Both terms are used interchangeably in the U.S. market to describe a temperature-controlled cold storage room designed to hold food, beverages, flowers, or perishables at above-freezing temperatures (typically 35°F–38°F). “Walk-in cooler” is the more common industry term.
A properly installed and well-maintained walk-in cooler typically lasts15–20 years. The insulated panels often last longer, while refrigeration systems may require replacement or major servicing after10–15 years, depending on usage, environment, and maintenance frequency.
The best flooring options for walk-in coolers are non-slip aluminum tread plate, quarry tile, or sealed concrete with thermal insulation. Flooring must be durable, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and compliant with local health codes. In high-traffic environments, reinforced insulated floors are strongly recommended.
Yes, floor drains can be installed in walk-in coolers and are often recommended for foodservice and floral applications. However, they must be properly insulated and trapped to prevent freezing, odors, or heat loss. Drain installation should always comply with local plumbing and health regulations.
To prevent cross-contamination, raw meats—especially poultry—should always be stored on the bottom shelf in sealed containers. This placement ensures that raw juices cannot drip onto ready-to-eat foods stored above, in accordance with FDA food safety guidelines.
A walk-in cooler should be maintained between35°F and 38°F (1.7°C–3.3°C). This temperature range keeps food safely cold without freezing and helps slow bacterial growth while preserving product quality.