You’ve probably been doing research on the benefits of a walk-in freezer compared to other options on the market. It is crucial to make the right decision as the walk-in freezer will play a big role in the success of your business. Before diving headlong into renting or purchasing a walk-in freezer, there are a couple of factors that you will need to consider before making the decision.
Storage Space
If you’re in the restaurant business, you will need approximately 1.5 cubic feet of storage for every meal that is served. Experts recommend having excess storage instead of having too little. This does not mean that you have to rent or buy an exorbitantly large walk-in freezer. This is because the monthly operational costs will increase with the size of the freezer.
Refrigeration System
The refrigeration system is another important consideration that needs to be factored when looking for a walk-in freezer. An underpowered system is likely to wear out fast as it will have to work extra hard. An overpowered system, on the other hand, will not go through the complete cycle to remove humidity in the freezer. There are different types of refrigeration systems meant to serve different purposes. You can consult with the electrician on the right type of refrigeration system. There could also be voltage requirements which may not be met by your building.
Design Features
There is a purpose for every design. You may need strip curtains to improve energy efficiency. There are also commercial refrigerators with alarms that will warn if the temperatures have dropped. You can create a list of the desired features so that you know exactly what to look for when you’re out shopping. If you can’t get the right commercial walk-in freezer with all the features, you can always opt for add-ons which are inexpensive.
Quality
Quality is a feature that should be prioritized. You may experience high electricity costs if you opt for a cheap walk-in freezer. It is also important you look at the providers that offer walk-in freezer rentals. They could be offering low-quality products but still charging you a premium. The internal sticker price should not be the only indication of quality. You should look at the refrigeration capabilities and the quality of LED lighting when determining the quality of the walk-in freezer. It is also recommended that you look at the kind of insulation that is in place as it will affect both the efficiency and price. The walk-in freezer should ideally have a high R-Value rating but it is important to investigate how the value will be retained throughout the lifespan of the product.
Brands
There are different brands in the market today. There is fierce competition when it comes to the quality of offering which puts the consumer in a good position when exploring the options. If you’re working with a supplier, you can ask them about the manufacturer they prefer and why. The same applies if you’re renting the walk-in freezer.
Dealer
You’re likely to get the Walk-in freezer through a dealer or a leasing company. If you don’t know of any dealers you can work with, you can always ask the manufacturer for recommendations in your area.
Extra Costs
There will be other additional costs apart from the one you pay to rent or buy the walk-in freezer. Freight cost can increase significantly depending on the distance that is being covered. Make sure you’re asking for the freight estimates before you decide to rent or buy the walk-in freezer. There is also a possibility that you could be charged sales tax if the manufacturer has a physical presence in your location.
Warranty
You should not work with a dealer that doesn’t provide a warranty on the machine. The warranty could be on different parts of the walk-in freezer. You could opt for extended warranty plans if that is an option depending on your agreement.
To Sum it Up
Having the right information is important before you make a big purchase like a walk-in freezer. You could also consider the option of leasing as opposed to renting especially if you’re tight with cash. Leasing frees up money that can be used to expand the business. You also don’t have to worry about the initial upfront costs which can make a business broke even before it is operational. Consult with your accountant on the right option by looking at the financial health of your business.
