During the research process for a new commercial reach-in freezer, it’s a great idea to think through the installation. Whether you’re considering a single door reach-in freezer, a double door reach-in freezer or any other size, make sure that to follow the tips listed below for a smooth installation.
Measure!
Before you purchase a reach-in freezer, or any piece of commercial foodservice equipment for that matter, map out the path through your facility from where you will receive the equipment to where it will be put in place. Once you know the route your reach-in freezer will be taking, measure the length and width of al door frames and hallways along the path, taking special care to note any tight corners. With this information you can create a plan that will get your new piece of commercial refrigeration equipment to its final destination.
Check the Floor
Commercial kitchen equipment needs to be level to operate properly, and this all comes down to the condition of your floor and how level it is in the space where you will be placing your commercial freezer. If you have a minimal amount of variance in the floor you will need to be sure that you purchase a unit with self-leveling casters or with adjustable height legs/feet. Along with being level, it is important that your freezer is placed in an area away from heat and moisture-generating equipment. These conditions may cause your reach-in freezer to overwork to the point of breakdown and may cause your warranty to be void.
Choose a well ventilated location
Before you finalize the destination of your commercial freezer, be sure it is a well ventilated room. During your research, you’ll most likely be reviewing the specification sheets for the equipment you are considering, and you may even review the equipment manuals. These manufacturers documents will call out side and back clearance requirements and placing your equipment in a position that does not meet the minimum special requirements will often result in poor operation and ultimately one or several service calls. Additionally, avoid humid areas or areas where there is a higher than usual amount of dust or debris in the air. These conditions may cause the condenser coil to become dirty or rusted and your freezer will have operational issues.
Verify your power supply
Before ordering your reach-in freezer, you will want to make sure that you will have access to the proper voltage as specified in the electrical requirements listed in the manufacturers documentation. Additionally, because a freezer is both a critical piece of equipment and has significant power draw, you should position your freezer so that it is on a dedicated circuit. As with any piece of refrigeration equipment, you should refer to the equipment manual for the detailed information about the specific unit you are purchasing.
Following these simple tips will give you a head start on having a smooth installation for your new commercial reach-in freezer.
