Walk-in Cooler Shelving

You can purchase an assortment of shelving units to craft a workable walk-in, and we offer walk-in shelving kits that include everything you need to create a complete storage system. It's important to note shelving is required for walk-ins in most applications because it keeps food off the floor, making it less accessible for pests and keeping it out of spilled liquids.

Common Questions About Walk-in Cooler Shelving

What makes walk-in cooler shelving different?

These walk-in shelving kits are designed to withstand the unique demands of use in cold storage, including high humidity and sustained cold temperatures. They are made of materials such as polymer, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum that are rust resistant or rust proof, a critical feature in the saturated air of cold storage. Such materials are also chosen because they will not become brittle in sustained sub-freezing temperatures, so walk-in freezer shelving should endure years of use. These units hold heavy loads common in cold storage applications.

Additionally, these walk-in cooler racks are designed to allow for necessary airflow around stored items, with louvered polymer shelf mats and open sides. That helps ensure proper cooling because stored items have more surface area exposed to the surrounding cold air, and reduces the likelihood of condensation and other liquids collecting and creating rust on canned goods. These features of walk-in shelving facilitate regular wash-down cleanings and spill mitigation.

What materials are walk-in cooler racks made of?

The materials used most commonly to construct walk-in cooler shelving are aluminum, polymer, and steel. Each has its own advantages and considerations.

• Aluminum: Aluminum is lighter than – and will not corrode like – steel, making it simpler to install and move around for customizing storage space. However, aluminum is not as strong as steel, so weight limits are typically lower for aluminum units.
• Polymer: Polymer is used chiefly with an underlying structure of aluminum or steel that gives it strength and rigidity. It is durable, cannot rust, and is often imbued with an antimicrobial that helps reduce bacterial growth, even if the polymer is damaged. Most polymer shelf mats are dishwasher safe. Polymer will wear, particularly when items such as No. 10 cans are moved across it frequently, so the mats may need to be replaced.
• Steel: Steel is strong, durable, and can withstand many years of use in most settings, which is why it is commonly used to construct walk-in cooler racks. Steel can rust, especially if it is damaged, so steel walk-in shelving is frequently covered with either polymer or epoxy.

Is there a difference between walk-in freezer shelving and racks made for coolers?

Generally speaking, no. These units are all designed to withstand the rigors of cold storage use and, because walk-in coolers and freezers are typically the same boxes with different cooling systems, their sizing allows for them to be interchangeable.

How do I choose the right walk-in shelving?

Choosing the right walk-in cooler racks is as easy as answering a few simple questions.

• What are the dimensions of the walk-in? This one is first because it is the most important and provides the foundation for all the other considerations. Walk-in cooler shelving kits are defined by their lengths and depths; depth represents the width of the shelves. Ensure the unit you consider will fit lengthwise into the space and that its depth will leave enough room for walking or rolling traffic. While these units are standard at around 6 feet tall, you should also verify the one you consider will fit under overhead obstructions, whether that is the ceiling of the box, refrigeration system components, or other fixtures.
• What shelving material would work best? As noted, the shelves on these units are typically finished in stainless steel, an epoxy coating over metal, or polymer mats. The first two are perfect for most uses, but the third is likely to last longer in applications where hard, heavy items – such as loaded food boxes and No. 10 cans – are moved around.
• Do I need open/louvered shelves for walk-in shelving? Yes. Those gaps allow for airflow around stored items, which helps ensure proper cooling. They also prevent the pooling of liquids that can lead to bacterial growth and promote the corrosion of metal containers such as No. 10 cans.