11 Benefits of Having A Walk-In Cooler with Automatic Doors for Retail Applications

Walk-in coolers are staples for restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, convenience stores and any other place that needs to store fresh, frozen, or pre-cooled food products. These applications are enclosed, refrigerated storage spaces that have footprints generally smaller than 3000 square feet and can be used for things such as storing perishable food or beverage items. Walk-ins are often used as medium-term cold storage—with standard refrigerators acting as short-term storage and refrigerated warehouses acting as long-term storage. Just like any refrigeration system, walk-ins use an evaporator inside the unit and a condenser outside the unit to move heat outside, thus cooling the inside.

Horton partners with Anthony to offer retailers an energy-efficient upgrade for their walk-in coolers with an all new Anthony Automatic Beer Cave Door. These upgraded doors from Anthony are DOE compliant and available in single or double door configurations.

Benefits of having an automatic door for your walk-in cooler application:

1. Energy Efficiency It is a common misconception that a walk-in cooler will cost a lot to power, and although it is a major expense, the cost to power a walk-in cooler is often much less than the combined cost to power several individual standard-size refrigerators. Also, if you have an industrial-grade walk-in cooler, the internal components are designed to work much better and much more efficiently than standard consumer coolers. You can also minimize energy costs by providing regular maintenance, such as routinely checking the gaskets and door sweeps for wear and replacing them when necessary.
   
   
2. Temperature Control These doors are designed to open and close quickly, helping to maintain consistent temperatures inside the walk-in cooler. This is crucial for preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods.
   
   
3. Cost Savings Improved energy efficiency (see #1) and temperature control can result in cost savings on energy bills. Retailers can experience reduced operational costs over time due to lower energy consumption.
   
   
4. Convenience for Customers and Staff Automatic doors for walk-in coolers enhance the shopping experience by providing easy access to the walk-in cooler for both customers and staff. Especially when trying to carry cases at a time of food or beverages! The automation makes it more convenient for everyone.
   
   
5. Hygiene and Food Safety Automatic doors can help maintain a hygienic environment by minimizing the time the cooler is exposed to external elements. This is particularly important in the food retail industry where food safety and hygiene standards are critical.
   
   
6. Compliance with Regulations Automatic doors can assist retailers in complying with health and safety regulations. They help prevent temperature fluctuations, reduce the risk of contamination, and contribute to overall compliance with food safety standards.
   
   
7. Space Optimization Automatic doors can be designed to slide or swing in a way that optimizes space usage. This is beneficial for retail spaces where floor space is valuable, and efficient use of space is a priority.
   
   
8. Enhanced Aesthetics Automatic doors can contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the retail space. They can be designed to complement the store's design and branding, creating a more visually appealing environment.
   
   
9. Customization Options Many automatic door systems offer customization options, allowing retailers to choose door styles, materials, and features that best suit their specific needs and preferences.
   
   
10. Easy Installation Believe it or not, the benefit of a walk-in cooler can be the ease of installation. The units can be installed directly on top of a solid concrete floor, so there is not need to install specialized flooring.
    
    
11. Reduced Wear and Tear Automatic doors, being controlled by sensors or push-button systems, may experience less wear and tear compared to manual doors that are frequently opened and closed. This can result in lower maintenance costs over time.

In summary, automatic door walk-in coolers provide a range of benefits, including improved energy efficiency, temperature control, cost savings, convenience, hygiene, compliance with regulations, space optimization, enhanced aesthetics, and reduced wear and tear. These advantages make them a valuable investment for retailers in the food and beverage industry.

If you are looking to install a modern walk-in cooler with automatic doors in your facility, use our Horton distributor locator to find a dealer near you.