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While Walk-ins can be customized to suit any space you may have available, they do come in standard
sizes that may suit your space. Common “pre-fab” sizes include: 8’x8’, 8’x10’ or 8’x12’, and many others
depending on the manufacturer.
When considering hard-to-fit spaces, speak with your RED Dealer to discuss what options are available
to meet your unique needs. Dealing with a low ceiling height or a footing in a basement that you need
to work around? Customizing your walk-in box can make a world of difference in the long run.
Walk-in boxes do not come pre-assembled and ship on skids with panels and refrigeration separate.
They are assembled onsite by your contractor and fit together in a specific sequence and usually locked
together with a “Cam-Lock” system. Panels are either gasketed to prevent cold air from escaping or
they are caulked together after assembly to ensure the box stays airtight.
Prefabricated vs Custom Sizes
Penthouse Units have the compressor, evaporator and condenser all together on one roof panel. This
roof panel gets installed and powered up electrically, not requiring a licensed refrigeration technician to
install and charge the system.
Although this option is appealing because of the easier installation, it also has its drawbacks. It is
more expensive to purchase upfront due to the pre-charged refrigeration components. In addition, a
Penthouse unit will require a higher ceiling to accommodate the refrigeration unit on top of the unit
that can add up to 36” clearance above the box for the unit to breathe as well as for serviceability in the
future. In addition, Penthouse units are exhausting hot air and taking in hot air from the hottest part of
your kitchen – at the level of the ceiling which is often 10C hotter than it is in your already hot kitchen.
While Penthouse units are common, some manufacturers have moved away from this model in favour
of remote refrigeration units.
Penthouse Units
Remote units have the refrigeration components split up, meaning the compressor and condenser are
placed in another “remote” location, either inside or outside of the building. The evaporator coil is
located inside the walk-in box. The initial cost may be less expensive for the box and components
themselves, but you will need a licensed refrigeration technician to install and charge the system. The
advantages of moving the noise and heat away from your (already) noisy and hot kitchen, and infinite
customizability are the reason most walk-ins are remote.
It is important to note that an indoor refrigeration unit will not operate properly outside, even if it is
covered and not exposed to the weather. It is meant to operate in amibient room temperature. If you
are considering putting your remote refrigeration unit outside of your building, ensure you speak to you
RED Dealer so they can ensure you have the correct refrigeration components to meet your needs.
Remote Units – indoor or outdoor