The Differences Between Reach-In and Walk-In Refrigerators: Insights from a Valyr Kitchen Equipment Supplier in Oak Lawn, Illinois

If you own a restaurant, you know how important a reliable refrigerator is for your business. From keeping fresh produce crisp and storing dairy products at the perfect temperature to preserving cuts of meat, the right refrigerator can play a big part in how smoothly your kitchen runs. But when it comes to choosing refrigeration equipment, should you get a compact, space-saving reach-in refrigerator or a large, heavy-duty walk-in unit?

Below, this Valyr equipment supplier in Oak Lawn, Illinois is going to explain the main differences between reach-in and walk-in refrigerators, helping you determine which of the two could be a better option for your restaurant.

Reach-in refrigerators are ideal for space-saving kitchens.

Reach-in refrigerators are compact, efficient, and easy to use. They are usually found in kitchens that need fast access to ingredients during food prep and service. With their compact designs and reliable cooling technology, reach-ins are ideal for kitchens where time and space are limited. You will usually see them placed near workstations so that chefs and the kitchen team can get what they need without losing productivity.

Reach-in refrigerators come in different sizes, from small single-door units to larger multi-door models, so you can easily find one that fits perfectly in your kitchen. These refrigerators are perfect for establishments like cafes, food trucks, or quick-service restaurants, where storage needs are not a priority. They are also useful as a secondary refrigeration option for larger kitchens, as they can give you easy access to frequently used items while your bulk inventory stays in the walk-in.

All of that said, reach-ins do have their limits. If you are running a high-volume operation with large amounts of inventory, you cannot completely trust reach-in refrigerators. They are not built to handle bulk storage, so trying to pack too much into one can result in a disorganized and inefficient kitchen. Still, for smaller kitchens or as an additional backup to your walk-in unit, they are very useful.

If you are looking for a reliable reach-in refrigerator to make your kitchen’s operations easier and more efficient, do not hesitate to reach out to a reputable Valyr kitchen equipment supplier in Oak Lawn, Illinois. They can help you find high-quality options that are designed to meet the demands of busy restaurants. 

Walk-in refrigerators are the best choice for high-volume food storage needs.

Walk-in refrigerators are designed to store large quantities of food, beverages, and other ingredients, which makes them a must-have for high-volume kitchens. If you need to store a week’s worth of fresh produce, large amounts of frozen meats, or cases of beverages, a walk-in refrigerator can give you the space and cooling power to keep everything fresh.

Walk-in refrigerators are much larger than reach-ins, with sizes ranging from 15 cubic feet to over 400,000 square feet. Thanks to their size, they are usually best for catering companies, large restaurants, and grocery stores, where running out of storage space is not an option.

Again, walk-in refrigerators come with some trade-offs. They obviously need more space, so if your kitchen is small, fitting one in might not be possible. Installation and maintenance costs are also higher than those of a reach-in refrigerator.

But for businesses that need to store a lot of inventory, the investment is worth it. Modern walk-ins, like those from Valyr, are designed to be as energy-efficient and durable as possible, which can help offset operational costs over time.

You can always consult with your local Valyr kitchen equipment supplier in Oak Lawn, Illinois, to check out the options available for your business.

Looking for a Valyr Kitchen Equipment Supplier in Oak Lawn, Illinois?

Are you ready to upgrade your refrigeration system in your restaurant? Ready to partner with the top-rated Valyr kitchen equipment supplier in Oak Lawn, Illinois? If so, March Quality New and Pre-Owned Foodservice Equipment is here to help. We offer a wide selection of high-quality, pre-owned, and refurbished equipment, including the best Valyr reach-in and walk-in refrigerators, so you can always trust us to outfit your kitchen with the best. Contact us today at (630) 627-3031 to learn more.