Your walk-in cooler is the heart of your restaurant’s kitchen. It protects your ingredients, ensures food safety, and keeps your operation running smoothly. But without proper care, this essential piece of equipment can quickly become a major source of energy waste, costly repairs, and food spoilage.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we help restaurants across Nevada maintain dependable, efficient walk-in coolers through expert service and maintenance. Here’s what every restaurant owner and kitchen manager should know about proper walk-in cooler care.
Keep Coils Clean
Dirty condenser and evaporator coils are among the most common causes of temperature issues. Dust, grease, and debris buildup make your system work harder to stay cool — driving up energy costs and shortening the life of your compressor.
Best practice: Have your coils professionally cleaned at least twice a year as part of your commercial refrigeration maintenance program.
Inspect Door Gaskets Regularly
Door gaskets play a key role in maintaining temperature. Cracked, torn, or loose seals allow warm air to enter and cold air to escape, forcing your system to work harder and creating condensation or ice buildup.
Tip: Check your door seals monthly. If you can easily slip a piece of paper through a closed door, it’s time to replace the gasket.
Maintain Proper Airflow
Overloaded coolers block airflow and lead to uneven temperatures. Keep products organized and ensure there’s at least a few inches of space between items and walls or vents.
Tip: Never stack boxes directly against the evaporator coil or fan — this can cause frost buildup and airflow restrictions.
Check Temperature Daily
Your cooler should consistently stay between 35°F and 38°F. Temperature fluctuations are often the first warning sign of trouble.
Action step: Use a calibrated thermometer or install a digital monitoring system that sends alerts if temperatures rise above safe limits.
Clean Floors and Drain Lines
Spills, condensation, and debris can clog drain lines and cause odors, leaks, or mold. Sweep and mop cooler floors regularly, and make sure drain lines are clear.
Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washing inside your cooler — use mild cleaners and soft brushes to prevent damage to surfaces and seals.
Monitor for Ice or Frost Buildup
Excess frost on walls, doors, or coils usually means there’s a defrost or air leak problem. Ignoring frost can cause your system to overwork and eventually fail.
If you see consistent ice buildup, contact a refrigeration repair company right away for diagnosis.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
Even with good daily care, professional maintenance is essential. Routine service ensures all components — from fans to refrigerant levels — are working correctly.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we offer preventative maintenance programs designed specifically for restaurants, helping you avoid costly downtime and extend the lifespan of your walk-in cooler.
Train Staff on Proper Cooler Use
Employee habits have a big impact on cooler performance. Train your team to:
- Keep doors closed as much as possible
- Report temperature changes or leaks immediately
- Store food properly and avoid blocking airflow
- Clean up spills promptly
Partner With a Trusted Refrigeration Expert
Your walk-in cooler is too important to leave to chance. Partnering with a dedicated commercial refrigeration company ensures your system stays efficient, reliable, and compliant with food safety standards.
Buffo’s Refrigeration specializes in walk-in cooler repair, commercial refrigeration maintenance, and emergency service for restaurants across Nevada.
Schedule Service Today
Protect your ingredients — and your reputation — with professional walk-in cooler care. Contact Buffo’s Refrigeration today to schedule maintenance or request a free consultation. We proudly serve Nevada and surrounding areas with expert commercial refrigeration repair and service.
📞Call Us For A Free Quote 775-782-8204 | Buffos-Refrigeration.com