Floral Walk-In Coolers and refrigerators are the sorts of coolers that provide storage and display functionality both at the same time. We do have a lot of delicate flowers that need a proper environment in order to remain fresh for the customers. Floral Walk-In Coolers have transparent windows so customers can easily view flower arrangements without upsetting the temperature settings and humidity levels that occur while opening doors and allowing outside air to enter the cooler.
Flower Coolers are set at low speed so that airflow does not dry out or damage fragile flower petals in any case. Now you must be wondering about the temperature of floral walk-in refrigerators well, a floral cooler or refrigerator’s standard temperature is between 34- and 36-degrees Fahrenheit for cut flowers in a hydrating solution, although many units remain at around 38 F. you must keep in mind that temperatures that fluctuate 5 degrees plus or minus of 38 F can ruin or reduce the lives of flowers.
Why are walk-in floral coolers best for your business?
1. Ideal Temperature & Humidity Control
Flowers are delicate and need the right environment to stay fresh. Walk-in floral coolers maintain:
- Temperatures between 34°F to 38°F (1°C to 3°C), ideal for preserving floral freshness
- Humidity levels that prevent wilting but avoid mold and rot
2. More Storage Space
If your business deals with large volumes of flowers—wholesalers, event florists, or retail shops—a walk-in cooler gives you:
- Room to store bulk inventory
- Better organization and workflow during busy seasons like Valentine’s Day or weddings
3. Extended Shelf Life
Walk-in floral coolers can double or triple the shelf life of your flowers. That means:
- Less waste and spoilage
- More profit per stem
4. Professional Presentation
Clients visiting your shop will notice:
- Well-organized and neatly displayed blooms
- A clean and professional setup, building trust and credibility
5. Customization Options
These coolers can be built to fit your needs:
- Adjustable shelving
- Glass doors for display
- Floral-specific refrigeration units that prevent freezing
6. Cost Efficiency in the Long Run
Yes, there’s an upfront investment—but over time, it pays off through:
- Lower energy bills with modern, efficient units
- Reduced flower loss
How to build a walk-in floral cooler?
Building a walk-in floral cooler is a great way to preserve flowers and expand your business operations. Here’s a step-by-step guide on floral walk in cooler installation:
Step 1: Plan the Size and Location
- Determine size based on your inventory and space. A typical small cooler might be 6×6 ft, while larger ones can go 8×10 ft or more.
- Choose a location with proper ventilation, easy access, and proximity to your work area.
- Make sure there’s enough ceiling height for insulation and cooling unit installation.
Step 2: Insulate the Space
- Use insulated panels (urethane or polystyrene, typically 4” thick) for walls, floor, and ceiling.
- Panels should have a vapor barrier to prevent moisture buildup.
- Seal all seams tightly with aluminum tape or spray foam to avoid air leaks.
Step 3: Install a Floral Cooler Refrigeration Unit
- Choose a floral-specific refrigeration system (not a food cooler)—these are designed to:
- Run at higher humidity
- Avoid freezing the flowers
- Units can be self-contained (easier to install) or split systems (more efficient for larger coolers).
Step 4: Add a Proper Door
- Install a refrigerated walk-in cooler door with a tight seal.
- Consider a glass door with anti-condensation features for displaying flowers.
- Include a door closer to ensure it shuts properly every time.
Step 5: Set Up Ventilation and Lighting
- Use LED lights that don’t produce heat (regular bulbs can damage flowers).
- Consider installing a small fan to circulate air gently and avoid hot spots.
- Ensure good drainage inside for moisture control.
Step 6: Monitor Temperature & Humidity
- Install a digital thermometer and hygrometer to keep tabs on interior conditions.
- Floral coolers should stay between 34°F–38°F with 80–90% humidity.
Step 7: Organize the Interior
- Use adjustable shelving or rolling carts for easy access.
- Keep taller flowers upright in buckets, and rotate stock regularly.
- Make aisles wide enough to move inventory without damaging flowers.
Bonus Tips:
- Consider using pre-fab floral cooler kits for a simpler build.
- If unsure about electrical or refrigeration setup, hire a professional technician.
- Add backup power or temperature alarms for peace of mind.
How to keep your walk-in coolers and refrigerators clean?
Keeping your walk-in coolers and refrigerators clean is essential for maintaining flower freshness, preventing mold, and ensuring a professional appearance. Here’s a practical guide to keep them spotless and running efficiently:
Basic cleaning for Floral Cooler
If you are new to this business all you have to make sure to clean all the surfaces, such as the walls, floors, and shelves, as well as dust off the interiors to avoid any kind of dirt and grime from storing on the glass and the door seals. You have to make sure to use a cleaning solution that is particularly formulated for flowers, because other chemicals may cause toxins and cause them to wilt too soon than they actually should.
Schedule A Cleaning and Maintenance Time
Same as other electrical appliances, flower shop coolers also need to be regularly cleaned and maintained to make sure that they are performing at their best. But the bitter reality is that because it is considered nearly impossible to provide its downtime when we keep special merchandise like flowers fresh, a lot of flower shop owners never even bother to book a maintenance service or call their refrigerator manufacturer or authorized dealer until they are completely left with a useless machine.
If you are a walk-in floral refrigerator owner, do you even remember when was the last time you cleaned and maintained your floral coolers? I guess the answer will be a big no. Their long-term, dependable function hinge on a few key tasks that preserve their ability to keep fresh blooms chilled, fresh, and attractive. It is very important to learn exactly how to keep floral coolers clean and in perfect condition so that they can maintain the ideal temperature, ventilate, and preserve your flower shop’s beautiful but very delicate merchandise intact. For this purpose, you must book a professional cooler cleaner for your walk-in floral cooler.
Book A Professional Cooler Cleaning
You may find it very easy to wipe down the shelves and surfaces of a flower shop cooler on your own, but a lot of the necessary mechanisms require complicated handling and many professional tools that may help you to avoid costly equipment damage in the long run and a negative impact on your customers.
We at Kitchen Services provides comprehensive installation and maintenance services in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
Keep in mind that these parts of a floral cooler need to be cleaned professionally for ideal results:
1. Condensing unit
Perhaps the most crucial part of a floral cooler is the condensing unit. This is responsible for keeping the air perfectly cold for flowers to hold their shape and should be cleaned every month. This typically requires shutting off power in your flower shop for about 15 minutes. During that time, a professional cooler technician will set the shop vac to blow air outward and release accumulated dust and dirt to the exterior for clean-up.
2. Condensing coil
You need to clean your condensing coil at least twice a year this will let you remove stack up dust and dirt. This process will need an industrial and proper vacuum and wet cloth to remove rubble and deposits, particularly from small, hard-to-reach gaps and areas.
3. Evaporator coil
Same as the condensing coil, the evaporator coil also needs to be cleaned at least two times in a year with the help of specifically formulated cleaning solution to get rid of residue.
A professional floral cooler mechanic will remove the bottom pan of the coil and clean it with the specified solution, supported by the tubing and actual coils.
4. Drain lines
The drain lines are a hotbed of harmful deposits like all sorts of molds and debris, that would cause them to clog and become even more difficult to clean over time because they are then stored there. To get rid of this waste material and dust, make sure to clear the drain lines at least once a year.
5. Door gaskets
The door gaskets are actually the magnets for debris and stains. When they are left without cleaning, there are high chances that they lose their seal, which would cause them to enter warm air to the floral cooler and disturb the quality of your flower’s stock that surely needs to be stored at specific temperatures to prevent shriveling and bruising. Cleaning the door gaskets of your floral cooler can reduce this risk and restores the seal to its original position. A professional walk-in floral cooler and refrigerator technician can also apply a protective vinyl layer to extend the lifespan of the door gaskets.
Floral Walk-in cooler FAQs
What is the correct temperature for a flower cooler?
For most cut flowers, the ideal range is from 33°F to 35°F. Tropical flowers, however, require 50 to 55°F. Temperatures above the optimum levels reduce vase life and quality. Keeping flowers cool slows down respiration rate and maximizes vase life.
