Polar U-Series 1.5 x 1.2m Integral Walk-In Cold Room

The Polar U-Series integral walk-in cold room is a self-contained chilled storage unit built for commercial kitchen environments where consistent temperature control and reliable capacity are non-negotiable. It arrives as a complete, panelled room ready for installation, with the refrigeration system integrated into the unit itself — no separate remote condensing equipment to source or commission. The construction uses galvanised steel, aluminium and plastic panels, giving a practical and durable internal and external finish.

In service conditions, forced-air cooling circulates refrigerated air throughout the interior, helping maintain even temperatures across the full storage area. This is particularly important in kitchens with frequent access — the system is rated to cope with ambient temperatures reaching 43°C, which makes it a viable option for kitchens where the surrounding environment can become warm during service. Recovery after door opening is consistent, which matters when your prep team are moving in and out throughout the day.

From an operational standpoint, several design details make a practical difference in day-to-day use:

• Self-closing door improves energy efficiency and reduces accidental temperature drift
• Lockable door with inner safety release prevents accidental lock-in
• Non-slip floor surface reduces slip hazard in a cold, potentially wet environment
• Curved floor-to-wall junctions reduce dirt and moisture traps, making cleaning more straightforward
• R449A refrigerant used as a lower global-warming-potential alternative to older refrigerants

Installation requires a level, solid floor capable of supporting the assembled unit's substantial weight. Mains electrical connection is required for the integral refrigeration system — your installer will confirm the supply specification needed. If you are planning an outdoor installation, a weather-resistant roof panel should be considered as an additional purchase, as the standard unit is not designed for direct exposure to the elements. Racking and shelving are sold separately, so factor these into your planning and budget from the outset.

This cold room is well suited to independent restaurants, hotel kitchens, pub catering operations and similar mid-scale sites that need a meaningful step up from upright refrigerators but are not yet at the scale requiring a full remote-system cold room installation. For sites with higher throughput, greater access frequency or more demanding ambient conditions, it is worth considering a larger or higher-specification model from the range.

If you are unsure whether this footprint and capacity will work for your kitchen layout and storage requirements, we are happy to talk it through — getting the sizing right at this stage avoids a costly mistake later.