In the funeral and medical industries, preservation is critical. A body fridge — sometimes called a mortuary cooler or funeral home fridge — is designed to safely and respectfully store human remains.
While some refer to it casually as a “body fridge,” professionals know it is one of the most important investments a funeral home, mortuary, or hospital can make. This guide explores the role of the body fridge, types available, costs, and what makes a unit reliable.
What is a Body Fridge?
A body fridge is a refrigerated storage unit designed specifically for human remains. Unlike restaurant freezers or medical lab coolers, these units are engineered for:
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Consistent Temperature Control: 36°F – 38°F for safe preservation
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Durability: Stainless steel, reinforced for daily use
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Capacity Options: From single-body fridges to large multi-body walk-ins
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Compliance: Built to meet funeral home, hospital, and mortuary standards
In short, a body fridge ensures dignity, compliance, and efficiency.
Why Every Facility Needs a Body Fridge
Funeral Homes
A body fridge allows funeral directors to manage multiple cases, preserve dignity, and stay compliant with regulations.
Hospitals
Hospitals and medical examiners use body fridges for short-term preservation, autopsy preparation, and identification.
Mortuaries & Crematories
For larger facilities, body fridges are essential for workflow management, ensuring operations run smoothly and respectfully.
Types of Body Fridges
Single-Body Fridge
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Compact, portable
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Useful for small clinics or temporary use
Upright Body Fridge
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Space-efficient
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Stores 2–4 bodies
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Ideal for funeral homes with limited space
Roll-In Body Fridge
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Designed for cots and stretchers
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Easy access and mobility
Walk-In Body Fridge
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Large capacity, 6–12 bodies or more
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Custom sizes (10x10, 10x12, etc.)
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Best for high-volume facilities
Key Features of a Quality Body Fridge
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Stainless Steel Construction – Long-lasting and sanitary
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Energy-Efficient Systems – Saves thousands in operating costs
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Custom Configurations – Upright, roll-in, or walk-in setups
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Easy Installation – Shipped pre-assembled or modular
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Durability – Built for 15–20+ years of reliable service
Body Fridge Costs
Pricing depends on size, capacity, and customization:
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Single-Body Units: $3,000 – $5,000
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Upright (2–4 bodies): $5,000 – $8,000
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Roll-In Units: $8,000 – $15,000
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Walk-In Body Fridge (10x12, 6–12 bodies): $15,000 – $35,000+
At American Mortuary Equipment Company, we specialize in affordable body fridges that balance durability, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
Body Fridge vs. Standard Refrigerator
It may be tempting to repurpose commercial refrigerators, but they lack critical features:
| Feature | Body Fridge | Standard Refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Control | ✅ Consistent 36–38°F | ⚠️ Fluctuates |
| Durability | ✅ Stainless steel, heavy-duty | ⚠️ Light use |
| Compliance | ✅ Meets funeral/medical standards | ⚠️ Not compliant |
| Lifespan | ✅ 15–20+ years | ⚠️ 5–7 years |
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Value
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Clean and disinfect regularly with hospital-grade cleaners
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Inspect door seals and gaskets
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Service compressors annually
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Keep condenser coils free of dust
With proper care, a body fridge can last two decades or more.
Why Choose American Mortuary Equipment Company?
Funeral directors, mortuaries, and hospitals across the U.S. trust us for their body fridge needs because we provide:
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✅ Affordable Pricing – Direct savings compared to competitors
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✅ Nationwide Delivery – Service and installation across all 50 states
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✅ Durable Construction – Stainless steel and long-lasting build
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✅ Customization – From compact single-body fridges to walk-ins
Testimonials
“Our new body fridge was easy to install and has saved us thousands in electricity compared to our old unit.” – Funeral Director, Illinois
“American Mortuary Equipment Company provided a walk-in body fridge that exceeded our expectations in both durability and cost.” – Hospital Manager, Texas
FAQs
What temperature should a body fridge run at?
Between 36°F – 38°F.
How long does a body fridge last?
Typically 15–20 years or more with proper care.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes — we deliver and install across the United States.
Can I customize a body fridge?
Yes, we offer upright, roll-in, and walk-in models in multiple configurations.
Conclusion
A body fridge is more than a piece of equipment — it’s an essential part of funeral home, hospital, and mortuary operations. Choosing an affordable, durable, and energy-efficient unit ensures dignity for families, compliance with regulations, and long-term savings.
That’s why more professionals trust American Mortuary Equipment Company for their body fridge needs. From small uprights to large walk-ins, we deliver quality, affordability, and nationwide service.
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