The Ultimate Guide to Comparing and Buying Two Body Mortuary Coolers
The Essential Guide to Two Body Mortuary Coolers
If you're looking for a two body mortuary cooler, here's what you need to know:
- Size: Standard external dimensions are 7'3" × 3'¾" × 5'2" (W×L×H)
- Price Range: $6,095-$7,696 depending on features
- Installation: Plugs into standard 110V outlet, no special plumbing needed
- Warranty: 15 years on panels/doors, 5 years on mechanical parts
- Temperature: Maintains 37-38°F optimal preservation temperature
- Assembly: Can be installed in about 1 hour with basic tools
A two body mortuary cooler is a specialized refrigeration unit designed to preserve human remains with dignity while providing funeral homes with operational flexibility. These compact, efficient units maintain the optimal temperature needed to slow decomposition and give families adequate time to make arrangements.
For smaller to mid-sized funeral homes, these dual-capacity units offer the perfect balance between space efficiency and necessary capacity. Unlike single-body units that may prove insufficient during busy periods, or larger multi-body systems that consume excessive space and energy, the two-body configuration has become the industry standard for good reason.
"When it comes to honoring loved ones who have passed away, providing dignified and respectful care is paramount," explains the mortuary equipment specialists at American Mortuary Coolers.
Two body mortuary cooler vocabulary:
What Is a Two Body Mortuary Cooler and How Does It Work?
A two body mortuary cooler is a specialized refrigeration unit designed to preserve two deceased individuals with dignity and care. Unlike your kitchen refrigerator, these purpose-built units maintain the precise temperature and humidity levels needed to properly care for the deceased while families make arrangements.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we've designed our units to be completely self-contained. This means you won't need complex drainage systems or special electrical hookups – they plug right into standard 110V outlets. Whether you run an established funeral home or are just starting out, this plug-and-play design makes our coolers incredibly practical.
The science behind a two body mortuary cooler is straightforward: we maintain a consistent temperature between 37-38°F (2.8-3.3°C). This sweet spot slows decomposition without causing freezing damage to tissues, giving families the time they need while ensuring their loved one remains in the best possible condition.
Core Components of a Two Body Mortuary Cooler
When we build a two body mortuary cooler at American Mortuary Coolers, we focus on several critical components:
Our insulated panels feature 4-inch high-density polystyrene with no wood cores, meeting strict federal energy standards while providing excellent thermal efficiency. These panels are UL-NSF approved and ASTM E84 tested for fire safety.
The heart of each unit is a robust 1/3 HP compressor rated at 2610 BTUH. This powerhouse provides ample cooling while drawing just 8.3 amps on a standard 115V/60Hz circuit. We use environmentally friendly R-404A refrigerant because we believe in responsible manufacturing.
Throughout each cooler, you'll find heavy-duty chrome-plated hardware – from hinges to latches to interior components. Chrome provides outstanding durability and makes cleaning much easier, which is essential in mortuary settings.
Temperature Control in a Two Body Mortuary Cooler
When it comes to preserving the deceased, temperature control isn't just important – it's everything. Our systems maintain temperature with remarkable precision, typically within ±1°F of your set point.
Most of our standard two body mortuary coolers perform beautifully in ambient temperatures up to 95°F. If your facility regularly gets hotter than that, we'll recommend an upsized compressor to ensure proper cooling.
The technology behind our temperature control has come a long way. Today's units feature microprocessor-based PID controllers that constantly monitor internal conditions. Many of our premium models include audio-visual alarms that alert your staff to any temperature changes, data logging to track temperature history, and even remote monitoring options.
Key Features, Specifications & Custom Options
Shopping for a two body mortuary cooler can feel overwhelming with all the available options. Let me walk you through what matters most so you can find the perfect fit for your funeral home.
Our standard units at American Mortuary Coolers hit that sweet spot of compact design while providing ample interior space. With external dimensions of approximately 7'3" × 3'¾" × 5'2" (W×L×H), these units fit comfortably in most preparation rooms. Inside, you'll find generous space measuring about 6'8" × 2'5¾" × 4'10½" (W×L×H) – plenty of room for two adult bodies with some additional storage.
Funeral directors typically choose between two popular styles:
The roll-in style features a heavy-duty chassis that accommodates standard mortuary cots plus an extra shelf. The upright style uses telescoping slide rails (available in 23", 27", or 30" widths) that work beautifully with standard cadaver trays. For facilities with space constraints, our side-load wall-mounted units save valuable floor space while maintaining easy access.
Every two body mortuary cooler we craft comes ready to work right out of the box with a digital temperature controller, self-contained refrigeration (no messy drainage needed), standard 110V electrical connection, and durable chrome-plated hardware. We stand behind our quality with a 15-year warranty on panels/doors and 5 years on mechanical components.
Dimensions & Capacity Details
Understanding exactly how a two body mortuary cooler will fit in your space matters. Here's how our standard and extra-wide units compare:
| Model Type | External Dimensions (W×L×H) | Internal Dimensions (W×L×H) | Door Opening | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 2-Body | 7'3" × 3'¾" × 5'2" | 6'8" × 2'5¾" × 4'10½" | 24" × 60" | 450 lbs per shelf |
| Extra-Wide 2-Body | 7'6" × 3'7" × 5'2" | 6'11¼" × 3'¼" × 4'10⅝" | 30" × 60" | 450 lbs per shelf |
When planning your layout, remember to leave room for the door to swing open (typically 24-30 inches) and allow at least 12 inches of service access to the compressor.
Installation & Power Requirements
One thing funeral directors love about our two body mortuary coolers is how straightforward they are to install. Most models can be up and running in about an hour with just basic tools – a cam-lock wrench (which we include), power drill, socket wrench, level, rubber mallet, and tape measure.
Power requirements couldn't be simpler – our standard units draw just 8.3 amps on a 115V/1/60Hz circuit, meaning they plug directly into a standard wall outlet with no special electrical work needed.
If you'd like to see exactly how installation works, check out our Youtube installation walk-through for a step-by-step guide.
Comparing Two Body Units to Other Mortuary Coolers
When you're exploring refrigeration options for your funeral home, understanding how a two body mortuary cooler stacks up against alternatives can help you make the right choice for your specific needs.
Think of your cooler choice as finding the right-sized vehicle for your family. Some families need a compact car, others need a minivan, and some require a full-sized bus!
Single body coolers are like that compact car – they'll get the job done with a smaller footprint (typically 7' × 2'6") and a lower price tag of $4,500-$5,500. They're perfect for very small operations, but you'll feel the pinch during busy periods.
The two body mortuary cooler represents that perfect "Goldilocks" solution – not too big, not too small. With a balanced footprint of approximately 7'3" × 3'¾" and a mid-range investment of $6,095-$7,696, it's clear why this is our most requested configuration.
Moving up to three/four body coolers is like stepping into SUV territory. They require more space (typically 7'6" × 5'6" or larger) and a higher investment ranging from $9,000-$13,000. The advantage is clear for busier funeral homes – you'll have ample capacity and better power efficiency per body than smaller units.
For high-volume operations, walk-in coolers holding 4-30 bodies represent the commercial bus of the mortuary world. These custom-sized units require a significant investment starting at $15,000 and easily reaching $50,000+ for larger capacities.
Cost & Value Proposition
When considering a two body mortuary cooler, I always encourage funeral directors to look beyond the sticker price and consider the long-term value.
At American Mortuary Coolers, our two-body units typically range from $6,095-$7,696, depending on the width and features you choose. We understand this is a significant investment, which is why we offer flexible financing options including 0% down payment plans and 90-day no-payment terms for qualified buyers.
The true cost of ownership includes several factors beyond the initial purchase:
The initial investment of $6,095-$7,696 is just the beginning. Installation costs range from essentially free (if you're handy with our DIY-friendly designs) to about $500 for professional installation. Monthly energy costs typically run $30-$50, while annual maintenance averages $100-$200.
When to Choose a Two Body Mortuary Cooler
Through my years of helping funeral homes across the country, I've found that a two body mortuary cooler is the perfect fit for several common situations.
Small to mid-sized funeral homes handling between 100-300 cases annually typically find the two-body configuration ideal. It provides enough capacity for normal operations while offering that crucial buffer during busier periods. Hospital morgues often install these units for overflow capacity, especially in smaller community facilities.
I've also worked with numerous county emergency management departments who select two-body units for disaster preparedness. The units provide essential capacity while remaining mobile enough to be deployed where needed.
For new funeral homes just getting established, the two-body configuration strikes that perfect balance between initial investment and future-proofing. It's that rare "just right" solution that works for most facilities without overextending the budget.
Buying Checklist, Maintenance & Best Practices
Investing in a two body mortuary cooler is a significant decision for any funeral home. As someone who's helped hundreds of funeral directors make this choice, I've learned what makes the difference between a purchase you'll appreciate for years and one you might regret.
Before you sign that purchase order, take a moment to run through this practical checklist:
First, measure your available space with care—not just the footprint, but the pathway for installation. Verify your electrical setup too; while most of our units run on standard 110V/15A circuits, it's always better to check than assume.
Consider the ambient temperature in your preparation room. This might seem minor, but it's actually crucial—our warranties require the room to stay below 95°F. If your space runs hot, especially in summer, we'll need to discuss an upsized compressor.
Once your two body mortuary cooler is up and running, a simple maintenance routine will keep it performing at its best for years. Each day, check and log the internal temperature—this takes just seconds but can catch issues before they become problems. Weekly, give those exterior surfaces a good cleaning with appropriate disinfectants.
Monthly inspections of door gaskets ensure you're maintaining a proper seal, which protects both the deceased and your energy bill. Quarterly, check and clean the condensate drain if your model has one.
Routine Operation Tips for a Two Body Mortuary Cooler
Let me share some practical wisdom we've gathered from funeral directors across the country about getting the most from your two body mortuary cooler:
Pre-cooling is something many people overlook. Give your unit 30-60 minutes to reach operating temperature before loading remains. This might seem obvious, but in the rush of a removal, it's easy to forget this simple step that protects the deceased and your equipment.
When loading, provide space for air circulation between bodies. Proper air circulation is essential for consistent cooling. If you're using body boards or trays, position them correctly on the rails or shelves to prevent damage.
Keep your temperature at that sweet spot of 37-38°F. This range perfectly balances preservation needs without the tissue damage that freezing can cause.
Determining the Right Fit for Your Facility
Finding the perfect two body mortuary cooler for your specific funeral home isn't just about measurements—it's about understanding your unique operational patterns.
Start by honestly assessing your case volume. How many cases do you handle in an average month? More importantly, how does this fluctuate seasonally?
Consider how long you typically need to store remains before service or disposition. If you serve communities with specific religious requirements for quick burial or cremation, your needs will differ from those serving populations that typically wait several days for services.
Look beyond just the floor space to the entire environment where your cooler will live. Door width for installation is critical—we can always disassemble units for challenging entries, but it's better to know this in advance.
Always plan for the future. Are you anticipating growth in case volume? Planning facility renovations? The right two body mortuary cooler should serve you well for 15+ years, so think ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions about Two Body Mortuary Coolers
What temperature should the cooler maintain and why?
When it comes to preserving the dignity of those who have passed, temperature is everything. A two body mortuary cooler should maintain a consistent temperature between 37-38°F (2.8-3.3°C) – and there's good science behind this specific range.
This temperature sweet spot works perfectly because it's cold enough to significantly slow bacterial growth and decomposition processes, giving families the time they need to make arrangements. Yet it's warm enough to prevent freezing of tissues, which can damage cellular structures and potentially compromise viewing or embalming options.
"The right temperature isn't just about preservation – it's about respect," explains our team at American Mortuary Coolers. "We've designed our digital controllers to maintain this ideal range with remarkable precision, typically within ±1°F of the set point."
Most health departments and industry standards align with this temperature range as the gold standard for short to medium-term preservation.
Do I need special plumbing or electrical work?
One thing funeral directors love about our two body mortuary coolers is their incredible simplicity when it comes to setup. These units are designed to work with your existing infrastructure with minimal fuss.
From an electrical standpoint, our coolers run on a standard 110V/15A circuit – the same kind that powers your household refrigerator. You'll just need a properly grounded outlet within about 6 feet of where you plan to place the unit. No special wiring, dedicated circuits, or electrician visits required!
As for plumbing – there simply isn't any. Our coolers are 100% self-contained systems that require:
- No water supply connections
- No drainage pipes or floor drains
- No condensate removal systems (it evaporates automatically)
This plug-and-play design makes our two body mortuary coolers perfect for both established funeral homes and newer facilities that might have limited infrastructure.
How long does assembly typically take?
"We always tell folks – if you can build basic furniture, you can handle our cooler assembly," says our installation team leader. The assembly time for your two body mortuary cooler really depends on which delivery option you choose.
If you select our factory-assembled option, your cooler arrives ready to use. Installation takes just 15-30 minutes to position the unit and plug it in. The only consideration here is ensuring you have adequate doorway clearance for the fully assembled unit to pass through.
Most of our customers opt for our knocked-down shipping option, which is more economical for freight. With this approach, assembly typically takes about one hour with two people working together. You'll need some basic tools – a cam-lock wrench (which we provide), power drill, level, and a few other common tools.
Conclusion
Choosing the right two body mortuary cooler isn't just a practical decision—it's an investment in how you serve families during their most vulnerable moments. These dual-capacity units strike that perfect sweet spot of efficiency, value, and dignity that most funeral homes need.
Here at American Mortuary Coolers, we've poured years of experience into creating refrigeration solutions that truly understand the unique challenges funeral professionals face every day. From our home base in Tennessee, we deliver these purpose-built coolers to doorsteps across all 48 contiguous states.
What makes our two body mortuary coolers special isn't just their technical specifications—though the precision temperature control, durable construction, and industry-leading warranties certainly matter. It's knowing that when a family needs time to gather, to plan, to grieve, your cooler will perform flawlessly in the background.
We've designed these units with both practicality and compassion in mind. The simple installation process means minimal disruption to your operations, while the flexible configuration options ensure the cooler adapts to your space rather than the other way around.
A quality two body mortuary cooler typically provides 15-20 years of reliable service—making it not just a purchase, but a long-term partnership in your commitment to excellence. Whether you're opening your doors for the first time, replacing equipment that's seen better days, or expanding to meet growing needs, we're here to help you make this important decision with confidence.
After all, proper refrigeration isn't merely a technical necessity—it's about creating the gift of time. Time for families to gather from distant places. Time to make arrangements that truly honor a life. Time to begin the healing process on their own terms.
For more information about finding your perfect mortuary refrigeration solution, explore our full cooler lineup and find why funeral professionals nationwide trust American Mortuary Coolers for this essential aspect of their service.