Understanding Your Mortuary Cooling Needs
An American Mortuary Cooler is a specialized refrigeration unit designed for the dignified preservation of deceased individuals in funeral homes, hospitals, and morgues. If you're searching for information about these essential units, here's a quick overview:
| American Mortuary Cooler Basics | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Temperature-controlled preservation (36-39°F) |
| Popular Models | 2-Body, 3-Body, 4-Body configurations |
| Key Features | 100% American-made, self-contained units, no drainage required |
| Standard Power | Plugs into regular 110V outlet |
| Installation | Customer self-assembly in approximately 1 hour |
| Warranty | 15-year panel/door, 5-year mechanical parts |
| Starting Price | $6,095 for 2-Body Box (No Floor) |
When selecting a mortuary cooler, the dignity of the deceased and the needs of grieving families must be your top priority. These specialized units create "a cool place for rest in their final journey," maintaining proper preservation while giving families the time they need to make arrangements.
The right mortuary cooler balances capacity needs, space constraints, and budget considerations while meeting strict regulatory requirements. American Mortuary Coolers stand out for their durability, American craftsmanship, and direct-shipping model that eliminates middleman markups.
American Mortuary Cooler glossary:
What This Checklist Covers
This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of selecting, purchasing, and installing an American Mortuary Cooler. We'll answer critical questions about capacity planning, compliance requirements, installation procedures, and long-term maintenance. Our step-by-step approach ensures you'll have all the information needed to make an informed decision for your facility, whether you're a small funeral home, a busy hospital, or a county morgue.
Essential Pre-Purchase Checklist
Before selecting your American Mortuary Cooler, focus on the factors that directly affect day-to-day operations:
- Capacity – How many bodies do you routinely need to accommodate, and what surge capacity will protect you during peak periods?
- Tray width – Choose 23", 27", or 30" trays based on the community you serve.
- Floor vs. no-floor – Select a cooler style that integrates with your existing room finish.
- Ambient conditions – Rooms must stay below 95 °F for warranty protection and efficient cooling.
- Power & compliance – Every unit plugs into a standard 110 V outlet and meets EISA 2007 efficiency guidelines.
- Delivery path – Verify doorway and hallway clearances before the truck arrives.
Calculate Real Capacity Requirements
Look beyond your average caseload. Seasonal illness spikes, emergency events, or community growth can quickly strain a small box. Planning for just one extra space often prevents costly overflow arrangements later on.
Match Cooler Style to Workflow
Select a configuration that reduces steps—not adds them:
- Roll-in boxes for tight rooms where every square foot counts.
- Upright or side-load models for narrow footprints with high ceilings.
- Walk-in chambers for larger operations that need multi-body access at once.
Helpful add-ons include mobile casters, locking handles, and low-profile exterior ramps—all optional so you pay only for what improves your daily routine.
Features & Compliance Standards to Verify
When you invest in an American Mortuary Cooler, you're not just buying a refrigeration unit - you're selecting a carefully engineered system designed with dignity and reliability at its core.
Our coolers feature 4" thick high-density PPS panels with absolutely no wood core, ensuring superior insulation and durability. These aren't just any panels - they're UL-NSF approved, meaning they meet rigorous safety and sanitation standards that are essential in your line of work. The ASTM E84 certification provides additional peace of mind, confirming our coolers meet strict requirements for smoke and flame spread protection.
Every American Mortuary Cooler comes equipped with a precise digital thermometer that allows you to monitor temperatures with confidence. The LED vapor-proof lighting illuminates the interior beautifully while remaining energy-efficient and completely safe in the cooled environment.
We've thought through every detail, right down to the magnetic gaskets that create a perfect seal around the door, maintaining consistent internal temperatures. Speaking of doors, our signature self-closing "Super-Door" prevents accidental temperature loss, which can happen during busy days when a door might accidentally be left ajar.
We stand behind our craftsmanship with an industry-leading 15-year panel warranty and a comprehensive 5-year mechanical warranty covering all essential operational components.
For a deeper dive into what makes our coolers so dependable, visit our detailed durability guide.
Cooling Technology & Power
At the heart of every American Mortuary Cooler is a refrigeration system engineered for simplicity and reliability. Our units feature a self-contained condenser that eliminates the need for external drainage - a significant advantage over competitors that require special plumbing.
The powerful yet efficient 1/3 HP compressor delivers 2610 BTUH cooling capacity, more than sufficient to maintain ideal preservation temperatures. We use environmentally responsible R-448A refrigerant, aligning with current environmental standards while ensuring optimal cooling performance.
One of the most appreciated features among our customers is the standard 110V operation - your cooler simply plugs into any standard wall outlet, with a modest 8.3 Amp draw that won't overload your facility's electrical system. Just remember that the unit must operate in an environment below 95°F to maintain warranty coverage and optimal performance.
Industry Regulations Checklist
In the funeral profession, compliance isn't optional - it's essential. That's why American Mortuary Coolers meet or exceed all relevant industry regulations:
Our units comply with CDC sanitation guidelines with surfaces designed for thorough cleaning and disinfection - critical for maintaining proper hygiene standards. The ergonomic design addresses OSHA handling requirements, minimizing lifting hazards for your staff.
On the energy front, our coolers meet EISA Title III, Section 312 requirements from the Federal Energy Independence & Security Act, as well as the DOE 2009 insulation standards set by the Department of Energy. Safety certifications include UL-NSF panel certification and ASTM E84 fire safety compliance for smoke and flame spread requirements.
Dimensions, Types & Capacity Planning
Finding the right footprint ensures dignified care without sacrificing valuable floor space.
Our best-seller, the 2-body box (from $6,095), serves most small facilities. For added storage without extensive remodeling, many customers upgrade to the 3-body wide or the space-saving 4-tier rack system. Large county morgues often choose walk-ins by the foot so capacity can scale over time.
Standard Model Footprints
2-Body Cooler (Model #2BR)
- External: 7'3" W × 3'¾" L × 5'2" H
- Internal: 6'8" W × 2'5¾" L × 4'10½" H
- Door opening: 24" W × 60" H
3-Body Box with Floor
- External: 57½" W × 8' D × 8' H
4-Body Box X-Wide with Floor
- External: 72" W × 8' D × 8' H
Allow at least 36" of clear door swing, 6" ventilation around the condenser, and safe loading space.
Custom & Oversize Solutions
For unique sites we offer 30" oversize trays, reinforced bariatric shelving, and modular panels that bolt together for future expansion. Ceiling too low? We can shorten the wall panels. Odd room shape? We can relocate the door. Explore more in our roll-in and walk-in guide.
American Mortuary Cooler vs Other Brands
Shopping for mortuary coolers can feel overwhelming with all the options available. To help make your decision easier, let's look at how American Mortuary Cooler stacks up against other leading brands:
| Feature | American Mortuary Cooler | Arctic | Mortech |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $6,095 (2-Body) | $7,200+ | $8,500+ |
| Panel Warranty | 15 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Mechanical Warranty | 5 years | 3 years | 1 year |
| Installation Time | ~1 hour | 3-4 hours | Requires professional |
| Made in USA | 100% | Partial | Yes |
| Self-Contained | Yes | Some models | Some models |
| Drainage Required | No | Some models | Yes |
| Standard Electrical | 110V | 110V/220V | 220V |
| Direct Shipping | 48 states | Limited | Limited |
As you can see, American Mortuary Coolers offer exceptional value across the board. Our units not only come with a more competitive price point, but they also include longer warranties, simpler installation, and more convenient features like standard electrical requirements and no drainage needs.
Why Choose an American Mortuary Cooler
Funeral directors across the country have been turning to us for their preservation needs, and for good reason. American Mortuary Coolers are proudly made right here in Tennessee, with every component manufactured under our careful supervision. This allows us to maintain exceptional quality while keeping prices reasonable – our entry-level 2-Body Box starts at just $6,095, significantly less than comparable models from other manufacturers.
One of the biggest advantages our customers appreciate is how simple our coolers are to set up. Most units can be assembled in under an hour, saving you valuable time and eliminating the need for expensive professional installation. Plus, our direct delivery service reaches all 48 contiguous states without the markup that comes from working with middlemen or distributors.
We've designed our coolers with convenience in mind. They plug into any standard 110V outlet, require no special plumbing or drainage, and come backed by our industry-leading warranty – 15 years on panels and doors, and 5 years on mechanical components.
For those who like to see exactly what they're getting, we provide detailed resources like our 2BR Installation Manual that walks you through the entire assembly process.
Real-World Feedback on American Mortuary Cooler
The true measure of any product is what actual users have to say about it. We're proud to share some feedback from funeral professionals who rely on American Mortuary Coolers every day:
A funeral director from Michigan told us, "The quality combined with price is better than I have seen." This sentiment is echoed by a Texas Medical Examiner's Office that reported, "We already used it for transporting 450 pounds... was smooth and easy to operate."
The owner of a Georgia funeral home shared, "Wonderful value for the dollar... thanks!" while a California mortuary school instructor noted, "The quality with the hydraulic embalming table is above and beyond what I expected!"
These aren't isolated comments – they represent the consistent feedback we receive from customers nationwide. Today, American Mortuary Coolers are serving funeral professionals in all 50 states, from small family-owned funeral homes in rural communities to busy metropolitan medical examiner facilities.
Installation, Warranty & Ongoing Support
Our cam-lock panel system means most customers assemble a unit in about an hour—no special trades required. Two people, a power drill, level, and the included cam wrench are usually all you need.
After the walls and ceiling click together, mount the self-contained condenser, plug into a GFCI 110 V outlet, and allow 24 hours for temperature stabilization.
We protect your investment with a 15-year panel/door warranty and 5-year mechanical coverage. Need help? Manuals, videos, and 24/7 technical support are always a click or call away.
Site Preparation & Utilities
- Level floor rated for 400-800 lbs
- Standard 110 V outlet within 6 ft
- 6" ventilation clearance around the condenser
- Ambient room temperature below 95 °F
- No plumbing or hardwiring required
Cleaning & Maintenance Routine
Wipe interior surfaces regularly, check gaskets and thermometer weekly, clean condenser coils quarterly, and schedule an annual mechanical inspection to keep your cooler running efficiently.
Pricing, Financing & Ordering Steps
Value is built in:
- 2-Body Box (No Floor) – $6,095
- 3-Body Box Standard – $7,611
- 4-Body Box Wide – $9,431
Popular accessories: casters $885, locking handle $220, temperature alarm $775, exterior ramp $575.
Flexible financing—including 0 % down and 90-day deferred payments on qualified orders—helps preserve cash flow. Most approvals arrive within one business day.
Ordering is simple: request a quote online, confirm specifications, and choose your payment option. We ship direct from Tennessee, with optional lift-gate service for $75.
Custom Quote Checklist
To speed production have these details ready:
- Door count & placement
- Exact room dimensions
- Tray width & shelf layout
- Floor vs. no-floor design
- Mobility (fixed or casters) and any ramp requirements
- Alarm or lighting upgrades
Our engineering team typically turns custom quotes around in 24-48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions about American Mortuary Cooler
How long does delivery take?
When you order an American Mortuary Cooler, you can typically expect delivery within 2-4 weeks, depending on your location and our current production schedule. We understand that timing can be critical in the funeral industry, which is why we strive to provide accurate timeframes from the moment you place your order.
Our coolers ship directly from our Tennessee manufacturing facility to all 48 contiguous states. We've designed our shipping process to be as smooth as possible, using reliable freight carriers who understand the importance of our products. If your facility doesn't have a loading dock or forklift, we recommend adding lift-gate service for just $75 – it's a small investment that makes receiving your cooler much easier.
Once your cooler ships, we'll provide tracking information and an estimated delivery date so you can plan accordingly. The carrier will typically reach out 24-48 hours before delivery to arrange a specific time window that works for your schedule.
Can units be expanded later?
One of the features our customers appreciate most about American Mortuary Coolers is their adaptability. Yes, our modular panel system allows for expansion or reconfiguration as your needs evolve over time.
If your caseload increases or your workflow changes, we can help you adapt your existing cooler rather than replacing it entirely. You might add body capacity, incorporate new door placements, upgrade refrigeration components, add interior shelving, or even retrofit with casters for mobility.
Many funeral directors tell us they appreciate this flexibility when planning for the future. If expansion might be in your future, we recommend discussing your long-term vision with our design team. We can create an initial configuration specifically designed to accommodate future growth with minimal modifications, saving you time and money down the road.
Are coolers energy-efficient compared to freezers?
American Mortuary Coolers are significantly more energy-efficient than freezers while still providing optimal preservation conditions. Our coolers maintain the ideal temperature range of 36-39°F – perfect for dignified short to medium-term preservation.
The energy savings come from several key design features. Our 4" high-density insulated panels keep the cold air in and warm air out. The efficient 1/3 HP compressor systems provide just the right amount of cooling without wasting energy. Tight-sealing magnetic door gaskets and self-closing door mechanisms prevent temperature fluctuations, while optional LED lighting reduces electrical consumption even further.
These thoughtful design elements ensure our coolers comply with the Federal Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 (EISA) standards. Compared to freezers, which typically operate at 0°F or below, our coolers consume approximately 30-40% less energy while providing appropriate preservation conditions – a difference you'll notice on your utility bills month after month.
Conclusion
Choosing the right American Mortuary Cooler represents an important investment for any funeral home, hospital, or county morgue. After walking through this comprehensive guide, you're now equipped to make a decision that perfectly balances your facility's unique needs with practical considerations.
When you select an American Mortuary Cooler, you're not just buying refrigeration equipment – you're investing in a complete preservation solution crafted with care in Tennessee. Our coolers offer the perfect blend of quality, affordability, and simplicity that funeral professionals appreciate. With prices starting at just $6,095, these units deliver exceptional value without compromising on performance or durability.
What truly sets American Mortuary Coolers apart is how effortlessly they integrate into your facility. The turnkey installation process typically takes less than an hour with basic tools and two people. No specialized contractors, no complicated plumbing, no custom electrical work – just simple, straightforward assembly that gets you up and running quickly.
We understand that peace of mind matters in your profession. That's why we stand behind our products with industry-leading warranty protection: 15 years on panels and doors, and 5 years on mechanical components. This exceptional coverage reflects our confidence in the quality of every unit we build.
As a proudly American manufacturer based in Tennessee, we've developed a streamlined delivery system reaching all 48 contiguous states. This direct-to-customer approach eliminates unnecessary markups while ensuring you receive personalized attention from experts who truly understand the funeral industry's unique requirements.
From capacity planning to installation, from regulatory compliance to ongoing support, American Mortuary Coolers provides a single trusted source for all your preservation needs. Our customers consistently tell us how refreshing it is to work with a company that specializes exclusively in mortuary refrigeration and truly understands their challenges.
For more insights about our comprehensive approach to mortuary cooling solutions, visit our resource center where we regularly share industry knowledge and product information.
Ready to discuss your specific requirements or request a personalized quote? Visit our website to find the perfect American Mortuary Cooler for your facility.