What Size Mortuary Cooler Do I Need? | Funeral & Morgue Sizing Guide
❄️ What Size Mortuary Cooler Do I Need?
Your complete guide to choosing the right body cooler for funeral homes, morgues, and disaster planning.
Choosing the right mortuary cooler size is critical to operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and dignified body storage. Whether you're storing 1 decedent or planning for a 100-body surge, this guide breaks down how to choose the ideal cooler dimensions, rack capacity, and style for your facility.
🧮 How to Estimate Your Storage Needs
Start by answering:
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How many bodies will you store at once?
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Is this for daily use, backup, or emergency surge capacity?
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How much floor space do you have available?
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Do you need side access, roll-in racks, or a lift?
📌 Pro tip: Always plan for 30–40% more capacity than your current average use to allow for seasonal spikes or special circumstances (pandemic, disasters, etc.)
📐 Common Cooler Sizes & Use Cases
| Rack Count | Cooler Size | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 1-rack (upright) | 36"W x 36"D x 80"H | Home funeral use, mobile setups |
| 2-rack | 48"W x 48"D | Small funeral homes or crematories |
| 3-rack | 72"W x 54"D | Average prep rooms |
| 6-rack (double deep) | 108"W x 54"D | Mid-size funeral facilities |
| 12-rack walk-in | 120"W x 96"D | Coroner’s offices, university labs |
| 20+ rack custom | Custom walk-in | Disaster morgues, ME facilities, hospitals |
🚪 Upright vs Walk-In Coolers
🧍 Upright
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Small footprint
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Quick setup (no construction required)
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Single- or double-door
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Works with fixed racks or removable trays
✅ Best for: Funeral homes with limited space, mobile setups, or refrigeration redundancy
🚶 Walk-In
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Larger capacity
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Roll-in racks or full-body trays
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Fully customizable doors, floors, lighting
✅ Best for: High-volume operations, long-term storage, medical examiners, and emergency planners
🧲 Rack Type Considerations
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Fixed Racks: Mounted in place, ideal for upright units
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Roll-In Racks: Use with lifts for ergonomic loading
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Stackable Trays: Ideal for surge planning and temporary expansion
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Mobile Racks: Easily moved between units or facilities
📏 Sizing Tips for Cooler Fit & Installation
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Door clearance: Will it fit through a standard 36” or 48” door?
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Electrical access: Most run on 110V or 220V—verify outlet specs
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Ventilation space: Leave 4–6” around compressor if not self-contained
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Lift compatibility: If using an electric/hydraulic lift, ensure vertical clearance matches tray loading height
💼 Sample Scenarios
🏠 Small Funeral Home
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Daily storage of 1–2 decedents
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Solution: 2-rack upright cooler with side access
🏥 Regional Coroner's Office
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Surge planning up to 20 decedents
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Solution: 12-rack walk-in unit + stackable trays + backup generator
🧪 University Anatomy Program
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Long-term cadaver preservation (6–9 months)
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Solution: 6-rack insulated walk-in with deep trays and stainless racking
🧊 American Mortuary Coolers Can Help
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🏭 USA-Made units in stock or built-to-order
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🔧 Custom configurations available (doors, floor types, racks)
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🛠️ Built for 36°F–39°F regulation-compliant performance
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📦 Nationwide delivery with lift-gate and white-glove install options
📞 Need Help Sizing a Cooler?
Call (888) 792‑9315 or email cool@mymortuarycooler.com to speak to a refrigeration expert. We’ll help you select the best size cooler, rack system, and options for your prep room, morgue, or emergency operation.