❄️ What Size Mortuary Cooler Do I Need?

Your complete guide to choosing the right body cooler for funeral homes, morgues, and disaster planning.

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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.

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🧮 How to Estimate Your Storage Needs

Start by answering:

• How many bodies will you store at once?

• Is this for daily use, backup, or emergency surge capacity?

• How much floor space do you have available?

• 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.)

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📐 Common Cooler Sizes & Use Cases

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🚪 Upright vs Walk-In Coolers

🧍 Upright

• Small footprint

• Quick setup (no construction required)

• Single- or double-door

• Works with fixed racks or removable trays

✅ Best for: Funeral homes with limited space, mobile setups, or refrigeration redundancy

🚶 Walk-In

• Larger capacity

• Roll-in racks or full-body trays

• Fully customizable doors, floors, lighting

✅ Best for: High-volume operations, long-term storage, medical examiners, and emergency planners

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🧲 Rack Type Considerations

• Fixed Racks: Mounted in place, ideal for upright units

• Roll-In Racks: Use with lifts for ergonomic loading

• Stackable Trays: Ideal for surge planning and temporary expansion

• Mobile Racks: Easily moved between units or facilities

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📏 Sizing Tips for Cooler Fit & Installation

1. Door clearance: Will it fit through a standard 36” or 48” door?

2. Electrical access: Most run on 110V or 220V—verify outlet specs

3. Ventilation space: Leave 4–6” around compressor if not self-contained

4. Lift compatibility: If using an electric/hydraulic lift, ensure vertical clearance matches tray loading height

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💼 Sample Scenarios

🏠 Small Funeral Home

• Daily storage of 1–2 decedents

• Solution: 2-rack upright cooler with side access

🏥 Regional Coroner's Office

• Surge planning up to 20 decedents

• Solution: 12-rack walk-in unit + stackable trays + backup generator

🧪 University Anatomy Program

• Long-term cadaver preservation (6–9 months)

• Solution: 6-rack insulated walk-in with deep trays and stainless racking

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🧊 American Mortuary Coolers Can Help

• 🏭 USA-Made units in stock or built-to-order

• 🔧 Custom configurations available (doors, floor types, racks)

• 🛠️ Built for 36°F–39°F regulation-compliant performance

• 📦 Nationwide delivery with lift-gate and white-glove install options

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📞 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.

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