An Essential Guide to 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler Features & Specs
Meeting Essential Refrigeration Needs for Funeral Professionals
A 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler represents the gold standard in funeral care refrigeration. These specialized walk-in units provide the perfect balance of capacity and efficiency that funeral homes, morgues, and medical facilities rely on daily. When dignity and preservation matter most, these American-made coolers deliver peace of mind.
Let me walk you through what makes these units special. At 200 square feet of interior space, a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler offers generous room for respectful body storage while maintaining the precise 37-38°F temperature essential for proper preservation. The robust construction features 3.5-inch thick insulated panels paired with premium stainless steel hardware that stands up to years of daily use.
What funeral directors appreciate most is the flexibility. With proper racking systems, these units comfortably accommodate up to 24 bodies – perfect for managing those unpredictable busy periods or providing surge capacity during community emergencies. The single-phase electrical requirements (either 115V or 208-230V) make installation straightforward in most facilities.
We understand that purchasing refrigeration equipment represents a significant investment. That's why our units come backed with comprehensive protection: 1 year on parts and labor, 15 years on panels, and an impressive 50-year thermal warranty. This reflects our confidence in American manufacturing quality.
I've worked with funeral professionals across the country, and the feedback is consistent – the 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler hits the sweet spot between capacity and footprint. The remote refrigeration system keeps mechanical noise away from services while ensuring reliable performance when it matters most.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we're proud to be a national supplier specializing in these essential systems. Our Tennessee-based team focuses exclusively on mortuary refrigeration, giving us unique insight into the specific needs of funeral professionals. We've designed our 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler to deliver the perfect balance of durability, capacity, and value.
If you're considering refrigeration options, you might also find these resources helpful:
- 10 x 12 Mortuary Cooler for smaller facilities
- Walk-In Mortuary Cooler Sizes for comparing different configurations
- Walk in refrigeration units for general information
When it comes to preserving dignity in difficult times, the right equipment makes all the difference. Our 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler delivers the reliable performance you need with the quality construction you deserve.
10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler 101
When it comes to dignified body storage, funeral professionals need solutions they can count on. Here at American Mortuary Coolers, we've been serving funeral homes, medical examiners, and morgues across America from our Tennessee facility long enough to understand what really matters in mortuary refrigeration.
What is a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler?
A 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler is essentially a specialized walk-in refrigerator designed with the specific needs of funeral professionals in mind. With 200 square feet of interior space, it's spacious enough for staff to walk inside comfortably – a significant upgrade from smaller body boxes or cabinet coolers that limit access and capacity.
We build these units with 3.5-inch thick urethane foam panels that achieve an impressive R-29 insulation value. This substantial insulation is what helps maintain that critical 37-38°F temperature range that properly preserves human remains with dignity. The panels connect using secure cam-lock technology and special sealing that creates an airtight environment, keeping temperatures consistent while being mindful of energy usage.
What makes our 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler stand out is the attention to detail in materials. All hardware components – hinges, latches, interior fixtures – are crafted from stainless steel that won't corrode in the naturally humid environment of a refrigeration unit. It's these small but crucial details that make a big difference in long-term performance.
Applications & Benefits of a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler
The 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler has become our most versatile offering because it serves so many needs within the death care community:
For medium to large funeral homes, this size hits the sweet spot – comfortable for day-to-day operations while offering that crucial extra capacity during busy periods. As one of our funeral director customers told us, "Having this cooler has transformed our business. We're now able to accommodate families' scheduling needs with greater flexibility, which has been invaluable for our reputation in the community."
Medical examiners' offices particularly appreciate the expanded capacity, especially in larger counties or those serving as regional hubs for multiple jurisdictions. The ability to properly manage caseloads without space constraints makes a world of difference in their operations.
During the pandemic, we saw how vital these units became for disaster response planning. Several customers shared that their 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler proved absolutely essential during COVID surges – exactly the kind of situation emergency management agencies prepare for but hope never happens.
The biggest advantage of choosing this 10×20 footprint is capacity. With proper racking systems installed, you can respectfully accommodate up to 24 bodies while maintaining good airflow and temperature consistency throughout. That's roughly 66% more capacity than our standard 10×12 model – significant when space efficiency matters.
Beyond pure numbers, there's the workflow improvement. Staff can enter the cooler and access specific remains without the frustrating "shuffle" of moving multiple bodies to reach the one they need – a common complaint with smaller reach-in designs that we've eliminated with this walk-in approach.
Technical Specs, Installation & Customization
When you're considering a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler for your facility, understanding the nuts and bolts really matters. After all, this isn't just any purchase – it's an investment in your funeral home's infrastructure that will serve your community for decades.
Structural & Thermal Specifications
Our standard 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler measures approximately 10' × 20' × 7'4" tall, giving you that spacious 200 square foot interior that funeral professionals love. The heart of these coolers lies in their construction – our 3.5" thick urethane foam panels provide an impressive R-29 insulation value, which honestly, is like wrapping your cooler in a thermal blanket. This exceeds Department of Energy standards and keeps your energy bills manageable.
The panels connect with our cam-lock technology that creates tight, secure seals at every joint. Your standard floor supports up to 1,200 pounds of distributed weight, though many of our customers opt for our heavy-duty flooring when they use powered equipment inside the cooler.
The entry door is a substantial 36" × 76" UL-approved "Super-Door" with magnetic gaskets that create that satisfying "whoosh" sound when closed properly. We use triple heavy-duty spring/cam-lift hinges because, let's face it, this door gets a workout in busy facilities.
"The quality of construction was immediately apparent when our cooler arrived," shared one funeral director from Georgia. "The panels fit together perfectly, and the door seals like a bank vault."
All our panels meet ASTM E84 standards for smoke and flame spread and carry UL-NSF approval – important details for your facility inspections and peace of mind.
Electrical & Refrigeration Requirements
The cooling system is where our Tennessee craftsmanship really shines. Your 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler comes with a remote refrigeration system that uses environmentally-compliant R-404A refrigerant. The system runs on single-phase electrical service (either 115V or 208-230V, 60 Hz), making it compatible with most commercial buildings.
The cooling capacity typically ranges from 8,000-10,000 BTUH, carefully sized to maintain that critical 37-38°F temperature regardless of outside conditions. Your cooler includes a digital temperature display with programmable settings, and many of our customers add optional alarm systems for extra security.
Condensate management is handled through either a gravity drain or condensate pump, depending on your facility's layout. While the panel assembly is straightforward, we strongly recommend professional installation for the refrigeration components.
As one customer from Florida told us, "Having a professional set up the refrigeration system was the best decision we made. Two years later, and we've never had a single temperature fluctuation."
For our friends in hotter climates (I'm looking at you, Arizona and Southern California), we recommend our upgraded compressor options rated for ambient temperatures over 95°F. It's a small upfront investment that pays dividends in reliability and longevity.
Custom Doors, Racking & Finishes
Here's where your 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler becomes truly yours. We offer numerous customization options to match your specific workflow needs:
Our racking systems transform how you use your cooler space. Side-loading racks maximize capacity, while cantilever systems provide easier access and simplified cleaning. Many medical examiners prefer multi-tier configurations that optimize vertical space, and we can customize spacing for bariatric remains.
Door options include additional access points for improved workflow, viewport windows for checking contents without opening doors (saving energy and maintaining temperature), wider doorways for specialized equipment, and safety features like automatic closers and alarm systems.
For interior finishes, our most popular options include diamond-tread kick plates (perfect for high-traffic areas), antimicrobial coatings for improved sanitation, custom shelving, and vapor-proof LED lighting with exterior switches.
A medical examiner from Illinois recently told us, "Upgrading to the four-tier side-loading rack system was a game-changer for us. We increased our capacity by a third while actually making it easier to access individual remains. Best operational improvement we've made in years."
For specialized racking solutions that complement your American Mortuary Cooler, check out www.medicalstretchers.com racking options.
When comparing different sizes, many facilities find the 10 × 20 offers the ideal balance of capacity and footprint. It provides substantially more storage than a 10 × 12 model while remaining manageable for smaller buildings where a 12 × 20 might not fit. Your specific needs will guide this decision, and we're always happy to help you determine the perfect size for your facility.
Capacity Optimization & Accessories
When you invest in a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler, you're getting much more than just a refrigerated room. With the right accessories and thoughtful setup, you can transform this space into an efficient, organized system that maximizes both capacity and workflow.
Maximizing Up to 24-Body Storage
The 200 square feet of floor space in your 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler becomes truly valuable when properly configured. Many of our funeral directors are surprised by how efficiently we can arrange their space while maintaining dignity and accessibility.
Vertical thinking makes all the difference. By installing 3-tier or 4-tier racking systems, you can triple or quadruple your capacity without sacrificing accessibility. One funeral director in Tennessee told me, "I never thought we could fit 24 positions comfortably, but the layout feels spacious even at full capacity."
The choice between side-loading and end-loading racks depends on your specific needs. Side-loading systems allow your staff to access any position independently—perfect for facilities where specific remains might need to be retrieved at any time. End-loading racks maximize total capacity but require sequential access. Many of our customers opt for a hybrid approach that gives them flexibility.
Proper airflow is essential for consistent cooling. We recommend maintaining at least 6 inches between racks and walls, with a main aisle of 36 inches and secondary pathways of at least 30 inches. This ensures your staff can move comfortably even when the cooler is at full capacity.
A well-designed 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler balances maximum capacity with practical usability—something we've perfected over years of working with funeral professionals across America.
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Optional Add-Ons That Boost Workflow
The right accessories can dramatically improve how your team works with your 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler, reducing physical strain and improving efficiency.
Power lifts are among our most popular add-ons. These battery-powered scissor tables adjust to match rack heights, making transfers smooth and safe. As one Chicago funeral director shared, "What used to be a three-person job can now be handled safely by one person. My staff's backs are much happier!"
Temperature monitoring brings peace of mind. Our WiFi-enabled systems send alerts directly to your smartphone if temperatures fluctuate outside your set range. This is especially valuable for smaller operations where staff isn't present 24/7. The digital logging feature also simplifies compliance with health department regulations.
Specialized body trays with built-in drainage make a significant difference in both sanitation and handling. The reinforced edges and smooth surfaces make transfers easier while improving hygiene standards.
For facilities with changing needs, modular shelving systems offer valuable flexibility. These adjustable units can be reconfigured as your requirements evolve, allowing you to adapt without major renovations. During COVID-19, many of our customers appreciated this flexibility as they managed fluctuating capacity needs.
Roller systems for smooth transfers between stretchers and racks reduce the physical strain on your staff while minimizing the risk of accidents. These simple additions make daily operations smoother and safer.
When you work with American Mortuary Coolers, we don't just sell you a box—we help you create a complete system that works for your unique situation. After all, no two funeral homes have identical needs, and your 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler should be as individual as the families you serve.
Pricing, Lead Times, Warranty & Support
When you're considering a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler for your facility, I know you're thinking about more than just the refrigeration unit itself. You're making an investment in your business that needs to deliver value for many years to come. Let's talk honestly about what you can expect in terms of costs, delivery, and the support we provide after installation.
Financing & Promotional Offers
The investment for a standard 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler typically ranges between $11,000 and $15,000, depending on your specific needs and customizations. While this might seem substantial at first glance, when you break it down by body capacity, these larger units actually offer better value than smaller coolers – something worth considering if your facility is growing.
We've designed our financing options with funeral professionals in mind. Many of our customers take advantage of our 0% down payment programs, which let you install your cooler before making your first payment. Our popular 90-day no-payment introductory period gives you time to get your new equipment up and running – and perhaps even generating revenue – before payments begin.
"The financing option made it possible for us to upgrade to the larger cooler we really needed rather than compromising with a smaller unit," shared a funeral director from our Dallas service area. "The 90-day no-payment period allowed us to get the cooler installed and operational before the first payment came due."
Throughout the year, we offer special promotions tied to seasonal needs and industry events. Our pre-summer preparation discounts are particularly popular, as are our ICCFA convention specials. In fact, we're already gearing up for our ICCFA 2025 Las Vegas promotion, which will include our famous 10-day delivery guarantee – something no other manufacturer can match.
For facilities looking to completely outfit their preparation areas, our bundle pricing packages can create significant savings when purchasing coolers together with compatible racking systems.
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Warranty & After-Sales Services
I believe the true measure of a company isn't just in the products they sell, but in how they stand behind them after the sale. That's why every 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler from American Mortuary Coolers comes with our comprehensive, multi-tiered warranty:
1 year parts and labor warranty covers all mechanical components and workmanship 5 years on doors and floor components, which see the most daily wear and tear 15 years on the panel structure itself, reflecting our confidence in their durability 50 years thermal warranty on the insulation properties of our panels
This graduated warranty structure isn't just marketing – it reflects the real-world longevity of different components based on our decades of experience in the industry.
Beyond the warranty itself, we've built a support system that spans the entire country. Our white-glove delivery and installation service is available nationwide, meaning we don't just drop a cooler at your door – we make sure it's properly installed and functioning before we consider the job complete.
For ongoing support, we maintain a network of authorized service technicians throughout the country, with priority scheduling for emergency repairs. Many of our customers also enroll in our preventative maintenance programs, which help catch small issues before they become big problems.
"When we had an issue with the door seal after a year of heavy use, the response was immediate," commented a medical examiner's office in our Northeast Region. "The technician arrived the next day, and we were back to full operation within hours. That level of service is invaluable in our field."
We understand that downtime isn't an option in your business, which is why we stock replacement parts in all our regional warehouses and offer expedited shipping for critical components. Plus, we've designed our systems to use standardized refrigeration components whenever possible, making local repairs easier if needed.
Being American-made isn't just a slogan for us – it means better quality control, faster parts availability, and support from technicians who truly understand the equipment they're servicing.
Operation, Maintenance, FAQs & Customer Stories
Owning a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler is a long-term relationship - one that can last decades with the right care. Over the years, we've gathered wisdom from funeral professionals across the country about what makes these systems thrive. Let me share some of their insights with you.
Best Practices for Long-Term Performance
The secret to a long-lasting cooler isn't complicated, but it does require consistency. Most of our coolers that have been running smoothly for 10+ years share these simple maintenance habits:
Temperature is everything in our business. Keep your 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler between 37–38°F for optimal preservation. This sweet spot balances preservation needs while preventing freezing. Many funeral directors tell us they check and log temperatures twice daily - once in the morning and again before leaving for the day. This simple habit catches small variations before they become problems.
Door discipline makes a surprising difference in performance. Each time that door opens, cold air escapes and warm, humid air enters. Train your team to prepare before opening the door - know exactly what they need and where it's located to minimize open time.
When it comes to cleaning, regular is better than intensive. Monthly sanitizing of interior surfaces prevents buildup that's harder to remove later. Quarterly gasket checks catch small tears or compression issues before they affect temperature stability. And don't forget the often-overlooked semi-annual condenser coil cleaning - this simple task can reduce energy consumption by up to 25%!
One funeral director in Tennessee told me, "I've been in this business for 30 years, and I've learned that refrigeration systems don't suddenly fail - they give warnings. You just have to listen." That's why we recommend an annual professional tune-up to catch those whispers before they become shouts.
Customer Experiences & Reviews
Nothing speaks to the reliability of a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler quite like the stories from those who depend on them daily.
A Chicago funeral director managing one of the city's busiest establishments shared: "When COVID hit, our case volume doubled overnight. Our 10 x 20 cooler with 4-tier racking became the backbone of our operation. Even with constant access throughout those difficult months, the temperature never wavered. That stability gave us one less thing to worry about during an impossible time."
The white-glove delivery experience has consistently earned praise from customers. A county medical examiner in Arizona told us: "Your installation team arrived exactly when promised, had everything up and running within a day, and spent extra time training our entire staff. Three years later, we haven't had a single issue with the cooler. That initial investment in proper installation has paid dividends."
For smaller communities, reliability takes on even greater importance. "In our rural area, we're the only funeral home for three counties," explained a funeral director in Colorado. "Our 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler has been absolutely essential - especially during winter months when roads can be impassable for days. It's honestly the best money I've ever spent in this business."
Frequently Asked Questions about 10 x 20 Mortuary Coolers
We hear certain questions regularly from funeral professionals considering a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler. Here are straightforward answers to your most common concerns:
Q: How many bodies can a 10 × 20 mortuary cooler hold?
A: With proper racking, you can comfortably accommodate up to 24 bodies while maintaining good airflow. Your exact capacity will depend on your racking configuration and whether you need space for bariatric remains. Many facilities choose a mix of standard and oversized positions for maximum flexibility.
Q: What electrical service is required for installation?
A: You'll need single-phase power (either 115V or 208-230V) at 60 Hz. While this is standard in most facilities, it's worth having an electrician verify your service before ordering. The refrigeration system should be installed by a qualified professional to maintain warranty coverage.
Q: What is the typical lead time from order to delivery?
A: Standard delivery takes 4-6 weeks, though custom features may extend this timeline. For urgent needs, our 10-day delivery program can expedite the process. All shipping costs to the contiguous 48 states are included in our base pricing, so there are no surprise charges later.
Q: Can I install the cooler myself, or do I need professionals?
A: While the panels are designed for relatively straightforward assembly, we strongly recommend professional installation for the refrigeration components. Most customers find our white-glove delivery and installation service well worth the investment, as it includes complete setup, testing, and staff training.
Q: How do operating costs compare to smaller coolers?
A: The 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler is remarkably efficient on a per-body basis. While total energy consumption is higher than smaller units, the cost per body stored is typically 15-20% lower when operating near capacity. This efficiency comes from the superior insulation and the physics of cooling larger, more stable air volumes.
Q: What happens during a power outage?
A: The 3.5" insulated panels maintain temperature remarkably well. Most facilities report holding acceptable temperatures for 4-6 hours without power. For areas with unreliable electricity, we recommend backup generator systems with automatic transfer switches. Many funeral homes find this dual protection provides valuable peace of mind.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler represents one of the most important decisions funeral professionals will make for their facilities. After working with hundreds of funeral homes and medical examiners across the country, we've seen how this particular size strikes that perfect balance between capacity and practicality for growing operations.
There's something reassuring about American-made quality, isn't there? Here at American Mortuary Coolers, our Tennessee manufacturing team takes genuine pride in crafting these systems to exacting standards. From the precisely engineered insulated panels to the corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware, every component is built with the understanding that you're counting on this equipment day in and day out.
I often tell customers that a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler is more than just a purchase—it's an investment in operational peace of mind. When those inevitable busy periods arrive (and they always do), having the capacity to properly care for up to 24 deceased with dignity makes all the difference to both your team and the families you serve.
The energy efficiency of these larger units often surprises folks too. While the upfront cost is higher than smaller coolers, the cost-per-deceased actually decreases thanks to the superior insulation and optimized refrigeration systems. One funeral director in Tennessee recently told me their utility costs only increased by about 25% after upgrading from a 10 x 12 to our 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler, despite gaining nearly double the capacity.
With proper care and maintenance, these coolers become the silent, reliable backbone of your preservation capabilities. Many of our earliest customers from the 1990s are still operating their original systems—a testament to the longevity of quality American craftsmanship.
We'd love to learn about your specific facility needs and help you determine if a 10 x 20 Mortuary Cooler is the right fit. Our regional teams understand the unique challenges in different parts of the country, from the humidity concerns in the Southeast to the extreme heat considerations in the Southwest.
Whether you're expanding your current location, replacing outdated equipment that's seen better days, or planning an entirely new facility, we're here to guide you through the entire process—from initial selection through installation and beyond.
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For your personalized quote or to learn more about our current promotions (including our ICCFA 2025 pre-summer special with 10-day delivery guarantee), please reach out through our website or contact your regional representative directly. We look forward to helping you create the perfect preservation solution for your unique needs.