Can installation labor be included in walk-in cooler financing?

Often yes. Assembly, refrigeration startup, and related labor can be included as soft costs when they appear on the same project quote as the equipment. Inclusion is reviewed during underwriting and approval.

Do you finance outdoor walk-in coolers?

Outdoor walk-ins with weatherproof panels are commonly financed. Site work such as a concrete pad can sometimes be bundled as a soft cost when included on the same quote, subject to underwriting.

Can a combination cooler-freezer be financed together?

Yes. Combination units and separate cooler and freezer boxes can be financed on the same quote. They are valued together during underwriting based on the equipment and your business profile.

Is a leased restaurant space a problem for walk-in financing?

Operating from leased space is common in foodservice and does not by itself prevent financing. The premises lease term may factor into the structure and is considered during underwriting and approval.

Equipment Financing

Walk-In Coolers Financing

Direct answer

RCR International Finance LLC finances walk-in coolers for restaurants, grocers, caterers, and food processors, covering the panels, refrigeration system, doors, and shelving. Funding can support a new install or a replacement through an equipment loan or lease, often spreading the cost of a major refrigeration project over its useful life. Eligible units, terms, and any down payment are subject to underwriting and approval based on the business and the quote.

Start an Application Call +1 248-939-2646

15 to 20 years

Typical useful life

New & used

What's financed

Loan / lease

Both available

The asset

Secured by

Subject to underwriting and approval.

Reviewed by the RCR International Finance LLC team

Commercial finance specialists · Last reviewed January 2026

Written to reflect how walk-in coolers financing actually works and checked against our editorial & compliance standards.

?Quick answer

Plan ahead

Estimate your payment

Model a monthly payment for walk-in coolers before you apply.

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What walk-in coolers you can finance

A representative sample of eligible assets in this category.

Indoor modular walk-in coolers
Outdoor walk-in coolers with weatherproof panels
Combination cooler-freezer units
Beer and beverage walk-in caves
Floral and produce walk-ins
Self-contained top-mount cooler systems
Remote condensing walk-in systems

Financing walk-in coolers: the basics

RCR International Finance LLC arranges walk-in coolers financing for businesses acquiring refrigeration equipment. Because the asset secures the deal, walk-in coolers is one of the more accessible commercial structures, and it keeps working capital free for payroll, materials, and growth. Subject to underwriting and approval.

New walk-in coolers typically qualify for longer terms and carry full warranties on panels and refrigeration, which suits operators planning a permanent install. Used or reconditioned walk-ins are sometimes financed and are valued on condition of the panels and refrigeration system. Both new and used purchases are subject to underwriting and approval.

A loan builds ownership in a fixed asset that can serve a location for many years, which fits owners who hold their build-out long term. A lease can ease the upfront cost of a large refrigeration project and preserve cash for inventory and labor. The right structure depends on cash flow, the lease on the premises, and tax planning.

Loan vs lease: which fits this asset?

Both options finance walk-in coolers, the right choice depends on how long you keep the asset and whether ownership or lower payments matters more.

Equipment Loan

Build ownership

You own the equipment outright at the end of the term
Builds equity in the asset as you pay it down
Best for equipment with a long, productive useful life
Payments are typically higher than a comparable lease

Equipment Lease

Lower payments, flexibility

Lower monthly payments to preserve cash flow
Flexibility to upgrade, renew, or return at term end
Best for assets you replace or upgrade often
End-of-term purchase options may be available

Soft costs you can often include

Financing frequently covers more than the sticker price, so the asset is working from day one.

Freight and delivery of panels and equipment

Roll freight and delivery of panels and equipment into the financed amount where the structure allows.

Installation, assembly, and refrigeration startup

Roll installation, assembly, and refrigeration startup into the financed amount where the structure allows.

Concrete pad or flooring work for outdoor units

Roll concrete pad or flooring work for outdoor units into the financed amount where the structure allows.

Applicable sales and use taxes

Roll applicable sales and use taxes into the financed amount where the structure allows.

Extended warranty or service contracts

Roll extended warranty or service contracts into the financed amount where the structure allows.

How equipment financing works

Select equipment

Identify the walk-in coolers and obtain a vendor quote with specifications.

Apply

Submit the quote with recent bank statements so underwriting can assess the asset and cash flow.

Loan or lease

Choose an ownership-building loan or a lower-payment lease, subject to approval.

Vendor payment

On approval, financing pays the vendor and you take delivery.

Documents to finance walk-in coolers

Signed equipment quote or project invoice
Three to six months of recent business bank statements
Most recent business tax return
Specifications: dimensions, temperature range, and refrigeration type
Driver's license or government-issued ID of the owner
Completed credit application

All financing is subject to underwriting and approval. Program availability may vary, and documentation requirements depend on the financing structure.

Industries that finance walk-in coolers

Restaurants

Buying kitchen and refrigeration equipment

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Food and Beverage

Buying production, packaging, and refrigeration equipment

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Wholesale Distribution

Buying inventory in bulk to capture supplier discounts

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