New York Mortuary Cooler Requirements 2026: 10 NYCRR 77.5 Explained

New York 10 NYCRR 77.5(d)(3): store bodies only in a preparation or storage room acceptable to DOH. Coolers from $7,414.11, in stock.

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AMC 12-body high-density mortuary cooler

New York regulates where a body is stored, not the cooler temperature. Under 10 NYCRR § 77.5(d)(3), an uncasketed body awaiting disposition may be stored only in the preparation room or in a storage room, in a manner acceptable to the Commissioner of Health. A dedicated mortuary cooler is the simplest way to meet that standard. Coolers start at $7,414.11.

New York at a glance

  • Storage location: preparation room or storage room only (10 NYCRR § 77.5(d)(3))
  • Temperature and time trigger: not stated in code
  • Consumer guidance: refrigeration can make embalming unnecessary (NY Attorney General)
  • Authority: New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Funeral Directing

What 77.5(d)(3) means for equipment

"Acceptable to the commissioner" is a performance standard. Inspectors look for a dedicated, secure, cleanable space that keeps the body cool and private. A mortuary cooler with trays, a lockable door and a temperature log is the clearest evidence. The Attorney General funeral guide tells families that refrigeration may stand in for embalming, so expect families to ask for it.

A defensible setpoint

Set the cooler to 36–38°F and log it daily. That sits inside the Pennsylvania 35–40°F band and the New Jersey 45°F limit. See the full 50-state cooler regulations table.

Mortuary coolers for New York firms, from $7,414.11

2 Body Standard Roll-In Mortuary Cooler – Model 2BR

2 Body Standard Roll-In Mortuary Cooler – Model 2BR

Two-body roll-in cooler for funeral homes holding a body past the state refrigeration trigger.

From $7,414.11

In stock

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3-body standard upright mortuary cooler for funeral homes and morgue refrigerated body storage

3-Body Mortuary Refrigerator

Three trays, upright footprint, for growing call volume.

From $8,357.01

In stock

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2 Body Cadaver Mortuary Coolers and Cooling Systems

2-Body Extra-Wide Mortuary Refrigerator

Extra-wide trays for bariatric cases.

From $8,516.21

In stock

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4 Body Extra Wide Mortuary Cooler

4-Body Extra-Wide Mortuary Refrigerator

Four extra-wide positions for crematories and multi-location firms.

From $9,153.01

In stock

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6x8 Walk-In Mortuary Cooler

6x8 Walk-In Mortuary Refrigerator

Walk-in capacity for racks and cots; suited to refrigeration facilities.

From $8,825.00

In stock

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10x10 Walk-In Mortuary Cooler

10x10 Walk-In Mortuary Refrigerator

Large walk-in for regional crematories and medical examiner overflow.

From $11,695.50

In stock

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Frequently asked questions

Does New York set a mortuary cooler temperature?

No. 10 NYCRR § 77.5(d)(3) requires temporary storage of an uncasketed body to take place only in the preparation room or a storage room in a manner acceptable to the commissioner, without a numeric temperature.

Is embalming required in New York?

The New York Attorney General notes that refrigeration, or prompt burial or cremation, may make embalming unnecessary.

What setpoint should a New York funeral firm use?

Most firms run 36–38°F with a daily log, inside the common 40°F-or-less standard used by neighboring Pennsylvania (35–40°F) and New Jersey (45°F or below).

How much does a mortuary cooler cost?

AMC coolers start at $7,414.11; freight is calculated at checkout.

Related state guides

This guide summarizes published code text as of November 1, 2026. It is not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state board before you buy or change procedures. Freight for every cooler is calculated at checkout.