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Mortuary Cooler FAQ — Every Question Answered
Below are the most common questions funeral directors, hospital administrators, and first-time buyers ask American Mortuary Coolers. If you don’t see your question here, call us at 1-888-792-9315 — we respond within one business day.
General Questions
What is a mortuary cooler?
A mortuary cooler (also called a mortuary refrigerator, body cooler, or cadaver cooler) is a specialized refrigeration unit designed to store human remains at 34°F–38°F (1°C–3°C). This temperature range slows decomposition while preserving the body for viewing, embalming, or cremation. Mortuary coolers are used in funeral homes, hospital morgues, medical examiner offices, hospice facilities, and disaster response operations.
What is the difference between a mortuary cooler and a regular refrigerator?
Mortuary coolers are purpose-built for human remains storage. Unlike commercial refrigerators, they feature reinforced shelving or sliding tray systems designed to hold 300–600+ lb loads, digital temperature monitoring with alarms, stainless steel interiors that clean and sanitize easily, precise temperature control in the 34°F–38°F range, and larger interior dimensions to accommodate full-length bodies.
What temperature should a mortuary cooler be set at?
The CDC recommends storing human remains between 34°F and 38°F (1°C–3°C). All American Mortuary Coolers units are factory-set and tested in this range before shipping. Units include a digital thermostat and an audible alarm that triggers if temperature rises above the set point.
What is the difference between a mortuary cooler and a morgue freezer?
A mortuary cooler refrigerates remains (34°F–38°F) for short-to-medium term storage, typically days to weeks. A morgue freezer maintains temperatures at or below 0°F and is used for long-term storage, forensic evidence preservation, or mass casualty situations. Most funeral homes operate coolers, not freezers.
Sizing & Capacity Questions
How many bodies does a mortuary cooler hold?
Our upright mortuary coolers range from 2-body to 12-body configurations. Walk-in systems can be customized from 8 to 50+ body capacity. As a general guideline, funeral homes handling 100–200 calls per year typically need a 4-body to 6-body unit. Use our sizing guide to find the right fit →
What does a 4-body mortuary cooler mean?
A 4-body mortuary cooler has four individual storage compartments, each capable of holding one set of human remains on a dedicated stainless steel tray. The trays slide out independently, allowing staff to access any compartment without disturbing others.
What is a bariatric mortuary cooler?
A bariatric mortuary cooler features extra-wide chamber openings and heavy-duty reinforced trays designed to accommodate remains over 500 lbs. All of our upright models are available in bariatric-ready extra-wide configurations at no special-order premium.
Should I get an upright or walk-in mortuary cooler?
Choose an upright cooler if you need 2–12 body capacity, have limited floor space, or want a plug-and-play solution. Choose a walk-in system if you need more than 8 bodies of storage, use rolling cots for body transfer, or are building a new prep room. Not sure? Call us and we’ll help you size it in 10 minutes.
Pricing & Financing Questions
How much does a mortuary cooler cost?
Upright mortuary coolers start at $7,698 for a 2-body unit. Walk-in systems start around $18,000 for an 8-body configuration. We sell factory-direct with no distributor markup. See our full 2026 pricing guide →
Do you offer financing on mortuary coolers?
Yes. We offer 0% Flex Pay financing for qualified buyers, allowing you to spread the purchase price into equal monthly installments with no interest. We also work with third-party equipment lenders specializing in funeral and medical equipment.
Can I deduct a mortuary cooler under Section 179?
Yes. Mortuary coolers qualify as business equipment under IRS Section 179. In 2026, the deduction limit is $1,220,000, meaning most buyers can deduct the entire purchase price in the year the equipment is placed in service. Consult your CPA to confirm your eligibility.
Shipping & Delivery Questions
Do you ship mortuary coolers to all 50 states?
Yes. We ship nationwide from our Johnson City, Tennessee facility. Freight delivery is included in most orders. Typical delivery times are 5–14 business days depending on your location and order type.
How is a mortuary cooler delivered?
Upright units ship via freight carrier on a pallet. The carrier will schedule a delivery appointment and bring the unit curbside or to your loading dock. Walk-in systems are delivered in panels and assembled on-site.
Do you install mortuary coolers?
Upright units are plug-and-play — position, level, plug in, and run. Walk-in systems require professional installation. We can connect you with certified installers in your area.
Technical & Compliance Questions
Are your mortuary coolers OSHA compliant?
Yes. All American Mortuary Coolers units are designed to meet applicable OSHA guidelines for human remains storage. We maintain a BBB A+ rating and affiliations with NFDA and ICCFA.
What warranty do mortuary coolers come with?
Our units include a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on the compressor and refrigeration system and a 1-year warranty on parts. Extended service agreements are available.
How do I maintain a mortuary cooler?
Basic maintenance includes monthly cleaning of the interior with an approved disinfectant, quarterly inspection of door gaskets and seals, annual checking of refrigerant levels by a certified HVAC/R technician, and keeping condenser coils free of dust and debris. See our full startup and maintenance guide →
Still Have Questions?
Call us at 1-888-792-9315 or submit a question online. We respond to all inquiries within one business day. For new buyers, start with our 7-step buying guide.
