Mortuary Equipment Knowledge Base

Formula: average daily call volume × 2–3 days average retention = minimum capacity needed. Example: 4 calls/day × 2 days = 8-body minimum. Add 20–30% buffer for seasonal spikes. Use our Capacity Calculator or call 1-888-792-9315 for a free consultation.

Self-Contained: Condenser built into the unit. Simpler installation — plug in, connect drain, operate. Best for climate-controlled rooms. Heat exhausted into room requires adequate ventilation. Max 80°F ambient.

Remote: Condenser at a separate location (rooftop, exterior wall). Eliminates room heat load, quieter operation, better for warm climates. Higher installation cost but superior performance in hot spaces. Also rated for max 80°F ambient at condenser location.

All AMC mortuary coolers maintain 36–39°F (2–4°C) interior temperature — standard for fresh-body preservation per CDC and state health department guidelines. Thermostat is factory pre-set to this range.

All AMC upright and roll-in coolers carry a 10-year structural warranty plus compressor/refrigeration system warranty per manufacturer terms. Coverage requires: ambient ≤80°F, proper installation, drain line connected (2025+ units), electrical within specs, no unauthorized modifications. Extended warranties available.

Only if that space stays at or below 80°F year-round. Unconditioned garages in warm climates frequently exceed 80°F in summer. If ambient exceeds 80°F, the compressor will overwork, fail to hold temperature, and the warranty will not cover resulting damage. We strongly recommend a dedicated mini-split or HVAC for any non-conditioned space.

2026 model year upright coolers:

• 2-Body Standard: View
• 3-Body Standard: View
• 2-Body XW: View
• 3-Body XW: View
• 3-Body XW Side-Load: View
• 4-Body XW: View
• 3-Body Triple-Wide Roll-In: View

All 2025+ models require drain-line installation by customer. See Installation Requirements.

Standard walk-in footprints: 8×10, 10×12, 10×16, 10×20, 20×20. Single and dual-door configurations. Remote condenser standard. Custom dimensions by quote. Walk-ins require licensed refrigeration contractor installation.

All AMC self-contained and remote mortuary coolers are rated for a maximum ambient (room) temperature of 80°F (26.7°C) — applies to every unit in the catalog. Operating above 80°F will reduce cooling efficiency, may cause compressor failure, and voids the warranty if heat damage results. Measure at cooler height, 12–18 inches from the unit, away from HVAC vents or sunlight.

Verification resources: National Weather Service (weather.gov) | DOE EnergySaver | DOE Commercial Refrigeration Standards

Use a calibrated digital thermometer. Measure in the room (not the cooler interior), at cooler height, 12–18 inches away from the unit, away from HVAC ducts, windows, or direct sun. Record readings at the hottest time of day in the hottest season. For regional historical climate data: weather.gov — select your local NWS office for monthly averages and extreme temperature records.

Options: install a dedicated mini-split or window AC in the cooler room; upgrade to remote-condenser configuration; improve room insulation and ventilation. Consult DOE Commercial Refrigeration guidance for facility planning. Contact us at 1-888-792-9315 to discuss your specific facility conditions before purchasing.

Federal resources for ambient temperature and refrigeration planning:

• National Weather Service (weather.gov) — Local office climate data, historical highs, and regional temperature records.
• DOE Energy Saver — HVAC and cooling efficiency guidance for facility infrastructure planning.
• DOE Commercial Refrigeration Standards — Federal efficiency ratings and 2025 regulatory changes.

Yes — all equipment ordered from AMC as of 2025 requires the customer to attach a drain line on-site before placing the unit in operation. This reflects updated federal efficiency and environmental standards. Pre-2025 equipment does not require this.

Requirements: connect ½" ID tubing to drain port; route to sanitary floor drain; drain must be gravity-fed; never sealed, kinked, or plugged; test before placing in service. Drain-line materials and labor are the customer's responsibility and are not included in equipment price.

Full details: Ambient Temperature & Installation Requirements

No. Installation is NOT included unless explicitly stated on your sales contract. Equipment price covers the cooler, condenser (if applicable), and standard hardware only. Not included: installation labor, positioning, electrical circuit installation, drain-line installation (required 2025+), HVAC or facility climate control, packaging disposal, or operational testing. All installation costs are the customer's responsibility. Regional installation coordination is available by request — contact us to discuss.

Most self-contained upright coolers run on 115V/20A dedicated circuits. Larger units and walk-ins require 208–230V single or three-phase service. A licensed electrician must install a dedicated circuit — never share with other equipment. Voltage must stay within ±10% of rated voltage. Spec sheets available upon request.

500E: 550 lb capacity, 4-level height, single-operator. Standard use. View 500E.
1000E: 1,000 lb capacity, reinforced, wider deck, 4-level, single-operator. Bariatric cases. View 1000E.

Our removal equipment lineup includes: Wheeled Folding Mortuary Stretcher, Easy-Fold Plain Mortuary Stretcher, Basket Stretcher, First Call EVAC Sled, Aluminum Body Scoop, Full-Length Plastic Backboard, Compact Plastic Backboard, and Battery Powered Chair Stair Stretcher. See the Product Index tab for direct links.

Side-Loading: Body board slides in perpendicular to the unit's long axis. Better for narrow coolers or limited front clearance.
End-Loading: Cot or board rolls straight in through the cooler door. Single-operator friendly. Better for deep walk-ins with adequate approach space.
Both are available in 2-tier, 3-tier, 4-tier, and 5-tier configurations.

Roller Racks: Rolling tubes/rails allow smooth board loading. Best for high-volume or single-operator use.
Cantilever Racks: Fixed arms on a vertical post, no floor rails. Easier cleaning, maximum floor clearance, flexible tier spacing. Excellent with body boards or tray systems.

We offer the HD 1000 MAX Mortuary Lift and the 1,000 lb Hydraulic Mortuary Scissor Lift. Both are used for single-operator cot-to-rack, rack-to-deck, and cot-to-embalming-table transfers. Both rated 1,000 lbs, both American-made. The Easy Lift Casket Jacks and Heavy-Duty Body Lifter are available for cooler loading assists.

For embalming: Ultra Hi-Risk Latex Embalming Gloves (maximum puncture/chemical resistance). Latex-free: High Risk Nitrile or Medical-Grade 6 Mil Nitrile with 9” cuff. Routine handling: Economy Nitrile.

PPE options include: FS1 Ultracool Embalming Gown (full-length), PPE High Exposure Coveralls, and Universal Yellow Isolation Gown.

General lead times (verify before ordering):

• In-stock items (cots, supplies, accessories): 1–5 business days
• Standard upright coolers: 2–6 weeks
• Walk-in coolers: 6–14 weeks depending on size
• USPE pathology equipment: Built to order — verify lead time before ordering

Always confirm current lead time at 1-888-792-9315 before placing your order.

Large equipment ships LTL freight and requires a commercial delivery address with loading dock or forklift, OR a liftgate appointment. You must be available to receive and sign for the delivery. Photograph all packaging and visible damage before signing. See our full Commercial Delivery Policy.

All major credit cards, Shop Pay (with 3 or 4 installment option), ACH bank transfer (no processing fee), wire transfer, and purchase orders from qualified institutions. Contact us for ACH/wire banking details on large orders.

Built-to-order and custom-configured equipment (coolers, walk-ins, USPE equipment) cannot be returned. Stocked items may be returned within 30 days, unused, in original packaging. Freight charges are non-refundable. Report delivery damage within 48 hours.

Body storage temperature is governed by CDC guidance, state health department regulations, and applicable OSHA standards. Most states require remains at 39–45°F or cooler when not embalmed or cremated within 24–48 hours. AMC coolers maintain 36–39°F, satisfying or exceeding most state requirements. Verify your state's specific requirements with your state funeral regulatory board.

DOE updated commercial refrigeration efficiency standards effective 2025. A key practical impact: new equipment now requires an active condensate drain connection. This is why all AMC equipment ordered as of 2025 requires the customer to install a drain line before operation. Pre-2025 equipment is not affected. See DOE commercial refrigeration guidance and our Installation Requirements page.

Most AME equipment qualifies for IRS Section 179 immediate expensing — deducting the full purchase price in the year of acquisition. Consult your tax advisor. More information: Section 179 resource page.

Submit via our Tech Service Request form or call 1-888-792-9315. After-hours: leave a detailed voicemail and a technician will return your call next business day.

Key maintenance: clean interior with hospital-grade disinfectant after each use. Brush/vacuum condenser coil every 3–6 months (clogged condenser is #1 failure cause). Inspect door gaskets monthly; replace if cracked. Check drain line monthly (2025+ units). Verify interior temp weekly with a separate calibrated thermometer.

In order: Is ambient temperature above 80°F? Is the condenser coil dirty or blocked? Is the door seal intact? Is the drain line plugged causing ice buildup? Is voltage within specs? Are vents unobstructed (6” sides, 12” top clearance)? If unresolved: call us for diagnostics.

Verify at: BBB.org — American Mortuary Coolers & Equipment. This listing shows accreditation date, rating history, and resolved complaints. A+ maintained for 10+ years.

Yes. AMC has been featured by CBS News Chicago and our embalming tables were used in the Apple TV production of “Bad Monkey” featuring Vince Vaughn. We have been referenced in NFDA publications, Connecting Directors, NOMIS, and other funeral industry news outlets.

Yes. American Mortuary Coolers & Equipment is certified by both the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) — the two primary professional certifying bodies in the U.S. death care industry.