Mortuary Cabinet Types and Sizes: Choosing the Right Capacity

Choosing a mortuary cabinet is about more than deciding how many bodies it should hold. The size of the room, the route into the building, the daily workload and whether washing will take place next to the unit all shape the decision. This article compares Volinox package-type morgue units by size and capacity and lists the points to settle before you request a quote.

What is a package-type morgue unit?

A package-type unit is a free-standing mortuary refrigerator whose cabinet and refrigeration system are built as one assembly in the factory. It needs no on-site cold-room construction: once a suitable power supply is in place it can be put into service, and it can be moved to another building later if needed. Volinox builds these cabinets in stainless steel, with side or front loading and a standard tray of 210 × 65 × 4 cm.

Sizes and capacities at a glance

These are the standard dimensions listed on the product pages. Volinox states that units can also be built to custom sizes. On every model the clearance between tray and ceiling is 46 cm.

Which model suits which facility?

• Single unit: village washing rooms, small facilities attached to mosques or cemevis, and communities with few deaths per year. See the single package type morgue unit.
• Two-tier unit: stacks two compartments to double capacity on the same floor area, a balanced choice for district facilities and small hospitals. See the two-tier package unit.
• Three-tier unit: three bodies on a narrow footprint; several units placed side by side form a hospital mortuary or a central washing facility. See the three-tier package unit.
• Washing unit: combines storage and washing in small rooms where a separate washing table will not fit. See the washing package unit.

Side loading or front loading?

The loading direction should follow the layout of the room. Front-loading units can stand side by side along a wall, which saves space in long, narrow rooms, but they need a generous working area in front. Side-loading units are practical where a body trolley can be brought up parallel to the cabinet. Either way, being able to transfer the tray to a trolley or lift at the same height protects staff from back strain.

What to measure before you order

1. Door and corridor widths: the door opening must be wider than the unit. The three-tier model is 195 cm tall, so check door heights, stairwells and lift cars as well.
2. Tray pull-out space: with front loading, leave at least the length of the tray, roughly 2.1 m, clear in front of the unit, plus room for staff to work. With side loading, plan the same space alongside it.
3. Ventilation clearance: the side housing the refrigeration unit should not be pushed against a wall.
4. Electrical supply: a suitable circuit, proper earthing and, ideally, a generator connection.
5. Floor: units on castors should stand on a level, water-resistant floor that is easy to clean.

What determines the price of a mortuary refrigerator

There is no single price for a morgue unit; each quotation is built from choices such as:

• Capacity and number of compartments
• Standard or custom dimensions
• Cooling type: refrigerated only, or with freezer compartments
• Exterior cladding and interior surface materials
• Digital displays, alarms and data logging
• Scope of delivery, installation and user training

Volinox supplies product features, technical specifications and tender item codes together with its price offer. For temperature settings, read our guide to morgue refrigerator temperature; for capacity planning, see how long a body can stay in a morgue. You can view every model on the morgue units page and request a quote for the right size and capacity through our contact page or on WhatsApp.