At CoolerGaskets.com, we’re all about helping you get the most life out of your equipment. So let’s break it down: when should you clean your gasket, and when is it time to replace it?

Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Gasket

Commercial gaskets are constantly exposed to moisture, food particles, and daily wear. A dirty gasket won’t seal properly, which means your cooler or freezer has to work harder—costing you money and risking food safety.

Here’s how to know your gasket just needs some TLC:

• Visible Dirt or Mold: If you see black, green, or fuzzy buildup, it’s mold or mildew. Gross? Yes. But usually fixable with a good cleaning.

• Sticky or Gummy Texture: This can come from spilled liquids or built-up grime. A sticky gasket won’t seal well but can often be restored with a thorough cleaning.

• Odor: Funky smells often mean there’s bacteria or mold hiding in the crevices. Again, a deep clean might do the trick.

Cleaning Tip: Use warm soapy water or a vinegar solution with a soft cloth or toothbrush to clean all sides of the gasket. Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade the rubber.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Gasket

Even with the best care, gaskets don’t last forever. When they wear out, they can’t seal properly—leading to temperature fluctuations, ice build-up, and rising energy costs.

Here’s how to know it’s time to replace it:

• Cracks or Splits in the Material: If you can see cracks, tears, or fraying, cleaning won’t help. That gasket is done.

• Warping or Gaps: If the gasket no longer sits flush or you can see light around the door when it’s closed, it’s not sealing—time for a replacement.

• Hard or Brittle Texture: Over time, gaskets can dry out and lose flexibility. If it feels stiff or breaks when you press it, it’s ready to go.

• Persistent Mold or Stains: If you’ve cleaned it and mold or grime keeps coming back, it could be embedded in the material. Better to replace it than risk contamination.

Pro Tip: Not all gaskets are created equal. Make sure you get a high-quality replacement made specifically for your brand and model—like the custom-fit options we offer at CoolerGaskets.com.

When in Doubt—Check!

A quick visual and touch test can tell you a lot. Run your hand along the gasket and check for cold air leaks or unusual stiffness. If the gasket feels soft, seals well, and looks clean after wiping down, you’re in the clear. If not, it’s probably time for a replacement.

Need a New Gasket? We’ve Got You Covered.

At CoolerGaskets.com, we make it easy to find and order the exact gasket you need—fast. Whether you're looking to extend the life of your equipment or ensure top-notch performance, we're here to help. If you do find yourself in need of a new gasket, be sure to use the coupon code SPRING2025 to receive 15% off any commercial refrigeration gasket! 

Still not sure if it's time to clean or replace? Drop us a message or give us a call. We’ll help you figure it out.

Your cooler deserves a tight seal—let’s keep it that way.

*SPRING2025 15% off coupon code is only available for online retail customers through August 31, 2025. Coupon is only available for one time per customer. 

The 1245 and 1248 series hinges have a lot in common. Both allow your door to self close and open with minimal effort and both can be reversed to fit a left or right hinged door. Both also come in various offsets to fit your particular door. Shims can be added if your offset is in between the options available.

The difference between the two hinges is that the 1245 uses a self-lubricating nylon cam while the 1248 uses a spring mechanism for extra closing force. These hinges can be used separately or together. Some choose to use the 1248 spring loaded hinge on the top of the door and use the 1245 cam-rise hinge on the bottom of the door.

To learn more about measuring your door's offset check out this video. 

Check out this video to learn more about how to reverse and install these two types of hinges.

If your walk-in hinge does not look like either of these styles and you need help identifying what you need, please send photos to support@coolergaskets.com and one of our customer service agents will be happy to help you identify what you need.

Aside from CoolerGaskets.com’s focus on making custom refrigeration door gaskets that will change the way your run your business, we also sell a wide variety of strip curtains for several types of applications that will benefit your business. If you’re new to the world of strip curtains, we’re here to walk you through the different ways strip curtains can benefits your business. Read below to for the main benefits of strip curtains.

1. Improve traffic and work flow. One of the main reasons for adding strip curtain doors in your warehouse is that they improve the flow of traffic immensely. On the busiest of days, you won’t want to worry about constantly opening and closing doors to main passage ways in your warehouse and strip doors will provide a great solution to this. Strip curtain doors provide necessary barriers to work areas that need a clear separation, but also allow heavy machinery and workers to move more efficiently back and forth throughout each area.

2. Moderate temperature in your space. Strip curtain doors are often used to moderate temperature within different areas of a warehouse or building. Our strip curtain doors can be placed within entries to industrial coolers or freezers to provide an extra barrier and keep temperatures separate. Economically, strip curtain doors are very beneficial and will end up saving you money on energy costs. Restaurant or grocery store owners often make the mistake of not installing a strip curtain door in lieu of the regular cooler or freezer door - this allows much of the cold air to escape and, in turn, drives up the electric bill.

3. Provide a barrier from the outdoors. Strip curtain doors are great for providing a barrier between large openings connecting interior to exterior parts of a warehouse. A properly installed clear strip curtain door installed at a dock or bay will ensure safety of your employees by allowing them to see clearly through the curtains, while controlling the temperature and keeping cold or hot air outside instead of inside. This tactic is also used quite often in barns to allow easy movement of animals, people, and equipment in and out of the building, but keeping the interior at the appropriate temperature for animals inside.

4. Keep debris in its place. Sometimes in a warehouse, things can get messy - and a perfectly placed strip curtain door can help immensely with this. Create a barrier between different areas of your warehouse where you may not want to install a full door. This will prevent debris from one area from entering into another area that needs to stay clean.

Hopefully this review helps with your decision to purchase strip curtains. If you’re finally ready to install strip curtain doors to benefit your business, or to replace worn out strip curtains, check our our options here. If you have any questions about how strip curtains can benefit your business, feel free to reach out to us at orders@coolergaskets.com.

Age is a beautiful thing, but not when it comes to gaskets. If your gaskets are starting to show their years, they could be costing you a pretty penny. As gaskets age, they lose their elasticity and sealing power. It's like trying to keep a secret when you're 90 – it just doesn't work as well. Replacing aged gaskets can help save on energy costs, improve the longevity of your appliances, and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

Why Should You Care?

Let's cut to the chase – ignoring gasket maintenance can be a recipe for disaster. Higher energy bills, inconsistent temperatures, and wasted food can all result from gaskets that are past their prime. Plus, gaskets that aren't doing their job can put extra stress on your appliances, leading to costly repairs or replacements. In the busy world of restaurant management, who has time for that?

How to Check Your Gaskets: The Kitchen Detective Guide

Okay, it's not quite as exciting as a mystery novel, but it's a handy skill to have. Here's how to be your kitchen's own detective:

Visual Inspection: Look for visible cracks, tears, or signs of wear and tear. If you spot anything unusual, it's time to consider a replacement.

Dollar Bill Test: Close the refrigerator or freezer door on a dollar bill. If you can pull it out without much resistance, it's time for a new gasket.

Light Test: Step into the walk-in and shut the door behind you(make sure you have a safe escape plan!). Is there light coming in from the outside? This is a bad sign! You will definitely need to take action.

Other Areas of Concern:

If you have glass doors that are having trouble opening or closing, drawers getting stuck, etc., fix it now, not later. Like gaskets, waiting too long for these simple repairs can cost valuable money and time. To keep your kitchen in top shape hygienically, we also recommend regular replacement of cutting boards and strip curtains.

Why Choose Coolergaskets.com?

When it's time to replace your gaskets, we've got you covered. Coolergaskets.com is your one-stop-shop for high-quality gaskets that will have your appliances feeling young and vibrant again. We offer gaskets for a wide range of refrigerator and freezer brands, and we're here to help you find the perfect fit.

So, don't let your kitchen turn into a sauna – check your gaskets and give us a shout when it's time for a replacement. Your wallet, your food, and your precious kitchen gadgets will thank you. Happy cooking!

P.S. Don't forget to treat yourself to that well-deserved cup of coffee!

Fall Flavors in Cocktails and Foods: Apple, Pumpkin, Squash

One of the best ways to entice your customers this fall is by embracing the season's flavors in both your cocktails and food offerings. Apple, pumpkin, and squash are iconic fall ingredients that can elevate your menu and provide a cozy dining experience. Think about incorporating apple-infused cocktails, pumpkin spice-inspired desserts, and savory squash dishes to warm your guests' hearts and taste buds. Cooler Gaskets can help you maintain the freshness of these seasonal ingredients with high-quality gaskets for your refrigeration units, ensuring your dishes retain their flavor and quality.

Run Promotions for National Food Holidays

Fall brings an abundance of fun and quirky national food holidays that you can leverage to run exciting promotions. On August 19th, celebrate National Potato Day with irresistible potato-themed dishes like loaded potato skins or gourmet fries. The following day, August 20th, embrace National Bacon Lovers Day by creating unique bacon-infused dishes that will leave your customers craving more. And don't forget to mark August 25th, National Whiskey Sour Day, by crafting innovative whiskey sour cocktails that will impress even the most discerning of drinkers. By participating in these food holidays, you can attract new customers and keep regulars coming back for the festivities.

Prepare for Indoor Dining: Clean and Fix Up Your Dining Room

With colder weather approaching, customers will seek the comfort of indoor dining spaces. Now is the perfect time to give your dining room a makeover and create an inviting ambiance for your guests. Clean your restaurant thoroughly, repair any damages, and update the decor to reflect the warm and cozy atmosphere of fall. Having a well-maintained dining area can enhance the overall dining experience and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

Keep Your Kitchens Running Smoothly with Updated Gaskets and Hardware

A smoothly operating kitchen is essential to delivering excellent service. As your restaurant gears up for the fall rush, ensure that your kitchen equipment is in top-notch condition. Faulty gaskets and hardware can lead to energy inefficiencies and compromise the quality and freshness of your ingredients. Cooler Gaskets offers a wide range of high-quality gaskets and hardware to suit your refrigeration needs. By investing in these essential components, you can avoid breakdowns and keep your kitchen running like clockwork.

As we usher in the fall season, the restaurant industry has exciting opportunities to attract and retain customers with fall-inspired flavors, creative promotions, and well-maintained dining spaces. Cooler Gaskets is your reliable partner in ensuring your kitchens operate smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional dining experiences to your patrons. Embrace the fall trends, celebrate the national food holidays, and take care of your restaurant's infrastructure to make this fall season one to remember. With Cooler Gaskets, you'll have the tools you need to keep your customers coming back for more. Happy fall dining!

30-Day 100% Guarantee:

At CoolerGaskets, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our gaskets, and to ensure peace of mind, we offer a 30-day 100% guarantee on all our products. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, simply let us know within 30 days, and we will provide a full refund or replacement. We believe in the quality of our gaskets and want our customers to feel confident in their purchase.

OEM Quality:

When it comes to gaskets, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) quality is essential. CoolerGaskets understands the importance of using genuine parts for optimal performance. We source our gaskets from reputable manufacturers who adhere to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. By choosing CoolerGaskets, you can be assured that you are receiving gaskets that are on par with or even exceed the original gaskets that came with your cooler.

Customer Testimonials:

We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and delivering products that meet and exceed our customers' expectations. Here are a few testimonials from satisfied customers:

Justin F: "Your site always has what I need in a pinch. Parts are still a challenge to get nowadays. Thanks for always having materials in stock!"

Paul K: "Customer Service? You won't find better!!! Great people to work with! They are quick and do exactly what they say they are going to do! There are still great companies to do biz with, and they are one of them!"

These testimonials reflect our commitment to providing a seamless purchasing experience and excellent customer service. We value the trust our customers place in us and strive to maintain long-lasting relationships.

We also provide custom gaskets and have easy search for all profiles and manufacturers. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Here are five key signs it’s time to replace your commercial refrigeration gaskets.

1. Visible Cracks or Tears

One of the most obvious signs that your gaskets need replacing is visible damage. Over time, gaskets can crack, tear, or become brittle due to wear and tear, exposure to extreme temperatures, or constant pressure from the door. Even a small crack can allow cold air to escape or warm air to enter, causing your refrigeration unit to work harder to maintain the proper temperature. If you see any noticeable damage, it’s essential to replace the gasket immediately to avoid energy inefficiency and potential food safety risks.

2. Increased Energy Bills

Refrigeration systems are energy-intensive, and even a small issue with your gasket can lead to significant energy loss. When the seal isn’t tight, cool air escapes, and warm air enters the fridge or freezer. As a result, your unit has to work overtime to maintain the desired internal temperature, leading to higher energy consumption. If you notice a spike in your energy bills without any other explanation, your gaskets could be the culprit. Replacing worn-out gaskets can help restore efficiency and bring energy costs back under control.

3. Frost Buildup or Condensation

Excessive frost buildup inside your freezer or condensation on the exterior of your refrigerator can indicate that the door seal is compromised. When the gasket is no longer creating an airtight seal, warm air can enter, causing moisture to condense and freeze inside the unit. This not only affects the temperature regulation but also could lead to food quality issues. If you notice frost on your freezer's shelves or water pooling around the door, it’s time to check the gaskets for damage.

4. Door Doesn’t Close Properly

If your fridge or freezer door isn’t closing properly—whether it’s not sealing tightly or it’s difficult to shut—it could be a sign that the gasket has become misshapen, deformed, or clogged with debris. A poor seal can result in temperature fluctuations, affecting the storage conditions of your products. If you notice that your doors don’t close smoothly or stay ajar, inspect the gaskets for wear or deformation. If cleaning or adjusting doesn’t help, it’s probably time to replace them.

5. Temperature Fluctuations or Inconsistent Cooling

Another critical sign that your gaskets need replacement is irregular temperature performance. If the unit is having trouble maintaining a consistent temperature, there’s a chance that warm air is entering through a compromised seal. Fluctuating temperatures can result in spoiled goods, which could lead to losses and potential violations of health codes. If your refrigeration unit is struggling to maintain consistent cooling or is running excessively, inspect the gaskets for damage as part of your troubleshooting process.

Commercial refrigeration gaskets may seem like a small part of your system, but their role in maintaining temperature, efficiency, and product quality is vital. If you notice any of the above signs—visible damage, increased energy bills, frost buildup, door issues, or inconsistent cooling—be sure to replace your gaskets promptly. Doing so will not only save you money on energy costs but also ensure that your refrigerated goods remain safe, fresh, and at the ideal temperature. Lucky for you, CoolerGaskets.com offers over 100 different gasket profiles, OEM parts, custom gaskets, and so much more. When it's time for you to replace your gaskets, we've got you covered. 

Regular maintenance and gasket inspections can go a long way in prolonging the life of your refrigeration equipment, improving its performance, and preventing costly breakdowns. If you're unsure about the condition of your gaskets or have questions about what gasket you need, don’t hesitate to contact our team! 

• First: Take a look at the gasket currently on the door and match the style up to one of the profiles on our site.  With time, you will get to know our gasket profiles and will probably be able to look at a gasket and know what profile it is.  
• Second:  Using a tape measure, measure the outside edge width of the gasket that is currently on the door.  Measuring the outside edge dimension properly is critical for the replacement gasket to fit properly.  If the gasket seems to be stretched or warped a bit, don’t worry, as long as you are within 1/4 inch, the replacement gasket should install properly.  Use your best judgment from looking at how the gasket is sitting on the door to understand if the measurement you made is going to be accurate.             
• Third:  Look at the entire perimeter of the gasket and determine if the gasket is a full 4 sided gasket, or if it only needs to have 2 or 3 sides.  Most refrigeration door gaskets are 4 sided, but when you are working with large walk in cooler door gaskets, you will find many of those are 3 sided gaskets with no bottom.  Also, over time, you will end up doing estimates in kitchens with specialty equipment and you will come across situations where the gaskets are not 4 sided.  If the gasket is NOT 4 sided, then you will need to specify which sides you would like us to include.

If you'd like to watch a professional measure and install a gasket, check out our How-To Videos!

A commercial refrigerator may be one of the most valuable assets for your business. Ranging from top of the line to economical in pricing, they are considered to be a long-term investment. Typically, a refrigerator from a reputable company can last for as long as 25 years. However, smaller parts such as a refrigeration gasket may require repair and replacement from time to time, as well as some minor preventive maintenance.

What Exactly Is A Gasket And What Is Its Purpose?

Before any technical detail or procedure, let us explain what a gasket is and what purpose it actually serves. A refrigerator gasket, also known as a door seal, is the lining inside perimeter of the fridge/freezer door like a border made of rubber.

A gasket is crucial to ensure proper cooling in all kinds of coolers. It keeps the cool air from escaping the compartment and therefore ensures better cooling and performance. Door gaskets eventually start to break down and deteriorate with the constant abuse commercial coolers are subjected to; this leads to gaps in the seal and as a result, cool air begins to escape from the cooler.

The leakage not only affects the performance of the cooler but also its efficiency. Because cool air is escaping the system, the refrigerator requires more power/energy trying to maintain the holding temperature inside the compartment. This increased consumption of energy and increased utility bills can create extra stress on the compressor and other major components.

So, if your refrigerator is not working to the desired efficiency, a worn out gasket may be the reason. Check occasionally for wearing, gaps, or tears in the gasket. Typically, they are not hard to detect. If you find your gasket is worn, follow the procedure below.

Step By Step Procedure of Installing a Gasket

• First, identify the type of cooler and order the right gasket from a reputable and reliable gasket retailer. There are many types of gaskets with different methods of attaching to the unit: some gaskets snap-in (dart style), some push-in (blunt bottom), and some screw in while some are retainer mounted.
• Check to see that you have received the proper size gasket (length and width) that you ordered. Also check to see that all corners are properly welded and that there are no holes open to expose the magnet.
• Remove the old gasket and take a moment to clean any residue that has collected in or around the door since last time the gasket was replaced.
• Place the newly ordered gasket on door. See below for screw in and push in instructions.
• Push-in/snap-in: Fairly easy to install, just line up the gasket with the track on the door and work it into place, starting at the corners and working towards the center of each side. 
  
• Screw-in: Lift the old gasket from the inside edge and locate screws that are holding it in place. With retainer style gaskets you are sometimes able to remove the gasket by only loosening the screws partially rather than unscrewing them completely. If this does not work, remove the screws/back plate that is securing the gasket to the door. Once the new gasket is sitting properly in place, start with the screws closest to the corners and tighten them, working towards the middle of each side. If you find that the gasket is bunching behind the retainer panel, loosen the screws and make an adjustment.
• Your door will often require some adjustment before it will close properly with the new gasket.

Better Finish with a Heat Gun

The procedure may sound easy enough but it can get tricky at times. It is advised to use a heat gun during the installation process. Using a heat gun allows the gasket to be more malleable/flexible and this usually makes installation easier. Using a heat gun at the end of the procedure makes the gasket relax and then hold its position. This greatly reduces the risks of gaps and uneven installation.

It’s an easy DIY job, but make sure you have the right gasket and a good heat gun. An OEM quality replacement gasket ordered from a reputable retailer can save you from installing the gasket again and again.

Replacement door gaskets are made to fit a general standard which has been established by the original equipment manufacturer.  Unfortunately, it is not always possible for the vinyl extrusions used in replacement door gaskets to assume the exact same dimensions as the original gasket.

The Measurements that we are talking about are not the frame size dimensions (width and height), but rather the thickness and height offset of the extrusion used to manufacture the replacement gasket.  Other factors that affect each individual door gasket are durometer (hardness of the vinyl material) and “Set” (shape built into gasket resulting from folding gasket for shipping).

The result of changing a door gasket may likely be that the door no longer closes as it once did.  Possible problems are the door will not shut or flies open when an adjoining door is shut.  It is often thought that the problem is weak or ineffective magnets in the gasket.  These problems are symptoms that the installation process is not yet complete.  Whenever a new door gasket is being installed, whether at the factory on a new refrigerator, or at your customers’ job site, there will almost certainly be a need to realign or adjust the door.

1.   

Check to see that you have received the proper size gasket (length and width) that you ordered.  This can be done before you drive to the customer site if you reference the estimate form you filled out during the estimate process.

2.   

Check to see that all corners are properly welded and that there are no holes open to expose the magnet.

3.   

Lay the gasket flat and allow it time to restore any distortions caused by folding the gasket for shipping.  If there is not room to lay the gaskets flat, you can also stick a magnetic gasket to a sheet metal surface to hold it in a flat form while it retains its proper shape.  The use of a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the vinyl will also aid in reshaping any remaining distortions.  Warming the vinyl gasket helps it to adjust shape, so soaking it in hot water or sitting it out in the sun can also help this process.

4.   

If the gasket is a push in or snap in style gasket, remove the old gasket from the door and install the new gasket, starting at the corners to get the dart properly fit into the track and then working towards the center of each side.  Note, the weight of a large gasket might be enough to stretch the material while it is hanging on the door being installed. That is why it is important to install the corners first and then work to the center of each side.  The material should adjust to fit the door if it was measured properly.

5.   

If the gasket is a screw in style gasket, then remove the old gasket by loosening the screws in the retainer strip.  In possible, do not fully remove the screws from the door panel as it will make for more work when installing the new gasket.  Once the old gasket has been removed, install the screw in flap behind the retainer panel to get the new gasket in place.  You might need to make a few adjustments to the gasket to get it to sit properly behind the retainer panel.  Once the gasket is sitting properly in place, start with the screws closest to the corners and tighten them, working towards the middle of each side.  If you find that the gasket is bunching behind the retainer panel, loosen the screws and make an adjustment.

6.   

After installing your new replacement door gasket and checking the door to see that it will stay closed, you may very likely discover that there is a problem.  Remember, your door will often require some adjustment before it will close properly with the new gasket.