Self-contained reach-in refrigerator

A self-contained reach-in refrigerator comprising:

• a cabinet defining a product space;
• a self-contained refrigeration system connected to the cabinet, the self-contained refrigeration system comprising an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and interconnecting tubing;
• a defrost heater in thermal communication with the evaporator for selectively defrosting the evaporator;
• and
• a sheet metal assembly forming a drain pan below the evaporator and a thermally conductive bridge providing thermal conduction between the defrost heater and the drain pan, the drain pan having a lower end and an upturned lip extending upward at the lower end, the thermally conductive bridge member comprising a first section in direct contact with the defrost heater at a location spaced apart above the drain pan, the thermally conductive bridge member further comprising a downturned second section in face-to-face contact with the upturned lip of the drain pan, the downturned second section forming a support member for bracing the drain pan against deformation under load.