A Commercial Refrigerator is one of the most used appliances in a professional kitchen. If you are running a food service business, you cannot operate without a commercial refrigerator.

That is why you need to invest in the best possible option. Investing in a commercial refrigerator requires thorough research and planning. That way you can choose the best commercial fridge for your business. 

In this Refrigerator Buying Guide, we will walk you through what is a commercial refrigerator, what are the factors to consider before buying a fridge, and the different types of commercial refrigerators.

What is a Commercial Fridge?

A commercial refrigerator is a cooling appliance designed for commercial settings such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other food service businesses.

Unlike residential refrigerators, commercial fridges are built to bear the strict demands of a busy kitchen, with more powerful construction, larger storage space, and advanced cooling technologies.

Key Features of a Commercial Fridge:

• Commercial Refrigerators are typically made using stainless steel. That is why it offers more durability than residential refrigerators.
• Can store large quantities of food and beverages.
• Maintain consistent temperatures even with frequent door openings.
• Allow precise temperature settings to ensure food safety.

Types of Commercial Fridges

There are different types of commercial refrigerators available in the market, each developed for specific uses and conditions. Understanding these types will help you pick the best commercial fridge for your needs.

1.Display Fridges

Display fridges are the most common type used in many food services businesses like restaurants, supermarkets, delis, and cafes. Display fridges are ideal for showcasing food items and beverages to your customers.

Their primary purpose is to attract customers by showing products in an appealing and accessible way, encouraging impulse buys.

Also, there are different types of display fridges such as Upright Display Fridges, Countertop Display Fridges, Open display fridges

Key Features of Commercial Display Fridges

• Display fridges typically have transparent glass doors that show what is inside without opening doors.
• Have LED lights that have lower energy consumption and make the items look more appealing.
• Has Flexible shelving options that help to customise the layout according to the items you hope to store.
• Have precise temperature control options to store fresh foods.
• Often features stainless steel construction for durability and ease of cleaning.

2. Bar Fridges

A bar fridge, also known as a bar refrigerator, is a refrigeration unit with a small storage capacity, developed for bars, pubs, and other places where beverages are served. These fridges are normally smaller and fit under counters or in small spaces. Most of those have adjustable shelves, precise Temperature Control, and glass doors. And most specially Bar fridges are energy efficient.

3. Under Counter Fridges

Commercial under-counter fridges are a convenient and space-saving option commonly seen in restaurants. These fridges are designed to fit underneath most standard counters, typically around 40 inches in height.

4. Walk-In Fridges

Walk-in commercial fridges are among the most commonly used refrigeration units in restaurants. The most important factor to consider when purchasing a walk-in fridge is its size. This will be the largest refrigeration unit in your establishment, so accurate measurements are essential.

5. Reach-In Coolers

Reach-in coolers are popular in restaurants and other food service businesses, including cafeterias and hospitals. These coolers can prevent food poisoning by maintaining safe temperatures and ensuring food safety.

6. Blast Chillers

Blast chillers quickly cool your products to a safe holding temperature, preventing bacteria from developing on your food and eliminating the risk of contamination. Beyond their necessity for instant cooling, blast chillers also extend the shelf life of your pre-cooked food products, making them a valuable addition to any kitchen.

What to Consider Before Buying a Commercial Fridge

Now we are at the most important part of our Commercial Refrigerator Buying Guide. Before investing in a commercial refrigerator, you need to consider several factors.

Space and Size Requirements:

Before purchasing a commercial refrigerator, measure your kitchen space correctly. If the fridge doesn’t fit, it will be a waste of money. For example, if you have a small kitchen and buy a large unit, it won’t fit.

Also, think about your business type. A small cafe might only need a small fridge for drinks and snacks, while a large restaurant will need a big fridge to store lots of ingredients. 

Energy efficiency:

Energy-efficient refrigerator models have less energy consumption and help reduce energy bills. Also, they reduce the impact on the environment.

You can check the energy efficiency using the Energy Star Rating. The star rating indicates the energy efficiency of a fridge. You can compare the energy efficiency of models that have similar capacities and features. The more stars a model has, the less energy it uses.

Temperature Range and Controls:

Temperature range and controls are important factors to consider when selecting a commercial refrigerator.

For example, dairy products like milk should be stored at a lower temperature, while fruits and vegetables require a slightly warmer range. If a refrigerator can’t keep the proper temperature for the food you’re storing, it could spoil food and cause health risks.

That’s why it’s essential to select a commercial fridge that offers a range of temperature settings. 

Construction and Material:

When purchasing a commercial refrigerator, the construction and material are key factors to consider.

Stainless steel is often the best material for refrigerators, especially in commercial settings, because it is strong, long long-term. Additionally, stainless steel is easy to clean, which is important in environments where hygiene is a priority, like restaurants or kitchens.

If you are choosing a refrigerator for a busy kitchen, a stainless steel model with solid, well-constructed shelves and doors will likely last longer and be easier to maintain than one made from cheaper materials. This not only ensures the refrigerator performs well over time but also makes daily cleaning and upkeep simpler.

Maintenance and Service:

Always choose a refrigerator model that is easy to maintain and clean. This will save you time and effort in the long run, assuring that the fridge stays in good working condition. For example, a fridge with removable shelves and a simple design is easier to clean, which is useful in busy settings like restaurants.

Additionally, consider the availability of service and support in your area. A refrigerator is a long-term investment, and reliable after-sales service is essential. If something goes wrong, having access to local service technicians or support can save you both time and money. A brand known for good customer service will provide peace of mind, knowing that help is readily available if needed.

Cost and Budget:

While the initial cost of a refrigerator is an important concern, it’s also paramount to think about the long-term investment. A higher-quality fridge might come with a higher upfront cost, but it can save you money over time through fewer repairs, better energy efficiency, and longer lifespan.

For example, investing in a more expensive, energy-efficient refrigerator can lead to lower utility bills each month. Additionally, a well-built refrigerator may last longer and require fewer repairs, reducing overall costs.

When setting your budget, try to balance the need for quality and reliability with what you can afford. Sometimes spending a bit more initially can save you money and hassle in the future.

Are you looking for the best commercial fridge for your kitchen? Look no further than Melbourne Refrigeration & Catering Equipment! We know how important quality and reliability are in a commercial kitchen.

That’s why we offer a range of commercial refrigerators from trusted brands. We value your time and are available when you need us. Our convenient trading hours are designed to fit your busy schedule.

Have questions or need assistance? Our team is here to help. Whether you have sales inquiries or need service support, we’ve got you covered.

Give us a call at (03) 9794-8627 or visit us during our trading hours. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to make a purchase, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

PHONE: (03) 9794 8627  

FAX: (03) 9794 7258  

EMAIL: sales@melbournerefrigeration.com.au