Choosing the right commercial fridge is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. Whether you run a café, restaurant, bar, bakery, supermarket, or catering company, the right fridge keeps your food fresh, supports efficient service, and helps meet safety standards.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to pick the right fridge for your business, including the most important factors to consider and the types of commercial fridges available.

At Melbourne Refrigeration and Catering Equipment, we’ve been helping Australian businesses choose the best commercial refrigeration since 1984. From compact underbench fridges to large cool rooms, we supply high-quality units that match your needs and budget—backed by expert advice and reliable service.

How to Pick the Right Fridge for Your Business

When choosing a commercial fridge, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Over the years, we’ve helped different types of clients select fridges that not only meet their storage needs but, improve how their businesses run daily.

Here are five key areas we always guide our clients through:

1. Know Your Business Needs

Every business is unique, and your fridge should match the way you operate. Start by considering your daily use. Do you store large amounts of fresh produce? Do staff need quick access during busy periods? Is the fridge front-facing and visible to customers?

Some questions we help clients answer include:

• What kind of food or drink do I need to store—and in what quantities?
• How often will the fridge be opened within a day?
• Do I need fast cooling for high turnover items?
• Will aesthetics matter if the fridge is in the customer’s view?

For example, we recently worked with a café that needed a fridge near their barista station. They weren’t storing bulk items—but speed was critical. We recommended an underbench fridge with drawers for easy access to milk and perishables during the morning rush.

On the other hand, a catering company needed upright fridges that could hold trays of prepared meals for events. For them, space and storage capacity were the top priority.

At Melbourne Refrigeration, we take the time to understand your business model before recommending anything. That’s how we make sure the fridge you buy makes your life easier.

2. Measure Your Space Accurately

We’ve seen it too many times—businesses purchase a great fridge, only to realise it doesn’t fit properly or blocks work areas. That’s why proper measuring is crucial.

Make sure to check:

• Width, height, and depth of the space
• Door swing clearance
• Space for airflow and ventilation (especially for built-in units)
• Accessibility during service hours

From our experience:

A family-run takeaway shop once came to us after ordering a fridge online that didn’t account for the rear ventilation space. It overheated constantly and eventually broke down. We recommended a properly ventilated upright fridge with side air vents, solving the issue.

If you’re unsure, our team can conduct an on-site check or help you plan around your kitchen layout.

3. Choose the Right Type of Commercial Fridge

With so many options, it can be overwhelming. We help break it down based on your business type and floorplan.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Upright Fridges: Best for high-volume kitchens. We often install these in busy restaurant kitchens where chefs need to store large trays and bulk ingredients.
• Underbench Fridges: Popular with food trucks, bars, and cafés. One of our clients loved how their new underbench unit gave them extra prep space above while keeping ingredients close.
• Display Fridges: Ideal for front-of-house. A bakery used ours to showcase cakes and cold drinks, and it was an instant lift in impulse purchases.
• Bar Fridges: Designed for tight bar spaces. We supply single- and double-door fridges to Melbourne bars that want fast, cold storage without taking up much room.
• Prep Fridges: Great for sandwich, salad, or pizza stations. We helped a pizza shop install a prep fridge that doubled as a toppings bench, speeding up their service during peak hours.
• Cool Rooms & Freezer Rooms: Best for businesses storing stock in bulk. One of our supermarket clients chose a custom cool room to manage weekly deliveries and reduce spoilage.

Still unsure? Tell us what you do, and we’ll help you narrow down the best type for your workflow.

4. Focus on Performance and Efficiency

Commercial kitchens can get hot, and fridges must keep up with constant opening and closing. That’s why we only stock units that are built to perform under pressure.

Look out for:

• Digital temperature control for accuracy
• Even airflow to prevent hot spots
• Durable stainless steel bodies
• Castor wheels for easy cleaning and mobility
• LED lighting for product visibility
• Energy Star ratings to save on long-term costs

We upgraded the refrigeration at a kebab shop with high-efficiency fridges. Their old units were spiking in temperature during lunch rush. The new fridges we installed not only maintained a consistent chill but reduced their energy bill by almost 20% in the first quarter.

At Melbourne Refrigeration, we only recommend energy-smart models that combine performance with cost-saving over time.

5. Check Warranty and After-Sales Support

When investing in commercial equipment, support after the sale is just as important as the sale itself. That’s why all our fridges come with manufacturer warranties and local support from our Melbourne-based service team.

Whether it’s parts, maintenance, or just questions—we’re here when you need us. Would you like help choosing the right fridge for your specific kitchen setup? Let us know—our team is always happy to offer expert, practical advice based on decades of experience.

Why Choosing the Right Commercial Fridge Matters

Running a hospitality business—whether it’s a café, restaurant, bar, or takeaway—means dealing with constant pressure. You’re expected to deliver fast, reliable service while maintaining strict food safety standards and efficiently managing stock. And behind all of that? Your refrigeration plays a much bigger role than most people realise.

At Melbourne Refrigeration and Catering Equipment, we’ve seen firsthand how the right fridge can make or break a kitchen. Here’s why choosing the right commercial fridge truly matters:

1. Prevent Food Spoilage and Waste

Inconsistent temperatures or poor airflow can cause fresh ingredients to spoil faster. That’s not just inconvenient—it’s expensive. We’ve worked with many restaurants that were losing hundreds of dollars a week in wasted stock before switching to a fridge with proper airflow and digital temperature control. Once installed, they saw an immediate improvement in food shelf life.

2. Keep Service Running Smoothly

Imagine the lunch rush with staff constantly bending down or reaching awkwardly into an overloaded fridge. It slows service, frustrates staff, and impacts customer experience. A properly sized and positioned fridge can streamline your kitchen flow.

3. Avoid Expensive Repairs and Maintenance

Domestic fridges simply aren’t designed for the constant use seen in commercial kitchens. Motors overheat, seals wear out quickly, and you’ll end up spending more on repairs than you saved upfront. We always recommend choosing a commercial-grade unit built for durability. It’s an investment that pays off long-term in lower maintenance costs and fewer breakdowns.

4. Stay Compliant with Health Regulations

Food safety is non-negotiable. Inconsistent fridge temperatures can lead to bacterial growth, contamination, and ultimately health code violations. We once helped a bar that failed a food safety inspection due to incorrect fridge temps. After replacing their unit with a compliant, energy-efficient model from our range, they passed their follow-up check with no issues.

The bottom line? The right commercial fridge protects your ingredients, supports your staff, keeps your kitchen compliant, and saves money in the long run. At Melbourne Refrigeration, we take the time to understand your business and recommend the fridge that’s not just good—but the right fit.

Why Choose Melbourne Refrigeration and Catering Equipment?

We’re not just commercial fridge suppliers—we’re industry experts who understand the real needs of hospitality businesses. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Over 40 years of experience in commercial refrigeration
• Large showroom in Melbourne with top brands and live product displays
• Friendly expert advice to help you make the right choice
• Custom fit-out services including cool rooms, freezer rooms, and kitchen layout planning
• Affordable options for businesses of all sizes
• Fast delivery and professional installation across Victoria

No matter the size of your business, we’ll help you select a fridge that fits your space, your workflow, and your budget.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to pick the right fridge for your business can save you money, improve your kitchen’s efficiency, and keep your products safe and fresh. From upright storage units to custom cool rooms, there’s a commercial fridge for every setup—and Melbourne Refrigeration and Catering Equipment is here to help you find it.

Want expert help choosing your next fridge?

📍 Visit our Melbourne showroom

📞 Call us on (03) 9794 8627

📧 Email us at sales@melbournerefrigeration.com.au

Let us help you make the right investment for your business—one that lasts.

FAQs: How to Pick the Right Fridge for Your Business

Q: What is the most important factor when choosing a commercial fridge?

A: Start with your storage needs and available space. From there, look at fridge type, performance, and energy use. Melbourne Refrigeration can help you match these factors to the best fridge.

Q: How do I know which type of fridge is best for my business?

A: It depends on your industry. Restaurants often need upright fridges, while cafés may prefer underbench or display units. We can walk you through the options.

Q: Are commercial fridges more energy-efficient today?

A: Yes. Many modern models have higher energy ratings and better insulation. We have energy-efficient options that save you money in the long run.

Q: Do you offer installation and support?

A: Absolutely. Melbourne Refrigeration offers delivery, installation, and after-sales support across Melbourne and surrounding areas.

Q: Can I visit the showroom to compare models?

A: Yes. We welcome you to visit our showroom to see our full range and speak with our team.