Whether you run a pub, club, or any other type of venue, you understand the importance of having a reliable commercial refrigerator. Not only do they keep cold food at a safe temperature, but they also allow you to serve refreshingly cool drinks when your customers need them most. But how can you be sure that you have the best commercial refrigerator for your needs?
This article explains how to ensure you buy the best commercial refrigerator for your business. For personalised advice, contact our team at Tempright Refrigeration Services today.
What is Commercial Refrigeration?
This is true for domestic refrigerators as well, but commercial refrigeration is much more powerful than your fridge at home. Whether they’re much bigger, the same size, or maybe even smaller than your home fridge, a commercial refrigerator is typically used more often, meaning people open and close its doors more often throughout the day. With all of the hot air from a commercial kitchen, and a commercial fridge often containing thousands of dollars worth of food and beverages, keeping its contents safe is critical.
The Types of Commercial Refrigerators
Commercial refrigerators come in many different types, including:
1. Upright fridges
Upright fridges generally allow you to save as much floor space as possible. They’re much taller than they are wide, making them good options for fitting into tight or crowded kitchens.
Despite their floor space-saving ways, upright fridges typically have large capacities, especially if you choose a double-door upright fridge. They also often have adjustable shelves, so you can customise your fridge’s layout to suit your preferences.
2. Counter fridges
Counter fridges are fridges that are wider than they are tall, typically at around waist height, with a counter on the top. This makes it easier to prep food on top with the fridge right below it, keeping your most-used essentials within easy reach.
They are also available in customised options, with doors, drawers, or a combination of both. They offer strong, tough countertops that are able to hold appliances like blenders and mixers, ensuring you can prepare meals and drinks without having to move around the kitchen.
3. Prep fridges
Similar to counter fridges, prep fridges are wide fridges with a prep space on top. The difference between the two is that prep fridges have less bench space, but make up for it with countertop storage for ingredients. You’ll typically see these at sandwich shops and delis, where the convenience of having prepared ingredients separated and ready to go is critical rather than the room for appliances.
4. Under counter fridges
Under counter fridges look similar to bar fridges, resembling small boxes that are perfect for smaller spaces with enough worktop space. These are designed to fit in underneath counters, making use of all the available floor space while still offering convenience.
Due to their compact size, under counter fridges are typically quite energy efficient. They’re also generally quieter to run than other types of commercial fridges, making them a popular choice for front of house areas.
5. Display fridges
These are the ones that grab your attention when you enter a cafe, coffee shop, or bakery, tempting you with freshly-made and neatly-displayed treats. Display fridges keep food and drink chilled to the correct temperature while remaining on display to customers. They blend form and function seamlessly, offering a combination of visibility, interior lighting, and easy access for staff and customers.
How to Choose the Best Commercial Refrigerator for Your Needs
The right type of commercial refrigerator for you will depend on many factors, including:
1. Size
Consider the size of your kitchen or space to narrow down your commercial refrigeration options. It’s important to ensure your fridge will fit in the space you have available so that everybody who works in or delivers to your kitchen will be able to move around safely. If your fridge is too large or its shape doesn’t fit your space, it could lead to accidents, or maybe not even fit inside to begin with.
2. Capacity
When considering a commercial refrigerator’s size, also consider the capacity and how much room you need. Commercial refrigerator capacity is measured in litres— small under counter fridge capacity can be as small as 150L, while large double-door fridges can offer upwards of 1500L of space. If your fridge is too small, you run the risk of overcrowding it, but if it’s too big, it’s harder for it to stay cool if it’s not filled efficiently.
3. Energy efficiency
Your fridge operates 24/7, so choosing the most energy-efficient model you can will likely be a good choice. Not only will it assist with keeping your power bills lower than a less energy-efficient model, but you’ll also be playing your part in helping the environment. Make sure you choose a model that meets Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) requirements, has good insulation panels, and has doors with good sealing.
Above all else, when you’re searching for a commercial refrigerator, ensure it’s designed for the purpose you need it for and that it’s certified to Australian standards. If you have any questions on your search, ask them, as making the wrong choice could be costly.
Consider Tempright Refrigeration Services for Your Commercial Refrigeration Needs
Ultimately, commercial refrigeration ensures that your business operates at its best. When you need a partner in commercial refrigeration to help your business succeed, our team at Tempright is here to help. Whether you’re looking for assistance with installation, repairs, or maintenance, we’ve got the solution for you. To find out more, contact us today.
