How to Choose the Right Commercial Refrigerator and Freezer for Your Business

In the heart of every successful business that involves food are their ingredients; whether it be meat or vegetables, having pristine ingredients is a key factor. And behind every successful business is a commercial refrigerator and freezer that works nonstop in making sure that all your ingredients are always ready.

That is why if you’re a business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur looking to enter the food industry, choosing the right commercial refrigerator for your business is crucial.

 And in this article, we will be helping you on how to do just that—picking the perfect commercial refrigerator that fits your business needs.

Types of Commercial Refrigerator

There are different kinds of commercial refrigerators on the market, and traditionally, they serve their own various purposes as well.

• Single Door Reach-In Refrigerators and Freezers - Usually, we use these commercial refrigerators to store prepared meats, produce, and garnishes that we plan to use within that day.

• Multiple Door Reach-In Refrigerators and Freezers - Typically, these are used to store ingredients in volumes, whether it be seasoned meat or produce that will be used within the week.

• Roll-In Refrigerators and Freezers - These are perfect when it comes to storing prepped food on the rack that will be typically used during buffets and other catered events.

• Pass-Through Refrigerators and Freezers - These are the types of commercial refrigerators that are perfect for high volume establishments like buffets, schools, and other facilities.

• Walk-In Coolers and Freezers - These commercial fridges are very ideal for kitchens or businesses that store a lot of either fresh or frozen ingredients.

• Undercounter Refrigerators and Freezers - Ideally, these are perfect for businesses that frequently use their ingredients, like pizzerias, catering shops, and sandwich shops.

Commercial Refrigerator Features to Consider

Now that you have an idea of the various types of commercial refrigerators available in the market, here are the features that you definitely should consider as well.

• Brand - Yes, you read that right. Brands matter in choosing the right commercial fridge for your growing business. Here, we listed three of the most trusted refrigerator brands:

• True - Known for their commitment to excellence, True is a brand known for their quality and durability.

• Arctic Air - Producing quality, affordable products since 1995, Arctic Air offers products with greater reliability and easier maintenance.

• Traulsen - A premier name in refrigeration for the food service industry, Traulsen offers products that excel in temperature control and consistency.

• Capacity and Dimensions - This determines how your refrigerator fits into your kitchen space and can affect how much food product can be stored. Choosing a too large fridge can affect your production, while too small and your food storage will be limited.

• Number of Doors - The number of doors on your fridge will directly influence its accessibility and space for storage. More doors will mean increased efficiency for your kitchen staff.

• Door Types and Materials - Always consider the door type of your commercial fridge, as it directly affects everything from convenience to energy consumption.

• Full Doors vs. Half Doors - Full doors provide a single large opening perfect for big items or bulk. Dutch doors or half doors are more beneficial for energy conservation.

• Solid Doors vs. Glass Doors - Solid doors are perfect in keeping food away from direct light. Glass doors on the other hand can help make inventory management easier.

• Door Handles, Locks, and Alarms - Safety of food should always be a part of your consideration when it comes to picking your refrigerator. Door handle design also affects the ease of use.

• Self-Closing and Reversible Doors - Self-closing doors will help you in enhancing energy efficiency by ensuring your refrigerator is always closed, while Reversible doors offer flexibility since you can place your fridge anywhere in the kitchen.

• Compressor Types and Location - This is the core of every refrigeration system that is crucial in keeping the desired temperatures to keep your ingredients and food products fresh. 

• Top-Mounted vs. Bottom-Mounted Compressors - Top-mounted compressors are generally better for cooler environments where the heat can rise away from the compressor, while bottom-mounted compressors provide easier accessibility for maintenance.

• Remote Compressors - The installation usually takes place on the roof, far from the unit. This set-up helps reduce noise and heat emissions in the kitchen and may improve the efficiency and longevity of the compressor.

• Digital Thermostats and Temperature Control - These allow for precise temperature management, crucial for food safety and cost efficiency.

• Shelves and Storage Configuration - Versatility of a commercial refrigerator’s interior is important in order to optimize space and organization. Here are some features to consider:

• Adjustable shelves for products varying in size.

• Sliding or half doors to minimize loss of cold air.

• Specialized compartments for food items like bottles or sauces.

• Defrost Mechanism - It is crucial to defrost your fridge every now and then to prevent frost build up, which can impact your refrigerator’s performance and energy consumption. Options include:

• Automatic defrost cycles for convenience and efficiency.

• Manual defrost options that provide more control but demand more hands-on time.

• Insulation and Energy Efficiency - Excellent insulation is the core of an efficient commercial refrigeration system. Energy efficiency, on the other hand, is both an environmentally conscious choice and a cost-friendly one.

• Lighting Options - Interior lighting of your commercial refrigerator is more than just to illuminate; it is crucial in the functionality and aesthetics of your fridge. 

• Removable Door Gaskets and Maintenance Ease - These are crucial factors in the maintenance, lifespan, and performance of your refrigeration system.

• Safety and Durability Features - Your commercial refrigerator must withstand frequent usage, bumps from staff, and offer safety features such as slip-resistant flooring in walk-in units or secure door handles to prevent accidents.

• Warranty and After-sales Support - Buying a commercial refrigerator is a considerable investment; that’s why it is crucial to consider the warranty and after-sales support offered. A complete warranty helps ease concerns regarding potential repair costs, while accessible after-sales support ensures that any issues will be addressed immediately.

Installation Considerations

Besides the features of your commercial refrigerator, you also must consider where and how you will install your unit.

• Measure door frames and hallways - Before you buy a unit, make sure to measure the length and width of any door frames and hallways the fridge will go through. Then you can come up with a plan on how to get the unit into the room.

• Ensure the room of the unit is well ventilated - Avoid installing units in very humid or dusty areas, for these can cause your fridge to rust or its condenser coil to malfunction.

• Install the unit on a level surface - Install your unit on a level surface that is far from heat and moisture-generating equipment. High ambient temperatures are the usual cause of breakdowns in units, and in most cases, it will void your warranty.

• Ensure it has the proper power supply - Your refrigerator should be supplied with the correct voltage that is according to the manufacturer’s manual, and it should have its very own dedicated electric circuit. In case of confusion, always refer to the equipment manual for best practices and any special considerations for your unit.

Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Tips

Now that you’ve checked all the features and installation considerations, it is also best that you practice the best maintenance tips for your fridge! We’ve listed down some of the crucial ones for you.

• Clean the Condenser Coil - Clean your condenser oil once a month to keep it free of dirt, dust, and debris for it to sustain operating at an optimal level.

• Clean the Fan Blades - Use a soft cloth in cleaning the fan blades and motor. If it is necessary to wash the blades, make sure to cover the fan motor in order to avoid potential moisture damage.

• Remove any Blockage of Airflow -  It is crucial that your refrigeration system has access to clean air for it to operate sufficiently. Make sure to clear any debris or dust from the exhaust at least once a week.

• Wash Door Gaskets - Your unit’s door gaskets should be cleaned at least once a week. You can simply remove the frame of the door, soak with warm water and soap for 30 minutes, then dry with a soft cloth and replace. Make sure that gaskets are sealing once they are replaced.

• Replace Worn Out or Damaged Parts - Your unit is composed of many parts and accessories that are crucial to the proper functioning of your fridge. Make sure to replace parts if they are not functioning properly to avoid larger issues.

And there you go! You are now ready to invest in your very own commercial refrigerator! Owning a quality and cost-efficient fridge is one underrated secret to elevating your business! And there’s only one place where you can find premium commercial refrigerators, and that’s right at Charlie’s Fixtures!

A Quality Commercial Refrigerator Will Save the Day

It’s safe to say that the food industry is a fast world, and one misstep may spell trouble for you. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in a refrigerator and freezer that is efficient and reliable in keeping your ingredients fresh.

And you can now save time in purchasing the perfect commercial refrigerator that will fit your business needs right at Charlie’s Fixtures! With our world-class units, you can sleep well knowing that you have a refrigerator that you can depend on! Head to our website and browse our wide range of kitchen equipment!