Foster Refrigeration Buying Guide

Foster has recently celebrated its ‘Golden Anniversary’, marking an impressive 50 years of supplying the commercial refrigeration industry with leading equipment. This popular brand is renowned for producing premium refrigeration products and is widely considered to be the undisputed market leader. They manufacture units for every possible use, ensuring that the perfect piece of equipment is always available.

Whilst Foster products were always situated firmly at the top end of the market with their EcoPro G2 and more recent G3 ranges, they have now developed the Xtra range, making Foster's quality and excellence accessible to all businesses.

All Foster refrigeration (/commercial-refrigeration-brands/foster) equipment benefits from British build quality, with over 80% of parts sourced from within the UK. The main manufacturing depot in Kings Lynn acts as the hub for numerous holding depots around the country. Foster aims to manufacture all standard orders within 48 hours and deliver within the shortest possible time frame.

This buying guide details some of the main features and specifications to look for when purchasing from Foster and why Foster is a trusted choice for commercial refrigeration solutions.

Foster has achieved many 'firsts' in its long and rich history, including:

• The manufacture of the first commercial refrigeration in the UK
• The first manufacturer to promote aluminium and stainless steel products
• The first fully CFC-free manufacturer of commercial refrigeration
• The first manufacturer to appear on the ECA scheme
• The first and only commercial refrigeration company to attain the Carbon Trust Standard

When investing in a Foster product, there are many features provided as standard that aren’t available with other manufacturers:

• Free site surveys for larger equipment to guarantee a perfect fit for your business needs
• A 24-month 0% interest-free credit option to make quality accessible to any budget
• Full environmental awareness in both the manufacturing process and the equipment's subsequent running
• A 24-month full parts and labour warranty on all equipment
• The Royal Warrant of Appointment, recognising regular suppliers of goods or services for at least five years to royal households
• Unrivalled product longevity, with many units lasting longer than multiple entry-level pieces from other brands. A recent competition to find the oldest piece of Foster refrigeration still in use resulted in the discovery of a fridge that is still going strong after 42 years of service after being routinely cleaned, maintained and serviced.

• Budget: The G2 and subsequently the G3 ranges offer top quality with advanced features, while the Xtra range provides high efficiency and build quality at a more accessible price point.
• Product: Foster manufactures products for every commercial use, including blast chillers, display merchandisers, fish cabinets, and counters. Foster catering fridges and Foster catering freezers are among the popular choices.
• Space Available: Both ranges offer a full range of size options. Slimline equipment is ideal for limited space, while larger units suit bigger premises. Free site surveys ensure smooth delivery of large equipment.
• Capacity: Calculate storage needs to avoid wasting money on insufficient or excessive capacity.

• Features: Look for features including;
  
  
  • ample storage capacity. 
  • versatility. The Flexdrawer is a relatively new product which can alternate between a fridge and a freezer at the flip of a switch 
  • mobile phone technology available in certain cabinets.
  • quality insulation to contribue to low running costs and more precise temperatures while remaining environmentally friendly.
  • high-grade stainless steel finishes
  • temperature ranges. Standard refrigeration temperatures typically measure 1˚C – 4˚C, freezer units approximately -18˚C - -21˚C and meat around -2˚C - +2˚C. Fish equipment will feature a special coating to protect the unit from the ammonia produced by the fish. The units in the G2 range all feature an interior coating which prevents reactions from the acidic juices in tomatoes and lemon juice etc.
  • vent positions. While the typical situation sees vents located at the top of the unit there is undermounted equipment available where the vents appear at the base. If your kitchen has good ceiling clearance and ample ventilation the high situation will be fine however premises with lower ceilings will benefit from an under mounted position so that as hot air rises the vents remain in the cooler air lower down.
  • pass through cabinets perfect for large kitchens. Great for temporary holding of food in large kitchens where trays can be inserted in one side and retrieved from the other. This allows for island positioning where required, chefs being able to walk 360° around the equipment for maximum use of all available space.

Foster has long been acclaimed as one of the brand leaders in the commercial refrigeration industry, continuously innovating and progressing. One of their latest adaptations promises to reduce energy consumption, maximise energy savings by up to 55%, and minimise environmental impact.

The new option of energy-reducing frameless doors for Foster multideck display fridges and chillers guarantees that the perfect temperature is easier to reach and maintain. This energy-efficient refrigeration technology helps businesses save on running costs while being environmentally conscious.

Why Choose Acrylic Doors?

• Best quality acrylic used in the manufacture of doors
• Improved insulation efficiency
• Shatterproof design for safety
• Lightweight for easy opening and closing
• Dual glazing for consistent temperature control
• Fully frameless designs for an uninterrupted line of sight
• Hygienic and easy to clean
• Polished chrome hinges for a professional design

Foster Refrigerator has always focused on providing energy-efficient solutions that help to reduce running costs and ease the burden on the environment—complying with the ERP and MEPS legislation, known as the Ecodesign directive, since its introduction in 2016.

Foster has spent the last five decades investing in the latest technology, including up-to-date testing facilities that produce low-energy refrigeration systems with an emphasis on quality and design.

Foster's G3 range of cabinets are some of the most energy-efficient on the market, with features such as Stayclear condensers and super-deduction technology helping to reduce running costs by up to 35%. The EP1/3M EcoPro Prep Counter is a perfect allrounder-prep counter that meets refrigeration with 'smart' controls and an 'Airlines' ventilation system that reduces compressor running time by 15%.

Foster delivers a wide and varied range of equipment to meet every kitchen demand.

To reduce costly 'downtime', Foster has introduced a new SOS free next day delivery service, available across all popular ranges, including the G3 range and Xtra equipment. Deliveries are carried out Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Orders must be placed by 12.30 pm on the previous working day. Some postcode exceptions apply, so please get in touch if you wish to take advantage of this offer.

With so many products to choose from, making the right decision the first time is imperative for your business operations and finances. Seek advice from an impartial third party. The FFD team is trained to listen to your individual business needs and suggest the perfect piece of equipment for your requirements.