Commercial Fridges & Freezers - An Overview

Commercial refrigeration is a broad term used to describe temperature controlled equipment typically used to store or display perishable goods and is an essential aspect of various businesses, particularly in the food and beverage industry. This term can be split further into display refrigeration, with glass door, and storage refrigeration, with solid door, categories. Commercial fridges and freezers are vital for maintaining the safety, quality, and freshness of fresh ingredients and produce and other stock by creating consistent, precision temperatures and conditions to maintain overall quality. 

• Preserving Quality and Freshness: Commercial fridges and freezers play a crucial role in shops, catering businesses, and food service environments. They help in preserving the quality and freshness of food and beverages, ensuring that customers receive the best products. While shops typically benefit from glass door display fridges and freezers, commercial kitchens will lean towards solid door cabinets and counters.
• Compliance with Health Standards: Commercial refrigeration is essential for complying with health and safety standards. Proper refrigeration prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, thus avoiding foodborne illnesses while maintaining the quality and integrity of foods.

There are many types of equipment available that fall under the term 'commercial fridges and freezers'. Here is a brief overview of the main pieces and where they are most commonly found.

Solid Door Storage and Catering Fridges & Freezers

Most used in: Commercial Kitchens

• Upright Cabinets: Ideal for back-of-house operations, these solid door fridges and freezers offer large storage capacity and are perfect for stocking bulk items.
• Undercounter Models: These are great for smaller spaces, providing convenient access to ingredients during service.

Prep Counters

Most used in: Commercial Kitchens

• Dual Functionality: Combining refrigerated or freezer cabinets with a food-safe worktop, prep counters streamline the food preparation process.
• Efficiency in Kitchens: They are particularly beneficial in restaurant and catering kitchens, where space and time are of the essence.

Glass Door Display Fridges & Freezers

Most used in: Shops & Customer Facing Settings

• Appealing Product Display: This equipment is designed with transparent doors to showcase products attractively, boosting impulse purchases.
• Variety of Models: Available in both upright cabinet and undercounter models, they cater to different space and display requirements.

Countertop Fridges and Impulse Coolers

Most used in: Shops & Customer Facing Settings

• Space-Saving Design: Ideal for small shops or checkout areas, these units are compact yet efficient in displaying and cooling products.

Multidecks and Serve Overs

Most used in: Shops & Customer Facing Settings

• Open Front for Easy Access: Multidecks are open-fronted, making them perfect for self-service environments.
• Customisation Options: Serve overs, with their glass front, display decks and rear counters, can be customised for delis, butchers, and similar retail settings.

For more indepth information about choosing the right commercial refrigeration for your business, check out our individual buying guides that talk you through what to look out for with each type of equipment.

Benefits for Businesses

• Meeting Specific Needs: Selecting the right type, size, and capacity of commercial fridges is crucial for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern commercial refrigeration is designed with energy efficiency in mind, reducing operational costs.

Importance of Reputable Brands

• Quality and Performance: Opting for a reputable brand ensures high-quality manufacture and performance. Shop our full range of brands with highly regarded names suited for all requirements and levels of budget.
• Warranty and Value for Money: Good brands offer a good level of commercial warranty and better value for money in the long term through durability and lower maintenance costs.

Commercial fridges and freezers whether used catering kitchens, shops or other catering and food service settings are indispensable in maintaining food safety, enhancing business operations, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Whether it's solid door, glass door, prep counters, or multidecks, each type has its unique characteristics and benefits. Businesses should carefully consider their specific requirements to choose the most suitable commercial refrigeration solution.