What is Commercial Refrigeration?

There are many different types and applications of refrigeration in Canterbury including:

Commercial refrigeration
Farm Refrigeration
Freezers and Cool Rooms
Chiller Trailers

Commercial refrigeration is designed for far more frequent usage in a busy environment compared to your domestic fridge found at home. A domestic fridge may only be opened a dozen times in a day, whilst a commercial refrigerator could be constantly opened and closed over the course of a few hours.

When fridge doors are constantly being opened and closed, the appliance requires a quicker chill recovery rate and will be forced to work harder to maintain its storage temperature. Due to these requirements, commercial fridges are equipped with more powerful compressors, far sturdier construction, and are often fan-assisted, making them louder than a domestic fridge as well.

It’s important to select the right commercial fridge for your needs, the largest fridges are capable of storing chilled food or ingredients worth thousands of dollars. Therefore, functionality and reliability are essential, as a malfunction could be incredibly costly regardless of how quick to respond a technician is.

This commercial fridge guide will help you understand the different types of fridges, and key features you’ll need to consider when purchasing a unit.

Types of Fridges

Selecting the appropriate type of fridge is essential for satisfying your requirements of the fridge. However, with so many variations of fridges, it can be difficult and confusing to decide which type of fridge is best suitable for your needs. Below we have listed variations of fridges with information about each to help you come to a conclusion on which fridge will perform the best for you.

Upright Fridges

This type of fridge offers maximum storage space, with the advantage of height, these commercial fridges can provide larger capacities without taking up too much floor space. A single-door slimline upright fridge can fit into tight and crowded spaces, such as a commercial kitchen. A wider double door model will offer even greater storage capacity than almost every other type of refrigerator apart from walk-in cold rooms.

Smaller footprint: Reduces the amount of kitchen floor space taken up by refrigeration
More storage space: Larger capacities, especially if you choose a double door fridge
GN-compatible: Transfer gastronorm pans directly from the fridge to other appliances
Quick and easy access: Can be positioned closer to meal prep areas compared to walk-in fridges
Adjustable shelves: Customised layouts to store any large food containers or bulky ingredients

Counter Fridges

A counter fridge is a combination of chilled storage with a built-in reliable worktop. This is a great solution for kitchens that require additional work surfaces, these units are typically waist high and ensure that the items stored are kept within easy reach at all times. The countertop is generally made from stainless steel, making it easy to clean and keep hygienic. They are also strong enough to hold other kitchen appliances on top.

Under counter refrigeration: Makes efficient use of kitchen space with meal prep worktop included
Versatile storage: Units are available with doors, drawers, or a combination of both
GN-compatible: Transfer gastronorm trays directly from the fridge to the oven range or freezer
Variety of sizes: From small single door units to large four-door fridges, there is a model to fit any space
Strong worktops: Tough enough to hold small appliances such as blenders, mixers, or sous vide machines

Prep Fridges

Very similar in design to a counter fridge, prep station fridges also combine convenient under-bench storage with a handy work surface. Another key difference is that these units can offer even greater versatility, including countertop storage for ingredients, toppings, or fillings. A prep fridge revolutionised and now leads the food preparation industry, speeding up food preparation times by having everything in one place and easy to access. However, the trade-off for this is that the reduced worktop space means there’s less room to hold kitchen appliances, whereas a counter fridge would be the better alternative for this.

All in one place: An under counter fridge with a sturdy worktop makes efficient use of kitchen space
Versatile capacities: Available with drawers, doors or a combination of both
GN-compatible: Many offer gastronorm compatibility, so trays can be transferred directly from the fridge to other appliances
Countertop storage: Handy gastronorm pan holders with lids for storing fresh salad, toppings or fillings
Reliable worktops: Available in stainless steel or stay-cool marble – perfect for bakery or pizzeria use

Under Counter Fridges

This type of fridge is very situational, for a workspace that has adequate worktop space. By using an under-counter fridge, it ensures that no floor space goes unused and is using the space available to maximum effectiveness. These practical units are compact and lightweight, designed with the intent to fit neatly under worktops, providing that easy reach of chilled items. These fridges have solid doors and operate quieter than other commercial fridges, with the main intent for front of house areas.

Practical: Ideal for use as a secondary or front of house fridge
Compact design: Single door under-counter fridges are easy to position, while double door models increase storage space
Virtually silent: A quiet fridge perfectly suited for hotel rooms or more intimate surroundings
Countertop storage: Handy gastronorm pan holders with lids for storing fresh salad, toppings or fillings
Energy-efficient: Under the counter, fridges cost less to run than large fridges due to their small size

Display Fridges

A display fridge is an essential unit for keeping food and drink chilled, whilst showcasing it to customers. These fridges and cabinets are designed with glass doors and interior lighting for maximum visibility of the chilled goods inside. When positioned correctly, display refrigeration encourages impulse purchases and can make a huge difference in sales.

Chilled merchandisers: Benchtop or freestanding models can be positioned anywhere to capitalise on passing trade
Maximum visibility: Glass doors and glass cabinets ensure products are seen from multiple directions
Easy access: Instant access for staff or customers in self-service areas
Interior lighting: Ensures food and drink is seen even in darker or low-light venues
Drinks fridges: In bars and clubs, bar fridges or wine coolers are perfect for displaying bottles or cans attractively

Commercial Fridge sizes

Remember, before you purchase a fridge, two of the most important aspects to consider are the size and capacity of the unit. Ask yourself, what available space do you have for a refrigerator? How much storage space do you need?

Fridge Sizes

Always check fridge size guides before purchasing to ensure the unit will fit in your kitchen. An upright fridge takes up less floor space but, with heights approaching 2 meters, you will need to be sure that your ceilings are high enough to accommodate them.

Under counter fridges usually have heights of around 850mm so that they can fit under most standard worktops. Counter fridges may be a little higher, so it is worth checking that the countertop height will be in a comfortable position around waist height. Remember to consider whether the fridge is mounted on castor wheels when measuring up.

The length of these commercial fridges will depend on the capacity and number of doors. The smallest under counter fridge may only be 600mm wide, while a big four-door counter fridge could reach three metres.

Fridge Capacity

You should aim to buy a fridge that is equipped with enough storage space to cope with the busiest periods of business. Choosing a fridge that is too small, risks limiting the full potential output of your business or can even cost you as food and ingredients go to waste. Choosing a fridge that is too big will take up too much space, which can be limited, and will also come with higher operating costs.

Due to their height, upright fridges tend to offer the greatest capacities. Some double door fridges offer in excess of 1,200 litres, while the narrower single door units tend to provide between 400 and 600 litres.

Counter fridge and under counter fridge capacities can vary greatly depending on the length of the unit and the number of doors. The largest three or four-door models can be as large as 900 litres, while the smallest and most compact single door under bench fridges will offer capacities of 150 litres for storing essential chilled goods.

Commercial Fridge Features

Tropical Rating: How hot can room conditions get in the planned location for your fridge? A commercial fridge’s tropical rating refers to the highest ambient temperature that the fridge can operate ineffectively. If temperatures in your kitchen are routinely climbing above 32°C, it’s likely you’ll need a tropical-rated fridge. The most powerful units will excel in conditions of up to 43°C.
Energy Efficiency: The more efficient your fridge, the less it costs to run. Features such as additional insulation and self-closing doors will all help to save energy. Most solid-door commercial fridges will have an energy efficiency rating to help you decide.
Automatic Defrost: The inside of a commercial fridge can get a build-up of ice over time. This will reduce the performance and lifespan of the fridge, so many professional units have a built-in auto defrost system that can be programmed to kick in when required. If there’s no automatic defrost, you’ll need to defrost the unit manually.
Security: Contents stored in a commercial fridge can be highly valuable, especially if it is cuts of meat or fish. For peace of mind, it’s worthwhile to invest in a unit with lockable doors to secure your stock.
Doors: Self-closing doors help to save energy and are especially useful when you’ve got your hands full. Some fridges also have a pedal opening mechanism, so you don’t even need to touch the door – far more hygienic.
Access: How often will you need to access the unit? If you’re only planning to open the doors infrequently, a lighter duty commercial fridge may be suitable. However, if you’re constantly accessing the unit, you’ll need a heavy-duty model with a more powerful compressor to ensure storage temperatures are reliably maintained.

Final Comments

To finish off, remember to consider what size refrigerator you require, the amount of space you have available, and how much do you intend to store inside the unit. Contact our experienced refrigeration team in Timaru, Canterbury.

We offer a range of services including:

24-hour breakdown support
On-site consultations and advice
Design-build options
Customise systems
Preventative maintenance systems
Heat reclaim and energy efficiency
Supply of spare parts and equipment
Plate heat exchanger servicing
Glycol and chilled water system maintenance
Refrigerant reclaim and conversions
Refrigerant leak detection systems

We also offer a preventative maintenance programme to keep your systems running well and help decrease expensive problems that can come from a lack of maintenance.