When running a food service business, whether it’s a restaurant, a local deli, or a catering company, the right commercial refrigerator is a key player in maintaining food safety and ensuring the right refrigeration.
But with so many models, sizes, and features available, choosing the perfect unit can feel overwhelming.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the major factors to consider when selecting the right commercial refrigerator for your business. So, let’s get started!
1. Understand Your Storage Needs
The first thing to consider when choosing a commercial refrigerator is to assess your storage needs. You must take into account the type and volume of goods you’ll need to store.
To get started, ask yourself the following questions:
– Do you need a refrigerator, freezer, or a combination of both?
– What is the average quantity of food you’ll store daily/weekly/monthly?
– Do you need short-term or long-term storage and cooling solutions?
For instance, a small café might need a single upright refrigerator for perishables, while a busy restaurant might require several large units, including both refrigerators and freezers, to handle higher volumes of food.
Three common categories of Commercial Refrigerators include:
Upright Refrigerators/Freezers: These vertical units are ideal for kitchens with limited floor space but significant storage needs.
Under-Counter Refrigerators: These are perfect for prep stations, under-counter fridges save space while keeping ingredients easily accessible.
Walk-in Refrigerators: Made especially for restaurants or large operations, these types of refrigerators offer maximum storage capacity and temperature control.
2. Size and Capacity
Other factors to consider are size and capacity. You should measure the available space in your kitchen area and make sure to consider the door clearance. This is because some refrigerators require more space to open fully.
You should choose a model with sufficient internal capacity to store all the goods that you desire or need. Think about the future growth as well – you may need a larger unit if you plan to expand your menu or increase customer volume. That is why it’s best to purchase a commercial refrigerator that goes beyond fulfilling current goods capacity.
Try measuring the width, depth, and height of the available space. Then, ensure the refrigerator has at least a couple of inches of ventilation space. Finally, keep in mind the staff workflow factor. The refrigerator’s placement should allow for easy access during busy service times.
3. Energy Efficiency
Energy consumption is a critical factor in choosing a commercial refrigerator, as these units run 24/7. Try to purchase energy-efficient models that can help reduce electricity bills over time.
Some key features that contribute to energy efficiency include:
Energy Star Rating: Appliances with this certification are designed to use less energy, reducing operating costs.
LED Lighting: LED lights consume less power and produce less heat than traditional bulbs, helping to maintain a cooler temperature inside the fridge.
Efficient Compressors: Look for units with variable-speed compressors that adjust their power output based on cooling demand.
If you invest in an energy-efficient model, it may have a higher upfront cost, but it will lead to significant savings in the long run. You may consult expert suppliers like Earnest to learn more about this strategy.
4. Temperature Control and Consistency
An important aspect of food safety is maintaining proper temperatures in commercial kitchens. Commercial refrigerators many a time come with different cooling technologies, so we recommend selecting the one that offers consistent temperature control.
One way to ensure this is through self-contained refrigeration systems. These systems have the compressor and other components built into the unit. They are easier to install but may generate more heat.
On the other hand, remote refrigeration systems feature a compressor located outside the building, which reduces heat in the kitchen and allows for quieter operation, though these systems are costlier to install.
You’ll find some refrigerators that consist of advanced features including:
digital temperature displays,
alarms, and
automatic defrost functions.
These systems help maintain consistent cooling, so you can avoid temperature fluctuations that may compromise food safety.
5. Durability and Build Quality
Commercial refrigerators are exposed to a lot of corrosion, so it’s important to choose one built for heavy-duty use. Stainless steel interiors and exteriors are popular for their durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to rust and corrosion.
Other factors to look for include shelving, in which adjustable and sturdy shelves can accommodate various sizes of items and are easier to clean. Another factor to look for is Door Quality, which should be solid and well-insulated to help maintain consistent internal temperatures. Many commercial refrigerators offer self-closing doors to conserve energy.
6. Ease of Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your refrigerator in top shape and prolonging its lifespan. Units that are easy to clean and maintain will save time and money in the long run.
You should consider the following in regards to maintenance:
Removable Shelving and Drawers: These make it easier to clean the interior thoroughly.
Accessible Condenser Units: Condenser coils should be easy to access and clean to maintain cooling efficiency.
Auto-Defrost Features: Some refrigerators come with automatic defrost functions to prevent ice buildup and minimize downtime for maintenance.
7. Price and Warranty
Commercial refrigerators are priced in various ranges, depending on size, features, and brand. You should set a budget and find a model that offers the best value for your needs.
However, don’t just focus on the price tag. A lower upfront cost might mean higher energy bills or maintenance costs down the road. Look for models that offer a good balance between cost, energy efficiency, and durability.
Make sure to also consider the warranty. Most commercial refrigerators come with a standard warranty covering parts and labor, but some manufacturers offer extended warranties for compressors, which are the most critical components of the unit.
8. Refrigeration Type: Air-Cooled vs. Water-Cooled
Commercial refrigerators use different methods to cool their interiors, with the two main types being air-cooled and water-cooled systems. Understanding the differences between these systems will help you choose the right unit for your kitchen’s environment and cooling needs.
Air-Cooled Refrigerators:
These refrigerators rely on fans to circulate cool air around the compressor, which can be more energy-efficient and easier to install. However, because they depend on the surrounding air, they can add heat to the kitchen and are less efficient in hot environments.
Water-Cooled Refrigerators:
These use water to cool the compressor, which can be more efficient in warmer kitchens. Water-cooled refrigerators do not add extra heat to the room but typically require a consistent water supply. They are often more expensive to operate due to water usage and the potential for additional installation costs.
Choosing between these systems depends on the size of your kitchen, ambient temperatures, and your energy or water cost considerations.
Check out the different types of commercial refrigerators that you can purchase and make the best use of for your business.
9. Mobility and Placement
One key factor to consider is whether your commercial kitchen requires a refrigerator that can be easily moved around. Some refrigerators come with caster wheels, which allow you to easily move the unit for cleaning or rearranging your kitchen layout.
Ask yourself the following questions before buying a mobile refrigerator:
Do you need to clean underneath the unit frequently?
Does your kitchen layout change seasonally or based on menu offerings?
Units with caster wheels are particularly useful in smaller kitchens where flexibility is crucial, or in restaurants where thorough cleaning is a daily task. On the other hand, if your refrigerator will be stationary, look for models with sturdy, leveling legs for stability on uneven surfaces.
10. Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations
Your commercial refrigerator must meet specific health and safety standards to ensure it complies with local regulations. Food safety standards vary from region to region, but some universal factors include maintaining proper temperatures and ensuring easy-to-clean surfaces.
Make sure the unit you choose meets stringent hygiene and sanitation requirements, ensuring they are safe for storing food. In addition to that, the equipment must comply with hazard maintenance so that commercial kitchens can ensure food safety.
Some units offer digital monitoring systems that alert you when temperatures fall outside of safe ranges.
By choosing a refrigerator that complies with these regulations, you can avoid potential health violations and ensure the safety of your customers.
Ensuring Right Refrigeration with The Right Support
In a country like Bangladesh where food industries prevail, you will always need a robust commercial refrigerator, be it a cold storage room, a Walk-In Refrigerator, or even a Display refrigerator. Depending on your business, commercial setup, and goods, the refrigeration will vary.
To meet these needs, Earnest has been serving its customers and clients with industrial refrigerators and cold rooms since 2010, placing itself as an industry leader and supplier of choice.
The company offers chiller systems, multipurpose cold rooms, ice machines, cooling systems, HVAC systems, etc with utmost quality and top-notch service. You can reach out to Earnest for your industrial cooling needs with full confidence.
Summing Up
Choosing the right commercial refrigerator involves more than simply picking a unit that fits your space. From understanding cooling systems and evaluating energy efficiency to considering mobility, health regulations, and the type of refrigeration, each factor plays a critical role in your final decision.
Taking the time to assess your business’s specific needs will ensure that you invest in the best commercial refrigerator for your kitchen, improving efficiency, cutting costs, and maintaining food safety.
With the right choice, your refrigerator can be an asset that helps keep your business running smoothly for years to come. And, if you are facing difficulty deciding how to set up your refrigeration system, you can always contact Earnest.
