Keeping perishable goods fresh and safe in your industrial setup is not always a breeze. You have cold storage rooms where you keep the goods or items. However, maintaining the cold rooms and the equipment or devices well year-round is challenging. Especially, the commercial refrigerators that actually store the goods and keep them cool and fresh.
So, when it comes to purchasing commercial refrigerators, you have quite a good number of options to select from. Because there are multiple factors that you have to consider before making the purchase. And once you do, you can easily buy the right commercial refrigerator for your cold room.
In this article, we will look at the types of commercial refrigerators out there and look at the factors that will help you decide which one to buy.
What is a Commercial Refrigerator?
A commercial refrigerator is an HVAC system used primarily in industrial settings such as factories, restaurants, supermarkets, or cafeterias. Unlike residential refrigerators, these machines are designed to store much larger quantities of items.
They also have a robust construction and abide by food safety regulations provided by entities like the BSTI. The development of these machines lets them cool food items quickly to prevent harmful bacteria growth and maintain the food’s nutritional value. Commercial refrigerators also maintain a steadier temperature than residential ones, a crucial factor in a commercial food setting where the door is often opened and closed.
Different Types of Commercial Refrigerators
Commercial Refrigerators come in different types, based on the purpose and place they serve. We will look at five common commercial refrigerators that boost the storage capacities of your cold storage rooms.
Walk-In Refrigerators
A walk-in unit is a refrigerated storage room. This type of refrigerator allows you to store many bulk items outside or at the receiving bay, where there is plenty of space. This helps keep large quantities of perishable goods cool and reduces more-than-wanted traffic in a commercial cold storage facility. Walk-in refrigerators are fully insulated in their walls and doors, to preserve interior temperatures and keep food from spoiling.
Walk-in units are available from manufacturers like Earnest and come in many sizes and configurations. Sizes range from small 4-foot by 6-foot units to large rectangular units with several hundred cubic feet of storage space.
Some of the models are designed for indoor spaces and others are meant for outdoor installation. Many models come without a floor. However, having a floor increases the unit’s efficiency and allows better control of the compartment’s temperature.
Reach-In Refrigerator
Usually built with one, two, or three sections, a reach-in refrigerator is used in various commercial establishments. Most cold rooms and kitchens use multiple units, including one that stores prepared items for an entire week and another that holds plated and prepared items for a day.
Storing it directly in the kitchen helps accelerate both preparation and service times. Reach-in refrigerators are usually tall and narrow and have doors that open from the front. Most of the reach-in refrigerators are small, so they can only hold a limited quantity of inventory.
These refrigerators are made from stainless steel, aluminum, and glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). They also have various insulation options, such as foam, bubble wrap, or a combination. Some models have adjustable shelving or multiple doors to accommodate different food sizes and shapes.
Many reach-in refrigerators have a door alarm to let you know when it is open. Also, many units are designed to keep the door closed when it is not in use. This helps keep heat and cold in the unit where it belongs.
Display Refrigerators
Commercial display refrigerators are the transparent, glassed refrigerators that you see in restaurants and stores. These are available in various styles and sizes. For example, in a bakery, these are the large vertical refrigerated display cabinets with glass doors that you see for displaying chilled patisserie and cakes.
Upright refrigerated display cabinets are available in various capacities with the option of single, double, or triple doors.Horizontal display refrigerators are best for shops, restaurants, cafes, or canteens displaying dishes on countertops. They are available in different sizes, so you can accommodate the stock quantity required to meet demand.
Another important factor with these commercial refrigerators is how many shelves you require. Usually, the larger the refrigerator, the more shelves are supplied as standard. Many display refrigerators give you the option to move shelves so that you can adjust the storage to meet your needs.
Under-counter Refrigerator
An under-counter refrigerator is typically used in a commercial kitchen to store small ingredients for food prep and plating. In many countries, it can be used to place under the counter at a restaurant bar to hold drinks.
These refrigerators are shorter than full-sized fridges and can fit under traditional counters. However, some high-end under-counter units come with all the features of full-sized refrigerators, including freezer drawers and ice makers.
Refrigerated prep tables
Refrigerated prep tables offer multifunctional commercial refrigeration capabilities and combine food prep space with refrigerated storage through design. They keep ingredients at proper temperatures, maintaining food safety and preventing bacteria growth.
Refrigerated prep tables ensure food ingredients are kept at optimal temperatures, typically ranging from 33°F to 41°F (0.55 °C to 5 °C). A durable stainless steel work surface stands up to daily kitchen demands, while a removable polyethylene cutting board offers a hygienic platform for food prep tasks.
A food pan area allows for organized and quick access to ingredients, and built-in storage compartments maximize the utility of the workspace. Insulated lids and hoods help maintain internal temperatures and improve energy efficiency.
Available in various configurations, from sandwich and pizza prep tables to specialized options for seafood and bakeries, choosing the right refrigerated prep table involves considering food prep tasks, kitchen space, storage requirements, and budget.
Factors to Consider Before Making a Purchase
So, before you buy a commercial refrigerator, consider the following factors:
Size
In most cases, choosing a larger refrigerator is a smart option since your industrial setup and business will grow and require more space. However, don’t forget the energy bills. Plan for growth but don’t choose a unit with a capacity excessively beyond your needs.
Lighting
Lighting is a crucial feature in any commercial refrigerator, whether it’s a walk-in cold room or a compact cabinet freezer. Quick access to the items inside is often essential for the success of your operations. Additionally, refrigerators with glass doors can offer an even clearer view of the interior, further enhancing convenience.
Installation & Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance, commercial refrigerators should always be installed by professionals. Proper installation and maintenance are essential for their smooth operation. It’s best to choose a supplier like Earnest that offers both services, giving you peace of mind and a reliable contact for any emergencies.
Cleaning
When thinking of a fridge for your restaurant kitchen, warehouse, or school, consider how easy it will be to keep clean. Hard-to-reach refrigerators can be inconvenient and nearly impossible to clean properly.
If your refrigerator has glass doors, keep in mind that daily cleaning will most likely take place. Fortunately, most commercial refrigerators are made of stainless steel, making surface cleaning relatively simple.
Durability
A durable refrigerator ensures reliable performance over the long term, reducing the chances of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. It also means the unit can handle frequent opening and closing, varying loads, and the constant demands of maintaining precise temperature control. Opting for a durable model not only maximizes your investment but also ensures consistent, safe storage of perishable goods.
Ensuring the Right Purchase via an expert industrial cold storage supplier
Bangladesh’s industries are dominated by perishable goods manufacturers. Thus, purchasing cold rooms for storing goods for long periods is something coveted by many businesses.
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 Earnerst for your industrial cooling needs with full confidence.
To Sum Up
Commercial refrigerators work as a savior for the businesses that operate in the perishable goods industry. Different types of commercial refrigerators serve varying purposes, with one main goal in common: to keep the goods cool and fresh.
However, purchasing commercial refrigerators and deciding which one to buy is not a straightforward decision. You need to consider various factors and consult with expert providers like Earnest to make the right decision.
So, keeping all these factors in mind, it maybe the right time to buy the right refrigerator for your industrial needs. And, don’t worry about the price. Because Earnest can guide you with expertise and ensure you purchase the right product within your budget.
