Refrigeration Buying Guide. Choosing the right refrigeration is critical for any commercial catering operation. This guide will walk you through the key considerations, from assessing your needs and understanding different types of equipment to making the best investment for your business. Proper refrigeration ensures food safety, maximises efficiency, and ultimately contributes to your bottom line.

Refrigeration Buying Guide

Assess Your Needs:

Before diving into specific models, take a hard look at your business’s refrigeration requirements:

Menu Considerations:

What type of food do you serve?

Do you need specialised storage for meat, fish, produce, or delicate desserts?

Storage Volume:

How much food do you need to store?

Consider your peak service times and the volume of ingredients you use daily/weekly.

Space Requirements:

How much space do you have available in your kitchen?

Measure carefully and consider both the footprint of the unit and the clearance needed for doors to open and for proper ventilation.

Budget Planning:

Refrigeration is a significant investment.

Balance your needs with your budget, considering both the initial purchase price and ongoing running costs (energy consumption, maintenance).

Workflow Optimisation:

How will your staff access the stored food?

Consider the placement of refrigerators in relation to prep areas and cooking stations for optimal workflow.

Types of Commercial Refrigeration:

Now, in our Refrigeration Buying Guide, let’s explore the different types of refrigeration units and their ideal applications:

General Storage:

Upright Refrigerators: For versatile and high-capacity storage, upright refrigerators are a kitchen staple. These are the most common type, offering a large vertical storage space. They are ideal for storing a variety of ingredients and prepared foods. Consider single-door or double-door models based on your volume needs. Some models offer adjustable shelves for flexible storage.

Reach-in Freezers: For all your frozen storage needs, reach-in freezers offer convenient vertical space. Similar to upright refrigerators, reach-in freezers offer vertical storage for frozen goods. They are essential for storing frozen ingredients, prepared meals, and ice cream.

Food Preparation & Service:

Refrigerated Counters (Prep Counters): To streamline food preparation and keep ingredients readily accessible, refrigerated counters (prep counters) are a chef’s best friend. These units combine refrigerated storage with a work surface, making them perfect for sandwich making, pizza preparation, or salad assembly. They keep ingredients cold and readily accessible, streamlining workflow.

Undercounter Refrigerators: For maximising space in smaller kitchens, undercounter refrigerators are a clever solution. Designed to fit under counters or worktables, these compact units maximise space utilisation in smaller kitchens. They are ideal for storing frequently used ingredients close to the point of use.

Bulk Storage:

Walk-in Coolers/Freezers: When bulk storage is a necessity, the solution is walk-in coolers/freezers, which provide ample space. For businesses with high-volume storage needs, walk-in coolers and freezers provide ample space for bulk ingredients and prepared foods. They can be customised to fit specific dimensions and often offer adjustable shelving and temperature control.

Specialised Storage:

Fish Cabinets: To maintain the quality and freshness of delicate seafood, fish cabinets are specifically designed. These units maintain precise temperature and humidity levels to preserve the freshness and quality of fish. They often feature specialised racks or shelves for optimal storage and may include features like ice displays or controlled humidity environments. Considerations include size, capacity, temperature range, and humidity control.

Meat Fridges: For showcasing and storing fresh cuts of meat, meat fridges offer optimal temperature and humidity control. These units are commonly used in butcher shops, delis, and supermarkets to maintain the quality and appearance of meat. They often feature glass fronts for attractive display and may include specialised racks or shelves for organised storage. Considerations include size, display features, temperature range, and humidity control.

Wine Cabinets: For preserving the nuances of fine wines, wine cabinets offer climate-controlled storage. For restaurants or bars that serve wine, wine cabinets provide temperature-controlled storage to maintain the quality and flavour of different wines. They may feature adjustable racks and dual-zone temperature control.

Medical/Pharmaceutical Refrigeration: When precise temperature control and stringent storage are required, then medical/pharmaceutical refrigeration is an essential. These specialised refrigerators are designed to maintain precise temperature control and meet stringent storage requirements for pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies. Temperature Stability, Security, and Compliance are paramount.

Display & Merchandising:

Display Cases: To attract customers and showcase your chilled offerings, display cases are essential. Used for showcasing chilled food items like desserts, salads, or drinks, display cases are essential for bakeries, cafes, and delis. As you would expect, they come in various sizes and styles, including countertop models and upright display refrigerators.

Multidecks: For grab-and-go convenience and increased sales, multidecks are a popular choice. These open-fronted refrigerated displays are commonly used in supermarkets and convenience stores to showcase chilled drinks, dairy products, and other grab-and-go items. They offer excellent visibility and encourage impulse purchases. Shelf Configuration, Airflow, Energy Efficiency, and Visibility are crucial.

Impulse Coolers: To boost impulse purchases of chilled items, impulse coolers are a highly effective solution. These small, often branded refrigerators are designed to promote impulse purchases of chilled drinks and snacks. They are commonly placed near checkout counters or other high-traffic areas. Size and Placement, Branding and Graphics, and Energy Efficiency are key considerations.

Specialised Applications:

Blast Chillers: For rapid cooling and food safety, blast chillers are indispensable. These specialised units rapidly cool cooked food to safe temperatures, preventing bacterial growth and extending shelf life. They are crucial for food safety and are becoming increasingly common in professional kitchens.

Back Bar Bottle Coolers: Specifically designed for the fast-paced bar environment, back bar bottle coolers are essential for keeping drinks chilled and accessible. These units keep bottles of beer, wine, and other beverages chilled and readily accessible to bartenders. They often feature sliding doors or open fronts for easy access. Capacity (Bottles), Access, Lighting, and Branding are key considerations.

Refrigerated Drawers/Chef’s Drawers: For convenient ingredient storage at workstations, refrigerated drawers/chef’s drawers are invaluable. These units offer convenient refrigerated storage in drawer format, often integrated into chef’s tables or workstations. They are ideal for storing frequently used ingredients close at hand. Capacity (Drawers), Temperature Control (Per Drawer), and Durability are important factors.

Key Considerations When Choosing : In addition to the above, keep these general considerations in mind

Temperature Control: Ensure the unit offers precise and reliable temperature control to maintain food safety.

Energy Efficiency: Look for units with high energy star ratings to minimise running costs.

Construction: Choose a unit made from durable materials like stainless steel for easy cleaning and longevity.

Capacity: Select a unit with adequate storage capacity to meet your current and future needs.

Features: Consider features like adjustable shelves, interior lighting, and digital controls for added convenience.

Maintenance: Inquire about maintenance requirements and availability of service technicians.

Accessibility: Think carefully about how easily staff can access stored items, especially for specialised units.

Cleanability: Ensure the unit is easy to clean, considering features like removable shelves and drip trays.

Maintenance Access: Ensure there’s enough clearance around the unit for servicing and maintenance.

Making the Right Decision:

Choosing the right refrigeration for your business is a significant decision. That’s why we’ve compiled this brief Refrigeration Buying Guide. Don’t hesitate to consult us; we can assess your needs, recommend appropriate models, and provide valuable advice on installation and maintenance. By carefully considering your requirements and exploring the available options, you can create a refrigeration system that supports your business’s success.

Budget-Friendly Options:

We understand that budget can be a major factor. Therefore, to help you save, we offer a wide selection of quality graded refrigeration equipment.

Wide Selection of Graded Equipment:

In fact, our Graded section is packed with fantastic deals on all types of refrigeration, from upright fridges and freezers to display cases and prep counters.

Quality Assurance and Warranties:

Specifically, our team thoroughly checks these units, and they come with warranties, offering a great way to save money without compromising on quality.

Explore Our Graded Section:

So, if you’re looking for a bargain or working with a tight budget, be sure to explore our graded section for incredible prices on all your refrigeration needs.

Remember, this Refrigeration Buying Guide is just that—a guide—and no substitute for talking to someone who knows the ins and outs of commercial refrigeration. We pride ourselves on offering free, knowledgeable, and friendly advice. Get in touch with us today – We’re happy to help; we want you to succeed.