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Buying Guides, Refrigeration

Commercial Fridge Buying Guide

Commercial Fridge Buying Guide

BUYING A COMMERCIAL FRIDGE

A Commercial Fridge is one of the hardest-working appliances in any professional kitchen. It needs to be powerful enough to handle high temperatures while remaining reliable, even with frequent door openings during busy service. With the capacity to hold hundreds if not thousands of pounds’ worth of stock, a commercial fridge is a vital investment.

This guide will walk you through the different types of chillers available and highlight the key benefits of each, helping you choose the best option for your kitchen.

UPRIGHT FRIDGES

Upright fridges are tall, standing at full height, and provide a large vertical storage space for commercial kitchens. They are ideal for storing ingredients in an organised manner while saving floor space.

  • ✔ Maximised storage: multiple shelves allow easy organisation of ingredients.
  • ✔ Durable design: robust construction for heavy-duty kitchen use.
  • ✔ Energy-efficient: modern compressors keep running costs low.
  • ✔ Adjustable shelving: customise storage to fit different containers and pans.
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Upright Fridge

COUNTER FRIDGES

Prep Counter Fridge

Counter fridges are typically waist height and are designed to provide both chilled undercounter storage and a valuable food prep surface. The worktop is usually made from durable materials such as stainless steel, offering a reliable base that can also support other kitchen equipment.

  • ✔ Undercounter chilled storage: combines storage with a practical work surface to maximise space.
  • ✔ Flexible options: available with drawers, doors, or a combination of both.
  • ✔ GN compatible: many accept gastronorm trays for easy transfer between fridge, oven, or freezer.
  • ✔ Sizes to suit: from compact single-door models to large four-door counters for busy kitchens.
  • ✔ Sturdy design: the countertop can support additional equipment such as mixers, blenders, or sous vide machines.
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PREP COUNTER FRIDGES

Prep Counter Fridge

Prep counter fridges combine the benefits of undercounter storage with a work surface, but go one step further by including a chilled or ambient topping unit. This keeps ingredients close at hand, making them especially useful for quick-service restaurants where speed is essential.

  • ✔ Undercounter chilled storage: with a strong worktop for efficient space use.
  • ✔ Flexible layouts: available with drawers, doors, or a mix of both.
  • ✔ GN compatible: many models support gastronorm pans for seamless prep.
  • ✔ Marble tops: ideal for bakeries and pizzerias thanks to their natural stay-cool surface.
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LOW FRIDGES (CHEF BASES)

Low Fridge

Low fridges, also known as Chef Bases, Flexdrawers, or Underbroilers, sit just above knee height. They are designed to provide chilled storage while raising cooking appliances to a comfortable working level—far more efficient than using a stand.

  • ✔ Strong and durable: built to hold heavy appliances such as griddles, ovens, or chargrills.
  • ✔ Chilled or frozen storage: configurable for either refrigeration or freezing, so there’s no need for separate units.
  • ✔ Individually controlled drawers: allows fridge and freezer functions in a single piece of equipment.
  • ✔ GN compatible: accepts gastronorm trays for smooth kitchen workflow.
  • ✔ Flexible sizes: available in single- and double-drawer designs.
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UNDERCOUNTER FRIDGES

Undercounter Fridge

Compact and lightweight, undercounter fridges are designed for quick access to ingredients without taking up counter space. Similar to domestic fridges but more robust, they are quiet and unobtrusive, making them a popular choice for front-of-house use or lower-demand areas.

  • ✔ Flexible use: works well as a secondary fridge or in customer-facing areas.
  • ✔ Compact size: usually single-door, easy to position in small spaces.
  • ✔ Quiet operation: many models run almost silently, ideal for hotels or intimate restaurants.
  • ✔ Energy-efficient: smaller footprint often means lower running costs than larger fridges.
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COUNTERTOP FRIDGES

Countertop Fridge

Countertop fridges are designed to keep ingredients chilled, visible, and ready for immediate use. They are commonly used in sandwich shops, pizzerias, or buffets, where quick access and hygiene are essential.

  • ✔ GN compatible: even though they use smaller gastronorm pans, they allow for quick restocking during service.
  • ✔ Compact and efficient: wider than deep, easy to position to make the most of limited space.
  • ✔ Perfect for buffets: many include glass covers to prevent contamination, with stainless steel construction for easy cleaning.
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OTHER TYPES OF COMMERCIAL FRIDGE

Beyond the standard models, there are many specialist fridges tailored to specific needs:

  • Display Fridges: Designed for front-of-house merchandising. Includes beer fridges, multidecks, countertop merchandisers, and serve-over counters.
  • Meat Fridges: Maintain precise temperature control for storing fresh meat, poultry, and fish safely.
  • Marine Fridges: Built to withstand demanding conditions on ships, oil rigs, and yachts. They meet international marine standards for power and safety.
  • Blast Chillers / Blast Freezers: Rapidly reduce the temperature of cooked foods to meet food safety requirements.
  • Cold Rooms (Walk-In Fridges): The largest type of refrigeration, providing bulk storage for professional kitchens.
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