Commercial refrigerators play a crucial role in food service operations and are available to meet specific needs and requirements. Many different refrigerators specialize in refrigerating different types of products. The required types of commercial refrigerators will depend on factors such as the type of food being stored, the volume of food, the layout of the kitchen, and the available space. Various options suit different requirements, from walk-in coolers to under-counter refrigerators. Choosing among types of commercial refrigerators is important to ensure food is stored and preserved safely, reducing the risk of spoilage and food waste.
Commercial Refrigerator vs. Residential Refrigerator: How do they differ?
Considering the types of commercial refrigerators, they can differ from residential refrigerators in size, technological equipment, and setup. These differences are important in understanding which refrigerator is best for commercial use. The residential refrigerators used in houses are mostly smaller and equipped with simpler technology than commercial devices. Since having an excessive size is unnecessary for them, they prefer to be smaller than the commercial types. Due to the differences in their expectations, they differ from one another. They tend to have more capacity, are bigger, and are more efficient than residential refrigerators or freezers.
Where Are The Types of Commercial Refrigerators Used?
Various businesses use cooling systems. Before questioning which refrigerator is best for use, it is necessary to understand the needs of companies. They are used especially by businesses that require their products to be stored for a long time. These businesses include grocery stores, supermarkets, coffee shops, convenience stores, and restaurants. Even though those businesses mostly use them, the expectations differ for each type. This is because the expectations affect the kind of device necessary for the company. There are many types of commercial refrigerators.
8 Types of Commercial Refrigerators To Consider
To understand which refrigerator is best for commercial use, it is necessary to specify the customer’s expectations. These expectations of the business determine which types of commercial refrigerators are needed. A flower shop needs a certain device, but the same one will not be used for a restaurant. There are at least five types of most commonly used ones, specialized for the needs of different kinds of businesses.
1. Horizontal Freezer Options
A horizontal freezer is a refrigerator that provides equipment and a convenient and efficient way of storing frozen food items. Among the types of commercial refrigerators, they are designed to be wider and shallower than others, making them ideal for use in kitchens and food service operations where space is limited. Horizontal freezers are available in various sizes, from small under-counter models to large walk-in freezers, and can be used for multiple purposes, including storing ice cream, frozen meats, and other frozen foods. They are also often used with other refrigeration equipment, such as refrigerated display cases, to provide a complete and efficient refrigeration system for food service operations. When selecting a horizontal freezer, it’s important to consider the volume of food to be stored, the available space, and the specific kitchen or food service operation requirements.
2. Walk-in Fridges
Walk-in fridges, also known as walk-in coolers, are large units designed for storing and preserving large quantities of food and beverage products. They are perfect for restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and other food service establishments. Walk-in fridges offer several advantages over traditional ones, such as increased storage capacity, easy access, and improved temperature control. These types of commercial refrigerators can also be considered modular coolers, as they are typically made up of separate units that can be assembled to form a custom configuration. The modular design of walk-in fridges provides flexibility and scalability for a growing business, allowing for easy maintenance, repair, and expansion. Modular coolers are popular in restaurants, cafes, and schools.
3. Under the Counter Types
They are compact, space-saving units designed to fit under the countertop or workstation in a large kitchen. They come in various sizes, styles, and capacities to accommodate different storage needs, making them popular for small-scale businesses, bars, cafes, and bakeries.
Under-the-counter refrigerators often feature a door-mounted system and compact footprint, freeing up valuable floor space. They are designed for efficient cooling and are usually equipped with adjustable shelving, temperature controls, and door locks. These types of commercial refrigerators are ideal for storing drinks, dairy products, and other perishable items at the required temperature to ensure maximum freshness and longevity. By choosing them, businesses can optimize their storage space, improve food safety and quality, and minimize food waste.
4. Wine Coolers
These devices are specialized custom fridges explicitly designed to store wine bottles at the optimal temperature. They typically have separate compartments or zones to accommodate different types of wine with varying temperature requirements. Wine coolers come in various sizes and styles to fit different spaces and aesthetics. Some are standalone units, while others are built-in or under-the-counter units. These units have adjustable temperature controls, UV-resistant glass doors, and vibration-reduction technology to protect wine from harmful elements. Greencooler has many different types of commercial refrigerators, including modular coolers.
Wine coolers provide a consistent temperature environment to help preserve the quality and taste of wine, making them a must-have for wine enthusiasts, restaurants, and bars. Investing in a wine cooler from Greencooler ensures that your wine is stored at the perfect temperature and protected from external factors that can compromise the wine’s quality.
5. Mini Refrigerators
Mini ones are a compact and space-saving option for businesses with limited space or only storing a small amount of food or drinks. These types of commercial refrigerators come in various sizes, designs, and styles, and they can be used in areas such as small kitchens, cafes, and bars. They typically have a single door with shelves inside for easy storage and organization of products. Some mini types are designed for specific purposes, such as under-counter models for bar tops or countertop models for food displays. They also tend to be modular coolers. They use energy-efficient technology to reduce costs and help businesses save on electricity bills.
Some models come with features such as adjustable temperature control and LED lighting. Mini ones are a practical solution for businesses that need to store items at a safe temperature without taking up too much space. You can also find these types of devices for affordable prices in Greencooler.
6. Chest and Upright Freezers
Commercial chest freezers are two of the most common types of commercial refrigerators for food storage and preservation. Chest freezers are generally larger and offer more storage space than upright freezers. They are also typically more energy-efficient and better suited for storing bulk items or items that will not be frequently accessed. On the other hand, upright freezers are usually more compact and take up less floor space, making them ideal for smaller kitchens or businesses. Both chest and upright freezers come in various sizes and capacities to meet different storage needs and can be designed for indoor or outdoor use.
7. Countertop Refrigerators
If you own a sandwich or coffee shop and need a small one and wonder which is best for use, then your business needs these. Countertop refrigerators are meant to keep food refrigerated, accessible, and ready to prepare. These types of commercial refrigerators are commonly found in sandwich shops and pizzerias but can also be employed in self-service configurations.
8. Prep-Counter Refrigerators
These types of commercial refrigerators are similar to counter refrigerators because they have under-counter storage and convenient workstations. On the other hand, prep fridges extend that versatility even further by having a section where chilled or ambient food can be quickly accessed. These are perfect if you have a quick-service restaurant and question which refrigerator is best for use. Prep-counter refrigerators are very handy for quick-service restaurants, as speeding everything in one area up the entire meal preparation process. Because there is less workstation space, there is usually less place for small kitchen appliances.
You can reach our previous article at https://greencooler.international/signs-your-commercial-fridge-needs-to-be-replaced/