The best commercial refrigerator is one that meets the specific refrigeration needs of your business, provides stable and effective refrigeration, and is durable and energy efficient.
Whether you wish to display your items, facilitate operations in the commercial kitchen, or store large volumes of perishable items, at least one of the 5 best commercial refrigerators on this list will serve your needs without requiring you to break the bank.
1. Affordable Commercial Display Refrigerators
21.2" Swing Door Commercial Display Refrigerator
This 21" display refrigerator comes with an interior LED lighting system that not only enhances the appeal of your products but also makes them stand out at night.
It is affordable, spacious, energy efficient, and perfectly designed for a convenience store, a bar, a bakery, or a restaurant with grab-and-go options.
In addition to the LED lights, you get adjustable shelves on which you can strategically place your drinks and/or items to make them even more visible and accessible to your customers.
Main Features
- 8.5 cu. ft. capacity easily displays up to 240 standard 12 oz. cans.
- Shelves are adjustable and removable for flexible storage options and solutions
- It is energy efficient: it consumes only 1.7 kWh/24h. Built with a high-density insulation layer and low-E tempered glass door.
- Made of stainless steel: durable and easy to clean.
Why a Display Refrigerator?
- The main benefit of a commercial display refrigerator is that it boosts sales. A display refrigerator makes your products more visible, thereby encouraging impulsive sales.
- For most businesses, impulsive sales make up a significant proportion of the total sales volume.
Bigger Models
For bigger models, check out this collection of commercial display refrigerators from Wilprep’s Kitchen. They are equally well-designed to optimize cooling efficiency and product visibility and to boost sales.
2. Affordable Reach-In Refrigerators
27" Commercial Solid Door Reach-In Refrigerator
This 27" reach-in refrigerator is durable, reliable, energy-efficient, and well-suited to the heavy demands of a busy commercial kitchen.
The solid door ensures better temperature retention, which means you get efficient and effective refrigeration while minimizing energy costs.
It has the storage capacity and temperature range to hold meat, seafood, desserts, and more frozen foods for your business
If you are interested in maintaining the utmost food safety standards in your commercial kitchen, this refrigerator is for you.
Main Features
- Temperature range of -11 to 14°F, suitable for meat, seafood, desserts, and frozen foods.
- 18.7 Cu. Ft. Capacity: Suitable for high-volume food storage.
- 5 88 lb-capacity adjustable shelves for different-sized items.
- Self-closing door to prevent energy loss and keep food safe.
Why You Need a Commercial Reach-in Refrigerator
- A reach-in refrigerator is invaluable for every commercial kitchen: it keeps a large volume of highly perishable items fresh and also provides easy access to stored ingredients.
- Having a commercial reach-in refrigerator greatly facilitates operations in a commercial kitchen, and also helps your business comply with food safety rules and regulations.
- This particular model is ideal for restaurants, bakeries, and catering businesses that need a large-capacity refrigeration solution without sacrificing accessibility.
Bigger Models
For bigger but equally efficient (and attractive) models, check out this collection of commercial reach-in refrigerators from Wilprep’s Kitchen.
3. Affordable Open-air Merchandisers
27" Vertical Open Air Merchandiser
This 24-inch open-air merchandiser takes up less space but provides enough capacity and is designed to put your items irresistibly close to customers once they walk in.
It comes in a curved glass design that enhances overall aesthetic appeal and encourages customers to (almost instinctively) reach in and grab an item.
If your business is rather smaller and you deal in high-turner grab-and-go products, this open-air fridge will help you boost sales and increase your turnover.
Main Features
- Open-Front Display: Allows easy access for customers, increasing sales.
- 6.7 Cu. Ft. Capacity: Compact yet spacious enough for high-demand grab-and-go items.
- Curved Glass Design: Enhances product visibility while offering a sleek, modern look.
- Adjustable Shelves: Provides flexibility for various product sizes.
Why an Open-Air Merchandiser?
Open-air merchandisers are designed for grab-and-go convenience, making them perfect for supermarkets, delis, and coffee shops. They allow customers to easily access beverages, salads, and pre-packaged meals while maintaining proper refrigeration.
More Open-Air Merchandisers
This collection of open-air merchandisers contains larger models from 27-inch to 76-inch models.
4. Affordable Refrigerated Chef Bases
53" 2-Drawer Refrigerated Chef Base
This 53" prep table refrigerator model combines refrigeration and workspace efficiency, making it ideal for small to mid-sized kitchens that require ingredient storage and prep space in one unit.
It comes with drawers to allow quick access, reducing prep time and improving kitchen workflow.
Main Features
- Two-Drawer Refrigerated Base: Provides easy access to prepped ingredients.
- 53" Wide Work Surface: Offers ample space for food preparation.
- 3.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity: Suitable for storing frequently used perishable ingredients.
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures longevity and easy cleaning.
Why a Chef Base Refrigerator?
A chef base refrigerator is essential for kitchens that require quick access to fresh ingredients while preparing dishes.
It is commonly used in pizzerias, sandwich shops, and fast-paced restaurant kitchens, allowing chefs to store ingredients while maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
5. Affordable Undercounter Commercial Refrigerators
28" Commercial Undercounter Worktop Refrigerator
This model is budget-friendly, space-saving, and multi-functional, making it perfect for businesses that need a refrigerated unit that doubles as a prep station. It is especially useful in small kitchens and food trucks, where every inch of space matters.
Main Features
- Compact 28" Size: Fits seamlessly under counters or in tight spaces.
- 6.2 Cu. Ft. Capacity: Provides sufficient storage for frequently used ingredients.
- Heavy-Duty Worktop Surface: Allows food prep directly on top of the unit.
- Adjustable Temperature Control: Ensures precise cooling for stored ingredients.
Why This Model Is Ideal
- A worktop refrigerator is perfect for kitchens with limited space, combining refrigeration with a durable work surface.
- These units are great for small restaurants, food trucks, and catering businesses, where optimizing space is crucial.
Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
| Refrigerator Type | Capacity | Key Feature | Ideal For | Price Range |
| Display Refrigerator | 18.7 cu. ft. | Glass-door, LED lighting | Cafés, bakeries, convenience stores | Budget-friendly |
| Reach-In Refrigerator | 18.7 cu. ft. | Solid door, adjustable shelves | Restaurants, catering businesses | Budget-friendly |
| Open-Air Merchandiser | 6.7 cu. ft. | Open display, curved glass | Supermarkets, delis, coffee shops | Mid-range |
| Prep Table Refrigerator | 3.5 cu. ft. | Two drawers, spacious prep area | Pizzerias, sandwich shops, fast kitchens | Mid-range |
| Worktop Refrigerator | 6.2 cu. ft. | Compact design, work surface | Small kitchens, food trucks | Budget-friendly |
Choose the Best Option
Each of these commercial refrigerators serves a unique purpose in a kitchen, from storage and prep efficiency to customer-facing product displays. Choosing the right one depends on your business needs, available space, and budget.
Here you can find 16 essential commercial kitchen equipment you might need, and some more recommended commercial refrigerators if your business sells drinks and beverages.
