One of the most crucial decisions any food service business has to make is which commercial refrigerator would best suit their needs. A good restaurant refrigerator, for example, helps ensure food safety, optimizes and facilitates the workflow in the kitchen, and helps maintain inventory efficiently.
However, for many businesses, selecting the right refrigerator is not always a straightforward task. There is a plethora of refrigerator options available on the market, and each type is designed to meet specific needs, offering unique advantages tailored to different kinds of culinary environments.
This comprehensive guide will explore the different kinds of commercial refrigerators, highlighting their key features, benefits, and ideal applications.
Types of Commercial Refrigerators: Summary
The most common types of commercial refrigerators are commercial display refrigerators, reach-in refrigerators, and walk-in refrigerators. These are easily identifiable because of their large storage capacity and also because they are mostly visible in multitudes of commercial spaces.
However, there are many more types of commercial refrigerators, like commercial undercounter refrigerators, commercial worktop refrigerators, and commercial countertop refrigerators that are not as large, but are used in multitudes of business settings.
An important point to keep in mind is that each type of commercial refrigerator is designed with specific features to serve a particular purpose.
1. Reach-in Refrigerators
Reach-in refrigerators are the most common type found in commercial kitchens. They are often tall and have doors that open at the front. The frames of reach-in refrigerators are often made of solid stainless steel frames, and they come in a variety of sizes and configurations with single, double, or triple door options, and two- or three-section configurations with solid or glass doors.
What are the Best Reach-In Refrigerators?
The best reach-in commercial refrigerators are solid door reach-in commercial refrigerators. These are extremely suitable for business settings because they come with the following features:
- Well-insulated solid doors (or glass doors)
- High-performing, energy-efficient commercial refrigerants and compressors
- Stainless steel interior and exterior for maximum temperature stability and cold retention in busy commercial environments.
Smaller businesses opt for single-door reach-in refrigerators with about 25 cu.ft capacity, medium to larger businesses go for 2-3 door reach-in refrigerators (usually 50-80 cu.ft capacity).
Wiprep commercial reach-in refrigerators feature Embraco compressors and copper evaporators working together to ensure fast, even cooling and optimal temperature levels, and adjustable shelves, with each capable of holding up to 88 lb.
Advantages of Reach-in Commercial Refrigerators
- Convenience: They are tall and narrow, making it easy to reach the stored items without bending or stretching.
- Variety: Reach-in refrigerators are available in various sizes and configurations to fit different kitchen spaces and storage needs.
- Visibility: Reach-in display refrigerators feature glass doors, providing excellent visibility of their contents.
Cons of Reach-in Refrigerators
- Space Requirements: Reach-in refrigerators, especially models with double or triple doors, tend to occupy significant floor space, which may be a constraint in smaller kitchens.
- Susceptible to Temperature Fluctuations: Some owners of some types of reach-in refrigerators, especially display refrigerators, complain of temperature fluctuations as a result of frequent door openings, which may affect food quality.
Best Uses For Reach-In Refrigerators
Solid-door reach-in commercial refrigerators are most suitable for back-end use in commercial kitchens and related food businesses. They are ideal for kitchens needing quick and frequent access to ingredients.
2. Commercial Display Refrigerators
Commercial display refrigerators feature glass doors, and they are often used for front-of-the-house display of items and are often filled with items that are relatively inexpensive and can be consumed on the spot.
The most important feature of commercial display refrigerators is their glass doors, which allow customers to see the products on offer, thus keeping the products both easy to find and tempting. The best models often feature LED displays, which brighten the products, making them more appealing in a bid to enhance impulse purchases.
The Best Commercial Display Refrigerators
The best and most commonly used commercial display refrigerators are glass door display refrigerators and open-air merchandiser refrigerators.
Glass door display refrigerators typically vary from single-door models (about 19 cu.ft) to three-door models (70+ cu.ft), and they are suitable for displaying a variety of items from bottled water to drinks to fruit cups and even desserts.
Smaller businesses choose single-door display refrigerators, while larger businesses generally choose 2-door and 3-door display refrigerators.
Open-air display refrigerators, on the other hand, are commercial display refrigerators that display products, but without the use of glass doors. They work with a pull-down night curtain air curtain, which keeps the products cold and fresh while eliminating any physical barrier between customers and products.
They are common in cafes, convenience stores, and shops that hope to encourage quick, on-the-go purchases, and are usually reserved for displaying products like canned soda, bottled water, beer, yogurt, or pre-packaged sandwiches.
For small-sized businesses, the best air curtain merchandisers are 24"-27" Vertical Air Curtain Merchandisers (6-8 cu.ft storage capacity), with LED lights, efficient cooling systems, and adjustable temperature controls.
3. Walk-in Refrigerators
Walk-in refrigerators, also known as walk-in coolers, are large, enclosed storage areas designed for bulk storage. They are an absolute must for businesses that need to purchase food products in bulk and store them in refrigerated conditions.
Pros of Walk-in Refrigerators
- Capacity: Walk-in refrigerators function as a storage space, offering extensive storage space for large quantities of food and ingredients.
- Organization: The availability of ample space allows for easy organization and access to bulk items.
- Customizable: Can be customized with shelving, racks, and dividers to suit specific needs.
Cons of Walk-in Refrigerators
- Cost: The high initial investment and maintenance costs of walk-in refrigerators are a huge deterrent for many businesses and prevent them from using them.
- Space: Walk-in refrigerators are the most significant type of refrigerator, and so they require a significant amount of space and proper installation.
Walk-in Refrigerators: Best Uses
Because of their high capacity, walk-in refrigerators areprimarily used for large-scale storage in hotels, catering services, and large restaurants with substantial storage needs.
4. Undercounter Refrigerators
Undercounter refrigerators are compact units designed to fit under countertops, offering convenient storage space for smaller kitchens. Undercounter refrigerators offer refrigeration and freezing capabilities, are designed for storing perishables, and provide pull-out drawers for easy access. They are best for keeping wine at its optimal temperature.
Best Undercounter Refrigerators
Judging by how widely they are used, undercounter beverage refrigerators, undercounter solid door refrigerators, and undercounter wine refrigerators are the best types of undercounter commercial refrigerators for businesses.
- Undercounter beverage refrigerators, usually 15-inch units for tight spaces and 24-inch units for larger businesses, are common in bars, cafes, offices, break rooms, and front-of-the-house areas.
- Undercounter solid-door Refrigerators, specifically 27-29 inch undercounter refrigerators with solid doors, are popular in commercial kitchens, prep areas, food trucks, and bakeries.
- Undercounter wine refrigerators are usually 15″–24″ wide, depending on bottle capacity, and are best for restaurants, wine bars, and upscale homes.
Pros of Undercounter Refrigerators
- Space-Saving: An under-counter refrigerator minimizes space in small kitchens or prep areas.
- Accessibility: Frequently used items are kept within easy reach.
- Efficiency: Typically energy-efficient due to their smaller size.
Cons of Undercounter Refrigerators
- Capacity: Designed to minimize space, undercounter refrigerators offer limited storage capacity compared to commercial refrigerators.
- Access: Having to bend down to access stored items may not be ideal for all staff.
5. Worktop Commercial Refrigerators
Worktop refrigerators combine refrigerated storage with a workspace on top, making them multifunctional units in a busy kitchen. With interior shelves that can be adjusted to accommodate various items, worktop refrigerators are specifically designed to maximize efficiency in a busy kitchen.
Best Worktop Refrigerators For Businesses
The best and most widely used worktop refrigerators are prep tables, pizza and salad prep table refrigerators, and worktop solid-door worktop refrigerators.
Chef Base Refrigerators: Best for Efficiency and Speed in Commercial Kitchens
Chef base refrigerators are best for space efficiency and speedy operations in a commercial kitchen. Most chefs opt for models with small to medium-sized capacity, a full-sized countertop, and multiple removable pans.
The 72" four-drawer refrigerated chef base from Wilprep features a 4.8 cu. ft. volume, a full-size countertop, and 12 stainless steel GN pans, offering ample space for ingredient storage and hassle-free placement of countertop cooking equipment.
Pizza and Salad Prep Tables: Best for Food Trucks and Salad Bars
The best pizza and salad prep tables offer a combination of ample space for smooth pizza preparation and sufficient backup ingredient storage space.
Larger models, like the 70" two-door refrigerated pizza prep table, feature a 20.4 cu. ft. volume, a full-length cutting board, and 9 GN 1/3 pans, with an auto defrost function and height-adjustable shelves.
Conventional Worktop Refrigerators
Wilprep's 28" single door undercounter refrigerator, with a 6.2 cu. ft. capacity and a temperature range of 32 to 50°F, allows you to properly store eggs, milk, and fresh produce while simultaneously preparing your dishes on the worktop.
Pros of Worktop Refrigerators
- Dual Functionality: The worktop refrigerator offers both storage and workspace, saving space and improving workflow.
- Convenience: The worktop refrigerator can be customized to store ingredients and prep areas close together, enhancing efficiency.
- Variety: They are available in various sizes and configurations to fit different needs.
Cons of Worktop Refrigerators
- Space: This may not provide enough storage for larger kitchens with extensive inventory.
- Height: The height of the worktop may not be adjustable, which can be a limitation for some kitchen setups.
Best Uses of Worktop Refrigerators
For small to medium Kitchens that need additional workspace and storage without sacrificing floor space, worktop refrigerators are ideal for preparation and backup ingredient storage. They help make the food preparation quick and efficient, all without taking up more space.
Choosing the Best Commercial Refrigerator Type for Your Business
|
Commercial Refrigerator Type |
Best For |
Typical Business Use |
|
Reach-In Refrigerators |
Easy, frequent access to ingredients |
Restaurants, commercial kitchens |
|
Walk-In Refrigerators |
High-volume cold storage |
Large restaurants, hotels, and food service operations |
|
Undercounter Refrigerators |
Maximizing refrigeration in tight spaces |
Bars, cafés, coffee shops |
|
Worktop Refrigerators |
Combining prep space with cold storage |
Commercial kitchens, food prep areas |
|
Display Refrigerators |
Showcasing chilled products to customers |
Retail stores, convenience stores, cafés |
When choosing a commercial refrigerator for your business, the most important factor is how well it matches the unique storage and display demands of your commercial setting. The right commercial refrigerator depends on the specific needs and constraints of your business
Common F.A.Qs About Commercial Refrigerators
1. What are the main types of commercial refrigerators?
Commercial refrigerators come in several main types, but the most common types are reach‑in refrigerators, walk‑in coolers, undercounter units, worktop refrigerators, and display refrigerators.
While reach-in, walk-in, undercounter, and worktop commercial refrigerators prioritize storage capacity, glass door reach-in refrigerators, open-air merchandisers, and other types of display refrigerators prioritize product display as well as storage.
2. What’s the difference between a reach‑in and a walk‑in refrigerator?
A reach‑in refrigerator is an upright cabinet that’s easy to access and ideal for frequent use in kitchens, while a walk‑in refrigerator is a large enclosed space designed for bulk storage and is best for high‑volume operations.
3. Which type of commercial refrigerator is best for a small café or bar?
For smaller spaces, undercounter refrigerators are ideal because they fit under worktops and keep frequently used items within easy reach.
4. How often should a commercial refrigerator be serviced?
In general, commercial refrigerators should be cleaned and serviced about every six months, but in high‑use environments like busy restaurants or with display units, servicing every 2–3 months may be recommended.
5. How Can I Choose the Best Commercial Refrigerator?
Consider your kitchen’s storage needs, space constraints, frequency of access, visibility requirements, and workflow. Matching the right style to your operation helps ensure food safety, efficiency, and long life from your unit.
Final Thoughts on Commercial Refrigerator Types
Understanding these differences will help you select a commercial refrigerator that enhances your kitchen’s efficiency, maintains food safety, and fits your specific operational requirements. Investing in a suitable unit will result in significant improvements in your kitchen’s workflow and overall performance.
Start with Wilprep and build up your business for more success with reliable refrigerators and other kitchen equipment.
