Commercial refrigerators operate under heavier loads, open more frequently, and must maintain stable temperatures around the clock. That means they rely on more formidable refrigerants specifically suited for demanding commercial environments.
Understanding which refrigerants are used in commercial refrigerators, and why, can help you make a more informed buying decision.
Types of Refrigerants Used in Commercial Refrigerators
There are several categories of refrigerants, but only a handful are commonly used in modern commercial refrigerators. These include mainly hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants and CO₂ refrigerants.
- The vast majority of commercial refrigerators use hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants like R-290, R-600, and R-920.
- HFC refrigerants are still used, but not very commonly.
- CO₂ (R-744) refrigerants are used in larger commercial and industrial applications.
Below are the most relevant types of refrigerants used in commercial refrigerators, starting with the most widely used today.
1. Hydrocarbon (HC) Refrigerants: Most Common
Hydrocarbon refrigerants have become the industry standard for many commercial refrigerators because they are extremely energy efficient, have excellent heat transfer properties, and have a very low environmental impact.
The common examples of hydrocarbon refrigerants in commercial refrigerants are:
- R-290 (Propane)
- R-600a (Isobutane)
- R-920
Most new commercial display coolers, reach-in refrigerators, and undercounter units now rely on hydrocarbon refrigerants due to stricter environmental regulations and rising energy costs.
2. HFC Refrigerants (Older but Still Found)
Hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants were once the backbone of commercial refrigeration, but they are currently on the decline because of their high global warming potential (GWP), and also because they are simply being phased out in many regions around the world.
Common examples of HFC refrigerants are:
- R-134a
- R-404A
- R-507
You may still encounter HFC Refrigerants in older systems or large centralised refrigeration setups, but they are no longer the preferred choice for new commercial refrigerators.
3. CO₂ (R-744)-Specialised Commercial Use
Carbon dioxide refrigerant is used mainly in large-scale or centralised systems, such as supermarkets or cold storage facilities. For small to mid-size commercial refrigerators, CO₂ refrigerant is far less common, but it is the go-to for industrial refrigeration.
Carbon Dioxide Refrigerant For Commercial Refrigerators: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Non-flammable | Requires very high operating pressure |
| Very low GWP | More complex and costly to use |
What Makes Some Refrigerants Better Suited for Commercial Refrigerators?
Commercial refrigeration places unique demands on refrigerants, and not every refrigerant is up to the task. Refrigerants that are used for commercial refrigerators must have certain key characteristics:
- High cooling efficiency: Commercial refrigerators must recover temperature quickly after door openings. Efficient refrigerants absorb and release heat rapidly, keeping products safely chilled.
- Energy efficiency: Lower energy consumption translates to lower operating costs, which is critical for businesses running refrigeration 24/7.
- Thermal stability: Commercial units often operate continuously under heavy loads. Refrigerants must remain stable over long periods without breaking down.
- Environmental compliance: Modern commercial refrigerants must meet strict environmental standards, especially regarding Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
- System compatibility: The refrigerant must work well with commercial-grade compressors, condensers, and heat exchangers designed for high-duty cycles.
Commercial vs. Domestic Refrigerants: Key Differences
| Feature | Commercial Refrigerators | Domestic Refrigerators |
| Typical Refrigerants | R-290, R-600a, R-920 | R-600a (mainly) |
| Cooling Load | High, continuous | Low to moderate |
| Duty Cycle | Near-constant operation | Intermittent |
| Temperature Recovery | Very fast | Slower |
| Energy Efficiency Priority | Extremely high | Moderate |
| Regulatory Requirements | Strict commercial standards | Less demanding |
While there is some overlap, commercial refrigerants are selected to handle greater stress, higher usage, and stricter efficiency expectations.
R-920 Refrigerant: A Strong Choice for Commercial Refrigeration
For most small to medium-sized commercial refrigerators, R-920 refrigerant is the most popular choice. R-920 refrigerant has certain strong performance characteristics that contributed to its gaining traction in commercial refrigeration in recent years.
1. It Has Excellent Energy Efficiency
R-920 offers high heat-transfer efficiency, which allows the compressor of the commercial refrigerator to work less while still delivering consistent cooling. As a result, the refrigerator uses less electricity without sacrificing performance.
Lower electricity usage is an important factor for businesses with multiple refrigeration units, and this explains why the refrigerant has become quite popular.
2. It Maintains Stable Performance Under Heavy Use
Commercial refrigerators are opened frequently and loaded heavily. R-920 refrigerant is able to maintain temperature stability even during peak operating hours. For many businesses, performance, especially during peak hours, is a big priority when choosing a commercial refrigerator.
3. Low Environmental Impact
Like other hydrocarbon refrigerants, R-920 has near-zero ozone depletion potential and very low global warming potential. This makes it compliant with modern environmental regulations and future-proof against refrigerant phase-outs.
4. It is Versatile Across Commercial Applications
R-920 refrigerant is versatile and performs well in a multitude of commercial refrigeration applications, from display refrigerators to undercounter units and even open-air coolers and merchandisers. This efficiency and versatility make it suitable for both foodservice and retail environments.
Final Thoughts
Today, hydrocarbon refrigerants, especially options like R-290 and R-920, dominate the commercial refrigeration market because they deliver high efficiency, strong cooling power, and environmental compliance. If you are a business owner investing in a high-performing commercial refrigerator, choosing a unit with a modern, commercial-grade refrigerant isn’t just smart: it’s essential.
Understand more about commercial refrigeration, and explore tips on how to choose the best commercial refrigerator for a business.
