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Home > Refrigeration > Commercial Refrigerator Buying Guide
Commercial Refrigerator Buying Guide
By Winnie July 8th, 2024

What is a Commercial Refrigerator?

Commercial refrigerators refer to refrigeration equipment used in commercial settings, and these equipment typically include types such as refrigerators, freezers, and display cabinets. Commercial refrigerators are different from household refrigerators. Commercial refrigerators provide larger storage space and do not use plastic partitions, but only use shelves to separate them into two areas. It comes with an excellent thermostat that allows you to open and close the refrigerator door multiple times throughout the day while still maintaining a constant temperature inside.

 

Types of Commercial Refrigerators

There are many types of commercial refrigerators. Based on different sizes and functions, you can choose the refrigerator that suits your business. Below we will discuss the functions and features of different types of refrigerators.

Reach-in Refrigerator

This type of refrigerator is widely used. It not only comes in a variety of sizes and styles, but also has a variety of door options. According to the number of doors, it can be divided into double doors, three doors, and even single doors. According to the material of the door, it can be divided into stainless steel door and glass door. And you can choose different temperatures, refrigerated, frozen or dual temperature. They usually come with mobile casters, allowing you to easily move them to the right location.

Reach-in refrigerators are the panacea of the refrigeration world and a popular choice for many catering companies. They are useful for storing perishable items such as meat, vegetables, and produce.

 

Walk-in Refrigerator

Walk-in refrigerators are often placed in service areas or cargo receiving areas and are used to store large bulk items. It allows employees to access the interior for easy placement and organization of goods. And placing it in the receiving area can avoid channel congestion and reduce the time consumed on the journey.

Walk-in refrigerators can be expensive to run, so make sure you choose one with high-quality insulation to help save on energy bills.

 

Display Cabinet/ Display Refrigerator

Commercial display cabinets are commonly found in supermarkets, convenience stores, beverage stores and other places where goods need to be displayed. It is very convenient for customers to find and pick up the products they want. It comes in different models, single-door or double-door display cabinets with glass door designs; push-pull or flat-pull types; and even open-air ones. No matter which model you want, it has you covered.

 

Refrigerated Preparation Table

It is mainly divided into two parts, the top is a preparation table for preparing food, and the bottom is a refrigerated cabinet where ingredients and ingredients can be stored. Refrigerated worktops help simplify preparation and ensure the freshness of ingredients.

 

Undercounter Refrigerator

An undercounter refrigerator is similar to a refrigerated worktop, with a stainless steel flat surface on top and a refrigerated cabinet below. It is usually placed under the preparation table and is used to store ingredients or products such as beverages.

 

How to choose the right commercial refrigerator

How to choose a commercial refrigerator that suits you? First, you must consider the available space and layout of the kitchen and choose the appropriate refrigerator size to buy. Also, determine your storage needs and enough storage space to make your catering business run smoothly. It is also very important to choose a suitable refrigeration system and a good refrigerant, which determines the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration system. Choosing an energy-efficient commercial refrigerator can help you reduce energy costs. Warranty service is also an important factor to consider.

 

Benefits of using commercial refrigerators

There are many benefits to using a commercial one. Its large capacity allows it to store large quantities of ingredients, pre-processed foods and finished products, while simplifying inventory management and monitoring the quantity and quality of food in real time. Extending the shelf life of food is its biggest advantage, allowing it to maintain the freshness of food within a certain period of time. It uses strong and durable materials that extend the life of your device. It is a reliable device that meets high demands and provides ample supply for fast-paced commercial kitchens. And it can also provide customization requirements, allowing you to customize your own commercial refrigerator based on your space needs and other unique needs.

 

Things to Consider When Buying a Commercial Refrigerator

When purchasing commercial refrigeration equipment for your business or restaurant, it's important to make the right decision. This is an investment in the future of your company, and you must choose a cooler that meets all your needs.

Here are some factors you need to consider specifically:

Consider Operating Efficiency

The first thing you need to consider is how efficiently your commercial refrigerator operates. In the restaurant or food service industry, efficiency and time are key to a successful business. Therefore, please consider this factor carefully. The operating efficiency not only depends on the cooling effect of the condenser within a certain period of time, but also records the time of each refrigeration cycle.

 

Check Whether the Equipment Uses Insulation Materials

Proper insulation of the refrigeration system is a very important consideration before purchasing a commercial refrigerator. Use good insulation materials to keep equipment cool and ensure a consistent internal temperature, thereby avoiding product deterioration due to temperature fluctuations and reducing waste.

 

Choose Machines with Low Energy Consumption

Commercial kitchens require high-power equipment to prepare and make food. Using so many high-power machines at the same time consumes a lot of energy. To spend less on energy costs, you should choose commercial refrigeration equipment that consumes less energy. Buy products that earn Energy Star, which meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's energy efficiency regulations.

 

Some Common Problems with Commercial Refrigerators

Commercial refrigerators occupy an important position in the business environment. Problems with the refrigeration system will affect the production efficiency of the company, the food supply chain, and cause some food waste. Here are some common problems with commercial refrigerators.

Compressor Failure

The compressor is the heart of commercial refrigeration equipment, which determines whether the equipment can operate normally. There are many reasons for compressor failure, such as ice accumulation in the evaporator coil, excessive compressor discharge temperature, lack of lubrication, etc.

 

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is key to cooling the air inside your refrigerator, so if this chemical starts to leak, it will reduce cooling effectiveness or even lose cooling capacity. When a leak occurs, the compressor needs to work harder to maintain normal operation of the equipment, which in the long run will lead to increased energy costs or even complete system failure.

 

Dirty Coil

The presence of dirt, debris, or grease on the condenser and evaporator coils can cause your refrigeration system to not function properly. The coil's job is to move heat out of the system, and if it becomes clogged or dirty and doesn't work effectively, it will result in less efficient cooling. As a result, the compressor requires increased workload, which increases operating costs and the risk of system failure.

 

Thermostat Failure

The thermostat is the main component that maintains the temperature of your refrigerator. If the thermostat fails, it will manifest itself as incorrect temperature readings. Higher actual temperatures can cause food to spoil and spoil; lower temperatures can cause products to freeze and fail to stay fresh.

 

Door Gasket Worn

The door gasket refers to the sealing rubber ring surrounding the edge of the refrigerator door and is a vulnerable part. When it is worn or damaged, the internal cold air will be lost and the temperature will be unstable, resulting in poor cooling effect and product deterioration.

 

Dirty Fan/ Poor Ventilation

The fan is not working properly, which means the device cannot dissipate heat effectively. In the case of poor ventilation, the cooling efficiency of the equipment becomes low and it cannot maintain the temperature required for food, which will lead to product deterioration and waste.

 

How to Maintain a Commercial Refrigerator?

Regular maintenance of commercial refrigerators can extend their service life and reduce maintenance costs. So, how to effectively maintain commercial refrigeration equipment, you need to refer to the following suggestions:

Clean the Interior and Exterior Regularly

Commercial refrigerators require regular cleaning of the interior and exterior to maintain a hygienic environment. Regular cleaning also keeps your equipment running well and avoids breakdowns.

 

Clean Coils Regularly

Since the condenser and evaporator coils are prone to accumulation of dust, debris, and grease, if too much dust causes a blockage, this will affect the refrigerator's refrigeration system. Therefore, you need to clean it regularly with a soft-bristled brush or vacuum cleaner.

 

Leave Space for Good Ventilation

Do not fill the commercial refrigerator with ingredients, as this will affect the heat dissipation of the refrigerator. Therefore, you should leave some space for hot air to escape and keep ventilation flowing.

 

Check the Thermostat for Proper Operation

The thermostat is very important in maintaining the temperature of your refrigerator, so you need to check how efficiently your thermostat is operating frequently. You can put a thermometer inside and wait for a certain period of time to see if the temperature readings on the thermometer and the refrigerator are consistent. If they are different, the thermostat is faulty and you need to take steps to fix it.

 

Replace Worn Door Gaskets Promptly

The door gasket is the last line of defense to maintain the temperature of the refrigerator, and it is a wearing part. If you observe damage or wear to the gasket, replace it promptly.

 

Summarize

As the most important piece of large commercial equipment in a commercial kitchen, you should carefully consider all factors to better choose the best commercial refrigeration equipment for your business. Choosing a commercial refrigerator with good performance, energy saving and environmental protection, excellent cooling effect and low investment cost is what most people pursue. However, we still have to consider the actual situation and consider all factors before deciding on the product model to purchase.

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