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Choosing a suitable commercial refrigerator is a challenging task, not only because there are many types and different functions, but also because they have different prices and different application scenarios. Before knowing how to choose a commercial refrigerator, you should learn more about the types of commercial refrigerators and their features.
Walk-in refrigerator - It has two types: refrigerator and freezer, and is mainly used for the storage of large bulk goods. It is usually placed at the food or item receiving area to facilitate staff to move goods to the refrigerator. And this kind of refrigerator allows multiple people to enter the space, shortening the time of sorting goods. It is also available in a variety of sizes and can be customized to suit your specific needs.
Reach-in Refrigerator - It comes in a variety of configurations including single-door, double-door, and three-door models. There are shelves inside to separate the storage space, allowing you to better store ingredients. This type of equipment is commonly found in commercial kitchens and restaurants.
Display refrigerator - It is often used in retail stores, supermarkets and dessert shops, making it very convenient for employees and customers to find accurate and visible products. These are usually designed with glass doors and are ideal for displaying meat, beverages and other produce. Display cabinets come in a variety of sizes and configurations to provide the right size for your needs.
Refrigerated prep tables - Refrigerated prep tables are often found in commercial kitchens and can be used to prepare foods such as salads, sandwiches, and cakes. They are usually designed in two parts, a refrigerated compartment that can be used to store ingredients and a prep station that can be used to prepare food. Refrigerated prep tables also come in a variety of sizes and configurations, including models with cutting boards, drawers, and shelves.
Back bar refrigerator - Bars often use this equipment to refrigerate various beverages such as wine, soda, bottled beer, and canned beer. Most bar options feature two or three-section models, but there are also models that use a single section or four sections. And it is designed with a glass door to facilitate bartenders to observe and select appropriate drinks.
Undercounter refrigerator - Undercounter refrigerators are mostly used for kitchen storage. The upper part is a smooth stainless steel countertop, which can be used to prepare ingredients and place pre-processed products. There is a large refrigerated space below, which is mainly used to store perishable items or drinks.
After understanding the types of commercial refrigerators, here are some things you should consider in order to choose the best commercial refrigerator.
Before choosing a refrigerator, you need to consider the space available in your kitchen and the layout of the refrigerator. Accurately measure the space at your chosen location to ensure the equipment you choose will fit into the available space. Also, consider the type of refrigerator door that will best suit your kitchen space. Whether you choose sliding doors or swing doors is determined by your kitchen space.
You'll also need to determine your storage needs, which typically depend on the size of your restaurant, average daily customer traffic, the amount of food you prepare, and the types of food you need to store. For example, if you deal in frozen produce, you might want a freezer with multiple compartments and adjustable shelves. If you specialize in fresh produce, then you'll want a larger cooler with separate compartments for fruits and vegetables.
The refrigeration system is one of the most important components in a commercial refrigerator, as it ensures that the equipment maintains good cooling. Therefore, choosing the right refrigeration system is crucial. There are many types of refrigeration systems, and which model you choose depends on your needs and preferences. The most common refrigeration systems are top-mounted, bottom-mounted, and side-mounted.
Top-mounted systems are suitable for locations with higher humidity, bottom-mounted systems are easier to maintain and clean, and side-mounted systems are suitable for kitchens with limited ceiling heights.
The quality of the equipment is a big consideration, good equipment lasts for a long time. You want to choose a durable type, which is usually made with high-quality materials and comes with features like excellent digital thermostats, adjustable shelving, and self-closing doors.
For restaurants or commercial kitchens running large operations, large amounts of food served require high energy costs. Therefore, it is important to choose an energy-saving refrigerator as it will help reduce costs. Look for models with an "Energy Star" rating, which means they meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A good refrigerant has no impact on the environment and can improve the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. So what is a good refrigerant? You should choose a refrigerant that is environmentally friendly, has good cooling effect, has low energy consumption, and is non-flammable.
A good warranty protects your investment. Look for a model with a warranty that covers parts and labor, and one that offers good after-sales service and repairs.
Commercial refrigeration equipment plays an important role in preserving food, ingredients and ensuring food safety. Whether you are a restaurant operator, a seller of frozen products, or another user of commercial refrigeration equipment, it is very important to understand the basics of commercial refrigeration to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.
A commercial refrigerator or commercial refrigeration unit refers to a refrigeration or freezing unit used in a commercial environment. They include reach-in refrigerators and freezers in supermarkets, retail stores, convenience stores, display cabinets used to display goods, and more.
Commercial refrigerators provide businesses with a good competitive advantage by ensuring food safety standards. These refrigerators effectively maintain proper ingredient temperatures, minimizing spoilage and extending the shelf life of ingredients. Not only does it create a larger space for cooling food, it also avoids the clutter of commercial kitchens.
