Commercial Refrigerators: Top Picks to Keep Your Stock Fresh and Profitable

Apr 28, 2023

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A commercial refrigerator is an essential piece of equipment for any small business owner operating within the food and beverage industry. Selecting the right commercial refrigeration system can make a significant difference in the success of your business, as it ensures food safety and maintains the quality of your products. This comprehensive guide aims to help you navigate the world of commercial refrigerators, offering expert advice on various types and models, as well as providing recommendations for the best units available in the market today.

There is a wide array of commercial refrigerators available, each designed to cater to specific business requirements. Let's take a closer look at the different types and their best use cases.

These are the most common type of commercial refrigerators, also known as reach-in refrigerators. Upright refrigerators are designed to provide ample storage space while occupying a minimal footprint in commercial kitchens. With adjustable shelves and high-quality stainless steel construction, these refrigerators are built to withstand the demands of a busy foodservice establishment.

Best for: Restaurants, bars, cafes, and bakeries requiring efficient storage solutions for a variety of food items and beverages.

Undercounter refrigerators are compact units that fit seamlessly under countertops, providing easy access to frequently used ingredients. These refrigerators are ideal for commercial kitchens with limited space, as they allow chefs to work efficiently without having to walk to a separate refrigeration unit.

Best for: Restaurants, cafes, and bakeries with limited space but a need for quick access to chilled ingredients.

Designed to showcase products, merchandising refrigerators come in various styles, including glass door refrigerators and open-air models. These units help increase impulse sales by displaying items like beverages, snacks, and frozen treats in an attractive manner. Glass chillers, back bar coolers, and convenience store refrigerators fall under this category.

Best for: Convenience stores, grocery stores, bars, and restaurants looking to boost sales through enticing product displays.

Combining refrigeration and workspaces, worktop refrigerators are perfect for businesses that require both storage and preparation areas. These versatile units offer easy access to chilled ingredients, along with a sturdy surface for food preparation.

Best for: Restaurants, cafes, and bakeries that require additional workspace and refrigeration in one unit.

These specialized refrigerators are designed to streamline food preparation processes, with built-in cutting boards and storage compartments for ingredients. Typically used in sandwich shops, pizzerias, and salad bars, prep table refrigerators keep ingredients fresh and accessible.

Best for: Businesses that require a dedicated space for assembling fresh dishes while maintaining ingredient freshness.

To determine the appropriate size and capacity of your commercial refrigerator, consider your business's specific needs and available space. Evaluate your inventory requirements and how much storage you will need, along with the dimensions of the area where the unit will be placed.

Investing in an energy-efficient commercial refrigeration system is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Look for models with ENERGY STAR certification or other recognized efficiency ratings, as these units consume less energy and reduce operating costs in the long run.

Different food items and beverages require specific temperature ranges to maintain their quality and freshness. Choose a refrigerator that offers adjustable temperature controls, allowing you to set the perfect temperature for your products.

Regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial for the longevity and performance of your refrigerator. Opt for models with features that simplify these tasks, such as removable helves, self-cleaning condensers, and easy-to-clean surfaces. This will help ensure the efficiency and hygiene of your refrigeration system.

To help you make an informed decision, we have evaluated various commercial refrigerators based on factors such as performance, durability, energy efficiency, and user experience. Here are our top recommendations:

Top Pick: Our top pick is a versatile and efficient commercial display refrigerator, designed to meet the needs of small businesses. This 9.0 cu ft merchandiser features a thermostat and light switch conveniently placed inside the unit, a customizable lightbox for personal branding, and a bottom-mounted compressor housed behind an attractive grill cover. The locking door handle provides added security for your products, making it ideal for bars, restaurants, and cafes.

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PremiumLevella Glass Door Merchandiser Refrigerator

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KoolMore's 23 cu ft reach-in refrigerators offer external digital temperature control and display, auto defrost, and four casters for easy mobility. Designed to provide optimal cooling and organization for your restaurant kitchen, it's both space-saving and spacious.

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KoolMore 29″ Stainless Steel 1 Glass Door Commercial Reach-in Refrigerator

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Best Value: Arctic Air's 26-inch reach-in refrigerators are an efficient and affordable cold storage solution. It is equipped with an advanced electronic thermostat and a user-friendly external digital LED display for precise temperature control and easy monitoring. The interior is lined with bright white aluminum for enhanced illumination, while the stainless steel floor with coved corners simplifies cleaning by minimizing dirt and debris accumulation. Additionally, the AR23 features three adjustable, corrosion-resistant, epoxy-coated wire shelves to accommodate various storage needs.

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Arctic Air One Section Reach-in Refrigerator

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This under-counter refrigerator from Arctic Air utilizes R600a refrigerant in its self-contained capillary tube system, ensuring rapid temperature recovery and efficient airflow. Built with stainless steel and featuring coved interior corners, this refrigerator is easy to clean and maintain. The electronic thermostat allows precise temperature adjustments between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit, while the LED display offers convenient monitoring. Additionally, these under-counter refrigerators come with a single, self-closing door, a recessed handle, and a removable top panel for height reduction.

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Arctic Air AUC27R 27″ Single Door Work Top Undercounter Refrigerator

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This high-performance refrigerator is designed to cater to the needs of small businesses such as restaurants, bars, and shops. It boasts a powerful compressor, fan cooling system, and automatic defrost, providing efficient refrigeration with a temperature range of 33 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The digital temperature control and LED display allow for easy temperature adjustments and monitoring. Made with stainless steel both inside and out, this refrigerator is durable, fingerprint-resistant, and easy to clean. The unit also features a generous 36 cu. ft. storage capacity, 90 lbs loading capacity per shelf, and convenient 4″ casters for mobility.

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WESTLAKE 48″ Refrigerator

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This sleek and compact commercial countertop refrigerator display case is perfect for small businesses aiming to increase impulse sales. This 5.6 cu. ft. display case features bright LED lighting and front curved glass that beautifully showcases your enticing goods. Designed for countertops or freestanding installation, it helps save valuable floor space in your bakery, café, or convenience store. With two adjustable chrome-plated, rust-resistant shelves, you can easily display a variety of desserts, pastries, and beverages. The digital temperature display and controls ensure that your products remain fresh and ready to sell, with a temperature range of 32 to 53 degrees Fahrenheit.

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KoolMore Commercial Countertop Refrigerator

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With a 49 cubic feet capacity, this side-by-side reach-in refrigerator by Lucky Kitchen Supply offers ample storage for your restaurant's needs. Fitted with door locks, a digital controller, and pre-installed castors, it ensures convenience and security for your kitchen.

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Lucky Kitchen Supply Stainless Steel Reach in Refrigerator

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Discover the kalifon Commercial Display Refrigerator, a 23 cu.ft upright merchandiser featuring a single glass door and LED lighting. Equipped with a powerful Embraco compressor and Carel controller, this refrigerator offers premium quality, energy efficiency, and a user-friendly design, making it an ideal choice for small businesses.

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kalifon Commercial Display Refrigerator Merchandiser

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KITMA's double-door reach-in refrigerators are an ideal choice for small businesses in need of a spacious cooling solution. This 49 cu.ft. refrigerator features 8 adjustable shelves for maximum storage, a stainless steel construction, and energy-efficient LED lighting, making it perfect for keeping your products cool and organized.

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KITMA 2 Glass Door Commercial Reach-in Refrigerator

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The Kool More Commercial Worktop Refrigerator is designed for restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and all commercial kitchens. This sleek stainless steel refrigerator features three doors, generous worktop space, and easy-to-access recessed handles. With adjustable shelves, efficient temperature control, and mobility, it's the perfect addition to any commercial kitchen.

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KoolMore 72″ Stainless Steel 3 Door Worktop Refrigerator

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When it comes to acquiring a commercial refrigerator for your business, consider the long-term financial implications of leasing versus buying the equipment. Leasing offers flexibility and lower upfront costs while purchasing the unit results in ownership and potential tax advantages. Evaluate your business's financial situation and growth plans before making a decision.

To find the best deals on commercial refrigerators, research financing options available for small businesses, such as loans, equipment financing, or credit lines. Additionally, look for promotional offers or discounts from manufacturers and suppliers.

The ideal temperature range for a commercial refrigerator depends on the products being stored. Generally, perishable food items should be stored between 34°F and 40°F, while beverages can be stored at slightly higher temperatures.

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for the performance and longevity of your refrigerator. Schedule a thorough cleaning at least once a month and conduct routine maintenance tasks, such as checking door seals and cleaning condenser coils, every three months.

Common issues with commercial refrigerators include temperature fluctuations, frost buildup, and compressor failures. To prevent these problems, regularly monitor temperature settings, clean and defrost the unit as needed, and ensure proper maintenance of the refrigeration system.

Regulations regarding commercial refrigerators, commercial freezers, and other large appliances may vary depending on your location and the type of business you operate. Familiarize yourself with local health and safety codes, as well as any industry-specific guidelines, to ensure compliance.

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