Choosing the right type of refrigerator can make a big difference in how your business runs, which is why it makes sense to understand your options.
For instance, a new restaurant might require large freezers and refrigeration units, which are necessary for maintaining the proper temperatures for storing food and drinks. Whereas a deli might need a refrigerated merchandise station or prep table. For those planning to set up a bar in their area, investing in a professional wine and beverage cooler may be required.
Whatever the case may be, thanks to modern technology, it's now easy to browse through the large selection of commercial refrigeration systems available and select the right one for you.
Commercial fridges are helpful for storing food and preserving cooked food. Some of the businesses that benefit from having commercial refrigeration equipment include restaurants, hotels, pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores.
It’s essential that food service businesses choose the right refrigeration system, as this will help them comply with the strict food safety guidelines. The right equipment keeps food fresh, meaning temperature is maintained at the right levels and contamination is prevented.
Each type of commercial refrigerator has a specific purpose. Selecting the correct type of refrigerator in accordance with the space and purpose of your establishment ensures that the unit meets your particular requirements.
To help you decide what type of commercial refrigerator is best for your business, check out this guide, which lists the different types of commercial refrigeration equipment and their different uses.
Reach-in units are the most common type of commercial refrigerator used in hotels and restaurants. It’s usually for storing produce, sauces, condiments and garnishes as well as meat, poultry or fish.
They look like larger versions of your home refrigerator, featuring rows of shelving behind the door. Their cooling capacity and storage capacity are much greater than domestic refrigerators. Depending on what you require, you can choose metal or glass reach-in doors. You can also pick whether to have them sliding or hinged.
When you have chosen the size and type of door for your reach-in fridge, it is possible to further customise it. You can opt to install wheels for ease of mobility and pass-through shelving so that the fridge can be accessed from either side.
When you have a large kitchen area and need plenty of fridge space, a walk-in refrigerator is the perfect solution. Restaurants with heavy traffic benefit from walk-in refrigerators. These are usually located near the receiving areas where fresh food is delivered daily, allowing staff to easily store bulk ingredients in the walk-in. Consequently, this avoids congestion in the kitchen.
Walk-in refrigerators or freezers resemble walk-in closets. They are used primarily by commercial kitchens and restaurants to keep foods, beverages and ingredients cool and fresh. A walk-in unit can store crates of food such as meat, poultry, fish and produce. It’s available in a wide range of sizes, from small pods to large chambers.
Do you want to expand your refrigerator space, and do you still have some room beneath the counter? While undercounter refrigerators aren’t huge and can’t fulfil all your refrigerator needs, they are a great option if you need more storage space.
Undercounter units are similar to reach-in units. They are, however, significantly more compact and portable than reach-in units and can fit in smaller spaces.
This type of refrigerator best suits restaurants that need to store small food items or ingredients, beverages or plates. Often placed directly under the kitchen counter or preparation table, undercounter units make it easy to access ingredients while working.
Refrigerated prep tables come in two types: pizza and sandwich/salad tables. These units play a very important role in the preparation area or cook line at a variety of restaurants, including delis, diners and cafeterias. They make it easy for chefs to assemble pizzas, salads and sandwiches.
Prep tables come with a cold storage unit to keep the ingredients fresh. They’re also used for storing toppings, sauces, dressings and the like. Many of them are equipped with wheels to facilitate movement.
The purpose of bar refrigerators is to chill drinks. Restaurants, cafes, lounges and other establishments that serve drinks usually purchase these refrigerators for cooling beer, soda, water bottles and wine. Bar refrigerators are divided into multiple compartments, usually between three and four, where users can separate items for storage.
This type of refrigeration equipment is a common sight in markets, grocery stores, bakeries and delis. It’s typically used for storing packaged drinks and food items. Equipped with glass doors, merchandise refrigerators enable customers to look at the products inside. For maximum aisle space, you can select a model with multiple sections and narrow dimensions.
These are ideal for bakeries, delicatessens, cake shops and sandwich shops, where fresh goods are displayed and ready for sale. With these units, the food items become more appetising to the customers. They allow consumers to pick out the foods they prefer.
Since 1976, The Bond Group has been providing expert commercial refrigeration solutions to businesses of all types. So if you’re looking for commercial fridges in the UK for your deli, bar, bakery and more, we offer a wide range of commercial fridge displays. For further enquiries, contact us today.
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