Which Type of Commercial Refrigerator Do You Need?
Commercial refrigerators are vital for any food service operation. The layout and door style of different types of commercial refrigerators greatly affects their functionality, so it's wise to learn about your options before making a purchase.
For example, a new restaurant may need a walk-in with ample storage space, while a deli may be better served with a refrigerated merchandising station.
Each commercial refrigerator category serves a specific purpose, so you can quickly narrow down your fridge selection once you understand your kitchen’s needs. In this guide, we'll explain the functionality of different types of commercial refrigerators to help you make an educated purchasing decision.
1) Reach-Ins
Reach-in refrigerators are the most straightforward refrigerator model for restaurants, hotels, college dining halls, and other commercial kitchens. Reach-in refrigerators resemble large residential fridges, with a door that opens to reveal rows of shelving. Unlike residential models, commercial reach-in refrigerators offer significantly more cooling power and storage space. Depending on your needs, a reach-in refrigerator door can be made of glass or metal, and the door design can be sliding or hinged. Almost every restaurant relies on at least one reach-in fridge.
You can customize most reach-in commercial refrigerators. Most of our reach-in selection includes rolling casters for easy mobility, while some come with solid half-doors or pass-through shelving that provides access from both sides. Other reach-in freezers and commercial fridge-freezer combos use solid metal doors to retain cold air and minimize temperature loss.
Typically, kitchens position reach-in commercial refrigerators in prep areas, so cooks can store produce, prepared items, sauces, and other ingredients for easy access. In most cases, a walk-in refrigerator serves as a larger storage area, and cooks move important products from the walk-in to the reach-in to speed up the prep process.
2) Walk-Ins
Commercial walk-in refrigerators provide ample cold space for restaurants. Walk-ins vary dramatically in size, from small pods to large room-sized compounds. With a walk-in, you waste less energy browsing the storage shelves because you can close the door behind you (unlike a traditional reach-in fridge).
Typically, restaurants locate walk-ins near their receiving areas, where fresh food is delivered. This location lets restaurant staff quickly move bulk ingredients to the walk-in without creating bottlenecks in the kitchen. Once a delivery is made, kitchen staff can decide which items need to be centrally located in reach-in refrigerators and transfer them.
3) Undercounter Refrigeration
Like reach-in refrigerators, under-counter refrigerators provide easy access to ingredients on the line. You can install these compact refrigerators under a kitchen counter or prep table, so you just have to reach down to find what you need. The compact nature of these types of commercial refrigerators is perfect for food trucks and concession stands. When space is at a premium, under-counter refrigerators offer functionality in a low-profile design.
Under-counter refrigerators typically store the produce, prepared meats, and any other mise en place (such as garnishes and sauces) for use throughout the day. When you run out of ingredients, a quick trip to the walk-in cooler is all you need to do to restock.
Some under-counter units have a worktop built into the design for food prep. Just like reach-ins, under-counter models are available in freezer form.
4) Refrigerated Prep Tables
Also known as mega-top refrigerators, these specialty prep tables allow chefs to quickly grab pizza, salad, or sandwich ingredients. Refrigerated prep tables include a refrigerated prep rail and a series of container slots for storing ingredients and keeping food at a precise temperature while providing easy access.
Delis, diners, cafeterias, and sandwich shops typically favor these types of commercial refrigerators. The convenient design allows chefs to prep food on the worktable, store the containers in the fridge/freezer until service, and then quickly move them to the line.
5) Bar Refrigeration
Bar refrigerators offer multiple solutions for keeping beverages cool. Bar fridges are typically built with black vinyl or stainless steel, which looks incredible behind the bar. Depending on your preference, bar coolers can have solid or glass doors. You can also choose horizontal bottle coolers with sliding tops that allow you to reach down and grab a drink. Finally, some bar refrigerators include a draft beer dispenser to load a keg in the under-counter fridge area.
6) Merchandising Refrigerators
Many food service businesses display their merchandise in the open, so customers can explore a full selection of products and grab what they want. Merchandising refrigerators come in various shapes and sizes and are perfect for delis, convenience stores, and bakeries.
We have grab-and-go refrigerators for every setting, whether you need an open-air merchandiser, a countertop fridge, or a traditional glass-door model. The open nature of merchandising refrigerators makes them easy to organize and clean.
Where to Buy Commercial Refrigerators
Since 1988, Chefs’ Toys has sold, shipped, and installed commercial freezers and refrigerators for the food service industry. It's the lifeblood of our operation. We have a huge selection of refrigerators for fine dining establishments, bars, delis, and much more.
Let us help you find the perfect refrigerator for your business. Click here to message us, or call (714) 665-CHEF (2433) to speak to our team.
