Whether you are responsible for an infant school, a junior school or a senior school, the dining area and kitchen are of utmost importance. Having the right appliances to cater to the needs of your students and staff is essential to the success and seamless running of your school kitchen. What’s more, stringent health and safety and food safety guidelines require food and drink to be stored properly and in line with regulations. Here at School Catering Equipment, we understand the importance of choosing the right fridge for your school and if you’re wondering ‘What size fridge do I need for my school?’ then look no further. When it comes to choosing the perfect fridge size, there are several factors to consider, fortunately, we are perfectly placed to provide trusted advice and guidance on school refrigeration. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information.

What impacts fridge size selection?

When choosing a fridge size for your school or education establishment, it is vital that you choose the right size for the job. Several things can impact the size of the fridge that you choose. Here are some of the factors that may influence your fridge size selection:

  • What do you need to store?

You will need to assess what you will be storing in your school fridges. This means looking at the number of perishable items, the number of students and staff and how often you will be receiving deliveries to the school kitchen.

  • How much space do you have available?

We recommend assessing how much space you have available for your school refrigeration. Measure the area or areas where you intend for the fridges to be placed to ensure that there is enough space for any required ventilation as well as door swing.

  • What is your budget?

Your budget will likely have an impact on the size of your school fridge, and the quantity of fridges that you can purchase. At School Catering Equipment, we have a range of display, upright and under-counter fridges to suit a range of budget requirements.

  • How frequently will you be using the fridge?

By assessing how often the fridge will be accessed and used, you will get a better idea of which type of fridge is right for you. High-traffic areas and large schools will require larger fridges, but smaller schools or nurseries may make do with smaller ones.

  • How energy efficient does your fridge need to be?

School fridges and freezers run 24/7, so it’s important to think about the energy rating of your fridge and the running costs associated with it. Consider A+ or A+++ rated fridges which will save you money in the long run.

Get in touch with our specialists today, we are more than happy to provide you with trusted advice and guidance on how to pick the right fridge for your school or educational establishment.

What size fridge do I need for my school?

Now that you know what you need to consider when purchasing a fridge for your school or educational establishment, let’s take a closer look at which size fridge might be best for your school. Here at School Catering Equipment, we offer an extensive range of school fridges including:

Under-Counter Fridges

Under-counter fridges are great space-saving solutions for school kitchens looking to maximise floor space. They facilitate the storage of perishable goods beneath countertops and worktops. Here’s a spotlight on our bestselling under-counter fridge…

Arctica Medium Duty U/Counter Fridge 143Ltr -S/Steel or White £330.00 – £350.00 Excl. VAT

The Arctica under-counter fridge is a medium-duty refrigerator, featuring energy-efficient technology and comes supplied with 3 year warranty. This under-counter refrigerator uses the more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient R600a refrigerant and represents outstanding value for money. It is designed to fit neatly under existing counters or preparation surfaces to maximise space. It comes with a 143-litre capacity, white food-safe ABS interior and stainless steel exterior finish, 2 full and 1 half removable wire shelves, a digital thermometer display and controller, manual defrost, a lockable and reversible hinged door and is mounted on 2 adjustable front feet and 2 rear rollers.

Upright Fridges

Upright fridges are ideal for larger schools or educational facilities with high refrigeration demands and high foot traffic. We understand how important it is to choose the correct upright fridge for your busy kitchen. So, we have carefully selected this range of excellent upright fridges, ensuring that they are all suitable for modern commercial and professional kitchens. All of the upright fridges that we supply are from reputable Arctica, which is a bestselling brand. Not only are these upright fridges ideal for busy kitchen environments, but they are renowned for being great value for money. They are also designed to be both environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

Our range of upright fridges includes:

Arctica Heavy Duty Gastronorm Refrigerator – 670Ltr – 1 Door – Stainless Steel £1,199.00

Arctica Heavy Duty GN Fridge – 1240Ltr – 2 Dr – S/S £1,899.00

Arctica Medium Duty Gastronorm Refrigerator – 1200Ltr – 2 Door – Stainless Steel £1,650.00

Arctica Medium Duty Gastronorm Refrigerator – 600Ltr -1 Door – Stainless Steel £850.00

Arctica Medium Duty Upright Fridge 356Ltr – S/steel or White £600.00 – £650.00

Arctica Medium Duty Upright Fridge 580Ltr – S/steel or White £699.00 – £749.00 Excl. VAT

Counter Refrigeration

Schools or educational establishments with small refrigeration requirements may wish to consider counter refrigeration. Counter fridges are versatile units designed to fit on kitchen counters and worktops. This innovative design means that those working in the kitchen can easily access stored items for complete convenience and ease of use.

Counter-Top Display Fridges

Counter-top display fridges are ideal for showcasing chilled snacks, beverages, and grab-and-go items in school cafeterias. These units are designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, ensuring that your school or educational establishment runs smoothly. Counter-top display fridges also facilitate easy stocking and replenishing for cafeteria workers.

If you’re still unsure which fridge is right for your requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with School Catering Equipment today. We’re here and we’re happy to provide you with trusted advice and guidance on the type of fridge you need for your school.

The Benefits of Picking the Right Fridge For Your School

School fridge selection is a decision that reflects on the quality of food and beverages, the school’s status and the ability to cater to a wide range of requirements. At School Catering Equipment, we have seen how picking the right fridge can benefit school establishments. Here are the benefits of picking the right fridge for your school…

  • Space Utilisation

Ensuring that you have chosen the right size fridge for your school kitchen means that you can make efficient use of your available space. The right size fridge means that you won’t be overcrowding your kitchen or underutilising the space you have available to you.

  • Food Safety Standards

Schools and educational establishments are subject to stringent food safety regulations and must comply with the standards. The right size fridge means that temperatures and consistently maintained which preserves food quality and reduces the risk of contamination.

  • Long-Term Cost Savings

Choosing the right size fridge for your establishment can generate significant cost savings. You will ensure that you’re not overspending on a fridge that is too big for your requirements but will also be able to choose one that is energy efficient.

In Conclusion…

Choosing the right fridge size for your school or educational establishment is essential to guaranteeing smooth operations in your kitchen or cafeteria. When selecting a school fridge, we recommend considering the storage requirements, available space, budget, and usage to make an informed decision about fridge size that meets your school’s needs. The right fridge delivers a wealth of benefits, from space utilisation and food safety compliance to long-term cost savings. If you think that you’re ready to choose your school’s newest fridge, please don’t hesitate to contact School Catering Equipment today.

Frequently Asked Questions About School Fridges

How do I calculate the storage capacity needed for my school’s fridge?

Estimate the quantity of perishable items you need to store daily and multiply it by the number of days between deliveries

Can I use residential fridges in a school setting?

It is not recommended to use residential fridges in a school setting. Commercial fridges are designed to meet the demands of high-traffic environments and comply with food safety regulations.

What are the energy efficiency ratings for school fridges?

Energy efficiency ratings vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Look for units with high Energy Star ratings to minimise operating costs.

How often should school fridges be cleaned?

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain food safety standards. Aim for weekly deep cleans and daily wipe-downs to prevent bacteria build-up.

Are there any regulations regarding the placement of school fridges?

Regulations may vary depending on your location and local health codes. Consult with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance.

What maintenance tasks are required for school fridges?

Regular maintenance tasks include checking seals, cleaning condenser coils, and inspecting for signs of wear or damage.

What capacity does an upright fridge hold?​

As we supply a selection of upright fridges, the capacity of each fridge will differ. However, they are designed with catering professionals in mind and so all have ample storage space.

Which finishes are available on our upright fridges?​

All of our upright fridges are available in stainless steel, with some having the option of a white finish.

What capacity does an upright fridge have?

As we supply a selection of upright fridges, the capacity of each fridge will differ. However, they are designed with catering professionals in mind and so all have ample storage space.

Do your fridges come with a warranty?

Yes, all of our fridges come with a parts and labour warranty.

How much does a school fridge cost?

The cost of a school fridge will vary depending on your requirements. Please don’t hesitate to contact School Catering Equipment today for more information.

Need something else? School Freezers…

If you’re looking for school fridges and freezers, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at School Catering Equipment, we also offer an extensive range of freezers that are suitable for schools and educational establishments. Our range of freezers includes:

  • Heavy Duty Upright Freezers
  • Medium Duty Upright Freezers
  • Chest Freezers
  • Blast Chillers
  • Ice Makers

If you want to ensure the food safety, function and energy efficiency of your school establishment, then choose our high-quality range of fridges and freezers today. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with School Catering Equipment today for more information.

How To Order…

No need for credit cards or upfront payment. You will be invoiced directly and automatically be given 28-day payment terms. Simply fill in your school details, set up your own school account and you can start to order from the most comprehensive catalogue of catering equipment on the web specially selected for school and college needs.

If you would prefer to use your own purchase order system we will be happy to take orders over the phone on 0845 309 6355 or e-mail enquiries@schoolcateringequipment.co.uk.

Please call us at any time if you have any queries or would like any samples.

Not a school? Not a problem! Simply set up an account (including your phone number), place your order and we will call you within the hour to take payment over the phone. We will then ship your goods as soon as we receive payment.

Why choose School Catering Equipment?

  • Purchase order only – no need for upfront payment.
  • Your specialist in school catering equipment.
  • Products are chosen exclusively for school environments.
  • You can enjoy FREE delivery on all orders over £200.

If you’re looking for high-quality School Fridges, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the specialists at School Catering Equipment today!