In a commercial kitchen, numeral factors are vital and perhaps there is none more important than the type of commercial refrigeration you have for your facility. Having the right appliances to accommodate your kitchen’s needs is vital to the success of every meal time. From ovens and hobs to dishwashers and beyond, the equipment you have dictates how your kitchen runs. One of the most important appliances in a large-scale kitchen is the type of commercial refrigeration you use. But what type of commercial refrigeration do you need? When it comes to choosing the right type of commercial refrigeration, there are many things to consider – from food safety and stringent regulations to freshness and storage ability. In this blog post, we at School Catering Equipment will explore which type of commercial refrigeration you need. We’ll showcase some of our bestselling options and highlight the benefits of choosing the right type of fridge for your needs.

What impacts commercial refrigeration selection?

When choosing commercial refrigeration for your kitchen, you must choose the right size for the job. Several things can impact the size of the commercial fridge that you choose. Here are some of the factors that may influence your commercial refrigeration selection…

  • What are you storing?

Assessing what you will be storing is a good place to start to help you decide which type of commercial refrigeration you need. You will need to assess the perishability of items, the number of people you are accommodating and how often you will be receiving deliveries.

  • How much space do you have available?

Assessing the space you have available for refrigeration will help you decide on the type you need. We recommend measuring the area where you intend for the fridge 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 type of commercial refrigeration you choose, 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?

You will need to consider how often the refrigeration

will be accessed and used. If you have a high-traffic or large commercial kitchen, you will need larger commercial refrigeration. However, smaller kitchens can get away with more compact appliances.

  • How energy efficient does your fridge need to be?

Commercial 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 commercial kitchen.

What size fridge do I need?

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

Under-Counter Fridges

Under-counter fridges are great space-saving solutions for commercial 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 commercial kitchens 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

If you have a smaller commercial kitchen with low traffic, you 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 commercial 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 restaurants and cafeterias. These units are designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, ensuring that your commercial kitchen 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 commercial kitchen.

The Benefits of Picking the Right Fridge For Your Commercial Kitchen

The type of commercial refrigeration you choose can have an impact on the food and beverage quality, your establishment’s status and the ability to cater to a wide range of requirements. Here at School Catering Equipment, we have seen how picking the right commercial fridge can benefit kitchens first-hand. Here are the benefits of picking the right fridge for your commercial kitchen…

  • Space Utilisation

Choosing the right fridge for your commercial 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

Premises preparing and selling food and beverages are subject to strict food safety regulations and must comply with the standards. The right type of fridge will consistently maintain temperatures to preserve food quality and reduce the risk of contamination.

  • Long-Term Cost Savings

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Refrigeration

How do I calculate the storage capacity needed for my commercial 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 commercial setting?

It is not recommended to use residential fridges in a commercial 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 commercial 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 commercial 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 commercial 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 commercial 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.

Do your fridges come with a warranty?

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

How much does a commercial fridge cost?

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

Need something else? Commercial Freezers…

If you’re looking for commercial 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 several commercial kitchen requirements. Our range of freezers for commercial kitchens 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 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…

Are you ready to place your order for your commercial fridges and freezers? It couldn’t be easier! 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.  

 FREE delivery on all orders over £200.

 

If you’re looking for high-quality commercial refrigeration, you’re in the right place. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the specialists at School Catering Equipment today!