List of types of refrigerators suitable for commercial purposes
| Type | Description | Typical Capacity | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach-In Refrigerators | Upright units with front-opening doors, similar to residential fridges but larger | 20-50 cu ft | Restaurants, cafes, small commercial kitchens | Easy access, multiple shelves, glass or solid doors, energy efficient |
| Walk-In Coolers | Large refrigerated rooms you can walk into | 100-3000+ cu ft | Large restaurants, warehouses, grocery stores, food distributors | Maximum storage, customizable size, can store bulk items, requires dedicated space |
| Under-Counter Refrigerators | Compact units that fit beneath countertops | 5-10 cu ft | Bars, prep stations, small kitchens | Space-saving, convenient placement, quick access to frequently used items |
| Display Refrigerators | Glass-door or open-front units showcasing products | Varies widely | Convenience stores, delis, bakeries, beverage retailers | Visibility increases sales, LED lighting, customer self-service |
| Prep Table Refrigerators | Refrigerated base with cutting board top and ingredient pans | 10-20 cu ft | Pizza shops, sandwich shops, salad bars | Built-in prep space, ingredient organization, workflow efficiency |
| Blast Chillers | Rapidly cool hot food to safe temperatures | 5-50+ cu ft | High-volume kitchens, catering, food processing | Fast cooling (90°F to 37°F in 90 min), food safety compliance, preserve quality |
| Beverage Coolers | Specialized for drinks with optimal temperature settings | 10-75 cu ft | Bars, convenience stores, cafeterias | Specialized racks, consistent temperature, often with glass doors |
| Merchandising Refrigerators | Open-air or glass-door units for retail display | Varies | Supermarkets, convenience stores | Attractive display, easy customer access, multiple shelf levels |
| Undercounter Freezers | Freezer versions of undercounter units | 5-10 cu ft | Bars, small kitchens needing frozen storage | Dual-purpose with refrigeration, ice cream storage, compact footprint |
| Roll-In Refrigerators | Large units accepting full-size rolling racks | 40-80 cu ft | Bakeries, large-scale food production | Accommodates sheet pans and racks, minimal handling, efficient for bulk operations |
Common Features Across Commercial Types:
- Stainless steel construction for durability and sanitation
- Heavy-duty compressors for constant use
- Temperature monitoring systems
- NSF certification for food safety
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
- Adjustable shelving
Selection Considerations:
- Available space and layout
- Volume of food storage needed
- Type of food business and menu
- Energy efficiency ratings
- Budget and operating costs
- Local health code requirements
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