An important part of any restaurant or food business is the refrigerator; it’s essential to keep everything fresh, and customers don’t like waiting for their food to cool down once they order it. There are many types of refrigerators, including display fridges, drinks fridges, and glass front fridges. Display fridges are commonly used by bakeries and restaurants; these units can hold sandwiches, pastries, or other grab-and-go items that customers like to buy quickly on their way out the door.
When deciding on which type of fridge to purchase, there are several factors to consider to ensure you’re getting the right one for your business. Depending on the type of establishment and the menu items, fridges come in many different configurations to meet your needs. Let’s take a look at how you can determine which type of commercial refrigerator is right for your business.
Fridges come in many shapes and sizes, but not all of them are suited to every business environment. From the residential fridge to the commercial refrigerator, this guide will help you choose the right type of fridges for your business’s needs and budget by examining the different types of fridges and their pros and cons.
What Are Commercial Fridges?
Commercial fridges are appliances that are designed specifically for businesses. From refrigerators to freezers, commercial fridges come in a variety of sizes and styles. The most common types of commercial fridges are cold storage, display fridges, drinks fridges, glass front fridges and upright fridge-freezers. These appliances help with everything from daily lunches to groceries delivered directly from suppliers. These appliances can be placed anywhere within your shop or restaurant; you’ll find them next to bar counters or opposite serving areas where they offer easy access for staff and customers alike.
While some business owners choose to install these appliances themselves, it is best practice to hire a professional installation company to ensure that your equipment is installed correctly and safely. If you do decide to go ahead with DIY installation, there are some things worth knowing before buying one of these fridges: How much should I spend on a commercial fridge?: Since prices vary greatly depending on size and type, it’s hard to pin down an average cost for commercial fridges. However, as a general rule, you should expect to pay between £800 – £4,000+ depending on the size and quality of the product required.
What to Look For?
Think you have a small business that could benefit from a fridge? You’re probably right! In fact, there are lots of small businesses that rely on fridges as a major source of revenue. But finding a fridge doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some things you should consider when choosing your ideal refrigeration unit. The most important thing is size—how big do you need it to be? Do you need shelves or drawers, or would stackable racks work better? You also need to think about power—do you want your refrigerator to run off its own motor or is it okay if it’s plugged into an outlet?
For these reasons and more, it’s always best to buy newly overused. Make sure any existing units are in good working order before buying them though; ask friends who run businesses about their old units. If they had problems with them, make sure you know what those problems were so you can avoid making those same mistakes!
Just like selecting a fridge for your home, choosing one for your business comes down to needs versus wants. If you need refrigeration that will hold food that customers may want on the go (baked goods or sandwiches), then a display refrigerator is perfect for your purposes. However, if you’re looking to only cool drinks and maybe some simple food items (soft-serve ice cream or pizza), then a countertop model may work better.
Materials
Today’s commercial refrigerators offer a variety of materials and styles. While a lot depends on how your refrigerator will be used, there are a few things you should know about how these units are constructed. For example, if you use your fridge in high-traffic areas, metal finishes may be more durable than wood or plastic. Metal doors work best if customers need fast access to food outside of display fridges.
In addition, fridges may also be available in transparent finishes. These can allow customers to browse what’s inside without opening a door, so they might be a good option if your establishment serves grab-and-go items. However, transparent doors aren’t as insulated as those with wood or plastic laminates and may not perform well in all environments. Also, because you can see everything from outside of these fridges, it’s important that everything is neat and tidy—no loaves of bread poking out from behind one another or otherwise cramped arrangements.
While some fridges use more efficient materials and can therefore cost a little more, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. A low-cost fridge might seem like a good deal upfront, but it could cause problems down the road if its doors fail to insulate or its shelves fall out because they weren’t reinforced correctly. Not only will your customers be unhappy, but you’ll also have wasted time and money on repairs—which may mean there are even fewer resources available when an emergency comes up in your kitchen. For these reasons, it’s generally better to invest in high-quality appliances that are likely to last longer.
Features to Consider
Before you buy a display fridge, there are some important factors to take into consideration. They include Storage capacity, cost of rental or acquisition, climate control system, interior lighting, energy efficiency and any other special features that will improve your business’s bottom line. Once you’ve analyzed each factor fully, it’s time to choose your appliance. You’ll need to decide between top- or bottom-mounted freezers (both work well), as well as between chest freezers (ideal for low ceilings) and upright freezers (the most common). If you’re not sure which kind would work best in your business environment, talk with friends or family who run similar establishments; they can offer helpful insight into what works best in their particular settings.
If you decide on a top-mounted freezer, make sure you look for one with separate temperature controls; these will allow you to adjust your freezer’s temperature in relation to your fridge’s. It’s also important that your fridge door has wide access panels; these will make it easier for employees or customers to access your food items quickly. For added convenience, look for refrigerators with low-level doors that open below eye level; these reduce bending over when retrieving food and can help improve efficiency during busy times. If you’re planning on using an ice maker in conjunction with your display fridge, choose one that matches its size well.
Tips when Shopping a Fridge for Shop
Before you buy, think about your specific needs. You want a fridge that fits in your space, but what about capacity? What type of cooling unit is best for your business? How much are you willing to spend? Once you’ve narrowed down these questions, make sure to check online reviews—this will help you determine if others have had success with your future refrigerator.
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to narrow down your choices. The best way to start is by looking at what similar businesses use. This will give you a solid place to start, and make shopping easier overall. Of course, once you’ve settled on a few options, check online reviews; these will provide you with feedback from other business owners who have first-hand experience with the fridge they selected.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to consider specific features. Do you want a digital display or standard temperatures on a dial? How much space do you need, and what about the door layout? You may not be able to get everything you want at once, but these factors can help you narrow down your search. Of course, if money is an issue, look for fridges that offer similar capabilities at different price points; most businesses can find a functional and attractive option in their budget. After all, when customers see your grab-and-go offerings they won’t think about how much your fridge cost—they’ll just appreciate that they have easy access to fresh sandwiches and pastries!
Display Fridges
A customer’s most common question regarding fridges is size. Size isn’t just one of two factors that customers consider when deciding on a model, either. Type is just as important in making sure you’re not buying something that doesn’t meet your needs. Most people think of freezers when they think of refrigerators, but there are many different types of fridges, including display units with small freezer compartments, right-sized models designed specifically for residential use and high-end units. Choosing a fridge all comes down to what your business needs so it can stay profitable and operational throughout its lifespan.
The best way to find a fridge that meets your business needs is by contacting a company that specializes in commercial refrigeration. A refrigeration specialist can not only recommend a fridge based on their knowledge of current trends and industry information, but they also have access to fridges from various manufacturers and parts needed if something goes wrong. While there are many different options out there, display fridges are definitely an asset to any store looking for a way to make more money and sell more products. The right-sized unit will give you exactly what you need while adding value and convenience at your storefront or location today.
Glass Door Fridges
They’re pretty and shiny, but more expensive than alternatives. You can get more of them into a tight space too. However, there’s no insulation (the door is made of glass) and they don’t always keep food as cold as some other options, so be sure you check on your stock regularly and adjust fridge temperature if necessary.
Next up, if you’re on a tight budget, go with a chest type freezer. These come in all shapes and sizes from deep upright freezers to more compact chests. They’re more energy-efficient than some other types too so check out models with energy star ratings before buying. Just remember they work best if kept full so try not to let them run low. Some have automatic defrost functions too but be sure these are working properly otherwise you could end up with some nasty ice buildup around your food that can lead to bacterial contamination and food spoilage.
Finally, don’t overlook side-by-side fridges. They look good but like glass door fridges aren’t as efficient as others which means they use more electricity (which will cost you extra). However, they still beat having two separate units because it cuts down on space; plus, there are no trolleys to wheel around. If possible avoid multiple compartment systems; many people may like variety but it means staff need to walk into an aisle or reach across an entire fridge rather than simply grabbing something at eye level which increases time spent opening/closing doors and keeps staff away from their customers (and service) longer.
Open Fridges for Shop
Instead of installing a traditional walk-in refrigerator, many businesses choose to install an open shelf refrigerator. Open fridges are a great choice for a small business, as they’re compact and require less space than traditional freezers or refrigerators. These models come in different sizes, from single-door storage units that can hold sandwiches and drink up to large, multi-door options that will store entire meals. Just keep in mind that these types of fridges only keep food cold – if you need additional cooling capabilities, you’ll want a standard refrigerator or freezer unit instead. For more tips on how to choose an open fridge for your small business, check our Shop.
It’s important to choose a refrigerator that fits your needs and budget. Think about how many people you expect will be using it and how often, and remember that larger fridges will need more floor space than smaller ones. A good starting point is a unit with three doors, although if you plan on keeping large amounts of food or drinks at work, you might want to upgrade to a larger model.
Keep in mind that an open fridge can also be a great addition to your business, whether you run a restaurant or just have a takeout counter. When it comes time to replace your old walk-in refrigerator, consider buying an open refrigerator instead. Not only are they more affordable than traditional units, but they’re also more energy-efficient and require less floor space. Plus, with features like refrigerated drawers and glass doors that let you see inside at all times, you can keep food fresher for longer while increasing efficiency.
Deli Counter Fridges
The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of display fridges you’ll need, as there are several different kinds of units available. A deli counter fridge would be ideal for a business where grab-and-go food options are a big part of their sales strategy—especially if you’re selling cold sandwiches and lunch items. Deli counter fridges have a glass front that allows customers to see your food items, making it easy for them to identify their favourites and pick them up on impulse. These units typically have shelves on either side, which can hold bread or more food items.
Non-Refrigerated Options: If your business doesn’t require a large amount of space, you might consider non-refrigerated options such as shelf cabinets or cupboards. Cupboards can be easier and less expensive than display fridges because they don’t come with cooling systems, but they aren’t going to keep your food cold unless you place it in a refrigerator while not in use. You can then fill each cupboard with different types of pastries, sandwiches, and other items that need to be kept cool. Shelf cabinets may also work well if you have a high turnover rate for certain products—you could simply replace old items from one shelf with new ones from another when needed.
As an added bonus, these units will save on energy costs because they’re not running 24/7. Avoid Freezer Totes: Many restaurants and bakeries opt for freezer totes instead of choosing a more traditional freezer setup. While freezer totes are certainly convenient due to their mobility, their size constraints make them less practical for businesses that want to store large amounts of frozen foods. Because these units are typically built into shelves under normal shelving units, you may run into storage issues later on down the road if your business continues to grow rapidly.
Conclusions
Now that you’ve done some research, it’s time to make a decision. Here are some key things you need to consider when choosing a display fridge: How many units will you need? Do you want your units to be freestanding or built-in? What size units will fit in your space? How much does it cost per month for electricity and insurance? Ultimately, these are all business decisions that need careful thought before making any commitments. Just remember, though—the best way to know if something is right for your business is by doing your homework! Once you’ve answered these questions, then it’s time to start looking at refrigerators in person.
If you’re looking at more than one display fridge, then it’s a good idea to compare them side-by-side. Although it may be helpful to get a salesperson’s opinion of how certain units work, don’t make your decision based on a sales pitch alone. Make sure you check out each unit carefully and look for any cosmetic damage or if it feels unsteady on its feet. It can also be useful at this point in time to ask friends and family what they think of their own refrigerators, as well as how easy they are to clean or maintain.