Buying Guide for Commercial Under Bench Fridge & Freezer

Importance of Commercial Fridge Freezer

A commercial fridge is the best solution for short-term chilled food storage in professional catering venues. Whatever is on the menu in your bar or restaurant, a commercial fridge is a safe and efficient place to keep your ingredients and stocks fresh for long. From upright and undercounter designs to a space-saving fridge freezer combination range, commercial refrigeration is available in a huge choice of sizes and designs to maximise space in any kitchen settings.

Commercial fridges are designed for more intense everyday use than domestic alternatives. A premium industrial fridge uses the most powerful forced air cooling system and will quickly return to temperature even if the unit is being opened frequently. If you don’t need to access it so often, a light duty industrial refrigerator is a dependable alternative. Having said that, nearly all catering venues require space-saving under bench fridge freezer to quickly access ingredients of frequent use. Because it’s used for the ingredients of frequent use, underbench fridges freezers are used the most among refrigerations in the kitchen. Therefore, good quality fridges freezers of these ranges are demanded highest

Why under bench fridges for business?

An under bench fridge, also known as an under counter fridge, is a compact refrigerator that fits conveniently under a counter or work surface. These fridges are the most demanding and popular in commercial kitchens due to their space-saving design and convenience.

Under bench fridges come in handy for commercial kitchens, like in bars and hotels, to store frozen goods and keep them fresh. It also serves you additional room for refrigeration in case your fridge is already full or you only have limited space in your kitchen to store all the stuff you need aside from food

Undercounter fridges allow you to add refrigeration to your kitchen workspace or service counter. Most decisions are made according to space and require careful measuring to ensure minimum clearance between benches and walls.

Available Under Counter Refrigerators & Freezers in Australia

Single Door Bench Fridge

Single door bench fridge comes in various designs and sizes. One model comes wih left side compressor and door, requiring 900mm width to fit in, while other models have compressor on the bottom of the fridge, making compact about 650 – 700mm width.

Some other models (Fresh refrigeration) have compressor at the back, allowing full storage at the front.

Double Door Bench Fridge

Double door under bench fridges or freezers are usually with widths between 1200 and 1500mm. Some models have left side compressor, while others have right side compressor.

If you need two bench fridges put together one another, it’s better to have one of each models so your fridges will have optimal air ventilation.

Three Door Bench Fridge

Triple door bench fridges are around 1800mm wide in length. Like 2 door counterparts, 3 door bench models also have left or right side compressor.

Four Door Bench Fridge

Four door bench fridges are between 2200mm and 2400mm wide in length. Like 3 door counterparts, 4 door bench models also have left or right side compressor.

Not many brands offer 4 door under counter fridge or freezer. Turbo air, Bromic, Atosa, Polar

Glass Door Bench Fridge

You have option to choose fridge or freezer with above solid door bench models. However, when it comes to glass door, it’s only available for fridge. The number of doors available for display bench fridges are the same as ones with solid doors. 1, 2, 3, 4 doors

Advantage of glass door bench fridges is allowing you to use the top bench area for preparation or storage while displaying your chilled stocks such as drinks or milk

Dual temperature Bench Fridge

You have a fridge & freezer combo option for under bench refrigerators. One side is fridge, and the other side is freezer. Not many brands offer this option.

Turbo air, Skipio, Fresh, Everest, and Skope are available for dual temp combination.

Key check-lists for under bench fridges

1. Size and Configuration: Under-bench fridges come in various sizes and configurations, including single-door, double-door, and drawer-style units. Choose the size and layout that best suits your space and storage needs.

2. Space Efficiency: Their compact design allows them to be installed conveniently beneath countertops, maximizing the use of kitchen space. This is especially valuable in commercial kitchens where space is at a premium.

3. Temperature Zones: Some under-bench fridges offer multiple temperature zones, allowing you to store different types of items at various temperatures. For example, you can have a section for chilled beverages and another for perishable ingredients.

4. Purpose-Specific Models: There are under-bench fridges designed for specific purposes, such as wine coolers, beverage refrigerators, or under-counter freezer units. Choose a model that aligns with your cooling requirements.

5. Energy Efficiency: Look for units that are energy-efficient to save on operating costs over time. Energy-efficient compressors and insulation can help reduce electricity consumption.

6. Accessibility: Under-bench fridges are easily accessible to kitchen staff, which can improve workflow and efficiency in a commercial kitchen setting.

7. Storage Capacity: Consider the storage capacity of the unit and whether it can accommodate your peak storage needs during busy periods. Evaluate the number of shelves and storage configurations inside.

8. Ventilation and Installation: Proper ventilation is crucial for the efficient operation of under-bench fridges. Ensure that they have adequate space around them for air circulation. Additionally, consider professional installation to ensure proper setup.

9. Noise Level: Some under-bench fridges may generate noise, so it’s essential to consider noise levels, especially in settings where a quieter environment is preferred.

10. Maintenance and Cleaning: Choose models that are easy to clean and maintain. Stainless steel exteriors are popular for their durability and ease of cleaning.

11. Brand and Warranty: Consider reputable brands with a history of quality and reliability. Check for warranties to protect your investment.

12. Regulations and Compliance: Ensure that the under-bench fridge complies with health and safety regulations, especially in commercial kitchens.

13. Customization: Some manufacturers offer customization options, allowing you to tailor the fridge to your specific needs, such as adding glass doors, adjustable shelves, or digital temperature controls.

Before purchasing an underbench fridge, carefully assess your space, storage requirements, and cooling needs. This will help you select the right unit that optimizes your kitchen’s efficiency and organization while maintaining the freshness and quality of your stored items.