Under Bench Fridge Freezer Buying Guide | Commercial Under Counter Fridges & Freezers Australia
Looking to save space in your busy kitchen without losing cold storage? A commercial under bench fridge freezer is one of the smartest investments you can make for a restaurant, café, bar, or takeaway shop. Designed to slide neatly under your prep bench or service counter, these compact units keep your ingredients close and your workflow running smoothly.
In this guide, we answer the most common questions Australians search before buying a commercial under bench fridge or under bench freezer, including what to look for, which brands are worth trusting, and how to make sure your unit runs properly once it’s installed.
What Is an Under Counter Freezer?
An under counter freezer (also called an under bench freezer or underbench freezer) is a compact commercial freezer built to fit beneath a standard kitchen bench or worktop. Unlike a full-size upright freezer, it sits at counter height and takes up no extra floor space beyond what’s already under your workstation.
These units are purpose-built for commercial kitchens and are available in 1, 2, 3, and 4 door configurations depending on how much frozen storage you need. Inside, you’ll find adjustable shelving, a powerful compressor built to handle constant opening and closing, and a stainless steel construction that holds up in tough kitchen conditions.
Commercial under bench freezers are popular in restaurants, cafés, bars, fast food venues, and catering operations where frozen ingredients need to be within arm’s reach during service.
Can You Put a Freezer Under a Worktop?
Yes, absolutely. Commercial under bench freezers and fridges are specifically designed to fit under a standard worktop or kitchen bench. Most units are built to a height of around 850–870mm, which aligns with the underside of a standard 900mm bench top, leaving just enough clearance for proper installation.
That said, there are a few things to check before you slide one into place:
- Measure carefully. Take the width, depth, and height of the space before choosing a model. Leave room for door swing if the unit opens outward rather than using drawers.
- Check the ventilation type. Some models require airflow clearance at the sides and rear. Others use front-breathing ventilation and can be pushed right against walls or adjacent equipment with no side gaps needed. If you’re fitting a unit into a tight built-in space, a front-ventilated model is the better choice.
- Check the door hinge direction. Left-hinged and right-hinged models are available. Choosing the wrong one can mean a door that opens into a wall or blocks foot traffic.
As long as you measure the space, match the ventilation requirements, and choose the right door orientation, fitting a freezer under a worktop is straightforward.
Can You Get an Under Counter Fridge Freezer?
Yes. A dual temperature under bench fridge freezer combo gives you both a fridge section and a freezer section in a single unit that sits neatly under your bench. This is ideal for kitchens where space is tight but you need both chilled and frozen storage within easy reach.
These combination units typically have the fridge on one side and the freezer on the other, each with its own independent temperature control. This means you can keep fresh dairy or produce at 2–4°C on one side while frozen proteins or ice cream sit at -18°C on the other.
Dual temperature under bench fridge freezers are available from brands including Turbo Air, Skipio, Fresh, Everest, and Skope. Not every brand makes them, so if this configuration suits your kitchen, browse our under bench fridge freezer combo range to see current stock.
Importance of Commercial Under Bench Fridges and Freezers
Whatever is on the menu in your bar or restaurant, a commercial under bench fridge freezer is one of the most used pieces of equipment in the kitchen. Because these units store the ingredients that chefs reach for most often, they are opened and closed far more frequently than upright storage fridges.
This is why build quality matters so much. A commercial under bench unit is engineered for this kind of constant use, with powerful forced-air cooling that brings the temperature back quickly after the door opens. Light-duty models suit lower-traffic venues, while heavy-duty models from premium brands are built for high-volume kitchens where doors are opened dozens of times per hour.
Nearly every professional catering venue in Australia relies on an under bench fridge or under bench freezer to keep cooking flowing smoothly during service.
Why Choose Under Bench Fridges for Your Business?
An under bench fridge or freezer, also known as an under counter fridge or undercounter freezer, is the most popular refrigeration choice in commercial kitchens because it fits where you already work. Rather than walking to a separate storage fridge, your team can open a door under the bench and grab what they need without breaking their rhythm.
This layout works well in restaurants, bars, cafés, hotels, and food trucks where both floor space and workflow efficiency matter. Bars use under bench units to keep mixers, garnishes, and drinks right under the counter. Cafés store dairy and fresh ingredients directly under the coffee machine or prep area. Restaurants rely on them to keep proteins, sauces, and ready-to-use ingredients at the cook’s fingertips.
Under bench units also serve as practical overflow storage when your main fridge or freezer is at capacity during a busy period.
Because these units sit in built-in spaces, measuring correctly before you buy is important. You need to account for door clearance, ventilation space, and bench height to get the right fit the first time.
Under Counter Refrigerators & Freezers Available in Australia
Single Door Under Bench Fridge or Freezer
A single door under bench fridge or freezer is the go-to option for smaller kitchens, bars, and cafés that need reliable refrigeration without taking up unnecessary space. These units come in a variety of designs and sizes to suit different layouts and workflows.
Some models feature a left-side mounted compressor and door, which typically require around 900mm in width to install. Others are built with the compressor located at the bottom, allowing for a more compact footprint of just 650–700mm wide, making them ideal for tight spaces.
Brands like Fresh Refrigeration also offer clever designs with the compressor positioned at the rear, freeing up the entire front for full storage capacity. Depending on the model, single door units can be fitted under prep benches, service counters, or bar tops, keeping chilled or frozen goods within easy reach of staff.
Single door under bench units are especially popular in bars for storing mixers and garnishes, in cafés for dairy and desserts, and in restaurants for frozen backup stock.
Double Door Under Bench Fridge or Freezer
A double door under bench fridge or freezer is ideal for medium to larger kitchens that need more storage without sacrificing valuable floor space. These units typically range between 1200mm and 1500mm in width, making them a practical fit under standard prep benches or service counters.
Designs vary to suit different kitchen layouts. Some models feature a left-side mounted compressor while others have the compressor positioned on the right. For venues that require multiple fridges side by side, pairing one left-compressor model with one right-compressor model ensures proper airflow and ventilation, preventing overheating and helping your units run more efficiently.
Double door under bench units are particularly popular in restaurants and cafés where chefs need frequent access to fresh produce, dairy, or meats right under the counter, and in bars and clubs for bottled drinks and mixers in bulk.
Three Door Under Bench Fridge or Freezer
A triple door under bench fridge or freezer is the largest option in the standard bench range, usually measuring around 1800mm wide. These spacious units are designed for high-volume commercial kitchens, bars, hotels, and catering businesses that need maximum under bench storage in a single footprint.
Like their double door counterparts, 3-door bench fridges and freezers are available with either a left-side or right-side mounted compressor. In larger venues where two or more units are placed side by side, choosing opposite compressor configurations can improve airflow and ensure your equipment runs efficiently without overheating.
Four Door Under Bench Fridge or Freezer
A four door under bench fridge or freezer is the largest style in the bench refrigeration range, typically measuring between 2200mm and 2400mm wide. These units are built for large commercial kitchens, hotels, function centres, and catering operations that require significant under bench storage capacity.
Like the three door counterparts, 4-door models come with either a left-side or right-side mounted compressor. Not many manufacturers produce four-door under counter units, making them a more specialised option. Trusted brands such as Turbo Air, Bromic, Atosa, and Polar offer selected models designed for high-volume venues.
Glass Door Under Bench Fridge
Glass door bench fridges are only available as fridges, not freezers. Just like solid-door counterparts, they are offered in 1, 2, 3, and 4-door configurations.
The main advantage of a glass door bench fridge is that it combines display and storage in one compact unit. Staff can see chilled stock such as drinks, milk, or ready-to-serve items without opening the door, reducing cold air loss and improving service speed. Glass door bench fridges are especially popular in cafés, restaurants, bars, and service counters where visibility and quick access matter.
Dual Temperature Under Bench Fridge Freezer
Some businesses need both chilled and frozen storage but don’t have the floor space for separate units. That’s where a dual temperature under bench fridge freezer comes in. These models feature a fridge on one side and a freezer on the other, giving you the flexibility to store fresh and frozen goods in one compact unit.
This setup is especially useful in cafés, restaurants, and bars where staff need quick access to both refrigerated ingredients and frozen stock without leaving the prep area. Trusted names like Turbo Air, Skipio, Fresh, Everest, and Skope all offer reliable fridge-freezer combination models. Browse our fridge freezer combo range to see available options.
How Much Ventilation Does a Freezer Need?
Proper ventilation is one of the most important things to get right when installing a commercial under bench freezer or fridge. Without enough airflow, the compressor has to work harder, temperatures become harder to maintain, and the unit’s lifespan will shorten.
There are two main ventilation types:
- Side and rear ventilated models require a gap of typically 50–100mm on each side and at the rear. These are best suited to freestanding installations where the unit is not enclosed by cabinetry on both sides.
- Front-ventilated models draw in air from the front grille and exhaust it through the same front panel. These units can be installed flush against walls and adjacent to other equipment with no side or rear clearance needed. This makes them the right choice for tight built-in spaces.
Always check the product specification sheet before installation. Installing a rear-ventilated unit in an enclosed space without proper airflow gaps is a common mistake that leads to premature compressor failure and temperature problems. If you’re unsure which ventilation type is right for your kitchen layout, contact our team at Bens Hospitality Equipment and we can point you in the right direction.
How to Choose the Best Under Counter Freezer
Choosing the right commercial under bench freezer or under bench fridge freezer comes down to matching the unit to your kitchen’s needs. Here is what to consider:
- Size and configuration: Measure the available space carefully, including width, depth, and height. Then choose 1, 2, 3, or 4 doors based on how much storage you need.
- Fridge, freezer, or combination: If you need frozen storage only, choose a dedicated under bench freezer. If you need both chilled and frozen in one unit, a dual-temperature fridge freezer combination is the more space-efficient option.
- Ventilation type: Front-ventilated models work in enclosed spaces. Side and rear ventilated models need clearance gaps. Match the ventilation type to where the unit will sit.
- Compressor position: For venues placing multiple units side by side, pair a left-compressor model with a right-compressor model to keep airflow balanced between units.
- Energy efficiency: Look for units with modern, energy-efficient compressors. Over time, a more efficient model will reduce your electricity costs meaningfully.
- Noise level: Commercial units will generate more noise than a household fridge due to their powerful compressors. If your unit will be in or near a front-of-house area, check the decibel rating.
- Brand and warranty: Choose a brand with a proven track record in Australia and a warranty that gives you genuine protection. Most quality brands offer 2 to 5 year warranties depending on the model.
- Access to spare parts and service: A unit is only as reliable as the service support behind it. Brands that are well-established in Australia will have local service networks and spare parts availability.
Which Is the Best Under Counter Freezer to Buy?
There is no single answer to this, because the best model depends on your kitchen size, how busy your venue is, and what you are storing. That said, there are brands that consistently deliver reliable performance in Australian commercial kitchens.
For everyday restaurant and café use, Thermaster and Atosa offer solid build quality at a competitive price point. They are good choices for smaller venues or businesses setting up for the first time.
For higher-volume kitchens and venues that run long service hours, Turbo Air and Hoshizaki are well regarded for their consistent temperature performance, durable construction, and long service life. Hoshizaki models in particular offer wide variable temperature control, which gives you more flexibility with what you can store.
Bromic is a popular Australian choice for operators who want local brand support and a well-proven product. Williams is a premium British brand trusted in professional kitchens around the world and available in Australia for businesses that want top-tier quality.
If budget is the priority, Atosa and Polar give you a reliable under bench freezer or fridge at an accessible price. If longevity and performance across years of heavy use are what matter most, look at Turbo Air, Hoshizaki, or Williams.
At Bens Hospitality Equipment, we stock a broad range of commercial under bench fridges and freezers from these brands and more. Browse our under bench freezer range or under bench fridge range to compare models and prices.
Which Is the Most Reliable Freezer Brand?
Reliability in a commercial freezer comes down to the quality of the compressor, the build of the cabinet, the service network behind the brand, and how well the unit holds temperature during heavy daily use. In Australia, the brands most consistently praised by commercial kitchen operators for reliability include:
- Hoshizaki is widely regarded as one of the most reliable commercial refrigeration brands in the world. Japanese engineering, tight temperature tolerances, and a strong Australian service network make them a top pick for venues that cannot afford downtime.
- Turbo Air from South Korea is another brand with a strong reputation for consistent cooling performance and durability. Their under bench units are built for heavy use and have a solid service presence in Australia.
- Bromic is a well-established Australian brand with local technical support, which makes servicing and parts replacement straightforward. They are a dependable choice for Australian hospitality operators.
- Williams is a British brand used in Michelin-starred kitchens and large-scale professional operations globally. If you need a premium unit built to last in a demanding environment, Williams is hard to beat.
- True Refrigeration from the United States is another premium option with a long track record and high build quality standards.
For the best outcome, choose a brand with a local Australian service and parts network. A reliable freezer is not just about the upfront product quality. It is also about how quickly you can get it back running if something goes wrong.
Key Checklist for Under Bench Fridges and Freezers
1. Size and Configuration
Under bench units come in single, double, triple, and four door options, plus drawer models. Choose the size and door count that matches your available space and storage needs.
2. Space Efficiency
Their compact design allows them to fit neatly beneath countertops, maximising the use of kitchen space. Especially valuable in commercial kitchens where floor space is limited.
3. Temperature Zones
Some under bench models offer multiple temperature zones or dual-temperature configurations, letting you store chilled and frozen goods in a single unit. Browse our fridge freezer combo range for dual-temp options. Hoshizaki under bench models also feature wide variable temperature control for added flexibility.
4. Purpose-Specific Models
There are under bench fridges and freezers designed for specific purposes, such as under bench bar fridges, glass door display fridges, and dedicated frozen storage units. Choose the configuration that matches your use case.
5. Energy Efficiency
Look for units with energy-efficient compressors and good insulation. Better efficiency means lower running costs over the life of the unit, which adds up significantly in a venue running 7 days a week.
6. Accessibility
Under bench fridges and freezers are easily accessible to kitchen staff, which is a key advantage over upright storage options. Drawer-style models make it even easier to organise chilled or frozen stock quickly during service.
7. Storage Capacity
Consider how much you need to store at peak times, not just on a quiet day. Most under counter units come with one shelf per door section as standard. Adding extra shelves can reduce usable space per section, so keep that in mind.
8. Ventilation and Installation
Check whether the model you want requires front, side, or rear ventilation before purchasing. Front-ventilated models can be installed in tight enclosed spaces. Models with rear or side ventilation need adequate clearance gaps to operate properly. Getting this wrong is an easy and costly mistake to avoid.
9. Noise Level
Commercial fridges and freezers produce more noise than household models due to their more powerful compressors and motors. If the unit will be near a service area or front of house, check the noise rating before you buy.
10. Maintenance and Cleaning
Stainless steel exteriors are durable and easy to wipe down. Check that the condenser filter is easy to access for regular cleaning, and look for rounded internal corners that make cleaning the inside faster and more thorough.
11. Brand and Warranty
Invest in a reputable brand with a proven track record in Australian commercial kitchens. Check the warranty length and what it covers. Most quality models offer between 2 and 5 years warranty.
12. Regulations and Compliance
Make sure the unit you choose meets Australian health and safety requirements. Commercial kitchen refrigeration must maintain HACCP-compliant food safe temperatures for your stored products.
13. Finance Options
If upfront cost is a consideration, SilverChef Rent-Try-Buy is a popular option for Australian hospitality businesses. It lets you get the equipment you need now and pay over time. Ask our team for details.
Ready to Buy? We Can Help.
At Bens Hospitality Equipment, we are a group of specialists in commercial refrigeration with decades of experience in both sales and service. Whether you need a single door under bench fridge for a small café or a four door under bench freezer for a large hotel kitchen, we can help you find the right unit at the right price.