Importance of Commercial Fridges & Freezers
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, under bench fridges or freezers are used the most among refrigeration equipment in the kitchen. Therefore, good quality fridges and 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 right under the counters. 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
Under counter 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. Fridge freezer combination models allow you to store both chill and frozen items in an unit, making it convenient to access within the working area. Browse our collection of Fridge Freezer Combo to view available models and brands. And, Hoshizaki under bench models feature wide variable temperature control, letting you control more over temperatre settings.
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. Some drawer refrigerators make it more convenient to organise chilled stocks.
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. Generally, most of under counter refrigerators come with 1 shelf per door. Extra shelf in each section may reduce accessibility and space usage, so not recommended.
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. Some models require front, side and back clearance for ventilation, while others with front ventilation don’t require breathable side and back ventilation. Please check this before you make a purchase decision.
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. Keep in mind! Commercial fridges generally generate certain level of noise due to powerful compressors and motors, compared with household ones.
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. Plus, check models are designed with round corners, easy access to condenser filter and heavy-duty stainless steel & common electrical and mechanical parts for future service and repair.
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.
Brands for Under bench refrigerator in Australia
Are you in the market to shop for under bench fridges? We are a group of specialist in commercial refrigeration with decades of experience in both sales and services. Contact us if you need any help. Our team knows what’s important to consider before buying an under counter fridge or freezer.
Browse our commercial under bench fridges and brand categories to find your ideal model to best fit your restaurant. Reach out to us by phone or email. Call now 1300 434 125 Australia wide or Drop your email at info@bendgs.com.au
