Guide For Finding Best Commercial Fridges in Australia
Purchasing a commercial fridge is a significant investment for businesses in Australia. Choosing the right fridge ensures smooth operations, energy efficiency, and compliance with food safety standards. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice:
Key Checklists Before Buying a Commercial Fridge
1. Assess Your Business Needs
- Type of Business: Identify the primary use of the fridge based on your business type:
- Cafes & Restaurants: Focus on food storage and quick access.
- Bars & Pubs: Look for under counter bar fridges for drinks.
- Supermarkets: Opt for display fridges and freezers with glass doors to showcase products.
- Volume of Storage: Estimate how much storage capacity you’ll need daily.
2. Size and Dimensions
- Measure your space and consider factors such as:
- Door Clearance: Ensure doors open fully without obstruction.
- Ventilation Requirements: Allow for adequate airflow to prevent overheating.
- Consider whether the fridge needs to be mobile (with castors) or fixed in place.
- Make sure to allow about 5 – 10mm more than dimensions shown in the specification sheets (sometimes, actual size is variable by 5 – 10mm)
3. Types of Commercial Fridges
- Upright Fridges: Ideal for kitchens needing large storage in a compact footprint.
- Display Fridges: Designed to showcase drinks, cakes, or deli items in retail settings.
- Under Counter Fridges: Space-saving solutions for bars and small kitchens.
- Chest Freezers: Best for bulk frozen goods storage.
- Blast Chillers: Rapidly cools food to meet food safety standards.
- Deli Displays: ideal for seafood markets, butcher shops and cheese & dairy stores
4. Energy Efficiency of Refrigerators
- Energy Ratings: Choose fridges with higher energy star ratings(GEMS Rating) to save on electricity costs.
- Eco-Friendly Refrigerants: Look for units using R290 or other environmentally friendly refrigerants.
- Insulation and Seals: Ensure proper insulation and tight seals to reduce energy wastage.
5. Temperature Range
- Ensure the fridge meets the temperature requirements for your products:
- Refrigeration: 1°C to 4°C for perishables.
- Freezing: -18°C for frozen goods.
- Adjustable thermostats offer flexibility for different storage needs.
- Most of commercial fridges come with adjustable temperature display, while some brand offers wider temperature ranges for fridge or freezer such as Hoshizaki models
6. Material and Build Quality
- Durability: Opt for stainless steel interiors and exteriors for long-lasting performance and easy cleaning.
- Shelving: Check for adjustable, corrosion-resistant shelves to maximize storage.
- Glass Doors vs. Solid Doors: Glass doors are great for display, while solid doors offer better insulation.
- This factor is hard to see by look of it. So, consult this with your dealer who knows well which brand and models are better to choose.
7. Features to Look For
- Digital Controls: Easy temperature management and monitoring.
- LED Lighting: Enhances product visibility while being energy-efficient.
- Automatic Defrost: Saves time and ensures optimal performance.
- Lockable Doors: Essential for securing valuable stock.
8. Budget and Warranty
- Upfront Cost: Balance your budget with the features and size you need.
- Operating Costs: Consider long-term energy efficiency to minimize ongoing expenses.
- Warranty and Support: Look for models with reliable warranties and after-sales service in Australia.
Finding Best Commercial Fridges in Australia
What Makes a Commercial Fridge Brand “The Best”?
When comparing commercial fridge brands in Australia, price alone doesn’t tell the full story. The best-performing fridges are chosen based on how well they handle real hospitality conditions such as constant door openings, heavy product loads, hot kitchens, and strict food safety expectations. A strong commercial fridge brand combines durability, efficiency, serviceability and long-term reliability.
Build Quality
Commercial fridges operate in demanding environments where doors are opened hundreds of times a day and shelves are constantly loaded with stock. High-quality brands use stainless steel interiors, reinforced shelving, commercial-grade reliable compressors and durable door seals designed for heavy use. Well-built cabinets maintain structural integrity, hold temperature more consistently, and reduce the likelihood of premature breakdowns, all critical in busy cafés, restaurants and supermarkets.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigeration runs 24/7, so energy efficiency directly affects operating costs. Leading commercial fridge brands now use natural refrigerants such as R290 or R600, high-efficiency compressors and improved airflow systems to maintain stable temperatures with lower power consumption. Efficient cooling isn’t just about saving electricity, but it also reduces compressor strain, improves recovery time after door openings, and helps maintain food safety compliance.
Service & Spare Parts
Even the best equipment eventually needs servicing. Brands with established Australian distribution networks provide faster access to spare parts, qualified technicians and warranty support.
Downtime in hospitality can mean lost revenue, so choosing brands known for strong after-sales support reduces operational risk.
Cooling Performance in Australian Conditions
Australian kitchens often run hotter than standard test environments. Tropicalised refrigeration systems rated for higher ambient temperatures are essential for consistent performance. Brands that engineer cabinets to operate reliably in 35–43°C ambient conditions prevent temperature fluctuation, food spoilage and excessive compressor cycling during peak service.
Warranty & Support
A commercial fridge is a long-term investment. Extended warranties and responsive technical support give businesses confidence that their equipment is protected. Good support also means access to troubleshooting guidance, maintenance advice and replacement parts.
Workflow & Practical Design
Beyond performance, the best commercial fridges are designed around kitchen workflow:
- Smooth door operation during peak service
- Adjustable shelving for flexible storage
- Easy-clean interiors to support hygiene standards
- Digital temperature controls for precision
These practical features help kitchens run more efficiently day to day.
Australia’s hospitality industry relies on commercial fridges that can handle heavy daily use, high ambient temperatures, and strict food safety standards. While many brands are available, only a handful have proven themselves in real commercial kitchens across cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and food production spaces.
Below is a practical breakdown of the best commercial fridge brands in Australia, followed by comparison tables to help businesses choose the right brand for their needs.
Top Commercial Fridge Brands Trusted in Australia
SKOPE
SKOPE is one of the most recognised premium commercial refrigeration brands in Australia and New Zealand. Known for excellent temperature stability and long service life, SKOPE fridges are widely used in supermarkets, bars, and high-volume hospitality venues.
Best for: Beverage display fridges, upright glass door fridges, supermarkets
Bromic
Bromic is a popular choice for cafés, restaurants, and bars thanks to their balance of performance, affordability, and strong local support. Bromic fridges are widely stocked across Australia and are known for practical designs and easy servicing. Bromic offers excellent after-sale service, responding within 24 hours especially in metro cities across Australia.
Best for: Upright fridges, underbench fridges, bar fridges
Anvil
Anvil is well known in Australia for producing reliable, no-nonsense commercial equipment. Their refrigeration range focuses on durability and value, making them a solid option for back-of-house storage. Popular models are Anvil cake displays loved by thousands of hospitality venues in Australia.
Best for: Upright storage fridges, budget-friendly commercial kitchens
Liebherr
Liebherr offers high-end European refrigeration with a strong focus on energy efficiency, hygiene, and precise temperature control. These fridges are often chosen by bakeries, medical facilities, and businesses that require precise temperature stability. Best models from Liebherr are chest freezer ranges, backed by 5 year warranty nationwide.
Best for: Bakeries, healthcare, premium kitchens
Thermaster
Thermaster is widely used across Australia for offering excellent value for money. Their fridges are practical, reliable, and well suited to small and medium food businesses looking for dependable performance without premium pricing.
Best for: Cafés, takeaways, small restaurants
Turbo Air
Turbo Air is known for innovation, energy efficiency, and self-cleaning condenser technology. These features make them popular with businesses wanting lower long-term running costs. Since adopting hydrocarbon refrigerant technology, Turbo Air has lifted its build quality to the top tier, delivering reliable, durable performance with minimal servicing required. Backed by a 3 year nationwide warranty, Turbo Air is a trusted choice for busy commercial kitchens across Australia.
Best for: Restaurants, kitchens focused on energy savings
True Refrigeration
True is a globally respected brand with strong Australian presence. Their fridges are known for durability, airflow design, and consistent cooling in demanding environments. Large restaurants and burger chains such as McDonald’s rely heavily on True Refrigeration for their cooling needs, reflecting the brand’s reputation for robust build quality, high efficiency, and dependable commercial performance.
Best for: High-volume hospitality, fast-paced kitchens
| Brand | Strengths | Best Suited For | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKOPE | Premium build, excellent cooling | Supermarkets, bars | Premium |
| Bromic | Reliable, great local support | Cafés, restaurants | Mid- High End range |
| Anvil | Durable, budget-friendly | Back-of-house kitchens | Budget to mid |
| Liebherr | Energy efficient, precise control | Bakeries, medical | Premium |
| Thermaster | Great value, practical design | Small businesses | Budget |
| Turbo Air | Energy saving tech | Restaurants | Mid-range |
| True | Heavy-duty, long lifespan | High-volume kitchens | High End, Super premium |
Best Commercial Fridge Brands by Business Type
| Business Type | Recommended Brands | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Café | Bromic, Thermaster | Compact, affordable, easy access |
| Restaurant | Turbo Air, True | High airflow, consistent cooling |
| Bakery | Turbo Air, BakersMate | Temperature precision |
| Supermarket | SKOPE, True, Thermaster, Bromic | Large capacity, display performance |
| Takeaway | Thermaster, Anvil, Turbo Air | Value and reliability |
| Bar / Pub | Bromic, SKOPE, Thermaster | Beverage display and durability |
There is no single best commercial fridge brand for every business. The right choice depends on:
Your kitchen layout
Storage capacity needs
Budget
Type of food or beverages stored
Frequency of use
Many Australian businesses successfully mix brands, using premium fridges where performance matters most and value brands where practicality is the priority.
Types of Commercial Fridges
Upright Fridges
Upright models are perfect for restaurants, supermarkets and bakeries with plenty of vertical space. Upright refrigerators are available in solid or glass doors, great for bulk food storage, easy to organise and access stock conveniently.
Underbench Fridges
under counter models are ideal for cafes, food trucks and small kitchens as they fit neatly under counters. They are great for prep areas by keeping your workspace clear and cool.
Display Fridges
Display fridges are perfect suits for cakes shops, delis, bottle shops and front of house service. You can stock cakes, beverages and/or pre-made meals in these display fridges. They are designed to showcase products beautifully, so attracting attention from those around them. Therefore, display fridges tend to boost impulse purchases.
Bar Fridges & Back Bar Coolers
These kinds of refrigerators are essential equipment for bars, clubs and pubs. They keep beverages chilled 24/7, while showcasing your offerings nicely with illuminated lights internally. Modern bar fridges are energy-efficient, easy to access and robust construction.
Pizza Prep or Salad Fridges
These fridges are ideal for nearly all food service businesses and restaurants thanks to their functionality and great convenient features. Some restaurants such as pizza shops, sandwich bars, takeaway stores use it as necessary equipment. Pizza prep fridges allow you to store fast selling ingredients at arms’ reach, saving you energy and time.
