Commercial Refrigerators: Essential Guide for Business Owners

Commercial refrigerators serve the purpose of refrigeration, preservation, and freshness of food. In India, commercial refrigeration is seeing a considerable rise especially after the pandemic. The growing demand for frozen food, the expansion of cold chains, the rise of cloud kitchens, and the increasing number of medical facilities and hospitality businesses are all driving the growth of commercial refrigeration. That being said, buying a commercial refrigerator is one of the most significant investments while setting up a business and there are various factors to consider when choosing a refrigerator for commercial use, such as its purpose, the space available, accessibility, cost, and features.

This article is a guide for understanding various types of commercial refrigerators and the essential factors that you should consider before making a purchase.

So let’s dive in.

What Are Commercial Refrigerators?

Commercial refrigerators, as the name suggests, are specialized cooling units used primarily in business settings such as restaurants, supermarkets and cafeterias. They maintain low temperatures to preserve food, beverages and perishable items and ensure safety and freshness. In contrast to the residential refrigerators that you have at home, these units are designed to handle much heavier usage and larger capacities, and are designed to be opened and closed many times throughout the day with the ability to maintain a constant temperature.

Key Features of Commercial Refrigerators

1. Durable construction: Commercial refrigerators are made with stainless steel or other robust materials for longevity and easy cleaning.

2. Size and space: These refrigerators have a larger storage space, robust construction, and most importantly, they comply with stringent food safety regulations.

3. Quick Refrigeration: They are engineered to cool food items quickly, a feature vital to prevent harmful bacteria growth and maintain food’s nutritional value.

4. Temperature control: Commercial refrigerators maintain a more steady temperature, which is crucial in a commercial food setting where the door is often being opened and closed.

5. Adjustable shelving: Flexible shelving options allow for customizable storage solutions

6. Advanced cooling system: Features like forced air circulation maintains consistent temperatures.

7. Safety locks and digital display: They are equipped with locks to protect valuable inventory and easy-to-read digital displays provide real-time temperature monitoring.

8. Self defrosting – Automatic defrosting systems prevent ice buildup and maintain efficiency

Importance of Commercial Refrigerators across various industries

Commercial refrigerators play an important role across various industries by ensuring the safe storage of perishable goods. Here are few industries that heavily depend on commercial refrigerators. ·

Food and beverage companies
Malls and supermarkets
Grocery and convenience stores
Hotels and restaurants
Food processing units
Warehouses and cold storages
Bakeries, wineries and meat shops
Pharmaceutical facilities, hospitals and laboratories
Airports and sports facilities
Flower stores and plant nurseries

Understanding the Three Main Types of Commercial Refrigeration

The three main types of commercial refrigeration units are

1. Coolers: Also known as chillers, these units maintain temperatures above freezing, typically between 0°C and 7°C. They are deal for storing perishable items like fruits, vegetables, and beverages. Best for short-term storage of fresh items that require refrigeration but not freezing.

2. Freezers: Freezer units keep perishable items frozen, which means the items are safe to consume and free from spoilage. They generally operate at sub-zero temperatures, usually around -18°C or lower, and are designed for long-term storage of frozen products.

3. Combination Coolers and Freezers: A combination of cooler and freezer performs both functions mentioned above. They feature separate compartments for cooling and freezing, allowing for versatile storage of both perishable and frozen items.

Types of Commercial Refrigerators or Refrigeration equipments

There are various types of commercial refrigeration units that businesses can use as per their requirement.

1. Reach-in refrigerators: These are compact units that allow easy access to stored items, suitable for restaurants and cafes.

2. Walk-in refrigerators/coolers/freezers: These are large storage spaces where you can walk-in, hence the name. These units can accommodate bulk items, and is commonly used in supermarkets and large kitchens.

3. Under-counter refrigerator: Space-saving models that fit under counters, perfect for bars and smaller kitchens.

4. Storage-cum-display refrigerators: Designed for showcasing products, these units attract customers in retail settings. They have glass doors which make them perfect for showcasing a variety of perishable goods such as dairy, meat, and other produce.

6. Blast chillers: Rapid cooling units that quickly lower food temperatures to preserve quality, used in commercial kitchens.

7. Pharmaceutical refrigerators: Specialized units for storing temperature-sensitive medicines and vaccines.

8. Plug-in-enclosed vending machines – A plug-in enclosed vending machine allows you to vend refrigerated and frozen foods including refrigerated meals, dairy products, wraps, desserts, and hard-frozen packaged meals all from one vending machine.

9. Refrigerated prep tables: A refrigerated prep table is a specialized kitchen unit designed for food preparation in commercial settings, such as restaurants and catering operations. It combines a countertop workspace with built-in refrigeration, allowing chefs to store and access ingredients at safe, cool temperatures while preparing dishes.

What Factors Should Be Considered When Purchasing a Commercial Refrigerator?

Whether your business is a convenience store, bar, restaurant, or a catering business, a commercial refrigerator is a must. Although there is a wide range of equipments to choose from, here are some factors to be considered before investing in a commercial refrigerator:

1. Space availability: Commercial refrigerators need more space as they are available in variety of sizes and are in general bigger than residential refrigerators. So, one of the key factors to consider is the availability of space at the commercial facility.

2. Size and capacity: It is important to ensure that the unit fits your space and meets your storage needs, considering the volume of items to be stored.

3. Type: Choose the appropriate type (upright, reach-in, walk-in, etc.) based on your business requirements.

4. Features and functions: Check for advanced cooling features like forced air circulation for consistent temperatures and digital display and remote controlsettings for efficient usage.

5. Shelving options: Ensure that the unit has adjustable shelving for customizable storage configurations necessary for different storage needs.

6. Temperature range: Verify that the refrigerator maintains the necessary temperature for the items you plan to store as per your business requirement.

7. Energy efficiency: It is wise look for energy-efficient models to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

8. Budget: Assess the total cost, including purchase price, installation, and ongoing operating costs, to ensure it fits your budget.

9. Ease of maintenance: Consider models with easy access for cleaning and maintenance, as well as self-defrosting capabilities.

10. Build quality: Opt for durable materials, such as stainless steel, for longevity and ease of cleaning.

What is the general lifespan of Commercial Refrigerators?

When maintained properly, a commercial refrigerator can last between 10 to 15 years depending on several factors:

Brand Quality: High-quality brands often offer refrigerators that last longer due to better build quality.

Usage Patterns: The frequency and manner of use, including how often the doors are opened and how the unit is stocked, impact its longevity.

Environmental Conditions: Placement in cooler areas away from direct sunlight and high-temperature zones helps in preserving the refrigerator’s efficiency and lifespan.

Maintenance Practices: Regular cleaning, servicing, and addressing maintenance issues play a significant role in extending the life of refrigerators.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Commercial Refrigerators

Here are some tips and tricks for maintaining a commercial refrigerator

Regular cleaning: Clean the interior and exterior surfaces weekly to prevent bacteria buildup. Pay special attention to shelves, door seals, and drip pans.
Check temperature settings: Monitor and adjust the temperature regularly to ensure it stays within the recommended range for food safety.
Inspect door seals: Check door gaskets for wear and tear. Replace damaged seals to prevent air leaks and maintain efficiency.
Clear condenser coils: Clean the condenser coils at least twice a year to remove dust and debris, which can hinder cooling efficiency.
Ensure proper airflow: Keep vents and air circulation pathways clear of obstructions to maintain optimal cooling performance.
Monitor noise levels: Listen for unusual sounds that could indicate mechanical issues and address them promptly.
Schedule professional servicing: Arrange for regular inspections by a qualified technician to identify potential problems before they escalate.
Check refrigerant levels: Ensure that refrigerant levels are adequate, as low levels can lead to inefficient cooling.
Keep a maintenance log: Document all maintenance activities and repairs to track performance and ensure timely servicing.

New Technologies That Support Commercial refrigeration

Recent technological advancements have revolutionized the management of commercial and industrial refrigerators such as:

1. Digital temperature control: These systems allow users to maintain precise temperature settings to ensure optimal preservation of stored items

2. IoT (Internet of Things): IoT-enabled refrigerators can automatically alert users about potential issues before they escalate, such as temperature fluctuations or power failures. They can also monitor door openings to prevent energy wastage, and even track inventory levels, helping businesses avoid stock shortages or wastage.

4. Cloud-based management: With cloud-based management systems, businesses can remotely monitor and control their refrigeration units from any location and can access real-time data, analyze performance trends, and make informed decisions to improve efficiency and productivity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, commercial refrigeration is a critical investment for businesses across various sectors, ensuring the safety and preservation of perishable goods. With advancements in technology such as IoT and cloud-based management, commercial refrigerators have evolved into smarter, more efficient systems that not only preserve goods but also help businesses optimize operations. Choosing the right refrigeration solution requires careful consideration of factors such as space, capacity, energy efficiency, and maintenance, making informed decisions essential for long-term success.

Click here to know more about commercial refrigeration solutions from Rinac.