An Introduction to Beverage-Air Chef Bases
Beverage-Air has established itself as a big name in the foodservice industry with its collection of refrigeration equipment, including its innovative chef bases. The additional cold storage provided by a refrigerated chef base is invaluable in many commercial kitchens. The downside to this is most models require a heat shield to maintain proper temperatures inside the unit, especially if heat-emitting equipment like a range top is installed on top of the base. To stand out from its competitors and create a more convenient product, Beverage-Air manufactures its chef bases with enough insulation built in that no heat shield is required. With both refrigerator and freezer models available, this Beverage-Air series can find a home in almost any commercial kitchen.
Beverage-Air Chef Bases: Common Features
There are features and specifications common across all models of Beverage-Air's chef bases that give operators a baseline expectation for their product. While some features are customizable and models in varying sizes and configurations are available, you can be sure any chef base you purchase from Beverage-Air will include these benefits.
- Heavy-duty Top: Perhaps the hallmark feature of these chef bases is the reinforced 16-gauge stainless steel top. It's insulated to eliminate the need for a heat shield and stands up to wear and tear that occurs through heavy use, keeping your equipment looking like new.
- Drawer Capacity: Beverage-Air advertises a redesigned drawer system that increases pan capacity. Top and bottom drawers are capable of accommodating 6-inch-deep, full-size food pans.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: The convenient drawer design enables an easier installation and field adjustment, while the refrigeration system is fully serviceable from the front of the unit without the need for removing the lid.
- Energy Efficiency: All Beverage-Air chef bases utilize environmentally friendly R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant, cutting down on emissions and saving on long-term energy costs for operators.
Beverage-Air Chef Bases: Options and Specifications
The most important distinction between Beverage-Air chef bases is whether the unit offers refrigerated or frozen storage. Freezer units can maintain temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit, while refrigerator units hold them between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, there are a variety of size and configuration options, depending on the layout of your operation.
If you're looking for cold storage to support large volumes of product or creating an expansive food prep station, Beverage-Air offers models with as many as six drawers that span 112 inches wide to accommodate multiple pieces of equipment or to create a worktop. For filling a more compact space, the smallest units have just two drawers and a 36-inch width. To further customize the unit, you'll have the option to specify whether the compressor is located on the left or right side. You can also choose between units with or without an overhanging top – as long as 6 inches on each side. Although these units come standard with 3-inch casters, there is an option to upgrade to 6-inch casters.
When choosing the size and configuration of your Beverage-Air chef base, be sure to check the clearance requirements to make sure you have a suitable space to install your new equipment.
