Space-conscious Refrigeration

Commercial refrigerators are a vital part of any foodservice operation, providing necessary food preservation behind the scenes and displaying chilled products to customers in the front of house. This equipment keeps product fresh before it is used in the kitchen and served to guests. When you're adding refrigeration space in small floorplans, it's important to know which options – including type and size – would benefit your business most before investing. Select the unit that can withstand the rigors of your establishment, from exterior hits to interior spills. The most efficient cooling systems maintain product temperatures while rapidly cooling cabinet air to safe levels; these functions mean your unit can meet heavy foodservice demands and limit bacterial growth. This prevents foodborne illness outbreaks and health department citations.

Using Counter Space

If you want to add refrigeration without sacrificing counter space, consider adding an undercounter refrigerator or back-bar cooler. Undercounter refrigerators fit under an existing counter, so they can be added to your configuration. This is ideal if you want to add more refrigeration capacity to your kitchen and don't want to alter your workflow. They can be used to store items such as cream or milk, along with other cold ingredients that must be accessible in commercial kitchens. Placing this unit in an area where you need fast, smooth access to its stored items would be an immense benefit to you and your staff. Because this equipment is available with multiple sections, as well as various door and drawer configurations, it is great for operators seeking a versatile cold storage option. Units like this suit alternative locations such as a hotel minibar or a skybox at a sports stadium, as they can house drinks and snacks that provide your business an extra avenue of income.

Back-bar coolers are popular among bars and restaurants that sell bottled or canned products. They are also designed to fit under counters and are available in pass-thru versions, meaning employees can stock from one side while customers can choose their own products from the other side. Models with adjustable shelves can accommodate products with variable lengths, while the doors are designed either to slide or swing and come in glass or solid material, so it can meet diverse needs. This equipment ensures bartenders have convenient product access while keeping beverages cool. They are not limited to bars, however, and can be found in other establishments, such as cafés or convenience stores. Back-bar coolers can be used to store items other than alcohol, including garnishes, cream, milk, and more. Because they are constructed with a low profile, these units can double as functional workspace.

Adding Supplementary Units

If you have room for more units in your kitchen, worktop refrigerators function as freestanding workspaces. Another type of freestanding workspace called a chef base, or equipment stand, also has a refrigerated base for additional cold storage. Chef bases can be used to hold countertop commercial equipment and are a more heavy-duty option than worktop refrigerators. Adding either of these commercial refrigerators will give employees additional prep space, and most of these units are on casters, so they can be rearranged or moved out of the way.

Undercounter refrigerators, back-bar coolers, refrigerated work tables, and chef bases take up horizontal space instead of vertical space, and the versatility they provide by having usable surfaces can be an asset in small, behind-the-scenes spaces.

Using Vertical Space

If you want to optimize available vertical space in your kitchen, a reach-in refrigerator might be a good option. This type of commercial refrigerator is commonly available at 27 inches wide, though it can be as slim as 24 inches. Some have two sections, or one section with two doors made of glass or stainless steel for more flexibility in unit function.

Front-of-House Merchandisers

If you're looking for commercial refrigerators that add merchandising options to the front of house, consider a refrigerated display case, deli case, or open-air cooler. Like reach-in refrigerators, refrigerated display cases occupy vertical space instead of horizontal space, with the slimmest models measuring just 22 inches wide. Deli cases and open-air coolers generally take up more horizontal space, but some deli cases are shorter than the standard countertop height. Deli cases and open-air coolers have multiple levels and layouts available, giving you the freedom to create unique, eye-catching displays. These commercial coolers offer items such as bottled beverages, prepackaged meals, or fresh produce and are usually found in convenience stores or grab-and-go scenarios.

Countertop refrigerators are a great solution for businesses that don't have room for full-sized refrigeration units but may have available countertop space. These commercial refrigerators can be very compact at just 17 inches wide and are available as self-serve or pass-thru units. Countertop refrigerators can be used for beverages, snacks, meals, or desserts.

Another compact commercial refrigeration option is a drop-in cooler, which would be built into an existing countertop space. These commercial coolers can be as small as 12 inches wide and 27 inches long, so you can offer chilled beverages or food without crowding your countertops or workspace.