Undercounter Refrigerators Buyers' Guide

Designed to fit smoothly underneath counters, commercial undercounter refrigerators provide additional cold storage without taking away necessary prep space. They are ideal for customers looking for more durable alternatives to mini-fridges. In addition to restaurants, undercounter refrigerators are great for skyboxes at sporting events and in hotel mini bars. To ensure you get the most out of your unit, we’ll help you choose the best undercounter refrigerator for your business.

What are undercounter refrigerators made of?

Commercial undercounter refrigerators can be constructed of various materials, depending on the manufacturer; however, certain materials are more common than others. The exteriors of undercounter refrigerators typically are made of stainless steel or aluminum because stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, while aluminum resists corrosion and chipping. Stainless steel is the more expensive option, although aluminum is more affordable.

The interior of undercounter refrigerators can be constructed of stainless steel, aluminum, and ABS plastic. A stainless steel interior can be wiped clean and the aluminum option is less likely to scratch or dent. ABS is a type of plastic resistant to corrosive chemicals and scratches, and ABS plastic is the least expensive material you can choose for your undercounter refrigerator's interior.

Our Top Shopping Tip: Figure out your budget before choosing the construction of your commercial undercounter refrigerator. Stainless steel is the most expensive, followed by aluminum, with ABS plastic being the most economical option.

Do you need doors, drawers, or a combination of both?

Undercounter refrigerators come equipped with doors, drawers, or a combination of the two. Units with doors have one swing door per section, so employees can access products stored inside on shelves. Commercial undercounter refrigerators with drawers typically have two drawers per section, each of which slides out for access to food pans. Units that feature both doors and drawers have two sections instead of one.

If you only plan to store beverages or other cold items in your undercounter refrigerator, then a unit with a door would be a good fit. If you want to use your undercounter refrigerator to store cold food and ingredients in food pans, then a drawer model would be best. If you need both shelves and drawers – and you have space to accommodate a two-section unit – then a unit with doors and drawers would be ideal.

Our Top Shopping Tip: Determine what you need your unit for. Units with doors enable you to keep products on shelves and provide smooth access using a swing door. A model with drawers provides storage for products in food pans, so users only need to slide open the drawer to access items. A unit with doors and drawers facilitates both, but it requires two sections.

Should your unit have glass or solid doors?

If you decide on a unit with doors, the next step is to pick between glass and solid doors. Solid doors are fully insulated, which makes them more energy efficient than glass doors. The tradeoff for solid doors is product visibility when the door is closed. Glass doors give users a good view to take stock of stored products, and to maintain safe food holding temperatures, most glass doors feature two insulated panes.

If you plan to keep your undercounter refrigerator in the back of the house, then you may want a unit with solid doors. If your refrigerator will be used for self-service in places like convenience stores, it would be best to choose a glass door unit that can provide visibility for customers.

Our Top Shopping Tip: Solid doors are well insulated and ideal for back-of-house use, while glass doors are a better fit for self-service establishments.

Which special features are available?

Various special features are available to smooth operation, which may influence your buying decision. We'll go over a few of them below.

• ADA Compliant: ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, and units that are ADA compliant have a height between 32 and 34 inches. These units can fit underneath countertops and are accessible to individuals in wheelchairs.
• Dual Temperature: Undercounter refrigerators with a dual temperature feature come equipped with a freezer section. While this freezer section typically is on the smaller side, it lets you freeze ice cubes and other small items.
• Extra Depth or Shallow Depth: Extra-deep or shallow units are needed when a countertop has unusual dimensions.
• Low Profile: Models with a low-profile design are shorter and more compact than typical undercounter refrigerators because these units are made to fit under short countertops.
• Left Hinge: Commercial undercounter refrigerators can be equipped with a left hinge instead of right, depending on what direction you need your unit's door to swing.
• Reversible Door: Units with a reversible door enable users to swing the door to the right or left, depending on preference and kitchen layout.

KaTom's Quick Guide to Buying an Undercounter Refrigerator

Want some quick advice on which undercounter refrigerator will suit your business? Check out our quick guide below!

1. First, figure out what your budget will be. Once you know how much you're willing to spend, you can decide which material you want your unit to be constructed of. Stainless steel is the most expensive, whereas ABS plastic is the least expensive option, and aluminum is in the middle.
2. Next, decide what you need your unit for. Will you be using your refrigerator as a prep station, for storing beverages under the bar, or will you use it for both?
3. Then, if you decide to choose a model with doors, figure out if you want solid or glass doors. Solid doors are better suited for back-of-house use, while glass doors are ideal for self-service businesses like convenience stores.
4. Finally, review the wide range of special features that are available. There are many features available to help with the unit's operation, or to help with special accommodations that may be needed.