The Recommended Reach-in Freezer Size for Your Operation

One of the most important features to consider when choosing your reach-in freezer is the capacity, as commercial reach-in freezers range in size from 25 to 94 inches wide. Manufacturers commonly classify their freezers by cubic feet, giving a rough estimate of available space inside the freezer. They also come in one-, two-, or three-section models. Reach-in freezers typically have a temperature holding range between -10 and 0 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring product remains properly frozen. Below, we'll help you figure out the best reach-in freezer size for your operation.

How Much Space Do You Have?

How much space you have to install your commercial reach-in freezer will determine your reach-in freezer's size. Freezer size is determined by how much cubic feet of storage is available and the exterior dimensions of the unit. Obviously, you should ensure you have adequate space in your kitchen, front-of-house, or storage area to accommodate the freezer you choose. If you have a smaller establishment, you may only be able to fit a unit with a width from 25 to 35 inches, typically one-section models. If you have a larger restaurant or kitchen with an adequate amount of room for larger equipment, you can look at two- and three-section models.

How Many Sections Do You Need?

Once you determine how much space you can allocate to your reach-in freezer, it's time to decide how many sections you need. A one-section freezer is the most compact model of commercial reach-in freezer and can have 12 to 34 cubic feet of interior space. They're suitable for smaller establishments and kitchens with limited space. Reach-in freezers with two sections are the most common model of reach-in freezer, boasting anywhere from 43 to 51 cubic feet of interior space. The largest reach-in freezers are comprised usually of three sections and have between 58 and 89 cubic feet of interior space.

Shelving and Storage?

Reach-in freezers can come with shelves and pan slides to house product. It doesn't matter how much cubic feet of space or how many sections your reach-in freezer has if it doesn't have adequate shelving and pan slides. If you don't have enough storage space to hold products, you're left with lots of wasted freezer space. How many pan slides and shelves your unit should have depends on the types of food you'll store and the type of containers product is stored in. Once you define the product types and the containers they'll be housed in, you can figure out how many shelves and pan slides you need.

How Full Should Your Freezer Be?

How much product you plan on storing in your reach-in freezer can affect how your unit operates. If your freezer is too full, air cannot circulate properly, but if your freezer is too empty, it has to work harder to keep product cold. Full freezers retain cold air better than empty freezers, though when air cannot circulate, products may be frozen unevenly. An empty freezer has to expend more energy to run and cool the empty space. It is wise not to over- or under-fill your reach-in freezer, and you should size your unit to account for times when you may need to freeze more product than usual.