Important factors to consider when shopping for a commercial refrigerator
Choosing the right refrigerator for your business can be complicated. With an abundance of choices available in the market, you might find yourself overwhelmed. As a wise business owner, you should consider many things before purchasing a commercial refrigerator. Since they tend to be costly, you want to buy something that is practical, long lasting, and multifunctional.
In this article, the team here at Coles Refrigeration and Air Conditioning will try to help you make the right decision in choosing the best commercial refrigerator for your business
What features should you look for in a commercial refrigerator?
First, you have to check the features of your potential unit. Here are the features that are standard among commercial refrigerators, and what to look out for:
- Thermostat
- Insulation
- Capacity
- Compressor
- Shelves
Thermostat
If you are in the business of perishable goods, you need a piece of equipment that has good control of the internal temperature. Digital thermostats let you monitor the temperature round the clock. Some models can even allow you to access and adjust the controls through your mobile phone or computer.
Insulation
It is ideal to look for foam-in insulation compared to the traditional panels of foam placed between the fridge case’s interior and exterior walls. Foam-in insulation is sprayed throughout the surface of the cabinet, providing high-quality insulation that makes the fridge more energy-efficient.
Capacity
To help you decide which fridge is ideal for your business, you can determine the suitable capacity by estimating the dimensions and the equipment’s number of doors.
The external and internal dimensions are different and should be looked at separately. The external size is essential in deciding where you would put the equipment in. On the other hand, the internal dimension will help you ascertain how much you can store in the refrigerator.
You should also note the number of doors on your equipment in the subject of storage capacity. Units with a single door are typically used in same-day operations businesses. Refrigerators with two or three doors are bigger and can store bulk items, with multiple sections and are used for long-term storage.
Compressor
Compressors use air to regulate the internal temperature of the refrigerator. There are 3 types of refrigerator compressors, depending on how it is mounted:
- Bottom-mount
- Top-mount
- Remote.
The bottom-mount refrigerator is perfect for locations with a warm environment because it draws cool air from the lower spaces of the room. However, it can quickly accumulate dust and dirt, so cleaning it often is suggested.
Top-mount refrigerators are the exact opposite. These refrigerators have their compressors above the storage cabinet and are preferred in colder environments. They have larger interiors as well.
Fridges with remote compressors are more expensive than the top-mount and bottom-mount options because installation is separate, and it requires refrigerant lines to travel from the compressor to the refrigeration box and vice versa. Remote compressors are perfect for hot places and are economical in energy costs.
Shelves
There are many choices when it comes to refrigerator shelves. You can go for wired shelves for practicality, or glass shelves to make your fridge aesthetically pleasing.
Shelves can also be adjusted by removing and inserting panels. Some are more advanced and use a lever to move these shelves around.
Questions to consider when choosing a commercial refrigerator
Once you have decided which feature is more valuable to your business, you can move to the second step: Choosing the fitting commercial refrigerator unit for you. Here are some guiding questions that can be useful to your decision:
What is the primary function of your fridge?
The best refrigerator choice is one that you can use efficiently regardless of the size, brand, or model. You must ask yourself, what will you be using the equipment for?
- Is it to display products from where customers will be grabbing right out?
- See through panels will help customers see what they’re after
- Less time spent open will help control the temperature
- Choose one that has a gentle close option to reduce the chance of the glass panels breaking
- Is it purely to store highly perishable ingredients such as fish and meat?
- Since customers won’t be looking for items inside, you can choose a solid door which will help regulate the temperature better
- This means less chance of heat entering in case of a power outage or system failure
Once you have figured that out, you will have a better idea of the kind of commercial refrigerator to go for.
What kind of warranty does the refrigerator have?
The good news is commercial refrigerators have the most extensive warranties on the market. Perhaps manufacturers understand that this equipment is vital in commercial operation, and owners prefer a fast and hassle-free fix.
When choosing a refrigerator for commercial purposes, choose a brand with a warranty covering parts and labour. It’s also wise to factor in the location of their service centres for accessibility.
What brand would work best for your business?
Brands are not just names – they can also foster trust from consumers. There are manufacturers focused on building high-quality units that come with a higher price because of the materials they are made of. Some brands deliver the best value at a reasonable price. It is practical to research the brands and what they do well at. From there, you can get a mix of quality and economy. If you would like to learn more about refrigerator brands and value, contact a member of the Coles Refrigeration team.
New, used, or refurbished?
New refrigerator units are ideal if you are expecting to do heavy labour in your business. They are more reliable since the parts are still untouched and came right out of the manufacturer’s box. However, if you are on a budget, you might want to consider going for refurbished or used units.
A refurbished unit means that the equipment has gone through repairs and replacement to make it function like new. It is relatively cheaper and often comes with a warranty. Used units are equipment used by the first owner and sold because of an upgrade or similar reason.
You have to be mindful when buying used appliances because there might be defects that the previous owner has not disclosed. Still, a good thing about used units is that they are affordable.
Where will you place the refrigerator?
This question sounds trivial but is actually crucial in choosing the right commercial refrigerator. As much as possible, choose a fridge that will not force you to renovate. Acquire a refrigerator that you can easily place in a location that has good airflow or ventilation. This will help your appliance to last.
Depending on the layout of your kitchen, you will want to remember the triangle set up with the fridge, stove, and sink set up. Developed in the 1940’s this system has evolved throughout the years as the sizes and shapes of our kitchens have changed, but it remains important and relevant today. The triangle is the space where most of the movement throughout the kitchen takes place, from cooking to tidying, to cleaning up. Not only will having the fridge placed in an ideal spot reduce the amount of heat it takes from other appliances, but it will also streamline your kitchen processes.
Wondering which is the best commercial refrigerator for your business?
Coles has a huge selection of commercial refrigeration systems that would complement your business. For high-quality refrigerators at a fair price, call Coles Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in Newcastle NSW on 02 4957 0221 or click here to send us an online message and we will be happy to help. We have a dedicated sales support team that is available 24/7 at your convenience. You may also learn more about Coles Air Conditioning and Refrigeration here.