The success of your restaurant and the operation of your commercial kitchen relies heavily on the equipment you choose. Think of it this way — without the right cooking equipment or refrigeration, how would you serve your patrons?
Choosing sub-par equipment also puts your restaurant stock at risk. If your commercial refrigerator fails on you or cannot keep your food at an adequate temperature, this could lead to major food spoilage and tons of cash straight into the bin.
So, what goes in to choosing the best restaurant refrigeration? Here’s everything you need to know, in this blog.
1. Do Thorough Research on the Best Restaurant Refrigeration
The refrigeration you choose boils down to your restaurant’s specific needs. This being said, it’s always wise to do your research on the best-performing brands on the market today.
Not only does the right refrigerator increase the efficiency of your kitchen, but it will preserve your food for longer while protecting your customers from foodborne illnesses.
Whether you’re choosing the Beverage Air Cooler or looking for a walk-in refrigerator, there are a few key things to look for.
- When doing your research, always look at online reviews of the top brands which should offer insight on how each model performs
- Always consider the types of warranties offered by different brands and the repair process
- Look out for the Energy Star logo, which indicates that the brand is energy-efficient and will save you money over the long-term
You’ll also need to consider your budget. If your restaurant is just finding its feet, don’t worry about choosing the best and most expensive model. Settle somewhere in the middle-ground, for a brand that has good reviews and a good warranty.
2. Carefully Consider the Functionality You Need
Your next step is to think about how your commercial refrigeration fits in with all of your kitchen operations. You’ll also need to consider the functionality of the fridge itself and whether it can meet your kitchen’s needs.
The over-arching point of a commercial fridge is that it should streamline all of your kitchen processes. Ultimately, your restaurant menu will have the greatest impact on the type of fridge you choose. So bear this in mind when shopping for refrigeration — will it be able to handle all of your menu items? Fresh, frozen, and other produce?
Make a note of the quantity of food you purchase on a weekly basis and purchase your refrigerator based on this.
3. Make the Right Choice on Size
Once you’ve considered the functionality of your refrigerator, you’ll need to think about its size. This is not only related to its internal capacity and how much food it can hold. It also relates to whether your kitchen can accommodate the size of the fridge you choose.
A good tip is to choose a smaller size fridge that fits inside your kitchen and doesn’t take up too much floor space, but one that is well designed in terms of interior space. This being said, it’s always wise to overestimate how much storage space you’ll need. It’s always better to have too much space, than too little.
Opt for a fridge that is well thought out in terms of shelving and drawer space, too. This allows you to organize your food as you need it, and as per health regulations.
4. Think About Your Kitchen Workflow and Space
One of the most important considerations when choosing a commercial fridge is the workflow of your kitchen and its available space during service. Don’t forget to take the fridge doors into consideration.
You want enough space in your kitchen so that they will not get in the way when being opened and closed — unless, of course, you choose a walk-in refrigerator. You will then need to think about the sliding door and whether this should be automatic or manual.
Next, you’ll have to think about where to put your fridge to allow for easy access, without hindering the flow of traffic. It’s always wise to sit down with your kitchen staff and ask their opinion on the type of fridge that would work best, seeing as they are the ones who will use it most.
5. Don’t Overlook Condenser Placement
Bear in mind that when you order a commercial fridge, it comes with a condenser. This is probably one of the most important parts of your fridge as it regulates the temperature when the doors are being opened and closed multiple times during a shift.
Most brands offer bottom or top-mounted fridge options, but each has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. If cleaning and maintenance is a priority in your kitchen (as it should be), you’ll want to go with a bottom-mounted condenser. This works best for bakery or cafe kitchens that don’t see much grilling or high-heat action.
A top-mounted condenser is better at keeping clogging at bay. It’s also easier to access your food as the fridge doors extend to the ground and are not cut-off by the condenser.
6. Think About Aesthetics
What your fridge actually looks like might not be that important to you, but if your kitchen is open-plan and your patrons can see into it, you might want to consider a ”nice-looking” fridge. This being said, functionality and space should always be top priorities.
It’s also important that you do some research on the type of commercial fridge that your operation should have, as per regulations and health and safety code.
Don’t forget that walk-in refrigeration is best for large-scale operations, while under-counter fridges are also a brilliant option for easy access and saving space.
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When it comes time to choose restaurant refrigeration, your budget will play an integral role in what you end up choosing. But the most important factors to always keep in mind include functionality, space, and the energy rating.
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