Commercial fridges keep food safely at 1–5°C with rapid pull-down and stable cooling in high-heat, high-traffic kitchens.
Domestic models fail under these conditions—commercial refrigeration is built for recovery, insulation and food-safety reliability.
As the core of your W2 Cool Storage layer, a good fridge protects stock value, supports fast prep workflows and feeds both BOH and FOH service areas.
Buying Guide: Commercial Fridges
A commercial fridge must maintain 1–5°C, recover temperature quickly after door openings and stay reliable in 35–43°C Australian kitchens. The right choice lowers waste, improves food quality and ensures full FSANZ/HACCP compliance.
1. Food Safety & Temperature Stability
- 1–5°C storage: For meats, dairy, produce and prep items.
- Fast pull-down: Strong compressors restore temperature within minutes.
- Even airflow: Prevents warm spots when fully loaded.
- Insulation matters: Thicker insulation reduces heat ingress and compressor duty cycle.
2. Climate Class (Ambient Rating)
- Tropical-rated (43°C): Required for hot kitchens and cooklines.
- Standard/Sub-tropical: Suitable for FOH and cool prep rooms.
3. Cooling Methods
- Fan-forced (dynamic): Fast, uniform cooling—best for busy kitchens.
- Static cooling: Quiet and efficient for long-term storage.
4. Condenser & Compressor Design
- Top-mounted: Best for greasy, hot BOH environments.
- Bottom-mounted: Easier servicing; suited for cafés and FOH.
- Front-breathing: Ideal for built-in cabinetry or tight kitchens.
- Quality compressors: SECOP / Embraco maintain stable temperatures.
5. Types of Commercial Fridges
- Upright fridges: High-capacity BOH storage.
- Underbench/workbench: Prep-line access within arm’s reach.
- Chef bases: Refrigerated drawers supporting grills and cooktops.
- Bar fridges: Fast drink access for FOH (W8 zone).
- Prep counters: Pizza, salad and sandwich assembly.
- Medical fridges: ±0.5°C precision with alarms and logging.
6. Placement & Workflow
- Leave ventilation clearance: Prevents overheating and increases lifespan.
- Avoid heat sources: Do not position beside fryers, ovens or dishwashers.
- Door swing check: Ensure 90° opening for GN pans and shelf removal.
- Display ≠ BOH storage: FOH glass fridges are not designed for hot kitchens.
7. Energy Efficiency
- R290/R600a refrigerants: High efficiency and low noise.
- EC fans & LED lighting: Lower heat and energy use.
- Energy load varies: Cabinet size, airflow and duty cycle affect daily cost.
8. Leading Brands
- Hoshizaki: Best stability in Australian ambient heat.
- Turbo Air: Low-maintenance condensers and strong energy efficiency.
- Bromic: Excellent drink-display and BOH performance.
- Atosa / Thermaster: Reliable value for cafés and restaurants.
- ICS Pacific: Medical-grade precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ventilation does a fridge need?
Leave space around the condenser; blocked airflow increases power use and shortens lifespan.
Static vs fan-forced cooling?
Fan-forced = fast recovery; static = quieter for long-term storage.
How many hours does a commercial fridge run daily?
Compressor duty cycle depends on ambient heat, airflow and door-opening frequency.
Need help selecting the right fridge? Call 1300 001 366 for quick recommendations based on your kitchen layout and menu.