Every food business needs the right tools to function, and one of the most important tools you will need includes the refrigerator. Being able to keep your ingredients cool and fresh before you need them is vital to the success of any restaurant or catering company, but as there are so many options available, you may not know where to start when it comes to choosing the right refrigerator for your business.
When you are looking at a refrigerator there are important aspects to consider. You should think about the storage requirements that your business has, then look at the energy efficiency and remember to think about the size of your kitchen or kitchen storage. If this sounds a little overwhelming, below are some useful tips for choosing the right refrigerator for your business.
What Are Your Storage Requirements?
The first step in choosing the right refrigerator is to look at your storage requirements. If you have a large number of ingredients that you need to keep cool and fresh, then you will need a larger refrigerator. For a business that only uses a few ingredients, it might be better to invest in a small to medium-sized refrigerator.
If you will only be storing drinks and cocktail ingredients, then it is better to look for a small underbar refrigerator that will take up less space in your kitchen or establishment. Be sure to look at how many shelves and drawers the refrigerator has, as you might need several shelves and drawers to store all of your ingredients.
What Is Your Kitchen Space?
Once you have thought about your storage requirements, you will need to look at your kitchen space. Take accurate measurements of your kitchen and remember to take doors into consideration, as you will need space to open the doors with ease. Also, consider who will need the most and easiest access to your refrigerator so it can be placed correctly.
If you have a small kitchen space, it might be necessary to place your refrigerator in another area so that there is floor space for your staff to easily move around in. However, if you do this, you will need to be sure that the refrigerator can easily be reached during a busy day or night of service. Measuring your space accurately will help in choosing the right unit for your needs.
Select The Right Style
There are numerous different styles to choose from when it comes to refrigerators, and these styles cater for different businesses and restaurants. You will need to choose the style that best suits your business needs. For example, if you are selling cooldrinks in your fast food business, then you should look for a beverage fridge that will keep the drinks cool for an entire day and overnight.
For those who would like to display their cake or baked creations, then you can look for a glass door refrigerator that will show off your delicious delicacies without compromising on their quality and shelf-life. Commercial kitchens should look for a solid door refrigerator as these are easier to install into these spaces.
Consider The Condenser
A vital component to look at is the condenser, as this helps to regulate the temperature of the appliance. You can choose from a top or bottom mounted refrigerator, each of which comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. If you prioritise cleaning and maintenance, then a bottom-mounted condenser is likely your best choice.
Top-mounted condensers are better at avoiding clogging than bottom-mounted condensers but should not be used in a kitchen where there are grills. They also do not blow warm air into the refrigerator and the doors usually reach all the way to the ground. Look at how your kitchen is laid out and what your storage needs are in order to choose the condenser.
Cool And Crisp
Choosing the right refrigerator for your business will help you to ensure that your kitchen remains up and running, and that your ingredients are fresh and crisp for all dishes. Start by looking at your storage requirements and measuring your kitchen space and layout. Select the right style and right condenser model for your refrigerator that will best suit your kitchen.
If you would like the best commercial refrigerator for your business, contact Caterwize today to find out how we can help you.
