Irrespective of the food concept that your food truck ventured into, the first thing that your food truck business requires is the refrigerator. They are highly beneficial in storing cheeses, meats, sandwiches, beverages, drinks, and other food items that are required to cool the food stored in the refrigerator easily. It is important to choose a refrigerator that is reliable and large enough to store every food item that is required in the refrigerator. Here are the best refrigerators for the food truck business, along with their buying guide to help you find your chill buddy for your business.
Some Factors to Consider Before Buying a Fridge for Food Truck
When you are buying a refrigerator for the kitchen or are looking for a replacement refrigerator, you must do your research and compare the choices available. A refrigerator for the food truck is a long-term investment and you must have the right knowledge to make the right purchase with absolute confidence.
1. Type of food
The most important factor to consider while buying a food truck is the type of business that one serves and based on the needs of their prospective clients. If you are planning to serve frozen desserts such as smoothies or ice cream, then you should be choosing a refrigerator that maintains an appropriate temperature and has enough space to store such food items.
2. Size of the appliance
Yet another crucial factor to consider while choosing the refrigerator is the size and efficiency of the appliance. Some food truck owners may decide to make use of a residential refrigerator to save money, but this is not recommended and it is better to make use of a commercial appliance that is more powerful than the residential ones.
3. Convenience features
Choose refrigerators that come with a range of convenience features, so that they are easy to access and stay convenient to prepare the food. Choose refrigerators that are energy efficient to save a substantial amount of money in the long run. Also, some states have regulations about the storage capacity of commercial refrigerators in food trucks. Thus, it is important to choose a refrigerator for the food truck that complies with the local laws and regulations to avoid interruption in the business.
4. Other factors to look for in the food truck
Make sure that you buy a refrigerator that is made of stainless steel so that it has the required strength and durability to withstand the wear and tear of the food truck business. Make sure the refrigerator has heavy-duty foam insulation, as it is the key to fresh and energy-efficient food. Buy a refrigerator that has an abundant interior capacity with welded corners and fully recessed handles.
Also check: Best Refrigerators for Small Kitchen
Best Refrigerators For Food Trucks
#1. Galanz GLR10TRDEFR True Top Retro Refrigerator – Best Overall
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Controls and Functionality | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 9.1 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
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The Galanz refrigerator is available in a bright red color and it features a retro design with a unique and novel look. This is the best appliance that helps in keeping the beverages cool and it features a perfect size that is great for a recreational vehicle, university dormitory, office, and apartment. This refrigerator features a swing door and has removable glass shelves. Its glass shelf and drawers help in separating fruits and vegetables and we can also keep the different food items organized in the unit.
The refrigerator also features an adjustable electrical thermostat control and this achieves temperature regulation and makes the life of people easy and simple. The refrigerator compartment maintains a temperature between 32 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer compartment maintains a temperature below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
The refrigerator has an energy star rating and operates relatively noise-free. It makes use of an R600a refrigerant that is highly efficient and it features a low energy consumption compressor that helps in cooling food quickly with low energy. Its energy-efficient and LED lights illuminate the interiors of the refrigerator efficiently and can be a great addition to the food truck.
Pros
- The refrigerator is energy star certified.
- This can be a value-added addition to any kitchen and helps in keeping snacks and beverages cool.
- The refrigerator features retro-style handles and is perfect for office, kitchen dormitory, etc.
- Makes use of an environment-friendly R600 coolant.
Cons
- The refrigerator comes with a manual defrost system.
Also check: What Is the Best Single Door Refrigerator?
#2. Galanz GLR46TBKER Retro Compact Refrigerator – Runner Up
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Controls and Functionality | 9.3 |
| Build quality | 9.1 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
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The Galanz retro compact refrigerator is indeed a mini-fridge that can accommodate the food truck efficiently. This is a mini-fridge that has a capacity of 4.6 Cu. Ft and comes with a dual door and an adjusting thermostat with a true freezer. Being a retro compact refrigerator it works on R600a refrigerant and this coupled with high efficiency and low energy consumption compressor technology that qualifies it as an efficient refrigerator for the food truck.
This refrigerator is capable of cooling food quickly and efficiently at a very low energy level. It features leveling legs and adjusting feed that accommodates any surface. The refrigerator is capable of holding a cooling temperature of 32 to 47 degrees Fahrenheit and its freezer compartment maintains a temperature below zero degrees. The electrical requirements of this refrigerator are approximately 120V or 60 Hz. The weight of this refrigerator is about 76.1 lbs.
The refrigerator comes with glass shelves that are capable of separating different types of food items. It also features a removable slide-out glass shelf that offers ways to organize the storage needs of the refrigerator. It is possible to control the refrigerator manually and there is a control dial that converts the temperature from cool to cold and coldest, and thus we can turn the knob and adjust the temperature settings according to our needs.
Pros
- The refrigerator comes with a double door design and it features a freezer compartment to store frozen foods.
- The door of this refrigerator is capable of storing canned beverages.
- The refrigerator features an adjusting thermostat and LED interior lights.
- The refrigerator is energy-star rated and comes with an annual energy consumption of 325 kWh.
Cons
- The retro handles of this refrigerator are aesthetic and do not latch.
- The refrigerator is too noisy.
Also read: How to Clean a Refrigerator Both Inside and Out?
#3. Frigidaire EFR786-Black Retro Refrigerator – Great Choice for Food Truck
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Controls and Functionality | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 9 |
| Energy efficiency | 9 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
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The Frigidaire refrigerator comes with two doors with a capacity of 7.5 Cu.ft. The refrigerator also features adjustable spill-proof shelves, door, and crisper bins, and a storage compartment in the doors. The refrigerator features a retro design and its elegant appearance makes it a valuable addition to the food truck. The refrigerator also features chrome recessed door handles and hinge covers, thus rendering this refrigerator a refined and sophisticated look in the apartment.
This two-door refrigerator features a separate freezer shelf compartment and it features a separate door bin for preserving the frozen foods. There are easily accessible temperature controls in this refrigerator that helps in making temperature management easy and efficient. The refrigerator also features bright incandescent lighting that helps in lighting the freezer and the food compartments efficiently.
The 7.5 Cu.ft. of storage capacity in this refrigerator helps in stocking all the favorite foods on different shelves and the storage bins in the door help in keeping small items handy and organized. There are also vegetable and fruit crisper bins in this refrigerator that preserves the freshness of food items. The spill-proof shelves in this refrigerator help in containing spills and it also simplifies the cleanup process, preventing the liquids from leaking on the shelves.
Pros
- This is a high-quality refrigerator that can be a great addition to food trucks.
- It’s convenient to defrost the system and makes it easy to maintain.
- The refrigerator also features easy-to-use mechanical controls.
- Its adjusting glass shelves and removable wire freezer help with maximum and versatile food storage.
Cons
- The refrigerator is not designed for outdoor use and thus should be placed inside the covered food truck.
#4. Antarctic Star 58F90GR Compact Mini Refrigerator – Editor’s Choice
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.4 |
| Controls and Functionality | 9.4 |
| Build quality | 9.1 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.2 |
| Value for money | 9.5 |
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This is a compact mini refrigerator that comes with an elegant design and a colorful exterior, that makes it an appealing addition to the food truck. Though this is a small and compact refrigerator, it still comes with two doors, for the refrigerator and the freezer compartment separately. This refrigerator is great for a food truck, garage, camper basement, dorm, or office space and it has a storage space of 3.2 Cu.ft. The refrigerator is capable of storing, eggs, juices, drinks, fruits, vegetables, milk, and even leftover food.
The freezer compartment of this refrigerator also comes with an ice cube tray and an ice shovel and by turning the thermostat in this refrigerator, we can adjust the temperature in this appliance efficiently. The thermostat has a control from 1 to 7, with 1 being cold and 7 being coldest and the freezer compartment in this refrigerator maintains the temperature between 1 and 3 degrees Fahrenheit.
The refrigerator features a classic design and is designed with sleek silver and green exteriors that offer this appliance a classy touch. The refrigerator is capable of matching all types of furniture in the food truck and will yield to the aesthetics of the restaurant business. The refrigerator features a double door design, and the freezer compartment can be used to store frozen food and freeze water into ice cubes. There are also provisions in the door of the refrigerator to store canned food items.
Pros
- Its removable glass shelves and drawer helps in separating fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator separately.
- The refrigerator has a removable slide-out glass shelf that helps us to organize the storage needs.
- The refrigerator operates noise-free and will not disturb other functions in the food truck.
Cons
- It features a deep cycle storage battery to run on the food truck.
Also check: What is the Best Small Upright Freezer? (Best Mini Upright Freezers)
#5. RCA RFR725 EFR749 2 Door Refrigerator – Great Alternative
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Controls and Functionality | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 9.2 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
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This is an efficient refrigerator with a freezer that features a platinum stainless steel finish. The refrigerator comprises a multi-event technology and helps in keeping the items within the refrigerator evenly cooled. The refrigerator also features temperature controls that are easily accessible and it helps inefficient management of temperature as well. There is a manual defrost mode in this refrigerator that makes it easy to remove the ice cubes efficiently.
The refrigerator has a large 7.5 Cu. Ft capacity and helps in keeping all the food and beverages cool in this refrigerator. There is also a full-size freezer compartment in this refrigerator that features a fixed wire freezer shelf and door bin that help with organized storage for frozen food items. The refrigerator is illuminated by bright incandescent lighting that illuminates the freezer and the food compartment to view the items stored in the refrigerator.
There are also dedicated storage bins in the door of this refrigerator to keep the small food items organized and handy. There is also a fruit crisper and vegetable bin in this appliance, that helps in preserving the freshness of the vegetables and fruits. Its spill-proof glass shelves are easy to clean and they are capable of containing spills efficiently. The shelves also prevent the liquids from leaking on the shelves at the lower rack.
Pros
- The refrigerator features an adjusting electrical thermostat freezer compartment.
- Its bright LED interior lighting helps in viewing the interiors of the refrigerator.
- The compact size of this refrigerator makes it easy to use on food trucks.
- The refrigerator has a large capacity and features a space-saving design.
Cons
- It is a very heavy appliance.
- The cord of this appliance is very short.
Check out: Best Small Chest Freezers 2022
#6. Midea WHS-87 LB1 Refrigerator – Popular in Market
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.1 |
| Controls and Functionality | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 9 |
| Energy efficiency | 9 |
| Value for money | 9.1 |
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This is one of the best refrigerators with a large 2.4 cubic feet capacity and its mechanical temperature adjustment ranges from -2 to 2 degrees Celcius. The refrigerator has a large storage area and is excellent for chilling beverages and healthy snacks. The refrigerator has adjustable legs and a reversible door that can open from both the left and the right direction. The noise level of this refrigerator is about 420 dBA. The refrigerator has an energy star rating and comes with a one-year warranty as well.
The refrigerator features a free-standing compact design and it is perfect for big trucks. This refrigerator is convenient for home theaters, family rooms, and man caves. The refrigerator is also very quiet and can be used in both the bedroom and nursery. Midea is a global manufacturer of compact refrigerators and wine coolers. The refrigerator has a streamlined look and will complement any room style and setting. These compact refrigerators are perfect for all settings and their whisper-quiet compressors extend their use in hospitals, libraries, and other quiet places.
These compact refrigerators will cool quickly, efficiently, and also evenly, without leaving any warm spots. The food and beverages stay evenly chilled in this refrigerator regardless of where the drinks are placed inside. The unit is also energy-efficient and draws only about 75 watts’ amperage. The refrigerator comes with a one-year full warranty from the original purchase date. The racks in the main compartment of the refrigerator can be rearranged to accommodate larger bottles and wider containers.
Pros
- This is an exceptional 2.4 cubic foot refrigerator with an innovative solution for dorm rooms, apartments, and even wet bars.
- The refrigerator features an environmentally friendly technology with low noise and energy-saving features.
- It’s flush black design helps to save space.
- The refrigerator has convenient racks on the main compartment and the door.
Cons
- It cannot be used for storing frozen foods and it cannot be used for making ice cubes as well.
- The internal walls of the main refrigerator compartment are slightly tapered at the back.
#7. Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator – Best Portable Pick
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Controls and Functionality | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 9.2 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.4 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
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This is an excellent portable model refrigerator with a 15-liter capacity. It is ideal for cars, vehicles, boats, RVs, and Trucks, and is ideal for travel, driving, and fishing. This is an excellent appliance that freezes food items without ice. The unit maintains a temperature of -20°C for exceptional performance. This refrigerator runs great with a small solar system as well. The refrigerator has a 15-liter capacity and is capable of fitting in 20 cans of cola. The refrigerator for food trucks features a temperature elegant function and three different levels of battery protection. There are three different temperature settings in this refrigerator, namely low, medium and high to protect the vehicle battery without running down.
The refrigerator is made of a strong plastic material and it is extremely lightweight, durable, and easy to transport anywhere. Its reliable sealing function helps in maintaining high cooling and freshness in the refrigerator. The appliance has a thick and high density foam insulation and continues deep cooling performance throughout the journey. The appliance renders exceptional energy-saving and keeps the food fresh throughout. The appliance can freeze down to a temperature down to -4F for freezing and we can adjust the temperature to be a fridge as well.
The refrigerator features a simple LCD control panel and it is convenient to operate. It is also easy to monitor the functioning of the refrigerator through this control panel. It is possible to increase or decrease the temperature, choose battery protection, and change between the ECO and the MAX modes while using the refrigerator. Its thick and high-density foam insulation helps in locking the temperature without leaking the cool air. It helps in keeping the items fresh on the trip.
Pros
- The refrigerator offers three-stage battery protection to protect the battery of the vehicle while charging.
- It operates very quietly at about 45 dB with low power consumption.
- This is a budget-friendly freezer that renders effective cooling and freezing.
- The refrigerator comes with power adapters for 110V and 12V.
Cons
- The appliance has poor insulation.
- The temperature display is not accurate.
#8. F40C4TMP Portable Refrigerator for Truck – Another Good Alternative
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.1 |
| Controls and Functionality | 8.9 |
| Build quality | 9 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9 |
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This is an exceptional refrigerator for trucks, with a portable design. It has a capacity of 50L and is a 12-volt refrigerator that draws power from the car compressor system. This is an exceptional compressor fridge freezer for RVs, Vehicles, Road trips, outdoor trips, camping, and home with 12/24V DC power and 110-240 AC. The temperature range of this 12-volt refrigerator is between 4 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This can also serve as an exceptional camping freezer, capable of storing ice cream and preserving ice cubes.
The refrigerator has a large 10L refrigerated area with a 52-quart large capacity and dual-zone. The refrigerator has a 40L freezing area as well. The truck fridge is great for camping and is great for storing fruits and meat separately. The refrigerator has an intelligent memory function, with no time to reset the refrigerator the next time. The appliance has two modes of operation, which include MAX mode for fast cooling and ECO mode for energy saving. Being an exceptional road trip freezer, it consumes less than 1kWh per day. While it is in operation, the noise of this refrigerator is about 45 dB.
The refrigerator has a high, medium, and low battery protection function. Being an exceptional camper refrigerator, it is capable of protecting the truck battery from running out as well. It has a tilt of 30 degrees and thus the RV fridge can work normally even on bumpy roads. The appliance also comes with two years warranty, user manual, adapter, and a DC cord, making it easy to use in the car and at home.
Pros
- Its strong compressor helps in quick cooling of the refrigerator contents.
- The appliance features an aluminum alloy inner wall, that helps the temperature to drop faster than the plastic inner walls.
- Its compressor freezer can be cooled down to less than 4 degrees Fahrenheit to help keep the ice cream frozen and to make ice cubes.
- The insulation foam of its door is about 35mm. There is also a cup hole design on the door to place the drink.
Cons
- The directions for setting up the refrigerator are long and complex.
Final Words
Food truck owners should choose the best refrigerator for the business as it has a serious impact on the quality of the food served and the operation of the food truck business. Not all refrigerators are created equal and thus, choosing one is very important for the food truck business. The refrigerator is an investment for the food truck business and it should be bought with caution. We hope our buying guide and our product recommendations will help you in buying the best refrigerator for your food truck business.
