Which Refrigerator is Ideal for Restaurants?

Refrigerators are the finest inventions that regulate and enhance the functioning of the restaurant business. The invention of the refrigerator is the coolest thing ever, as it helps us to preserve food items and makes them usable for future use. It is with the help of these commercial refrigerators are that restaurant and hotel businesses able to store large quantities of food items. The refrigerators help the food business to function efficiently and thus bring about a drastic change and renovation in the food and beverage industry. We have listed here the top 7 best refrigerators for the restaurant business, along with the top points to consider while choosing to buy a commercial refrigerator.

Factors to consider before picking up the best refrigerator for the restaurant business

Refrigerators for the restaurant business can be of different sizes, they could either have a single door, double side by the side door, or triple door. But the ultimate choice is yours and you can choose the unit depending on the space constraints you have in your facility. Choose the refrigerator based on where you want to place it in the kitchen. Measure the location and make sure you have enough space to place the refrigerator, measure the height and width as well. Other factors to consider before choosing the commercial refrigerator are as follows.

1. Type of refrigerators

There are many types of refrigerators meant for the restaurant business, such as double and triple door refrigerators with castor wheels, under-counter refrigerators, refrigerators with prep tables, bar refrigerators, refrigerators for display, and counter depth refrigerators, etc. It is mandatory to choose the appliance that best defines and applies to the restaurant business.

2. Door type

Commercial refrigerators come with different door types. Units with swing doors make loading and unloading of the refrigerator efficient and easy. But to have such doors, there should enough space in the restaurant. Some units prefer to have Dutch doors, in which the traditional split doors are divided into two sections. They help in conserving energy and help in maintain a consistent internal temperature. Some refrigerators have solid stainless steel doors that are easier to clean than glass and they also have better insulation. The refrigerators with glass doors help in viewing the refrigerator efficiently without opening the door.

3. Temperature

Most commercial refrigerators are capable of handling and maintaining temperatures between 36 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This should be great for storing all the food items efficiently for a long time.

4. Compressor mounting

Some refrigerators have bottom-mounted compressors and they are ideal for hot areas. These refrigerators are easy to clean and get serviced and the items that are stacked on top are also easy to reach by the staff. Units with top-mounted compressors are great for dry and cool areas and are less likely to clog.

5. Energy consumption

This is very important in the restaurant business. Make sure that the unit makes use of energy-efficient refrigerant and consumes less energy than intended. Also, choose a refrigerator that makes use of LED lighting for illumination.

Also check: Best Refrigerators for Small Kitchen

Best Refrigerators for Restaurants

While buying a commercial refrigerator, make sure you are choosing a unit with an appropriate size. Generally, two-section refrigerators are ideal for the restaurant business, preferably with dual temperature settings available for the individual doors. A lot of other factors are to be considered while choosing to buy a refrigerator for the restaurant business. But before getting into such details, have a glimpse of our selection of the top 7 best refrigerators for the restaurant business. 

#1. Lucky Kitchen 52” Side by Side Commercial Refrigerator – Best Overall

Lucky Kitchen 52” Side by Side Commercial Refrigerator
Editor Rating: 8.8/10
FeaturesRating
Performance8.9
Controls and functionality8.8
Build quality9
Energy efficiency8.5
Value for money8.9

Check Price on Online Stores:

This is an excellent commercial refrigerator with a total capacity of 49 cubic feet. This is an ideal refrigerator for commercial restaurants and is made entirely of stainless steel material. The refrigerator is huge with two doors and is great in stocking large quantity food items to run the business efficiently. There are dedicated locks in this refrigerator that prevents tampering with the ingredients and ensure that the food is stored safely in this refrigerator overnight. The LED lights of this refrigerator render superior interior visibility so that the staff can easily see and select the ingredients they require. 

There is a digital controller in this refrigerator that helps in setting and maintaining an ideal temperature for different food items and to ensure that they are kept fresh until consumption. There are pre-installed castors in this refrigerator that makes this unit easy to transport. There are also pre-installed shelves that help us to organize the food items easily while storing them. There are three adjusting shelves in this refrigerator and each of them is capable of holding about 155 pounds of weight.

The refrigerator works on an environmentally friendly refrigeration system and this freestanding refrigerator features a self-contained and balanced refrigeration system for efficient operation, even under extreme working conditions. The refrigerator is air-cooled and the entire refrigerator is capable of maintaining a temperature between 32 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros

  • The refrigerator features a manual defrost system and self-clean capabilities.
  • The refrigerator is energy star certified and is also approved by ETL and NSF
  • There are caster wheels at the base of the refrigerator to easily transport it from one place to another.
  • The refrigerator comes with five years warranty on the compressor.

Cons

  • The wire shelves of this refrigerator will not be able to contain spills.

Also check: Best Refrigerators for Outdoor Kitchen

#2. WP 3-Door Side By Side Commercial Refrigerator – Runner Up

WP 3-Door Side By Side Commercial Refrigerator
Editor Rating: 8.7/10
FeaturesRating
Performance8.9
Controls and functionality8.8
Build quality8.8
Energy efficiency8.4
Value for money8.8

Check Price on Online Stores:

This is an efficient and elegant stainless steel commercial refrigerator that is great for use in restaurants. This refrigerator has three side-by-side refrigerator doors and it has a total capacity of 72 cubic feet. This unit has stainless steel color and finish and it has electric locks with NSF and energy star certification. The three doors of this refrigerator have nine shelves to store a lot of food items to be used in the restaurant business. There is a dedicated lock fitted in the refrigerator, along with digital controls to set the precise temperature. Setting the temperature precisely helps in maintaining the freshness of the food items for a long time, until they are taken out for consumption.

The refrigerator is capable of maintaining a temperature between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. It also holds an electro-mechanical thermostat and top mount compressor for enhancing the efficiency of the refrigerator. It also holds an ergonomic design and its recessed door handles render it an exceptional space-saving design. The refrigerator makes use of R134a refrigerant that is environmentally friendly and is energy efficient as well. The refrigerator works on 5.6 amps at 110-120v AC. The unit comes with five years’ warranty on the compressor and a one-year warranty on other parts.

Pros

  • There are caster wheels on the base of the refrigerator to move it easily
  • The unit has stainless steel doors with five shelves for easy organization of food items.
  • Its automatic defrosting system helps in cleaning the refrigerator easily every time.
  • The refrigerator is ETL listed and conforms to the NSF standard. It is also energy-star approved.

Cons

  • A very tall refrigerator that cannot fit in very low doors.
  • Does not reach very low temperatures and it doesn’t have a dedicated freezer.

Check out: Best Refrigerator for Food Truck in 2022

#3. Kitma 54”W Commercial Refrigerator – Editor’s Pick for Restaurants

Kitma 54”W Commercial Refrigerator
Editor Rating: 8.7/10
FeaturesRating
Performance8.8
Controls and functionality8.7
Build quality8.9
Energy efficiency8.5
Value for money8.8

Check Price on Online Stores:

This two-section high-quality refrigerator from Kitma is great for a restaurant, and it features a stainless steel fridge beer beverage cooler. This great refrigerator for restaurant business helps in ambient food storage and has a total capacity of 49 cubic feet. There are six adjustable shelves in this refrigerator to keep the food items well stocked and preserved and this unit is capable of maintaining a temperature between 33 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

The best feature of this two-door restaurant refrigerator is its door lock. This safety door lock prevents the tampering of the ingredients and helps to store food safely overnight. Its dedicated LED lighting helps with superior interior visibility and thus we can be assured that the staff will be able to find and select the ingredient they require easily. Its corrosion-resistant stainless steel exteriors and aluminum interiors add to the ambience of the restaurant and its kitchen. The unit makes use of a high-quality compressor, that draws in cooler air for energy efficiency and it also raises the bottom shelf, so that the staff does not have to bend too much for loading and unloading food items.

Whether you are storing fresh fruits and vegetables, or milk and eggs for your restaurant business, the Kitma 54” commercial refrigerator is your ideal choice. It can be a perfect addition to your café, bakery, and restaurant as it holds a spacious cabinet with multiple shelves. The refrigerator also has a powerful refrigeration system that makes sure that the ingredients stay safe and prepared until consumption. There are digital temperature controls in this refrigerator along with an automatic defrost function. It makes use of an environmentally friendly refrigerant, which is also energy efficient. 

Pros

  • This refrigerator meets the sanitation standards, that are imposed by ETL.
  • The unit also comes with an automatic defrost cycle, and there is no need to defrost it and remove ice.
  • The unit comes with six shelves and self-clips.
  • There is a built-in fan that ensures that the cold air is distributed evenly.

Cons

  • There is no freezer in this refrigerator
  • The refrigerator has pre-installed shelves that cannot be removed and adjusted.

Also check: Best Refrigerators for Office Kitchen

#4. Kitma 2 Door Commercial Refrigerator – Great for Big Restaurants

Kitma 2 Door Commercial Refrigerators
Editor Rating: 8.7/10
FeaturesRating
Performance8.8
Controls and functionality8.8
Build quality8.9
Energy efficiency8.5
Value for money8.8

Check Price on Online Stores:

This is an excellent refrigerator with a stainless steel door that is great for restaurants and other commercial establishments. This stainless steel refrigerator has six adjusting shelves and its total capacity is about 49 Cu.ft. This refrigerator has reversible doors, and thus makes sure that the cold beverages and the food items are within the reach of the arm. This is an elegant refrigerator that has digital temperature control that allows us to easily adjust the temperature of the refrigerator cabin between 33 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The temperature control is pre-programmed to keep the units in the best safety zone, to avoid all issues with the food regulatory agency. The refrigerator also has an LCD label to keep track of the temperature of the refrigerator at all times. The product is certified in the US to offer 24 hours and 7 days of customer service. And even if the appliance breaks, the brand offers on-site service from their maintenance staff within 48 hours. 

The shelves of this refrigerator are corrosion resistant and they are also coated with plastic to help keep out moisture and to resist rusting and corrosion. The refrigerator has 6 shelves and 24 self-clips and this allows us to place the shelves, exactly where we need to accommodate the food products. This also makes loading and unloading of the refrigerator easy and efficient. The refrigerator works on an R290 refrigerant, which is environmentally friendly. The unit also has an automatic defrost cycle, so that the restaurant staff doesn’t have to clear out the ice manually. The refrigerator also has self-closing doors that help in removing and loading the refrigerators efficiently during peak hours.

Pros

  • The refrigerator has 4-inch casters to move and roll the refrigerator to the desired location.
  • The recessed door handles of the refrigerator help in attaining space efficiency.
  • There is a dedicated door lock to keep things inside the refrigerator easy and organized.
  • The magnetic door gaskets help in the efficient closing of the door every time.
  • Its bottom mount compressor helps in an easy and efficient venting system.

Cons

  • A very huge refrigerator that doesn’t appeal to a small eatery and restaurant business.
  • The shelves cannot be removed and re-organized.

Check out: Best Side by Side Refrigerators of 2022

#5. Atosa Commercial Under-Counter Refrigerator – Best for Undercounter Use

Atosa Commercial Under-Counter Refrigerator
Editor Rating: 8.6/10
FeaturesRating
Performance8.7
Controls and functionality8.7
Build quality8.8
Energy efficiency8.5
Value for money8.7

Check Price on Online Stores:

This is an excellent commercial refrigerator with a stainless steel top. This chef base cooler and center fridge have two drawers for efficient use in restaurants. The total capacity of this under-counter refrigerator is about 7.7 cubic feet. This under-counter refrigerator with two doors is full of great features. The refrigerator has swinging doors and adjusting shelves for great interior storage. The stainless steel construction of this refrigerator ensures that the kitchen looks elegant and stylish. It also prolongs the life of the refrigerator too many folds.

The doors of this refrigerator are ergonomically designed for ease and this refrigerator also has a self-closing option to make sure that the ingredients are stored appropriately. Other best features of this refrigerator include sturdy stainless steel exteriors and interiors. It works on energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly R134A refrigerants. The appliance comes with 2 years warranty on parts and labor and it also comes with 5 years warranty on the compressor. This unit is built on a heavy-duty industrial frame and its compressor works pretty well in all working conditions. The unit also has great interior lighting for enhancing vision.

The Atosa under-counter refrigerator with three sections. The refrigerator is rear-mounted and its self-contained refrigeration with two hinge solid doors. The refrigerator has digital temperature controls and it maintains a temperature between 33 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. There are three adjusting shelves in this unit with automatic air defrost and an automatic evaporation system. Its stainless steel interiors and exteriors galvanized steel back with 2” casters and R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant make it an energy-efficient and high-quality refrigerator.

Pros

  • The refrigerator is energy star certified and ETL certified.
  • It works on an R290 refrigerant that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
  • Its digital temperature controls help in maintaining the ingredients fresh for a long time.
  • Its heavy-duty compressors are capable of saving energy up to 40% and it is also free from noise and vibrations.

Cons

  • The capacity of this refrigerator is less for storing huge food items.

#6. Atosa Commercial Table Refrigerator – Best for Small Restaurants

Atosa Commercial Table Refrigerator
Editor Rating: 8.7/10
FeaturesRating
Performance8.7
Controls and functionality8.7
Build quality8.8
Energy efficiency8.6
Value for money8.7

Check Price on Online Stores:

The Atosa commercial refrigerator with stainless steel salad sandwich preparation table is great for a restaurant kitchen. The total capacity of this refrigerator is about 6.5 cubic feet. The refrigerator is capable of maintaining a temperature between 33 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The appliance is extremely lightweight and apart from a freestanding refrigerator, it can also be used as a cutting board. This is an elegant refrigerator that is full of great features. The refrigerator has a swinging door, excellent adjusting storage shelves, and a great interior cubic space. 

The stainless steel construction of this refrigerator makes sure that the restaurant kitchen looks elegant and stylish. It also ensures that the refrigerator has a prolonged product life. The door of this refrigerator has an ergonomic design and has been designed with the ease of self-closing option. As it renders ample workspace on top, it helps in enhancing the productivity and organization of the restaurant business. Its salad and sandwich preparation table makes use of an open-air approach to keep the pans and the workstation at a consistent temperature.

The refrigerator holds a sturdy stainless steel interior and exterior space to enhance the elegance of the refrigeration pace and it also works on environmentally friendly R134a refrigerant. The product comes with a 5-year warranty on the compressor and it also includes two years warranty on the parts and labor. It is built on a heavy-duty industrial frame and its compressor is capable of working efficiently in all working conditions. The refrigerator also has bright interior lighting for the restaurant staff to have optimal vision.

Pros

  • This refrigerator comes with 5 years product warranty.
  • It is certified by the ETL and the underwriters’ laboratory
  • Both its interiors and exteriors comprise durable stainless steel materials
  • Insulated lid with digital temperature controls.

Cons

  • Capacity may not be adequate for larger restaurants
  • There is no scope for freezing food items

#7. Lucky Kitchen C2-R-2 D Double Door Refrigerator – Alternative Choice for Big Restaurants

Lucky Kitchen C2-R-2 D Double Door Refrigerator
Editor Rating: 8.7/10
FeaturesRating
Performance8.9
Controls and functionality8.8
Build quality8.9
Energy efficiency8.5
Value for money8.8

Check Price on Online Stores:

This is an excellent commercial refrigerator that has two stainless steel doors, which is ideal for restaurants. The total capacity of this refrigerator is about 45 cubic feet. This appliance is also energy star certified and it is listed by ETL and NSF. The stainless steel doors of this refrigerator have dedicated door locks that help in keeping the food items stocked and preserved well until it is taken out for consumption. Both the interiors and the exteriors of the refrigerator are made of stainless steel. This durable refrigerator is also easy to clean, and it is designated for long-term and commercial use.

The temperature range of this refrigerator is between 33 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The refrigerator also has very well-lit interiors that render clear visibility of the ingredients on the interiors of the unit. The unit has pre-installed casters that make this appliance easy to transport. The pre-installed shelves of these refrigerators help us to organize the food items easily when they are in storage. The six shelves of this refrigerator are capable of holding about 155 pounds of food items.

The refrigerator works on an environmentally friendly refrigeration system that is self-contained. Its balanced refrigeration system helps the inefficient operation of the system, even under extreme working conditions. This unit is air-cooled with an efficient fan cooling system, that ensures that cool air circulates throughout the refrigerator. The unit is capable of maintaining a temperature between 32 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The refrigerator is energy star certified and it is also listed by NSF and ETL.

Pros

  • There is an efficient fan cooling system that circulates cool air around the appliance.
  • Its castor wheels help in easy movement and transportation of the refrigerator.
  • Six adjusting shelves can hold about 155 pounds of food items.
  • Its balanced and self-containing refrigeration system helps in efficient operation under extreme working conditions.

Cons

  • The wire shelves are not capable of containing the shelves.
  • There is no LED lighting.

Check out: Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators of 2022

Final Words

Commercial refrigerators benefit restaurant owners and their businesses in several ways. They are highly efficient in storing a vast amount of food items at a time, and they are also efficient in protecting the food items from the growth of bacteria. We hope our buying guide and our product recommendation help you in finding the best refrigerator for the restaurant business, and in case you have some budget issues, then you can check some refrigerator black friday deals in case you are buying it during November sale season.

Hi, I'm Douglas Cassius, I have worked with many brands that manufacture freezers and refrigerators, so here I will be sharing that knowledge and helping HomeyCart readers.

1 thought on “Which Refrigerator is Ideal for Restaurants?”

  1. I live in Washington DC and I was Looking for a refrigerator for my restaurant

    I knew that the best restaurant refrigerators have high levels of power, capacity, and temperature control, making them efficient and cost-effective. Some other features that I wanted to consider were digital temperature displays, automatic defrost systems, ice makers, and water dispensers, but I knew I could not get them all in one refrigerator, although some research did help me make a final decision, I know have the best refrigerator for restaurant. I hope KITMA will be value for money.

    Reply

Leave a Comment