Whether you're opening a new restaurant, upgrading your equipment, or outfitting a food truck, choosing the right commercial refrigerator is one of the most important decisions for your kitchen. With so many models, sizes, and features available, it’s essential to find the right unit to fit your space, workflow, and menu.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know when shopping for a commercial refrigerator—from the types available to the features that matter most.
🧱 Types of Commercial Refrigerators
Different kitchens have different needs. Here's a quick overview of the most common types of commercial refrigerators:
Reach-In Refrigerators
The standard in most restaurant kitchens, these upright units are ideal for back-of-house food storage. Available in one, two, or three-door configurations, they offer excellent capacity and accessibility.
Best For: High-volume restaurants, prep lines, bulk ingredient storage.
Undercounter Refrigerators
Compact and space-saving, undercounter units are great for kitchens with limited floor space or for storing frequently used items near the prep line.
Best For: Small kitchens, food trucks, sandwich stations.
Refrigerated Prep Tables
Combining cold storage and workspace, these units feature a refrigerated base with a prep surface and ingredient pans on top — making them ideal for sandwich or salad stations.
Best For: Prep-heavy kitchens, delis, pizzerias, and food trucks that require quick access to ingredients while assembling dishes.
Merchandiser Refrigerators
Designed with glass doors for product visibility, merchandisers are ideal for front-of-house display in delis, cafes, or convenience stores.
Best For: Displaying drinks, desserts, and grab-and-go items.
📏 Key Considerations Before You Buy
1. Size & Capacity
Measure your available space and choose a unit that fits comfortably with room for ventilation. Consider how much storage you need based on your menu and inventory flow.
2. Door Configuration
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1-Door: Great for tight spaces or low-volume kitchens.
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2-Door: A balanced choice for most kitchens.
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3-Door: High capacity, ideal for busy restaurants.
3. Compressor Location
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Top-mounted: Stays cleaner in dusty or greasy environments.
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Bottom-mounted: Easier to access and often more efficient in cooler kitchens.
4. Temperature Range
Most commercial refrigerators operate between 33°F–41°F. Make sure your unit can consistently maintain safe food storage temperatures.
5. Energy Efficiency
Look for Energy Star or NSF-certified models to reduce utility costs and ensure regulatory compliance.
6. Construction & Durability
Stainless steel interiors and exteriors offer the best durability and are easiest to clean—especially in high-volume environments.
💡 Advanced Culinary Recommendations
At Advanced Culinary, we carry a wide selection of commercial refrigerators from top brands — all with free shipping, liftgate delivery, and call-ahead service included.
Customer Favorites:
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1-Door Reach-In Refrigerators – Great for bakeries, cafés, and starter kitchens.
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2-Door Worktop Refrigerators – Perfect for prep-intensive operations.
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Glass Door Merchandisers – Ideal for beverage display and retail refrigeration.
Not sure what you need? Our team is here to help you select the perfect unit for your kitchen’s workflow and footprint.
