Reach-in freezers are a relatively new phenomenon in the world of commercial refrigeration. They have been gaining popularity in recent years. That’s because they offer many benefits for foodservice operators, including reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs.
This article has put together a comprehensive buying guide to help you find the right one for your business.
Factors to Consider When Buying Yours
Below are the factors that you check out when making purchases.
1. Size of the Freezer
When choosing the size of your new reach in freezer, you will need to figure out how much space it needs to occupy to store all necessary items. A good rule of thumb is for every cubic foot dedicated to storage, you can hold approximately 300 pounds of product.
2. Power Requirements
To ensure that your freezer has the right size, you will need to find out how much power it uses. Commercial freezers come with a wattage rating on the product description. That should help you determine if they are using much or not enough energy.
You will need to get a power conditioner if you run multiple appliances at once and experience major fluctuations in voltage . It should help stabilize the voltage.
3. Construction Material
The common materials used for commercial freezers are stainless steel and aluminum. Stainless steel is the most expensive option.
Consider getting an aluminum one instead of a full stainless steel model if you want to save money on your new freezer. To find out if it is safe for food storage, though, the aluminum should be 304 grade and not cheaper 300 grade.
4. Shelving and Drawers
Having the right shelving in your freezer is important for maximizing efficiency. That includes:
- Standard wire shelves.
- Plastic drawers.
- Glass doors with metal racks inside them.
The more advanced options may cost a little bit extra, but they do generally tend to be more efficient than traditional wire shelves.
5. Hinges and Doors
The hinges on a freezer door are important because their strength will determine how smoothly it opens and closes. The best option is to go for butterfly, rather than ball bearing hinges.They require less effort to open and close. It’s also a good idea not to put any additional weight against the hinge side of the door.
6. Exterior and Interior Finish
The finish on the outside of a freezer can tell you about its chemical composition. If it is stainless steel, that means that there are no toxic chemicals in it.
If not, be wary of the materials used to improve insulation properties. The interior surface should also be from non-toxic materials and should be easy to clean.
7. Price & Warranty
The price of your new commercial freezer will vary depending on the size, model, and features you choose.
The best thing to do is to look at some local stores and online retailers. It’s also a good idea to compare warranties as larger ones tend to be more reliable.
Bottom Line
Reach-in freezers are some of the most important pieces of equipment in any commercial kitchen, regardless if it is for your restaurant or another type of establishment. With that, it isn’t something you should take lightly. You should be making informed decisions when you are in the market for one.