Commercial Refrigeration & Coolers Wiki
Table of Contents
- Commercial Refrigerators
- Reach-in Refrigerator
- Undercounter refrigerator
- Walk-in Cooler
- Refrigerated Prep Tables
- Buying Considerations
Commercial Refrigerators
Commercial refrigeration equipment is a core part of running a functional restaurant compliant to food regulation standards. It impacts aspects such as food safety, quality preservation and operational efficiency. Options tailored to different needs can vary anywhere from reach-in refrigerators to walk-in coolers, finding the optimal solution for your restaurant is crucial for maintaining product freshness, complying with health regulations, and optimizing workflow within commercial kitchens.
Reach-In Refrigerator
Reach-in refrigerators feature compact storage solutions which are ideal for quick access to ingredients or prepared foods in a versatile way. These refrigerators are top rated in many commercial kitchens as they provide ample and convenient storage while maintaining consistent temperatures.
Example Reach-In Refrigerator
The True T-49-HC stands out with its environmentally friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant, durable stainless steel construction, powerful 3/4 HP compressor, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Its precise temperature control and reliability make it a top choice among restaurant operators.
Common Reach-In Refrigerator
The Turbo Air M3R47-2-N M3 Series is highly popular due to its combination of affordability, self-diagnostic monitoring systems, and efficient cooling. Its stainless steel design and user-friendly interface have made it a staple in various foodservice applications.
Example Reach-In Refrigerators by Restaurant Types
- Fine Dining: Traulsen RHT232NUT-FHS, narrow-depth design ideal for upscale kitchens with limited space.
- Fast Food: Victory VR-2, designed for rapid access and roll-in capabilities.
- Bakery: Continental DL2R-SS-PT pass-through design for optimal workflow.
- Healthcare: Follett REF2-S medical-grade refrigeration ensuring precise temperature control.
Example Reach-In Refrigerators for Ghost Kitchens (Budget-Based)
- High Budget ($8,000–$11,600)1: Traulsen G31010 three-section refrigerator, stainless steel construction, superior capacity, and precise temperature consistency.
- Medium Budget ($4,000–$7,200)2: True T-72-HC three-door refrigerator, offering robust performance and energy efficiency.
- Low Budget ($1,500–$3,500)2: Turbo Air M3R24-1-N single-door refrigerator, compact and budget-friendly without sacrificing reliability.
Buying Considerations:
- Evaluate capacity based on kitchen volume and menu needs.
- Consider energy-efficient models to reduce operational costs.
- Check warranty terms and availability of local service support.
Undercounter Refrigerator and Freezer
Undercounter refrigerators and freezers assist in space efficiency by providing ample refrigerated storage space directly underneath work areas. Maximizing the amount of available storage space. Ideal spaces for these units include small kitchens, bars, cafes, food trucks, and prep stations that require quick ingredient access.
Example Undercounter Refrigerator and Freezer
- Refrigerator: True TUC-27-HC (27") features hydrocarbon refrigerants for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, robust stainless steel construction, and precise temperature control.
- Freezer: Turbo Air TUF-28SD-N Super Deluxe, known for rapid freezing capability and durable build quality.
Common Undercounter Refrigerator and Freezer
- Refrigerator: Beverage-Air UCR27AHC compact design, reliable and widely adopted across various commercial environments.
- Freezer: Atosa MGF8401GR stainless steel freezer, popular for its affordability and consistent freezing performance.
Example Undercounter Units by Restaurant Types
- Sushi Bar: Hoshizaki CRMR27-01 refrigerated base for fresh fish storage.
- Coffee Shop: True TUC-27G-LP glass-door models for easy visual inventory management.
- Bar: Perlick HC24RB-3-1L residential-style look, ideal for upscale bar environments.
- Pizza Station: Continental UC27-U utility units designed for dough and ingredient storage.
Example Undercounter Units for Ghost Kitchens (Budget-Based)
- High Budget ($4,000–$5,000): Traulsen UHT32-R refrigerator for premium durability and temperature stability.
- Medium Budget ($2,500–$3,500): True TUC-48-HC, offering durability, capacity, and efficiency.
- Low Budget ($1,000–$1,500): Atosa MGF8401GR, excellent value and reliable performance.
Operational Tip:
Ensure adequate ventilation around undercounter units to maintain efficiency and prolong equipment life.
Walk-In Cooler
Walk-in Coolers are essential for high-volume restaurants, catering operations, institutional kitchens and grocery stores due to the large-scale and versatile storage options they provide. These coolers are ideal for any sort of organized bulk storage of perishable goods due to their efficient ability to maintain consistent temperatures conducive to respective health regulations.
Example Walk-In Cooler
The Kolpak PX6-0812-CT Polar Pak is top rated for its durable construction, energy-efficient insulation, and easy installation. Its reliable refrigeration system maintains precise cooling, making it ideal for busy foodservice environments.
Common Walk-In Cooler
The Master-Bilt MB5820812CIX Quick Ship Indoor cooler offers fast installation timelines, reliable cooling, and versatile configurations, making it a favorite among restaurant operators and grocery stores.
Example Walk-In Coolers by Restaurant Types
- Grocery Store: Hussmann RGD multi-deck coolers, ideal for organized product display.
- Restaurant Chain: Norlake Kold Locker Smart coolers for efficient inventory management.
- Brewery: Perlick PTS84 integrated tap systems and optimal beer storage.
- Florist: Custom floral display coolers ensuring optimal freshness.
Example Walk-In Coolers for Ghost Kitchens (Budget-Based)
- High Budget ($15,000–$22,000)2: Kolpak KF7-1010-FR remote refrigeration units for premium performance and large-scale storage.
- Medium Budget ($8,000–$12,000)2: Master-Bilt QSF67614-C RH coolers offering reliable operation and affordability.
- Low Budget ($5,000–$7,000)2: Amerikooler QC060677**N budget-friendly coolers with adequate capacity for smaller operations.
Maintenance Tip:
Regularly inspect door seals, refrigeration coils, and temperature settings to maintain energy efficiency and avoid costly repairs.
Refrigerated Prep Tables (Pizza/Sandwich)
Refrigerated prep tables offer convenient refrigerated storage combined with workspace for fast-paced food assembly operations such as sandwich shops, pizzerias, and salad bars.
Example Refrigerated Prep Tables
- Pizza Prep Table: True TPP-93, widely praised for its robust construction, 12-pan configuration, and consistent refrigeration performance.
- Sandwich Prep Table: Turbo Air TST-72SD-30-N Mega Top, known for large ingredient storage capacity, durable design, and efficient cooling.
Common Refrigerated Prep Tables
- Pizza Prep Table: Beverage-Air DPD93HC-6 with drawer-style storage, ideal for high-volume pizza production.
- Sandwich Prep Table: Continental CPA93, popular for reliable refrigeration and efficient ingredient organization.
Example Prep Tables by Restaurant Types
- Pizzeria: Atosa MPF8203GR double-door configuration ideal for dough and toppings.
- Sub Shop: True TSSU-72-30M-B Mega Top, designed for quick sandwich assembly.
- Salad Bar: Delfield 4472N-18M drop-in cold rail for ingredients.
- Mexican Restaurant: Turbo Air TST-48SD-12-N offering versatile storage for taco and burrito assembly.
Example Prep Tables for Ghost Kitchens (Budget-Based)
- High Budget ($8,000–$12,700)2: True TPP-119 large-capacity prep tables for high-volume operations.
- Medium Budget ($5,000–$7,600)3: Turbo Air TPR-93SD-N balancing performance and budget.
- Low Budget ($2,000–$4,500)4: Atosa MPF8202GR reliable entry-level prep table.
Buying Considerations:
There are several key aspects you should consider when purchasing a prep table.
- Select models with appropriate pan capacity based on menu complexity.
- Consider units with refrigerated drawers to optimize storage flexibility.
- Look for heavy-duty casters to facilitate cleaning and mobility.
[1] Webstaurant Store
[2] KaTom Restaurant Equipment
[3] Eleven36
[4] Chef’s Deal
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.
Questions? We're here to help.
What is a ghost kitchen?
Ghost kitchens, also known as dark kitchens or virtual kitchens, are commercial kitchens built for food delivery. They’re located within the delivery radius of a high volume of online customers, rather than high foot traffic areas. With ghost kitchens, there’s no physical storefront or dining area, so you only need a few back-of-house staff members to fulfill online orders.
How does a ghost kitchen work?
In a ghost kitchen, your restaurant is focused on delivery rather than dine-in. When eaters order your food online, you’ll prepare it from your ghost kitchen, and hand it off to a fulfillment team to get the order over to the right delivery driver. This gives restaurateurs a low cost, high efficiency model to get the most out of delivery.
Are ghost kitchens profitable?
Yes. Ghost kitchens allow restaurateurs to increase profitability by maintaining the essential elements of a restaurant while cutting costs on labor, overhead, and wasted food while reaching a higher volume of customers ordering online. Plus, you can run multiple virtual brands out of a single ghost kitchen to increase revenue without the extra overhead.
Why are ghost kitchens so popular?
Ghost kitchens are rising in popularity because they’re a lower cost alternative to operating a traditional restaurant. They’re also focused on delivery, which has grown 300% faster than dine-in since 2014. That means restaurateurs are using ghost kitchens to future-proof their business and accelerate growth.
How does a ghost kitchen help your restaurant grow?
Ghost kitchens help restaurateurs grow their business by doing delivery right. The way we dine has changed, and ghost kitchens allow restaurant operators to capture food delivery demand without sacrificing their bottom line. They’re also a great way to expand to new markets without spending time and money on a traditional restaurant buildout. You can easily expand your restaurant brand to different cities across the country such as Los Angeles or New York.
How much do ghost kitchens cost?
The cost of ghost kitchens varies by market, space, and services. Compared to a traditional restaurant, they’re a much lower cost alternative on both upfront capital and ongoing operating costs. You can get started in a ghost kitchen with as little as $30K, instead of $1M+ for brick and mortar buildout.