If you are planning to start a restaurant or any kind of food business, be prepared to spend a lot not only on raw materials but also on kitchen equipment, such as ovens, cooking pots, and commercial refrigeration equipment. Your refrigerators are crucial in the safe storage of your raw or cooked goods.
What is Commercial Refrigeration?
Commercial refrigeration helps food-based businesses to operate more efficiently by keeping food fresh for longer. The right commercial refrigerator can keep your items at the right temperature and prevent your food from decaying. Different machines come with different temperatures. Some can keep your food cool, while some can keep it frozen. Depending on your needs, you can buy either a commercial refrigerator or a commercial refrigerator.
Food equipment can cost a lot, so it’s crucial to ensure that you choose the right commercial refrigerator to buy. This can be a challenge especially if it’s your first-time buying s unit as you may be clueless about the things you need to look out for.
Things to Consider When Buying a Commercial Refrigerator
One of the most important things to keep in mind when buying a commercial refrigerator for your business is the brand. It’s crucial to get a reputable brand that has a proven track record of providing high-quality commercial refrigeration equipment. If you’re looking to buy a commercial refrigerator, here are some other important things that you should consider:
Temperature
The first thing to look out for when buying a commercial refrigeration unit is the temperature. Not all commercial refrigerators are designed to function similarly. Most modern commercial refrigerators can handle temperatures of at least 36 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while commercial freezers can maintain between 2 and -2 degrees. The size of the unit could also affect the temperatures.
Size
The size of the commercial unit should be another important consideration when buying a commercial refrigerator. Determining the demands of your business can help you determine the size of the commercial refrigerator that you will need. Will the unit be installed in a commercial kitchen? What kind of products will you keep in it? Of course, bigger units are generally more expensive than smaller ones. Besides the initial cost, bigger commercial refrigerators also require more money for repairs and maintenance.
If your business space cannot accommodate the size of the commercial refrigerator that you want to purchase, consider buying multiple smaller units so you can maximize the space without compromising the needs of your food business. A spacious commercial kitchen is ideal to ensure the smooth operation of your business.
Where you plan to put the commercial refrigerator in your commercial kitchen should also be taken into consideration when you’re choosing which unit to buy. Once you have determined its spot, measure the space to ensure that it’s spacious enough for the commercial refrigerator to fit. Also, consider the transport logistics when choosing what unit to buy.
Food
The type of commercial refrigerator you should choose will also depend on the kind of food you will store in it. Will you be keeping raw or cooked food, or both? You should also consider the quantity of food you need to store.
Before buying a commercial refrigerator, you must also know your state’s food storage regulation, which varies per state. If you will be offering self-service drinks and desserts, a glass door model commercial refrigerator will be more convenient and appealing to customers.
Condenser
Another factor to consider when choosing a commercial refrigerator for your food business is a high-quality evaporator and a condenser. When you compromise the quality of the condenser, you may end up spending more later on due to compressor failure. You may need to call for repair service often, which can be a hassle if you’re running a food business in which storage is crucial to preserve tons of food.
Cabinet
Another thing to look out for when buying a commercial refrigerator is its cabinets. The unit might look good, but the cabinets may not meet your expectations. Check all the cabinets to make sure that everything is good and in place. Inspect the lights to see whether they go off when the fridge door is closed.
Quick Tips for Buying a Commercial Refrigerator
Make Sure That the Unit Has a Warranty
Even the most reliable refrigerator brand will eventually need repairs. Before the time comes that you need to call in repair services, make sure that the product you buy has a valid warranty of not less than three years. A valid warranty helps ensure that you get efficient service from professionals without paying additional fees when your commercial refrigerator needs repairs.
Reputable commercial refrigerator manufacturers often provide skilled workers that can get your unit working again as soon as possible.
Choose a Commercial Refrigerator with a Digital Temperature Control Unit
When your business involves working with raw materials that are prone to spoiling (e.g food), it can be a challenge to ensure that the temperature of your commercial refrigerator is set right. But if your unit comes with a digital temperature control unit, it will be easier for you to have complete control over the temperature of your commercial refrigerator.
With a digital display and control unit, you can rest assured that your food is always well-stored. There’s no need to worry about the refrigerator’s temperature setting because you know that your food is stored efficiently and safely.
Go for a Commercial Refrigerator That is Completely Stainless Steel
No matter what your reason for buying a commercial refrigerator is, you should always keep in mind that you always get what you pay for. One of your first concerns when deciding what commercial refrigerator to buy should be the materials that make up the unit’s construction. When buying a commercial refrigerator, make sure to get a unit that’s completely made of stainless steel.
The cheapest and most common among all options are those with plastic interiors. However, the material plastic can be damaged within a couple of years of use. While aluminum is more durable than plastic, it’s still less durable and more prone to scratches than stainless steel. In time, a commercial refrigerator made with aluminum will be much harder to clean, leading to some sanitary issues that can be detrimental to your food business.
The money that you save by choosing an aluminum or plastic commercial refrigerator will eventually be spent on repairs and maintenance, which will cost you more money in the long run. A stainless-steel commercial refrigerator is by far your best option. Get your money’s worth by purchasing a commercial refrigerator that is made of stainless steel completely.
Choosing the right commercial refrigerator for your food business can be challenging with the variety of options available on the market. But with this guide, deciding on what commercial refrigerator to buy will be a lot more fun and easier. If you are looking for your next refrigerator, check out Mountain Sales and Service’s selection of commercial refrigerators here. We have a wide range of commercial refrigerators that can suit the needs of your food business. Call us now at 303-289-5558 for a free quote!
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