Best Commercial Refrigerators for Restaurants and Bars

by Ryan

Every restaurant knows the struggle of keeping things chilled to perfection. The right fridge isn’t just a box to cool stuff; it’s the backbone of your kitchen’s efficiency and food quality.

You’ve basically got two routes.

You can skimp on your refrigeration setup, courting disaster with every power bill and breakdown, or you can invest in a fridge that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

Good news, we’re seasoned pros in kitchen and restaurant equipment and have lined up the cream of the crop in refrigeration just for you.

Best Commercial Refrigerators For Restaurants

For kitchens that are the heartbeat of high-volume eateries, choosing the right refrigerator is key to keeping your cool.

 

#1 Atosa

Best Refrigerator

Atosa has a huge line-up that will cover all of your refrigeration needs. From top-mount to bottom-mount, under-counter, bar coolers, merchandisers, pizza prep, glass doors, and much more. Basically, anything you would need, they have.

The nice thing about Atosa is that it’s on the less expensive side compared to other models while still being high-quality and reliable.

Whether you’re in the market for a sprawling walk-in to stockpile your ingredients or a compact under-counter to sneak into your kitchen’s nooks and crannies, Atosa’s got your back.

Their commercial refrigerators aren’t just boxes that cool; they’re marvels of efficiency, designed to keep your operation smooth and your food fresher, longer.

In the end, choosing Atosa means you’re not just buying a commercial refrigerator. You’re investing in reliability, space optimization, and, let’s not forget, keeping a little extra cash in your pocket.

For kitchens that are all about delivering the best without dialing up the budget, Atosa is the name that keeps popping up. It’s a no-brainer for restaurants looking to blend performance with price.

Pros

  • Less expensive
  • Wide variety of refrigerators and sizes
  • Reliable
  • Stainless steel doors

Cons

  • Made in China

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#2 Infrico

 

Infico stands at the pinnacle of refrigeration excellence. Why? Because they offer units that are a cut above in quality. But, as with all top-tier gear, it comes with a price tag to match.

Crafted for those who demand the best, Infico’s range of refrigerators is all about bringing you peace of mind with their reliability and superior cooling technology. Whether you need a unit that can withstand the relentless pace of a Michelin-star kitchen or something that elevates a boutique café, Infico has you covered.

Yes, opting for Infico might mean dipping deeper into your budget. But for that extra investment, you’re getting refrigeration that’s built to last, designed to perform, and guaranteed to keep your ingredients at their peak. In a world where the quality of your dishes hinges on the freshness of your produce, Infico is the choice for restaurants that refuse to compromise.

Pros

  • High end quality
  • Wide range of sizes and options
  • Superior durability with a stainless steel exterior
  • Premium line-up of worktop refrigerators

Cons

  • More expensive

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#3 True

True Refrigerator for bars

Another nice lineup of refrigerators you should consider is the True refrigerators.

These guys have been in business forever, and their commercial refrigerators are high-quality. They also have the widest variety of refrigerators on this list. No matter what size, style, or configuration you are looking for, they probably have.

They also have ice machine, heated cabinets, milk coolers and more.

They have been making commercial fridges since the end of World War 2 in 1945, that’s some serious experience, and all of their units are designed in the USA and they meticulously control the manufacturing from start to finish.

Whether you are a bakey, bar, restaurant or pizza place these guys have the fridges you are looking for, definitely one of the best in the business.

Pros

  • Well known brand
  • Wide range of products and options
  • Designed in the USA
  • Stainless steel exterior
  • Larger units have ample storage space

Cons

  • A bit on the pricier side

Website: truemfg.com

 

#4 Arctic Air

Arctic air refrigerator

Arctic Air, the beacon of affordability in commercial refrigeration. These units aren’t just about keeping your food cold; they’re engineered to seamlessly integrate into the fast-paced rhythm of your culinary endeavors.

Arctic Air shines with its array of reach-in refrigerators, designed with the dynamic kitchen environment in mind.

Imagine having a fridge that not only preserves your ingredients at their peak freshness but does so with the kind of energy efficiency that keeps your operational costs in check. That’s what Arctic Air brings to the table.

A standout feature? The self-closing doors. They’re a godsend in a hectic kitchen, minimizing energy loss and keeping the cold firmly where it belongs: inside the fridge.

It’s these thoughtful details that make Arctic Air refrigerators a wise choice for restaurateurs who value both practicality and penny-wise performance.

But here’s where it gets even cooler: digital temperature control. This isn’t just about setting a dial and hoping for the best. We’re talking pinpoint accuracy that ensures your food is stored at optimal conditions, warding off spoilage and waste.

The peace of mind that comes with knowing your inventory is in a constant state of perfect chill can’t be overstated.

Pros

  • Less Expensive
  • Widely available
  • Digital temperature controls
  • Electronic thermostat

Cons

  • Not as high quality
  • Some bad reviews online

 

Don’t Buy Your Commercial Refridgerator on Amazon

People should already know this, but it bears repeating: Amazon doesn’t always have the best quality, they are known for cheap stuff, and refrigerators are no different.

I know, the prices are low (due to the low quality) and you can buy so easily at the push of a button. But you will likely regret it.

We have been in business for over 20 years and know what is good and what isn’t. And the stuff on Amazon is not good.

I’m not just talking about refrigerators, either. This goes for the commercial juicers they sell, which are complete garbage, as well as all their other restaurant equipment.

Don’t be fooled; they make it look like a great deal, but the quality and reliability will not be there. Also, good luck with repairs when the time comes, which it will.

You have been warned.

 

What To Look For In A Commercial Refrigerator Unit

When you’re on the hunt for the best commercial refrigerator unit for your restaurant, it’s like scouting for a new team member. You want something that won’t let you down during the Friday night rush or give you cold feet (pun intended) about whether your greens will greet the morning as fresh as they were tucked in.

Here’s the lowdown on what to keep your eyes peeled for:

Capacity and Size: Size matters, folks. You need a fridge that fits your space like a glove and holds all your perishables comfortably. Too small, and you’re playing Tetris with your veggies; too big, and you’re cooling air you could be using for storage.

Energy Efficiency: Let’s talk bills — no one likes them, especially when they’re through the roof. An energy-efficient unit might cost more upfront, but it’s the gift that keeps on giving with lower electricity bills.

Temperature Consistency: This one’s a no-brainer. You need a unit that doesn’t fluctuate more than a moody teenager. Consistent temps mean happier food and fewer surprises.

Ease of Cleaning: Cleanliness is next to godliness, and this holds in your kitchen too. Look for units that are easy to clean and maintain because hygiene is king.

Durability: Restaurants can be a battlefield, and your fridge needs to withstand the heat of the kitchen. Invest in a unit that’s built to last, saving you the headache of frequent repairs or replacements.

 

Wrap Up

So, there you have it, a guide to navigating the icy waters of choosing the best refrigeration system for your restaurant. It’s a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, considering it’s the heart of keeping your ingredients and ultimately your dishes, in top-notch condition.

Remember, it’s not just about finding a space to chill your food; it’s about ensuring that space works as hard as you do.

From the get-go, it’s clear that whether you lean towards the premium prowess of Infico or the cost-effective reliability of Atosa, there’s a fridge out there with your restaurant’s name on it.

What’s crucial is aligning your choice with your kitchen’s demands, ensuring it ticks the boxes for capacity, energy efficiency, temperature stability, ease of cleaning, and durability.

In the end, equipping your kitchen with the right refrigeration unit is an investment in your restaurant’s future, promising to keep both your produce and your profits as fresh as possible.

So take your pick wisely, ensuring it meets the culinary and commercial needs of your establishment. With the right refrigeration partner by your side, you’re all set to keep the cool, serve the fresh, and ace the kitchen game.