How to choose a commercial fridge for your kitchen
Choose a commercial fridge by matching usable storage, cabinet format and operating conditions to your kitchen.
Choose a commercial fridge by matching usable storage, cabinet format and operating conditions to your kitchen. Start with the stock you need to hold at peak delivery, then check whether staff can access it easily without blocking preparation or service.
In an Australian aged care kitchen, deliveries, meal preparation and special-diet ingredients can compete for space. A fridge that looks generous in litres may still be awkward if your containers do not fit its shelves.
How much fridge capacity do you actually need?
List what arrives on your largest regular delivery day. Include prepared food, ingredients already in use and the containers that hold them. Allow the airflow and loading clearances specified for the cabinet; filling every gap is not a sound capacity plan.
Measure the actual containers and ask for internal shelf dimensions. Check shelf adjustability, door opening and access to lower storage. Nominal litres are useful for an initial shortlist, but they do not replace a practical loading check.
Involve the people receiving deliveries as well as the cooks. They will often spot access problems before a floor plan does.
Is an upright or underbench fridge better?
An upright generally gives you more vertical storage within its footprint. It can suit a central stockholding area where staff collect ingredients for several workstations.
An underbench fridge puts ingredients close to preparation. It can reduce trips across the kitchen, although the available storage and working height need to suit the task.
For larger central storage, consider the AG Equipment GNX1000TN double-door upright fridge, SKU AG-GNX1000TN. Its listed 1,000-litre capacity makes it a useful starting point for a storage discussion, subject to checking internal layout and site suitability.
For a preparation station, shortlist the AG Equipment GNX2100TN two-door worktop underbench fridge, SKU AG-GNX2100TN. The listed 700 mm cabinet depth is relevant when planning bench alignment, but allow for the full installation requirements rather than treating that measurement as the complete space needed.
What should you check beyond cabinet size?
Look at where the fridge will operate. Nearby cooking equipment, frequent door openings and restricted ventilation can affect performance. Confirm the model's suitability for your expected kitchen conditions with the supplier.
Measure the delivery route, doorways and turning space as well as the final position. Check which way doors open and whether staff can remove shelves for cleaning.
Ask for comparable energy-use information and local service arrangements. Compare energy figures measured on the same basis, then discuss warranty coverage and access for maintenance. A lower purchase price is only one part of ownership cost.
Common buying questions
Should I buy the largest fridge that fits?
Only if you need the usable storage. Excess capacity can consume valuable floor space, while a poorly arranged cabinet may still fail to accommodate your containers.
Can an underbench fridge replace an upright?
Sometimes, but compare usable storage and restocking frequency. Many kitchens benefit from central upright storage plus smaller refrigeration near preparation.
What measurements should I send a supplier?
Send the installation space, access route and largest container dimensions, together with delivery frequency and typical kitchen conditions.
Ask Chefs Depot to match those details to a fridge that fits your stock, your team and your daily routine.