Commercial grade reach-in refrigerators are critical to any commercial food provider. It's against code in many states for you to use a standard home refrigerator/freezer in a professional establishment. Commercial-grade refrigerators and freezers have visible thermostats that allow you to check on the internal temperature whenever necessary. Commercial-grade refrigerators come in small and large capacities to fit the needs of your business.

Making the most of reach-in refrigerators and freezers means understanding what types of commercial refrigeration equipment is available, using energy-efficient equipment and purchasing the equipment for the best price possible. In order for your food providing establishment to make the most of your refrigeration equipment, consider the following:

1. Choose the best commercial reach-in refrigerators for your needs.

2. Use energy-efficient reach-in refrigerators and freezers to cut energy costs.

3. Save money on reach-in refrigerators and freezers by purchasing them from wholesale providers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the different types of reach-in refrigerators available

There are several types of reach-in-refrigerators for commercial kitchens. Many kitchens will have a variety of refrigerators, each for a different use. There may be a crisper under the fresh fruit and vegetable prep counter, several beverage refrigerators under the bar, as well as large double- or triple-door refrigerators in various places. To make the most of commercial refrigeration systems, it's important to understand your refrigeration needs before making a purchase.

I recommend: For information on the different types of commercial-grade reach-in refrigerators, visit iceandwine.com. It's a vendor of several different types of commercial reach-in refrigerators. A refrigerator buying guide is available at CNet reviews. Browse through all of the pages on this site to make the most of the guide.

Use Energy-efficient, commercial-grade refrigerators to save money on energy costs

A great way to increase your food business profits is to decrease your costs. Using energy-efficient commercial grade refrigerators is one way to do this, especially when there are several refrigerators in your professional kitchen. Look for the Energy Star label when searching for a commercial reach in refrigerator.

I recommend: For an estimate on possible energy savings when using energy-efficient refrigeration systems, visit APS Business Solutions. Click on its tools and resources link to view a PDF chart on these savings. Visit the Energy Star website for information on commercial refrigeration energy efficiency requirements.

Purchase reach-in refrigerators and freezers from wholesale vendors

Purchasing a reach-in freezer or refrigerator from a wholesale distributor will save your business a significant amount of money. Often times it's possible to purchase a reach in refrigerator or freezer for 50% or less than you could from a retail vendor. It may be necessary to set up an account with wholesale vendors in order to purchase from them.

I recommend: Mission Restaurant Supply is a wholesale vendor of reach-in refrigerators for commercial use. It has a wide selection of reach-in refrigerators to choose from. Galasource Ventures is another wholesale distributor of reach-in freezers and refrigerators.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing or replacing equipment on a small budget, look into purchasing used or refurbished reach-in refrigerators. A used or refurbished commercial refrigerator may not have to latest look, but it will still keep your food chilled to safe temperatures.

One of the most important pieces of equipment in a commercial kitchen is reach in freezers and reach in refrigerators. Commercial grade reach in refrigerators and freezers are designed to keep food at safe temperatures for cooking and handling. Reach in refrigerators and freezers come in a variety of sizes, from small under-counter models to upright models with one, two or three doors.

Commercial grade refrigerators and freezers are among the highest energy consuming appliances. To help conserve energy and keep your utilities down, look for models with the Energy Star. These models meet government guidelines for energy efficiency, saving up to 45% more energy than models without the Energy Star seal.

Commercial grade refrigerators and freezers are used in many businesses including:

1. Grocery stores
2. Convenience stores
3. Restaurants
4. Florist shops
5. Delis
6. Bakeries

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Decide how much space you have for a reach in refrigerator and freezer

If your commercial kitchen is small, there are plenty of space saving reach in freezers and refrigerators. Under-counter models and prep table models are ideal for busy restaurant kitchens, because they have built in countertop space. A narrow single door reach in refrigerator fits well into a corner, out of the way, while still keeping cold foods handy to the cooks.

I recommend: BigTray.com carries a large line of reach in refrigerators and freezers with adjustable shelves and self-closing doors. Swivel casters make moving easy. Beverage Air is another reach in freezer manufacturer that carries a large selection of reach in models.

Increase sales with reach in glass display coolers

Reach in glass display coolers are an attractive way to showcase cold items. Tempt customers' palates with a display of freshly sliced meats and cheeses or a freezer display case stocked with cartons of delicious ice cream treats. Customers won't buy it unless they can see it!

I recommend: Bush Refrigeration and Knox Refrigeration carry several different sized glass reach in display coolers, ideal for delis, grocery stores and gourmet shops.

Save money and energy with reach in refrigerators and freezers

Look for a reach in freezer or refrigerator with the Energy Star seal, to keep your utility bill down. These reach in coolers feature better insulation and highly efficient compressors. They may cost more than units without the Energy Star seal, but they will save you money in the long run.

I recommend: Consult the US Department of Energy’s website for efficiency recommendation. Use their efficiency charts to figure out just how much energy a reach in refrigerator or freezer uses per day, month and year.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A reach in freezer should keep food frozen below 0 degrees, while a reach in refrigerator should keep food below 38 degrees for safe food handling.

Reach-In refrigerators and freezers education and training is vital to business owners today. Every company says their appliance saves energy but what are the facts? Educate yourself on the newest energy facts about commercial refrigeration to make the smart choice for your business.

Placement and installation also factor in to the overall efficiency of the refrigeration unit. Know the facts by learning more about reach-In refrigerators and freezers education and training before you buy:

1. Learn about the energy-efficient reach in freezer and how to get rebates when you purchase one.

2. Educate yourself on what to look for in commercial grade refrigerators before you buy.

3. Train your staff continuously with commercial reach in refrigerator training.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out how a commercial reach in freezer is rated energy-wise

When you buy a commercial reach in freezer or refrigerator, you may be eligible for a rebate. Find out how you qualify for this rebate. Not only do you save money now, but also the energy efficient machine will save you money month after month on your electric bill.

I recommend: Consortium For Energy Efficiency (CEE) offers information about energy savings with reach in freezers and refrigerators. View the charts and comparisons and learn about these energy saving appliances. Food Reference addresses the proper layout of the restaurant kitchen with a section devoted to refrigeration. Learn what kind of refrigeration works best and where to place it for energy savings. Food Service Equipment and Supplies offers an interesting article about energy saving reach in freezers and refrigerators. Educate yourself by reading this article, learning what to look for in the newest systems available. DSIRE shows current rebates available for applicable purchases of commercial reach in freezers and refrigerators. Learn how to get these rebates and save on refrigeration.

Purchase reach in refrigerators for sale after learning the facts

Different kinds of refrigerators cost different amounts to operate. Installation and placement of these refrigerators also make a difference in operating costs. Before you spend money, spend time acquainting yourself with what to look for to operate your business most efficiently.

I recommend: The Free Library offers an article about how to shop for commercial reach in refrigerators and freezers. Find out what to look for before making this purchase. The Webstaurant Store educates you on what to look for in reach in freezers and refrigerators. Make sure to read this article before you make your purchase so you get the right appliance for your business.

Send your staff to train on beverage display coolers

Once you have the reach in refrigeration units, provide on-going training for your staff. They will learn how to troubleshoot if the temperature is not correct and how to maintain the system so it lasts a full lifetime.

I recommend: American Trainco offers a two-day seminar on refrigeration which addresses systems, maintenance, trouble shooting and operating efficiency. They hold these trainings at various locations across the country and offer an excellent chance to refresh training on reach in refrigerators and freezers. Green Lodging News offers information about refrigeration, including what temperature to set, placement of the unit and other factors to save energy and keep the refrigeration unit working well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Compare prices with different reach in freezer manufacturers. Although, the unit may have the same features and ratings, one manufacturer may sell it for less or offer a discount.

Buying new reach in refrigerators and freezers for your business is a major expense. However, the cost of owning one of these units doesn't stop with your initial purchase. You must consider several other costs and prepare your budget accordingly.

Use the following suggestions to help you accurately gauge the cumulative reach in refrigerators and freezers pricing and costs:

1. Purchase the commercial grade refrigerators that meet your needs without exceeding them.

2. Keep your unit up to code by purchasing a quality refrigerator/freezer thermometer.

3. Prepare your budget for the cost of replacement parts for your reach in refrigerator or freezer to keep it running optimally.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Prepare your budget for the cost of reach in refrigerators and/or freezers

The price you will pay for a reach in freezer or refrigerator depends upon the size of the unit, number of doors and how many temperature zones you need. When you begin pricing these units, you must factor in the amount of product the unit will hold, as well as the temperature requirements for each product.

I recommend: Consolidated Foodservice sells reach in refrigerators and freezers. Prices vary according to the size and specifications. Refrigerators start at around $1,500, freezers start at around $1,700 and dual temperature units start at around $4,000. This company offers free shipping on most models. Food Service Warehouse has reach in refrigerators for sale. Prices start at just under $3,000 for a single door unit or around $4,300 for a two door unit. Central Restaurant Products sells reach in freezers. Prices start at around $3,400 to buy the unit outright or around $120 per month for the lease option.

Factor in the cost of thermometers for your reach in refrigerators

In most states, health department regulations stipulate that the temperature in reach in freezers and refrigerators must be monitored on a regular basis. In order to do this, you should purchase one thermometer for each temperature zone.

I recommend: A City Discount sells thermometers for reach in freezer and refrigerator units. Prices start at around $40 for liquid thermometers. Tech Instrumentation offers thermometers for commercial reach in refrigerator models. Digital and dial thermometers are priced between $25 and $65.

Consider the cost of reach in freezer and refrigerator replacement parts

After regular use, your reach in freezer or refrigerator may stop working or need new parts to keep the unit working properly. Being prepared for these costs will minimize the amount of downtime you experience. It is a good idea to contact local service technicians to get an estimate of labor for installing these parts.

I recommend: Appliance Parts Pros sells replacement parts for many brands of reach in refrigerators and freezers. Prices vary according to the manufacturer and part. You can expect to pay around $20 for a defrost timer or $125 for a main control board. PartSelect offers replacement parts to fit most commercial grade reach in refrigerators. Condenser fan motor kits are priced around $40. Evaporator motor kits are priced starting at $80.