Fast Food Refrigeration Buying Guide
For compact refrigeration there is plenty of choice from under counter appliances with plenty of space, small fridges, ideal for extra capacity or for kitchens with limited space and of course, refrigerated salad bar equipment.
Under Counter Refrigeration
Many fast food establishments need a suitable refrigeration appliance which is small but roomy and easily accessible when rushing around a kitchen. Under counter refrigeration is an excellent solution because the tops of the fridges double up as extra worktop space. There are plenty of different size options, from single door up to four door items. Commercial refrigeration is usually constructed out of stainless steel which is long-lasting and very hard wearing so built to last.
Points to Remember:
- Refrigeration on wheels is useful because it can be easily transported.
- Look for energy efficiency and a good temperature range.
- For ease, self-closing doors mean you never return to a fridge which has frosted up!
- Look for easy to maintain products such as removable door gaskets for cleaning.
- Don’t forget to regularly clean out the air filter.
Compact Freezers
Fast food restaurants often have pre-cooked products so these need to be easily accessible for quick defrosting. Compact freezers are very popular and a great space saving solution because they fit snuggly under counter and can double up as extra worktop space when needed. Look for easy to remove shelves and drawers for cleaning purposes and energy efficient products.
Refrigerated Salad Bars
If you have fresh salad on offer in your fast food restaurant then a commercial refrigerated salad bar is imperative. Depending on the size of your operation, choose something suitable for the space you have. Think about positioning and ease of access for your staff as well as customers. Choose something which is sturdy such as a stainless steel appliance and something which comes with wheels makes it much easier to steer and move around when required. Not only are refrigerated salad bars useful for keeping salad fresh, they are suitable for cold drinks too and designed to keep your food at the right temperature for a long period of time.
Points to Remember:
- Wheels make it easy for you to manoeuvre your salad bar and most wheeled salad bars come with a braking system.
- Look for automatic defrost so you can clean out your refrigerated salad bar easily.
- Ambient cupboards are sometimes included and are situated below the salad bar, these are excellent additional features.
- If you need a gantry, make sure you are purchasing a piece of equipment with this attached. Gantries are excellent for creating a barrier to unwanted germs as they come with sneeze screens.
For further information on Fast Food Refrigeration visit the Fast Food Equipment pages in the Catering Appliances section or contact the Alliance customer care team