Undercounter Fridge Freezer Side by Side For Busy Commercial Kitchens
Undercounter dual temperature fridge freezers side by side make a great solution for commercial kitchens. There are a variety of styles to choose from, such as frame glass, stainless-steel swing doors, as well as panel-ready models.
The undercounter refrigerators are installed under counters and in between cabinets to keep food, beverages or meal prep ingredients in close proximity. Take note of the dimensions for countertop clearance, especially when the fridge is front or side breathing.
Capacity
Side by side refrigerators with undercounter freezer models offer a lot of space in a compact area. They are ideal to store a range of ready-to cook food items. Many dual-temp units include freezer compartments to store food items that have to stay cold. They are perfect for busy kitchens or restaurants with limited space.
The size and location of your kitchen can help decide which model you require. If you host guests at your bar, then a dual-zone cooler is the best choice. For larger families, you might appreciate the additional food storage space provided by an undercounter refrigerator drawer.
Be aware that ventilation requirements can limit the size of refrigerators for undercounter use. Install them at least six inches from the back of any cabinet or counter to allow for proper airflow. Some cabinets have vents on the sides or back that are not able to be placed against a brick wall. Others have front-breathing vents and less restrictions.
Certain models are designed to be a flush fit under a countertop, with sleek designs that look like an ordinary 24 inch base cabinet. This gives you an integrated appearance and the option of adding custom drawer fronts or handles to match your style. These cabinets are ADA-compliant and many come with panel-ready designs that allow you to modify the door openings to suit the requirements of your home.
Convenience
Alongside a sleek, high-end design that can be a perfect match for any kitchen, side-by-side fridge freezers under counter provide easy access and storage. They're especially useful in kitchens with small spaces to store food items or as a second refrigerator for grilling outdoors and rooms. These dual temperature undercounter refrigerators can also be placed in cellars, bars, and garages to keep drinks, condiments and party platters ready for use.
These slim refrigerators free up space that would otherwise be taken up by a huge refrigerator. They're also available in a variety of sizes so you can find the ideal fit to your business or home. Some models come with built-in ice machines and water dispensers for additional convenience.
While the sleek design of a side-by-side refrigerator might be ideal for those who need to save space, it can limit the refrigerated capacity you have. If you have a lot of wide or large containers, leftovers or packages it won't be able to fit as easily since the freezer side will be considerably smaller than the refrigerator. This could be a major issue for some people who are planning to use these refrigerators as the primary refrigerator in the kitchen or for those who live in smaller houses and apartments. If this is a problem for you, think about a different type of fridge freezer under counter.
Energy efficiency
French-door models are usually more expensive than side-by-side models. They are certified by ENERGY STAR and are more energy-efficient than top-and bottom freezer refrigerators. Look for refrigerators that have a "kWh rating" on the energy label. This will tell you how much electricity they use each year.
Generally side-byside refrigerators offer shelves that are adjustable and door bins that give an array of storage options. Some have two or more drawers for produce as well as a deli drawer and a butter keeper. Many come with dual ice makers which can produce crushed and cubed ice. Some models feature advanced ice maker features, such as slow-melting ice spheres that can be added to beverages that would otherwise become watered down by cubes of traditional size.
There are integrated side by side fridge freezer -byside fridges with a variety of finishes and styles such as stainless steel or black. The most modern options are smudge resistant and fingerprint-proof, which can make them easier to clean.
Be aware of the amount of food that you keep in each compartment of your fridge, the kind of food you buy, and the frequency you open the door when shopping for a side by side refrigerator freezer. This will help you choose the most appropriate option for your household. Quincy Bulin, a writer who writes about home and kitchen products contributed to this article by researching refrigerators based on size, price, capacity color/finish, certifications and many more factors.
Design
These commercial refrigerator freezer combos are among of the most popular types of refrigeration due to their ability to be installed underneath countertops. They are a great option for businesses that do not have the space to install full-sized upright refrigerators or freezers but still require storage space for the ingredients that are ready to cook or prepare. They are typically available in two- or three-section models and each section has a separate frozen and refrigerated compartment.
The front doors on these units could be either glass or stainless steel that give them the look of a standard refrigerator. Some are panel ready which means they are able to accept doors that are custom-designed to complement the design of the other cabinets in the kitchen. Drawers are another option with some offering a drawer that offers both frozen and fresh storage, while others only have one drawer of each type.
If you plan to use the refrigerator under counter and freezer side by side for food preparation, be sure that it is rated as such. In the event that it is not, you could end up with a scratched or damaged surface that can hold bacteria.
Worktop refrigerators or freezers are also options for storing food in a commercial kitchen. Burkett offers a variety of sizes of of these refrigeration units to help you choose the perfect solution for your restaurant business.