Countertop Prep Fridges

A countertop prep fridge is a must-have for any sandwich shops, pizzerias, restaurants, and more. These compact and efficient refrigeration units are perfect for keeping ingredients and prepped food at optimal temperatures and in front of your customer’s eyes, ensuring your dishes are always fresh, delicious, and attractive. The sleek and modern design of these units will complement any business decor and make a great addition to your kitchen. 

Additionally, some units are specially made to showcase sushi. These units are designed to keep the sushi at the perfect temperature while also allowing it to be displayed in a visually appealing way, making it easy to grab and go. They come with lighting and a clear door that allows customers to see the sushi, making it perfect for sushi restaurants, or any establishment that serves sushi.

Countertop prep fridges ensure that perishable ingredients, such as vegetables, dairy, and meat, remain fresh for an extended period. This helps to improve food quality and reduce food waste.

While a refrigerated prep table is designed to store and prepare various types of food, a refrigerated pizza prep table is specifically designed for pizza-making. It features a raised ingredient rail and accommodates larger pans.

While countertop prep fridges are primarily designed for commercial use, you can use them at home if you have the need and space for one.

To ensure that your countertop prep fridge stays clean, wipe the surfaces regularly with a mild soap solution, rinse with clean water and dry with a clean towel.

A well-maintained countertop prep fridge can last for 5 to 7 years.

In a commercial kitchen, the internet tells us that the minimum space required for a countertop prep fridge is about 107 cm (42 inches) in a single-cook kitchen, and 122 cm (48 inches) in a kitchen where more than one cook may be working. This is to ensure that there is enough space for the unit, as well as enough space for the cook to move around the unit comfortably and access ingredients easily.It's recommended to measure the space in your commercial kitchen where you plan to place the countertop prep fridge and compare it with the unit's dimensions to ensure that it will fit comfortably. At the end of the day, you should pick the fridge that best suits your commercial kitchen requirements and not go exclusively with information found on the internet!

The ideal location for a refrigerator in a kitchen is in a cool, dry area that is out of direct sunlight and away from heat-generating appliances such as stoves, ovens, and dishwashers. It's also important to ensure that there is adequate ventilation around the unit to allow for proper air circulation and cooling.

Additionally, it's a good idea to place the refrigerator on a level surface to prevent it from vibrating and making noise. It's also important to make sure that the refrigerator is placed on a surface that can support its weight and that there is enough space for the unit to breathe (allow air to circulate around it).

When choosing a countertop prep fridge, it's also important to consider the additional features that it offers. Some units come with lids, cutting boards, and extendable legs, which can make your use easier and more convenient.

GN tray lids can provide an extra layer of protection for your food, keeping it fresh and safe from contamination. These can sometimes be purchased as Gastronorm kits for specific fridges. Cutting boards can also be a great feature, providing a convenient and hygienic surface for food preparation. Please remember to always stick to a single brand/supplier when possible. Use Vogue GN pans with Polar fridges and use FED GN trays with Thermaster fridges.

Sneeze guards are also an additional feature that can be helpful, especially in busy kitchens, it can be used as a protective barrier for your food, keeping it safe from contamination. They come in different shapes and sizes, including round vs square applications, which can be chosen based on the layout and design of your countertop or display area. Round sneeze guards are perfect for creating a more elegant and sleek look, while square sneeze guards are more versatile and can fit in a variety of spaces.

There are mainly three types of countertop prep fridges available – refrigerated prep tables, refrigerated sandwich units, and refrigerated pizza prep tables.

The temperature range for a commercial countertop prep fridge typically ranges between -2°C to 8°C. This temperature range is considered safe for the storage of most types of food, including perishable items.

It's important to note that different types of food require different temperature ranges for optimal preservation. Therefore, it's essential to check the temperature range of the unit and ensure that it can reach the temperature required for the type of food you will be storing.

Many countertop prep fridges come with digital temperature control, which allows you to set the temperature to the exact degree you need, ensuring that your food stays fresh and safe to eat.

Our selection includes tropical rated models that come with powerful refrigeration technology, which allows them to keep food cool even in high ambient temperatures. These models are designed to operate efficiently in warmer environments, ensuring that your food stays fresh and cool even during the hottest days.

Countertop Prep fridges come in different sizes ranging from compact 27 inches to over 70 inches.

When choosing a countertop prep fridge, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure you find the right unit for your needs:

• Footprint and Capacity: When it comes to outfitting your kitchen, choosing the right countertop preparation fridge is crucial for maintaining the efficient flow of your food service operation. One of the key factors to consider is the footprint and capacity of the fridge. Our selection of fridges comes in two depths - 330 or 380mm - to accommodate either 1/3 or 1/4 GN sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for your kitchen layout.
  Another important factor to consider is the number of different ingredients you will need to store in the fridge. Think about the size and number of smaller GN trays you will be preparing and how much you will need to keep on hand, also what sizes these will be. Maybe all ⅓ GN trays, maybe 3x as many with all 1/9 GN trays. For example, despite having the same width and height, this Polar countertop prep fridge fits 9 of ⅓ GN pans, while the other fits 10 of ¼ GN pans. What ever suits your restaurant and your menu, we can find the right solution for your business.
  In summary, when choosing a countertop prep fridge, make sure to consider the size and capacity, think about the space you have available, and consider the number of GN pans the unit can accommodate, keeping in mind the size of the GN pans you will be using.

• Temperature Control: Temperature control is another critical aspect to consider when choosing a countertop prep fridge. It ensures that your food is kept at the optimal temperature for preservation and safety. A fridge with precise temperature control allows you to set the temperature to the exact degree you need, ensuring that your food stays fresh and safe to eat.

• Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is an important factor to consider when choosing a countertop prep fridge. An energy-efficient unit will not only help keep operating costs low but also help reduce your environmental impact.

• Durability and Quality: Durability and quality are crucial factors to consider when choosing a countertop prep fridge. A well-built unit made of high-quality materials will not only last longer but also perform better, ensuring that your food stays fresh and safe to eat.
  When looking at durability, consider the materials used in the construction of the fridge. Stainless steel is a popular choice as it is rust-resistant and easy to clean. Some models also have a tilting or a square glass screen that prevents cross contamination and keeps contents cool.
  For pizza preparation, a unit with a stainless steel hinged lid is a must-have. The durable and easy-to-clean material is perfect for maintaining a hygienic environment and can withstand the constant opening and closing during busy shifts. On the other hand, for customer-facing applications such as salad bars or deli counters, a glass sneeze guard is a great option. It not only keeps ingredients fresh and protected, but also allows customers to see the products inside the fridge and can add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
  Look for units with sturdy hinges and latches, these will ensure that the doors stay open during food preparation and also stay closed and the seals remain tight, keeping the temperature inside the fridge consistent. Stainless hinged lids are typically for back of house applications and can withstand the constant opening and closing during busy shifts. On the other hand, for customer-facing applications such as salad bars or deli counters, a glass sneeze guard is a great option. It not only keeps ingredients fresh and protected, but also allows customers to see the products inside the fridge and can add a touch of elegance to the presentation. Also, units with reinforced corners and edges will help to prevent damage from accidental bumps and knocks.

When it comes to power supply, most commercial countertop prep fridges run on 240V, single phase and require a regular 10A plug, which is a standard household plug in Australia. It's important to check the power requirements of the unit you are considering and ensure that it is compatible with your electrical system.

The ideal location for a refrigerator in a kitchen is in a cool, dry area that is out of direct sunlight and away from heat-generating appliances such as stoves, ovens, and dishwashers. It's also important to ensure that there is adequate ventilation around the unit to allow for proper air circulation and cooling.Additionally, it's a good idea to place the refrigerator on a level surface to prevent it from vibrating and making noise. It's also important to make sure that the refrigerator is placed on a surface that can support its weight and that there is enough space for the unit to \'breathe\' (allow air to circulate around it).