Commercial Freezer Buying Guide

Types of Freezer

UPRIGHT FREEZER

An upright freezer uses its height to offer large storage areas without taking up too much floor space. Sometimes known as a vertical freezer, these units will make the most of higher areas which are sometimes seen as wasted space in professional kitchens. Due to their design and shape, upright freezers are also excellent for quick access as food and ingredients will be stored neatly on shelves at convenient heights. If you want to display your products, glass doors are the way to go.

• Large capacity: Takes up less kitchen floor space than other freezer models
• More storage space: Maximise the storage potential of otherwise unused higher areas in your kitchen
• GN-compatible: Save time by transferring gastronorm trays directly to other appliances
• Quick access: Easy to position nearer meal prep areas, with food neatly organised on shelves
• Adjustable shelves: Shelf heights can be adjusted to accommodate boxes, containers or bulky items

See All Upright Freezers

CHEST FREEZER

A chest freezer can offer huge storage capacities of up to 600 litres. Similar in appearance to domestic deep freezers, a commercial chest freezer is far more powerful. Great for kitchens with more available floor space as well as storage rooms and cellars, a chest freezer is perfect for stacking large quantities of foods that are similar in size such as boxes or tubs.

Some chest freezers are designed with stainless steel lids that can double up as an additional work surface when closed. However, if you're expecting to access the unit regularly during meal prep, a counter freezer may be a more suitable choice.

• Energy efficient: Opening from the top, it's harder for cold air to escape from chest freezers
• Large capacity: Huge capacities are perfect for storing large or bulky containers and items
• Spacious: Great for stacking boxes or tubs, but can mean more difficult access for food stored underneath other ingredients
• Variety of sizes: From small single door units to large four-door fridges, there is a model to fit any space
• Extra worktop: Stainless steel lids can double up as additional an meal prep area, but the lid will need to be cleared if access is required

See All Chest Freezers

COUNTER FREEZER

A counter freezer combines frozen storage space with a valuable additional worktop for meal prep or positioning smaller kitchen appliances. Great for getting the maximum amount of use from all available space, the fitted counters are usually made from stainless steel and are incredibly easy to clean.

• Practical storage: Ensures frozen goods are always within easy reach of worktop
• Independent counter: Unlike chest freezers, you can access the freezer without needing to clear the work surface
• Sturdy base: Strong enough to hold small appliances such as microwaves, mincers or ice cream machines
• GN-compatible: Load or access food quickly, and transfer directly between appliances
• Adjustable shelves: Customise storage areas to suit large or bulky boxes and containers

See All Counter Freezers

UNDER COUNTER FREEZER

An under counter freezer is great for making the most of unused floor space beneath worktops. Compact and discreet, they can be tucked away out of sight without causing any obstructions while still being within easy reach. If your kitchen already has plenty of counter space, these units are a more practical alternative to counter freezers.

• Compact: Fits neatly underneath worktops without causing any obstructions or taking up floor space
• Smaller capacity: Perfect for keeping essential frozen goods within easy reach
• Single or double door: Double door models will provide added storage space under longer worktops
• Reversible door: Some models have reversible doors for an even neater fit in tight spaces

See All Under Counter Freezers

DRAWER FREEZER

A drawer freezer is designed to offer essential frozen storage space while providing a sturdy base for holding other kitchen equipment. These low freezers are generally just above knee height, and help to raise other appliances up to a far more workable height. While a stand can raise equipment and provide space for ambient storage, a low drawer freezer introduces frozen or chilled storage within the same amount of space.

• Strong and robust: Able to hold larger kitchen appliances such as convection ovens and griddles
• Freeze or refrigerate: Can be set to fridge or freezer mode for even greater versatility
• Dual temperature control: Two-drawer models can have each drawer set to different chilled or frozen temperatures
• GN-compatible: Loaded or access food even faster on gastronorm trays, and transfer directly between appliances

See All Drawer Freezers

What Size Freezer Do I Need?

When you're buying a freezer for any commercial kitchen, two of the most important factors to consider are size and capacity. Ask yourself how much frozen food or ingredients you need to store, and whether they will be in large or bulky boxes and containers. At the same time, measure your kitchen space carefully and accurately so you can be sure what size unit will fit properly. Always consider access as well as floor space.

Freezer Sizes

Always check freezer sizes thoroughly before purchase. Commercial upright freezers will take up less floor space, but can be as high as two metres so you will need to check ceiling height and access is suitable. The footprint of single door models can be as small as 600 x 600mm, but this will increase for double or triple door freezers.

Commercial chest freezers are usually around 850mm in height, but require far more floor space - lengths can reach two metres for the largest units. Under counter freezers have similar heights so they can fit under most standard benchtops, while counter freezers could be a little bit higher. It is always recommended to check counter heights to ensure they will be in a comfortable position for meal prep - anywhere around waist height is the standard. You should also consider whether the unit is on castor wheels when measuring up.

TIP: Space between the unit and the walls is essential for the ventilation system on any commercial freezer to work effectively. A 20cm gap is recommended for most models, so it is vital to remember this when measuring kitchen space. If the freezer is being placed near a heat source, you'll need to increase this gap even further.

Freezer Capacity

You should choose a commercial freezer with enough space to cope with your busiest service. If it's too small, you'll risk food going to waste. Too big, and you'll unnecessarily take up valuable kitchen space - not to mention the higher running costs.

Upright freezers offer the greatest capacities due to their height - around 300 to 600 litres for single door models, rising up to 1,500 litres for the largest three-door units. Commercial chest freezers are available in capacities of up to around 600 litres, but their spacious design makes them more suitable for bulkier or stackable items.

Counter, under counter and low freezers are more suitable if you're looking for practical space-saving storage. What they lack in capacity, they make up for in versatility and being able to make the most of your available kitchen space.

TIP: Commercial freezers will have an overall capacity and a net capacity. Always look for the net capacity if you want to know the total usable space of the unit.

Commercial Freezer Features

Once you've decided on size and capacity, there are a number of other important features to consider when buying a freezer for a commercial kitchen.

• Tropical Rating: You need to choose a freezer that is powerful enough to cope with the ambient temperatures in your kitchen. How hot can the room conditions get in the location where you're planning to place your freezer? If temperatures regularly climb above 32°C, it's likely you'll need a tropical-rated freezer. The most heavy duty units will excel in conditions of up to 43°C.
• Energy Efficiency: Features such as self-closing doors or additional insulation can help to make a freezer more energy efficient. Chest freezers are generally more efficient due to their top opening which makes it harder for cold air to escape, but size plays a big part too - smaller units such as under counter freezers tend to be the most efficient.
• Auto Defrost: It is inevitable that freezers will accumulate ice over time. An ice build-up can dramatically reduce the performance and lifespan of a commercial freezer so, if you don't want the time-consuming task of manually defrosting your unit, choose a freezer with a built-in automatic defrost system.
• Security: Some commercial freezers feature lockable doors, giving you peace of mind that your valuable frozen stock is safe and secure at all times.
• Doors: If you've got your hands full after unloading a freezer, self-closing doors will come in really handy. They help to save energy and reduce running costs too. Some commercial freezers also use a pedal opening mechanism so you can open them without needing to use your hands - an even more hygienic solution.
• Access: How often do you plan to open the doors? For infrequent use, a lighter duty commercial freezer may be suitable. However, for constant access you'll need a freezer with a more powerful compressor to ensure it holds its temperature reliably.

TIP: Polar uses three classifications across its refrigeration range which makes it easier to identify the freezer best suited to your needs. C-Series freezers are light duty commercial units which are suitable for infrequent access, while the G-Series and U-Series ranges feature medium and heavy duty freezers for frequent use in demanding catering environments. This Polar Mini Shop contains all the ranges.