Keep It Cool: A Guide to Buying the Best Commercial Freezers for Your Business
admin668 Operating a successful business often means investing in reliable commercial equipment that can handle frequent daily use. An essential item for many businesses is a sturdy commercial freezer for storing frozen goods or ingredients. But with so many freezer options on the market, how do you choose the right one?
This complete guide will cover everything you need to know when shopping for a commercial freezer including:
- Reviews of the top-rated commercial freezers
- Key buying factors to consider
- Answers to common questions about commercial freezers
Let’s dive in and look at some of the best commercial freezer models first.
The Best Commercial Freezers for Reliable Performance
After extensive research on the top brands, these commercial freezers stand out for their exceptional temperature performance, durability, and value.
Traulsen G-Series Reach-In Freezer
Traulsen commercial refrigerators and freezers are the gold standard for foodservice businesses. The G-Series reach-in freezer offers excellent temperature consistency to keep frozen foods at optimum quality.
It comes in one or two section configurations, and capacities ranging from 23 to 49 cubic feet. The durable stainless steel exterior and interior resist corrosion. It also boasts Traulsen’s patented microprocessor control with digital display for precise temperature management from -10 to +10 degrees Fahrenheit.
This freezer is built to last with heavy-duty metal door hinges, magnetic door gaskets, and rear-mounted refrigeration system. Traulsen provides a two-year parts and labor warranty plus additional five years on the compressor.
Pros
- Unmatched temperature stability
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Advanced microprocessor temperature controls
- Variety of sizes
- Strong warranty coverage
Cons
- Expensive but worth the investment
- Condensing unit mounted in rear takes up space
Arctic Air AF23B 1-Door Reach-In Freezer
For small businesses looking for an affordable compact freezer, the Arctic Air AF23B is a great choice. The 23 cubic foot capacity is ideal for holding frozen meat, ice cream, or other frozen products.
It can maintain temperatures between -10 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The exterior is stainless steel while the interior features aluminum sides and back for easier cleaning. The cabinet construction and foam insulation keep temperature stable and energy costs down.
This Arctic Air freezer is rated for commercial use and comes with a one year parts and labor warranty. Simple to operate mechanical dial controls make it easy to set your desired temperature. If you want basic freezing at a reasonable price, it delivers.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Good temperature consistency
- Compact 23 cu. ft. capacity
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- Less durable than pricier models
- Not designed for harsh environments
Beverage-Air BM23F 1-Section Reach-In Freezer
This compact reach-in freezer from Beverage-Air offers easy organization with two shelves standard. The capacity is 23 cubic feet for holding frozen pizza, ice cream, meats, and more at optimum freezing temperature.
It maintains -10 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit through the self-contained refrigeration system. Foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation ensures excellent temperature retention. The exterior is stainless steel for corrosion resistance with anodized aluminum interior.
Beverage-Air is known for quality commercial equipment. This freezer is ETL-Sanitation certified and comes with a one year parts and labor warranty plus additional four years on the compressor. It’s perfect for smaller restaurants, bakeries, and food businesses.
Pros
- Highly efficient refrigeration system
- Foamed-in-place insulation
- ETL-Sanitation certified
- Generous warranty policy
Cons
- Only available in 23 cu. ft. size
- Door can let cold air escape when opened frequently
True T-23F Reach-In Solid Door Freezer
This True reach-in freezer provides excellent freezing capabilities in a compact footprint. The one-section cabinet has a top-mounted refrigeration system for 23 cubic feet of storage capacity.
It maintains temperatures from -10 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum freezing. The reinforced stainless steel front, sides, and door are extremely durable for busy commercial environments. Self-closing door hinges ensure the door always fully seals.
True is renowned for excellent after-sale service support. This freezer is backed by a one year parts and labor warranty. For a sturdy freezer suited to withstanding heavy use, True is a top choice.
Pros
- Heavy-duty stainless steel build
- Self-closing door for better sealing
- Known for great service support
- Maintains -10F to 0F temperatures
Cons
- Only available in 23 cu. ft.
- Interior lights cost extra
Now that you know top options, let’s go over key factors to evaluate when selecting a commercial freezer.
Key Buying Considerations for Commercial Freezers
Keep the following criteria in mind when choosing the best commercial freezer for your business:
Type of Freezer
First decide what type you need. The most common options:
- Reach-in freezers – Stand-alone units you walk in to access. Ideal for kitchens and allow organizing shelves as desired.
- Walk-in freezers – Larger rooms you walk into with shelving on walls. Enable bulk frozen storage. Require professional installation.
- Blast chillers – Quickly chill large batches of food to safe temperatures within hours. Great for caterers.
- Ice cream freezers – Display freezers that hold frozen goods below and tubs/dispensers up top.
Capacity
Consider your inventory needs. How much frozen food or ingredients do you need to store?
Popular freezer sizes:
- Compact: 23 – 29 cu. ft.
- Medium: 30 – 49 cu. ft.
- Large: 50+ cu. ft.
Measure your space to ensure the unit fits. Also account for shelving, bins, and clearance space needed when calculating total capacity required.
Temperature Range
Commercial freezers should maintain consistent freezing temperatures between -10°F to 0°F. Look for precision temperature controls that allow adjusting as needed.
Shelving
Check if shelving is included or if you’ll need to purchase separately. Chrome or stainless steel wire shelving is easiest to clean. Solid shelves provide more spill containment. Look for adjustable options to customize.
Door Type
- Solid door freezers are best for temperature retention and energy efficiency.
- Glass door freezers allow easy viewing contents without opening the door. But they come with higher cost and lose more cold air when opened.
Safety Features
Look for:
- Door alarms that sound if the door is left open.
- Automatic defrost to prevent ice buildup.
- Self-closing doors that fully seal the cabinet.
- Temperature and power loss alarms to alert if the unit stops freezing properly.
- Backup generator hookups or battery packs to keep unit running during power outages.
Durability
Choose commercial-grade freezers made from stainless steel interiors and exteriors for maximum durability and ease of cleaning. Internal condensing units last longer than top or bottom mounted configurations.
Brand Reputation
Stick with reputable commercial equipment brands known for quality and reliability vs generic import brands that may lack support. Ask about warranties and read reviews before deciding.
Energy Efficiency
Look for ENERGY STAR certified models designed to save on electricity costs through foam insulation, magnetic gaskets, high efficiency compressors and smart temperature and defrost controls.
Cost
Commercial freezers range from $1,500 – $10,000+ depending on the size, features and quality. Consider it as an investment into your business and choose wisely.
Now let’s answer some common questions businesses have about commercial freezers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Freezers
What temperature should a commercial freezer be?
Commercial freezers should maintain -10°F to 0°F to keep frozen foods safe and at optimal quality. Temperatures must remain consistent throughout the unit.
How much freezer capacity do I need?
Consider:
- Menu items you need to stock frozen ingredients for
- Quantity of goods you store frozen
- Future growth
Most small businesses do well with a 23 – 49 cubic ft. reach-in freezer. Restaurants often need larger walk-in freezers. Know your inventory and stocking needs.
What safety features should I look for?
Seek refrigerators with:
- Door alarms and self-closing doors
- Automatic defrost
- Temperature and power loss warning alarms
- Generator hookups
These features help prevent food spoilage and foodborne illnesses.
What’s better – glass or solid door?
Solid door freezers are more energy efficient, retain temperature better and prevent cold air escaping. Glass door freezers allow easily viewing contents without opening the door. Choose based on your specific usage needs.
How much do commercial freezers cost?
Expect to spend:
- Small reach-in: $1,500 – $3,500
- Large reach-in: $3,500 – $6,500
- Walk-in unit: $6,500+
Prices vary based on size, configuration, and features. Consider it an investment into your business.
How can I keep costs down?
- Look for ENERGY STAR certified, well-insulated models
- Choose appropriate size to fit needs
- Locate freezer in coolest area of kitchen
- Maintain door seals and gaskets
- Clean condenser coils regularly for efficiency
- Only open freezer when necessary
What are common problems with commercial freezers?
Issues to watch for:
- Malfunctioning condenser or evaporator coils – Causes freezing issues
- Faulty thermostat – Leads to temperature fluctuations
- Damaged door gaskets – Allows cold air leaks
- Drainage issues – Can cause overflow and ice buildup
- Lights or controls not working – Indicates an electrical problem
Address issues promptly to prevent food spoilage.
How can I improve energy efficiency?
- Ensure door seals tight when closed
- Keep condenser coils clean
- Defrost freezer to prevent ice buildup
- Make sure refrigerator is level
- Avoid overstuffing freezer
- Don’t set temperature colder than necessary
- Turn off interior lights when not needed
How long should commercial freezers last?
With proper maintenance, expect around 10 – 15 years of life from a commercial freezer. Higher-end units may last 20+ years.
What maintenance do commercial freezers need?
- Clean condenser coils every 6 months with vacuum or brush.
- Check door gaskets annually and replace if loosening.
- Lubricate fans and hinges.
- Keep interior clean.
- Defrost to prevent ice buildup.
- Clean door tracks and frames.
Proper care extends your commercial freezer’s lifespan.
Investing in the right commercial freezer is critical for any business dealing with frozen goods. Follow this guide to find the perfect freezer for your needs and budget!
