When you’re in a business that deals with food there are a lot of protocols that need to be followed. Food is a wonderful thing and owning a restaurant can really turn what is seen as simple sustenance into art, but it’s always a kind of slippery slope.
Because you’re dealing with something so many people need, rules have been established so that you don’t harm the people coming into your establishment and consuming the food you’re serving. These rules aren’t negotiable and they aren’t optional.
From health codes and safety guidelines to proper uniforms, quality aprons, hairnets, and kitchen equipment, it all falls under this category. These are all things that are meant to tend to the health of the workers as well as the consumers and provide a happy ending to every dinner out.
Even though there is a lot of equipment out there that’s used in the food industry, refrigeration units are probably one of the most crucial elements. Responsible for keeping produce fresh and edible, they’re a staple piece of the puzzle.
That’s why paying close attention to the type of commercial refrigeration units you’re using matters a lot! There are a few pointers that might be helpful to you when browsing the range of commercial refrigeration, and we’re going to go over them together!
Fridges or Freezers?
Right off the bat, you’ll need to decide whether you need a fridge or a freezer. If you’re working with fresh fruits, for example, selling fruit salads and squeezed juice, there’s probably no need for a freezer. Since the whole point of your business is the freshness of the produce, a fridge will do just fine.
However, if you’re working with more complicated food items, like meats or fish, you’ll definitely need a freezer alongside a fridge, to make sure you have optimal food quality retention. A freezer will help you save money, too, as you will be able to buy in bulk and save for later, which is usually cheaper than buying single pieces of something.
Still, just like in the second, in the first example as well a freezer may become useful. There are fruits that don’t grow in every season, so you’ll have to get frozen ones. Even if you don’t, just for the purpose of having ice around to add to your drinks you’ll need a freezing unit.
This is where the whole matter gets a little more simple. You don’t have to buy a separate fridge and a separate freezer, especially if you don’t really need one of the items too much. Instead, you can get a unit that features both! This way you’ll save on space, you’ll save on money, and you’ll definitely save yourself any unwanted trouble in keeping the food in its optimal condition!
What Type Suits Your Business?
Once again, depending on the type of business you’re running, after you’ve decided whether you want a fridge, a fridge and a freezer, or a unit that features both, you’ll need to determine the type of unit you want. When I say type, I’m talking about whether you’d like a refrigerated counter, a “regular” fridge, a specialized item, and so on.
Determining the type of commercial refrigeration equipment you actually need will save you energy costs and space, and will optimise your business and the way you run things. For example, if you buy a specialized fridge but you don’t really use it, then it’s really just money thrown in the wind.
That’s why, before you head out to buy such equipment you need to make a rough draft of what you’re going to be serving, make estimates of how much food you’re going to be needing a day, and so on.
Since such equations can’t really be made without prior knowledge of how business is going, we recommend you start with some simple items and then upgrade as needed. If you’re quite sure you’re going to need something special from the get-go though, don’t hesitate to purchase it right away.
Not having the right type of refrigeration unit can set you back quite a bit, so do be careful about this part.
Size It Right!
Once you’ve determined the type of unit you need and what it needs to do, it’s time to think about size. Once again, getting something you don’t really need is a bad investment. Getting a three-compartment refrigerated cabinet when you only really use one is not that great, is it?
Commercial refrigeration units come in various sizes, so determine the size you need by looking at the abovementioned categories once again. How much food, what kind, how many people can your restaurant serve, and so on.
Based on this information you can make an educated decision of the size of unit you need. Make sure to take into account that rush hours happen, too, and if you’re someone who hosts weddings or other events, you’ll probably need more storage space for all the food, so prepare accordingly.
The Choice of Materials Will Determine the Longevity
Commercial refrigeration units differ a lot from ones that are made for home use. Since everything quite literally needs to be pristine, materials that are easy to clean and maintain are your best bet.
For such a purpose, stainless steel is probably the optimal material choice. Stainless steel finds its use in many different fields, from watchmaking to sunglasses rims, but the place it really shines is the kitchen.
Virtually impossible to damage, extremely resistant and durable, not prone to corrosion, unlikely to stain, and very easy to clean and maintain, it’s the perfect mix of everything you need in a commercial kitchen.
There have been some novelties in stainless steel coatings as well, claiming to allow the steel to sterilise itself, but I’d still recommend using a proper cleaner to wipe the surfaces inside and out down and make sure everything is neat and hygienic.
Always pay attention to the retailer you’re buying your units from and mind the brand, too! Do some research before making the final purchase! Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find out if a product is really as it’s being advertised or not!