A reach-in refrigerator is the lifeblood of any commercial kitchen. From prepared ingredients to produce and ready-to-serve items, they keep perishable items fresh and cool until you need them.
Having an easily accessible, reliable refrigerator will enhance your staff's workflow while ensuring that your dishes are as fresh as possible.
But how do you choose the right model? We're going to share a detailed buying guide and some of our best-selling reach-in refrigerators.
How to Choose a Commercial Reach In Refrigerator
Whether you're launching a new restaurant or upgrading your existing equipment, there are several things you want to consider when choosing a reach in refrigerator.
Kitchen Layout
The layout of your kitchen should help inform your decision. Ideally, you want your fridge to be within arm's reach to provide quick and easy access to ingredients.
An optimal layout will minimize the time spent traveling back and forth between stations.
Size
Along with layout, you need to consider which size unit will work best for your kitchen. For tighter spaces, a 27" model may work best, but for large and busy kitchens, an 81" model may be more practical.
Take the width, depth and height into account, and don't overlook the importance of having clearance above and around the unit for ventilation.
Along with the overall size, consider the fridge's capacity. How much storage do you actually need? Do you want or need adjustable shelving? How many doors would you prefer (one, two or three)?
Compressor and Condenser Location
The compressor's location matters in a commercial kitchen.
- Top-mounted units pull cooler air and keep the compressor out of heavily trafficked areas or grease zones.
- Bottom-mounted units free up top space for storage and are easier to service, but can also pick up floor-level debris and grease.
Weigh the pros and cons of each option to see which one will work best in your kitchen.
As for condensers, you have two options: self-contained and remote.
Self-contained condensers are simpler, but they're also noisier and put out more heat. Remote condensers are more complicated to install, but they also produce less heat and noise.
Energy Efficiency
A reach in commercial refrigerator runs continuously, so it is critical to consider the unit's energy efficiency.
Look for models that have features like auto-defrost, digital thermostats, efficient insulation and eco-friendly refrigerants.
Door Type, Insulation and Materials
When comparing models, you'll find that there are two types of doors: solid and glass.
- Solid doors generally have better insulation and lower energy costs.
- Glass doors provide visibility, which makes them a more practical option for front-of-house displays.
Look for models with high-quality gaskets to maximize efficiency and help maintain consistent temperatures.
And to ensure maximum durability, choose a stainless steel unit. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and easy to clean.
Cheaper units may use aluminum or lower grades of stainless steel that may not be as durable.
Our Top Reach-in Refrigerator Reviews
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a refrigerator, let's look at some of our top-selling models.
Leader LS54
The Leader LS54 is a glass door reach in refrigerator with two sliding doors and a durable stainless steel construction.
The full-sized doors are designed to ease user fatigue, and the interior features three adjustable shelves to store your kitchen essentials in an organized, easy-to-access way.
The LS54 holds temperatures at 33-38°F and offers a 38 Cu. Ft. capacity.
Coldline C19R
Prefer a more compact, energy-efficient unit? The Coldline C19R has you covered. This model features a single, solid door with a stainless steel interior and exterior.
It holds temperatures between 33℉ and 41℉ and has an electronic control system built in.
Inside, you'll find PVC-coated shelves and interior lighting for easy visibility and storage.
Features like a recessed door handle and self-closing doors with a 90-degree stay-open feature make this unit convenient for any commercial kitchen.
Although this unit has a smaller footprint, its capacity is still impressive: 19 Cu. Ft.
Coldline C-3RE
Need more cold storage space? Coldline's C-3RE model is an 81-inch model with triple solid doors and a generous capacity of 72 Cu. Ft.
Like other Coldline models, this unit has a 90-degree stay-open feature (locks and keys included) and recessed door handles
Inside, you'll find adjustable heavy-duty shelves to keep your items organized.
The stainless steel interior and exterior ensures durability, and heavy-duty casters with brakes allows this unit to be serviced and moved when needed.
IKON IB27RG
The IB27RG is a bottom-mount reach in refrigerator with glass door construction. This single-door unit has a small footprint, so it's ideal for smaller kitchens.
Features like magnetic gaskets on the door and recessed handles improve efficiency and workflow.
IKON even includes safety locks on the door for access control.
The IB27RG is a self-contained unit that holds temperatures between 33℉ and 40℉.
IKON IB54R
IKON's IB54R is another solid-door refrigerator, but this bottom mount model has two doors. Stainless steel interior and exterior ensure easy maintenance and durability, while the magnetic gaskets on the door help maintain efficiency.
This unit also boasts a high-quaity digital temperature controller, so you can adjust the temperature as you need.
Each door features heavy-duty wire shelves for easy storage. These are self-closing doors with a stay-open feature at 90 degrees for convenience.
For kitchens that want greater efficiency and more storage, the IB45R is a great option.
IKON IB54RG
The IB54RG is another durable and reliable unit from IKON. This 2 door reach in refrigerator features glass doors and a bottom-mount design.
Like other IKON models, this unit has a stainless steel interior and exterior with magnetic gaskets on the doors.
Recessed handles allow for easy cleaning, and the safety locks control access to the fridge's contents.
Final Thoughts
Reach-in refrigerators are at the heart of every commercial kitchen. With the right model, you can improve the efficiency of your team while serving high quality dishes to your customers.
Consider all of the points in the buying guide above and compare models to find a unit that can handle your storage needs while still being easily accessible by your staff.