Ice to Meet You: A Closer Look at Commercial Undercounter Freezers
No matter what kind of food service establishments you run, commercial undercounter freezers make your life easier, one frozen item at a time. A secret ingredient for improved kitchen efficiency, these chill guys are masters of disguise. They fit snugly under your counters and do double duty as a worktop surface. It's a magical kitchen assistant with a frosty touch, always ready to provide ingredients on your production line.
At Eleven36, we're not just a provider of commercial undercounter refrigerators. We're a trusted partner that will build solutions tailored to your kitchen's unique needs. With us, you don't just get a freezer; you get a perfect fit in your kitchen - because we believe in love at frost sight!
What's So Cool About Undercounter Freezers?
Undercounter freezers are quite the "cool" addition to any kitchen, offering various benefits that can be adjusted to solve space and efficiency issues to suit the demanding needs of restaurants.
- Space-Saving Design: You won't be left feeling "frosty" about wasted floor space since these fit right under your existing counters.
- Energy Efficiency: Matching chest freezers' energy efficiency, worktop freezers are guaranteed not to freeze out your budget with higher utility bills.
- Better Kitchen Efficiency: You'll solve any workflow issues right away since everything remains within reach.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: They're practical and beautiful, offering a seamless blend of sleek aesthetics throughout your commercial kitchen.
- Accessibility: You'll "defrost" the issue of hard-to-reach items, especially if you opt for drawer models.
- Overflow Storage: ​When you're "on thin ice" with too many ingredients, undercounter freezers provide additional storage space for your overflow stock.
Froze and Cons: Types of Undercounter Freezers
There are multiple types of undercounter freezers, each with practical features and benefits suited to different needs.
Cold Storage Drawer Models
Drawer models fit under the counter but feature storage drawers instead of a traditional swing or sliding door.
Pros:
- Larger storage space: ​This kind of commercial freezer offers the maximum storage space for multiple product types.
- Great for organization: ​Designate drawers for specific types of food to keep everything organized.
- Easy access without needing to open a full door: ​In tight spaces where opening and closing a door isn't practical, drawers make it easy to get the ingredients you need when you need them.
Cons:
- Larger size may make them impractical for some kitchens: ​Depending on your counter configuration, the drawer style may not work for you.
- Can be harder to clean: ​Drawers can be more difficult to clean than shelves, especially if dealing with spills.
- Cost: ​These are more expensive than standard commercial chest freezers.
Solid Door Models
​Typically a stainless steel undercounter freezer, these models have solid doors to prevent you from seeing the contents.
Pros:
- Durable: A stainless steel door is tough and can handle more damage than a glass door.
- Sleek, minimalist design: The solid door style hides clutter while blending seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen for the perfect combination of style and function.
- Greater affordability: ​Compared to drawer models, these come at a lower price point.
Cons:
- Limited visibility: ​Because you can't see what's inside, you may open and close the doors more often, leading to more energy use.
- Organization may be more difficult: ​Keeping track of inventory inside the freezer will require more effort.
Glass Door Models
A glass door freezer lets you keep contents visible while providing ample space for your ingredients in your restaurant kitchen.
Pros:
- Complete visibility: ​Easily see freezer contents at any time.
- Added convenience: ​Since you can see what you've got on hand, it's quicker and easier to grab what you need.
Cons:
- More frequent cleaning required: ​Glass doors mean more fingerprints, which means cleaning more often.
- Temperature fluctuations: ​Glass doors aren't as likely to insulate as well as solid doors, leading to temperature changes and more energy consumption.
Key Considerations for Chilling Out in Style
Choosing the right undercounter freezer for your food truck, restaurant, or cafe comes down to a few things:
- Door Type: ​Do you want to be able to see your ingredients? Opt for the glass door with wire shelves. If you need stronger durability, opt for the solid door. Either way, make sure you have reversible door hinges so you have workflow flexibility.
- Height: Measure the overall dimensions of your space to make sure you get the right fit. 34" is the traditional countertop height and ADA-approved, but your space may require other sizes like 32" or 36".
- Capacity: The amount of storage you have in each unit matters, too. Busier, bigger restaurants may need to keep more stock on hand.
- Brand Names You Can Count On: At Eleven36, we know you need quality you can rely on. That's why we only stock the best brands, like Hoshizaki and Traulsen.
Stay Frosty and Keep Your Freezer Clean
Cleaning and maintaining your undercounter freezer is essential for its longevity and food safety. Use these tips to help keep your freezer running in optimal conditions:
- Unplug the freezer before cleaning: Disconnect the freezer from power and allow it to defrost before you begin cleaning.
- Use a soft cloth and mild detergent: Wipe down the interior and exterior services of the freezer. Abrasive cleaners and tools can scratch or damage surfaces, allowing bacteria to build up.
- Skip vinegar and alcohol-based cleaners: As cool as natural cleansers may be, they may damage surfaces.
- Wash removable parts by hand: ​Wash shelves and drawers by hand once they've come to room temperature.
- Check and clear the condenser coils: Ensure the coil is free of dust and debris. Ensure there's ample room between the unit and the wall for adequate airflow.
- Disinfect with a food-safe sanitizer: ​Keep germs at bay with a sanitizer that's safe around your ingredients.
The Cold Hard Facts: Eleven36's a Solid Partner for Your Establishment
When you partner with us here at Eleven36, we'll help you find the perfect solution for your undercounter freezer and refrigerator needs. Whether you're slinging drinks at the bar, storing deli meats for your sandwich shop, running a fine dining establishment, or keeping ice cream treats cold, we can help you find the right kitchen equipment to fit your restaurant's needs.
Ready to add a new heavy-duty freezer to your commercial kitchen? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you cover all your commercial refrigeration and restaurant equipment needs.