What you need to know when selecting a commercial refrigerator

Do you need a commercial refrigerator for your business? Whether you own a convenience store, restaurant or coffee shop, a commercial refrigerator is a critical piece of equipment. Because it can be a big investment, it's wise to do some research prior to your purchase.

Josh Cochran, a sales associate with restaurant supply store ACityDiscount.com, knows the food industry inside and out. He has worked with ACityDiscount.com for almost nine years and prior to that worked many years directly in the food industry. He offers some important considerations for anyone looking to purchase a commercial refrigerator:

Size
The top consideration is what size commercial refrigerator you need. The size will depend on your kitchen layout and amount of storage space needed. You want a unit that is going to function seamlessly with your kitchen design so it uses your space efficiently, but also gives you ample storage for your products.

Varieties
There are many different kinds of commercial refrigerators. Some common varieties include an upright, 6- to 7-foot tall refrigerator unit and worktop units that feature a stainless steel table with refrigeration underneath. Remember, commercial units are made to be tough and the designs are created to function in even the most hectic work environments.

Cost
A standard, single door upright 6- or 7-foot unit can start as low as $1,200 new. New units come with a manufacturer's warranty. ACityDiscount.com also sells used equipment that has been fully inspected by trained technicians. Used pieces can be up to 40 percent less, but do not come with a warranty.

Maintenance
Regularly cleaning your commercial refrigerator is crucial. Many new units have an alert system with a warning light to let you know when cleaning is needed. Older units may not have this system, so in general it's wise to clean those units at least once a week. Some things to be sure to clean include the grate and filter.

Trade
Start-up restaurants often purchase an entry-level commercial refrigerator unit due to cost restrictions. Once the money is available to purchase an upgraded unit, ACityDiscount.com will take the old unit as a trade-in and you can put that money toward the cost of the new equipment.

Remember, a commercial refrigerator is critical to running a food business. Each day it keeps products fresh and, therefore, customers happy. If your refrigerator breaks down, not only can you lose hundreds of dollars of product due to spoilage, but you also lose out on potential sales for the day. Doing research and selecting the correct unit for your needs is an important step toward success.