How to Select the Right Commercial Bar Fridge for Your Restaurant?
If you want your commercial kitchen to be a success, you must ensure that you serve your customers the highest-quality products and drinks.
This factor is only possible if you have sustainable, reliable, and efficient storage space – a great commercial bar refrigerator!
So whether you are upgrading an older model or want to get to a new one, you want to do your research.
To help you out, we have compiled a list of considerations you can keep in mind as you look for a solid refrigeration solution for your business!
The Location
Your commercial fridge will, of course, be located inside your restaurant, but you need to know where exactly you want it to be placed.
Make sure that you dedicate that section specifically for this purpose.
You will have to be sure that your space can accommodate the kind of refrigerator you want.
You may want to take into account its functionality and have a clear understanding of a few factors.
For instance, be clear if you would like your bar fridge to store anything other than drinks.
Your choice will give you a decent guide on the size of the refrigerator you need to store all your ingredients and the spaces in your bar that are congruent with the desired size. How easily accessible do you want the fridge to be to the seating area?
What is the most effective way to move drinks to and from the refrigerator in a safe and timely manner?
Finally, consider if you want your customers to have access to the fridge? Do you want your staff to bring the drinks, or are you open to a self-service facility?
In the latter case, you may want to consider getting a commercial drinks fridge.
Ultimately, you will have to have considered all these factors to know the type of refrigerator you need.
Measurements
This approach closely connects to the idea of a location but is a bit more precise.
Getting the proper measurements for your refrigerator is essential to getting an accurate blueprint of your width, length, and height.
Keep these in mind as you shop for your fridge. You should also measure the internal cubic feet as well as the door swing dimensions.
Then tally these with the location space you have for your equipment to see if they are congruent. To add some interest to your space, consider if you also want to have a vending machine and a commercial char grill.
These are fast and easy ways to amplify your service. Finally, know the make of the model that your space can account for, as this is crucial to getting this aspect right.
Consider Your Budget
You need to account for several aspects of your commercial kitchen financially; therefore, we recommend that you create a budget- and stick to it!
Once you allocate a budget for every new equipment you need or the amount you spend in maintaining and servicing the old ones, you will have a fair understanding of how much you can spend on your fridge.
If you are on a tight budget, then you may want to consider getting a used unit.
Often, these tend to function seamlessly if they have been serviced regularly and are maintained well by you and your employees after purchase.
They also tend to have a decent warranty covering them and are nearly half the price of a brand-new model! Finally, if you want to be more environmentally conscious, these also tend to be eco-friendly options.
Do Your Research
When we have a working knowledge of the task we are undertaking, we generally feel more prepared and confident.
The same applies when you are trying to find the best equipment for your restaurant.
We recommend that you research various types of commercial bar refrigerators to determine the one that is most likely to meet your needs.
Several articles online elaborate on this topic, and you can even consult your colleagues in the industry.
One important aspect to consider is understanding the signs your commercial refrigerator needs immediate repair.
Knowing these signs can help you maintain your equipment better and avoid sudden breakdowns that could impact your business operations.
When you shortlist a model, ensure that you read all the reviews before you make a final purchase. Having a detailed conversation with your supplier beforehand and discussing matters such as warranty and service is also a good idea.
You want to be mindful of other parameters, such as the energy star status and the energy efficiency rating. Finally, ensure that your supplier is up to date with the food safety codes and provides you with a model that considers the same. Understanding both the features you need and the potential signs of necessary repairs will help you make an informed and confident decision.
