Space management and speed are the most important keys to success in professional kitchens. Counter type refrigerators keep your food fresh with their large internal volume, while providing extra workspace thanks to their durable top surfaces, solving space problems in the kitchen. These compact solutions, which do not compromise on cooling performance and provide maximum efficiency in narrow spaces, are among the indispensables of cafe, restaurant, and hotel kitchens. You can review the energy-saving and long-lasting counter type refrigerator models best suited to your business needs in this category.
Bringing speed and ergonomics together in professional kitchens, drawer type counter refrigerators are the biggest assistants of chefs during the preparation phase. Compared to door models, these units provide a bird's-eye view of all ingredients without bending down, making it easier to categorize your foods with their Gastronorm pan-compatible structures and reach the product you are looking for with a single movement during service. Drawer models, which save space with their stainless steel work surface and preserve the freshness of your ingredients thanks to their efficient design that keeps heat inside even with frequent opening and closing, are an ideal solution for businesses wanting to perfect operational flow in heavy kitchen traffic.
Also known as stainless steel surface or block door models, these are the most durable and energy-friendly assistants of professional kitchens. The completely closed structure of the doors maximizes the preservation of cold air inside, providing high thermal insulation and energy savings. Ideal for meat, vegetables, and sauces usually stored during the preparation phase, solid door models offer an organized and clean look in your kitchen. While the content not being visible from the outside prevents the cabinet interior disorder from reflecting on the kitchen, it shows extra durability against impacts in heavy use thanks to its stainless steel outer surface and is very easy to clean.
Designed for businesses that care about speed and visual control in their kitchen, glass door models are an excellent option to increase operational efficiency. Thanks to the transparent door structure, chefs and service staff can instantly locate the product they are looking for without needing to open the door. This feature allows you to track stock in seconds and speeds up intra-kitchen traffic by preventing unnecessary door opening and closing. Glass door counter refrigerators, which allow for a stylish and aesthetic presentation especially in open kitchen concepts, behind bars, or areas visible to customers, combine practicality with aesthetics.
Also known as under-equipment refrigerators, undercounter slim refrigerators stand out with their compact body structures designed to increase space efficiency in professional kitchens with space constraints, cafe bars, and narrow service corridors. Having narrower depth dimensions compared to standard industrial coolers, these models fit perfectly under existing work counters or bar counters, turning dead spaces into storage volume. Despite their 'Slim' design, these units, which do not experience performance loss thanks to strong fan cooling technology and high-density insulation systems, keep the internal temperature at an ideal level even in frequent use.
The prices of counter type refrigerators vary according to the preferred internal volume (liter capacity), material quality (stainless steel class), number of doors, and efficiency of cooling technology. When planning your industrial kitchen budget, focusing not only on the initial purchase cost but also on the energy savings and long-lasting use guarantee offered by the device ensures you make the most profitable investment for your business.
The most critical criteria when choosing a counter type cooler for your business are the layout area in your kitchen and your daily operation flow. In addition, the door type to be preferred (glass, solid, or drawer), motor location, and energy efficiency should also be considered. You can review our relevant buying guide to choose a model that perfectly suits your needs and space.
In the counter type refrigerator production sector, there are brands known for their durability and efficiency in the sector such as Öztiryakiler, Empero, Electrolux, and Zanussi. They produce innovative products suitable for them by identifying user needs.
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Question: What are the standard dimensions of counter type refrigerators?
Answer: They are generally produced in accordance with GN (Gastronorm) standards. Their depths are usually 60 cm or 70 cm. Their widths range from 120 cm up to 250 cm depending on the number of doors (2, 3, or 4 doors).
Question: Is the top table hygienic for food preparation?
Answer: Yes, the top table of professional counter type refrigerators is usually made of food-grade stainless steel or marble. These surfaces do not harbor bacteria, are easy to clean, and are suitable for direct food contact.
Question: Is there a performance difference between solid door and glass door models?
Answer: There is no significant difference in terms of cooling performance; however, solid (steel) door models are a step ahead in thermal insulation and save energy. Glass door models increase service speed and facilitate stock tracking by allowing the product inside to be seen.
Question: Should I choose a drawer counter refrigerator or a door model?
Answer: If you have frequently used small-portioned ingredients, drawer models speed up operational flow. However, if you are going to store pots, large containers, or bulk ingredients, door and shelf models offer wider storage possibilities.
Question: Can counter type refrigerators be used as freezers?
Answer: Standard counter refrigerators operate in the +2°C / +8°C range. However, counter type deep freezer versions of the same case are also available, and they operate in the -18°C / -22°C range. You should choose the right model as "refrigerator" or "deep freezer" according to your needs.
Question: Why is 304 Grade stainless steel important?
Answer: Acidic foods, moisture, and intense cleaning chemicals are used in industrial kitchens. 304 grade stainless steel is the most resistant material against corrosion (rusting). It extends the life of the device and ensures full compliance with food safety standards (HACCP).
Question: Where should the motor of the counter refrigerator be located?
Answer: The motor group is generally located on the right or left. It is important to choose the side where air circulation will be comfortable and will not narrow your working area according to the layout plan in your kitchen. In some new models, the motor group can also be located at the bottom.
Question: How often should the device be cleaned and maintained?
Answer: Interior and exterior surface cleaning should be done daily. The most critical point is condenser cleaning. The condenser needs to be cleared of dust at least once a month for the motor to breathe easily and energy consumption not to increase.
