Have you recently identified an opportunity in your neighbourhood for a small corner shop business? One of the key aspects of setting this plan in motion is to invest in the right equipment, the most significant being a commercial fridge.
While it’s easy to find a skilled commercial fridge repair agent in your area, the goal should always be to buy quality products from day one. Doing this will ensure that you only have to set up a regular maintenance program rather than having to opt for repairs every other month.
Make the Right Choice for Your Business Needs
If you’re buying a commercial fridge for the first time it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the available choices on the market. Not knowing exactly what you need or what to look for can often lead to buying cooling equipment for your business. Below are a few tips designed to help you choose the best commercial refrigerator for your business.
1. Access the Size You Need
Your first instinct may be to buy the largest fridge your budget can afford because it means that you’ll be able to stock a wide range of products. Before doing this it’s essential to consider the available space in your store.
The second space consideration should be based on what you’re going to be stocking. It’s not a good idea to buy a fridge to find stuff to fill with it as this may lead to inventory that doesn’t sell. Rather do market research to see what people would expect to find in the type of store you’re going to open.
2. Look for Organizational Features
Once you have narrowed down the size of the freezer you need, it’s time to focus on the overall design and organizational features. A key aspect to concentrate on here is if you want an open fridge where customers can reach in for products such as fruit and veggies or have an upright fridge with doors that open and close. Keep in mind that the fridge you choose should be easily accessible.
3. Always Consider Energy-Efficiency
Running a business comes with extensive overhead costs, especially when you’re running industrial appliances such as freezers and fridges 24/7. With this in mind, always opt for an energy-efficient unit as this will go along toward reducing your energy bill.
Additionally, you should also look for a unit that’s properly insulated with polyurethane foam. Since this type of foam has a high compression strength combined with a low thermal conductivity, your fridge will have the best insulation to use less energy and simultaneously, keep your foods and drinks cooler for longer.
4. Look for Automatic Defrosting Options
If there’s one thing you’re not going to have time to deal with once your business is up and running, it’s defrosting your freezers and fridges. It’s also important to point out that excessive ice buildup can seriously affect the overall performance of your fridge.
Avoid this by choosing a model with an automatic defrosting option. This feature will routinely melt away any ice build-up without the need to empty the fridge or create any unnecessary downtime. Shelves that aren’t overwhelmed with giant chunks of ice also reduce the likelihood of freezer burn on your food items and ensure that you have ample space for your stock.
5. Check Where the Compressor is Situated
Another aspect that should be on your list of factors to check is the placement of the compressor. You will be faced with either a top placement which means the compressor is situated on top of the fridge. In a bottom placement, the compressor will be just above the floor.
Off the bat this may not seem like a deciding factor, but here’s why it matters. Fridges with top-mounted compressors and condensers have better airflow which increases the energy efficiency of the unit. This does, however, mean that your storage shelves start lower.
Bottom-mounted units are more ergonomic in that the shelves start at a height that’s easier to reach. But there may be less ventilation, reducing their energy efficiency. In this instance, you also need to consider the space you have available and where the best ventilation is.
6. Ask for a Maintenance Plan
It’s also essential to check whether or not your shortlisted fridge has a maintenance plan and what this entails. Most commercial fridges come with a 5-year warranty, but this may depend on the model and manufacturer. Be sure to check this before making your final decision.
It’s also a good idea to set up a maintenance program with an accredited repair agent. This will ensure that your fridge is regularly serviced, maintenance is done when necessary and any parts that need to be replaced are more likely to be genuine, ensuring longevity of your fridge. It also reduces any potential downtime.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re going to be stocking food, fresh produce, drinks, or a combination of all three, it’s essential to have the best cooling equipment possible. Use our tips to make the selection process so much easier!
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.