Undercounter Fridge Freezer Side by Side For Busy Commercial Kitchens
Dual temperature undercounter fridge freezer side by side offer a convenient solution for busy commercial kitchens. There are numerous styles to choose from with framed glass, stainless steel swing doors as well as panels ready models.
These undercounter refrigerators can be installed under counters and in between cabinets to keep food, beverages or ingredients for meals close at hand. Find out the requirements for countertop clearance, especially if the refrigerator is rear or side-breathing.
Capacity
Side by side refrigerators with undercounter freezer models offer a lot of space in a compact space. They can be used to store a large assortment of food items that are ready-to-cook. Many dual-temp units have frozen sections to store food items that have to remain cold. They are great for kitchens with a lot of traffic or with limited space.
Your kitchen's size and location will determine the model you need. For instance, if your plan is to host guests at your home bar, an ice-maker with dual zones could be ideal. Alternatively, large families might appreciate the added food storage space of an undercounter refrigerator drawer.
Be aware that refrigerators in undercounter models may have some limitations due to ventilation requirements. Install them at least six inches from the back of the counter or cabinet to allow adequate airflow. Some units come with side or rear vents that can't be placed against the wall, while others are front-breathing and have less location restrictions.
Some models are built to fit flush under a countertop, with sleek designs that look like an ordinary 24 inch base cabinet. This gives you an integrated look and allows you to add custom drawer fronts or handles to complement your decor. These cabinets are ADA compliant and many of them have panel-ready designs which allows you to alter the door openings to suit your requirements.
Convenience
In addition to an elegant, high-end design that can be a perfect match for any kitchen, side by side fridge freezers undercounter offer easy access and storage. They're particularly useful in kitchens with small spaces to store extra food or as a second fridge for outdoor grilling areas and rooms. Dual temperature refrigerators under counter can also be put in cellars, bars, and garages to keep drinks, condiments and party trays in good condition for use.
These slim refrigerators save space that would be used by a large refrigerator, and are available in a range of sizes to choose the right one for your home or office. Some models have built-in water dispensers as well as ice machines.
Although the slim design of a side-byside refrigerator could be a great option for those who need to make space, it can limit the refrigerated capacity you can use. If you've got a lot of large or wide trays, leftovers or packages it won't be able to fit as easily since the freezer side will be much shorter than the refrigerator. This could be a major issue for people who plan to use the fridges as their primary kitchen refrigerator or for those who live in smaller houses and apartments. If this is a concern for you, think about a different kind of fridge freezer under counter.
Energy efficiency
Side-by side refrigerators are typically an affordable design over French door models. They are certified by ENERGY STAR and are more energy efficient than refrigerators with top and bottom freezers. To save even more, look for new refrigerators that have the "kWh" rating on the energy label which will tell you how much energy they use per year.
Side-by-side refrigerators typically have adjustable shelves and door bins for adaptable storage. Some refrigerators also come with butter or deli drawers or two produce drawers. A lot of them come with an icemaker which can produce cubed and crushed ice. Some models feature advanced ice maker features such as slow-melting ice balls, which can be added to drinks which would otherwise be more watered-down by cubes of traditional size.
There are side-byside fridges with a variety of finishes and designs including stainless steel and black. The most modern options are smudge resistant and fingerprint-proof, which can make them easier to clean.
Consider the amount of food that you keep in each section of your fridge, the type of food you buy, and the frequency you open the door when you are looking for a side by side refrigerator freezer. This will help you decide the most appropriate option for your family. Quincy Bulin is a writer covering homes and appliances. He contributed to the creation of this article by researching refrigerators, taking into account the size, price and capacity, color/finish and certifications.
Design
These commercial refrigerator-freezer combination units are popular because they can be positioned under existing counters. This makes them a great alternative for businesses that don't have enough space for full-sized upright refrigerators or freezers but still need a space to store cook-ready or prep ingredients. They're typically available in two- or three-section models, with each section having a separate frozen and refrigerated compartment.
These units could have front doors made of stainless steel or tempered glass to give them the look like a regular refrigerator. Some units are panel-ready, which means that they can accept doors that are custom-designed to be compatible with other cabinets in your home. Drawers are another option, with some featuring a drawer that offers both frozen and fresh storage, while others have just one drawer of each type.
If you are planning to use the fridge in the counter and freezer side by side for food preparation, be sure that it's certified as such. Otherwise, you might end with a scratched or damaged surface that could contain bacteria.
Other options for refrigerator or freezer storage in commercial kitchens include walk-in and reach-in freezers, merchandising refrigerators, freezers along with worktop refrigerators and freezers. Burkett provides a variety sizes for each of these refrigeration units, ensuring that you can choose the best fit for your business or restaurant.