Brands matter
You might think you've got a fantastic bargain with that strangely named Skope rip off that looks like a Skope and acts like a Skope, but costs nothing like a Skope. But if, as it should be, reliability is King in your kitchen, you'd be well advised to invest in known, reputable brands. Buy from manufacturers you can trust with a track record for high quality units and reliable service. Discounts on unknown brands might save in the short term, but long term you'll pay a high price when your fridge breaks down and your supplier gives you the cold shoulder.
Size up your unit
It's all very well to say you need a unit with x cubic capacity, but there are other critical factors to work through first. How wide are the access doors to your kitchen? Where will the fridge sit? Will doors interfere with kitchen flow if they open the wrong way? Reach-in commercial fridges generally come in one-to-three door configurations. What's the optimum for your space and work flow? What's the ideal capacity? Remember, two fridges might have the same external dimensions, but quite different capacities and layout. What are your main refrigerated items and where will they be stored? If all your fast movers are on the bottom shelf, your kitchen staff will do a lot of extra bending that can lead to injury.
Consider your condenser
Reach-in fridges come in two forms – bottom condenser and top condenser. Which is right for you? Well, bottom condensers are easier to clean and maintain and put less strain on the unit in hot kitchens. Top condensers don't blow hot air into your fridge when the doors are open. They also trap less dust. So weigh it up and decide what matters more to you and your kitchen efficiency.
Worry about warranties
This is where you find out if your unit's back up comes with cold shoulders or hot service with a smile. The best commercial refrigeration companies offer some of the most comprehensive warranties in the business. But they do vary. Ideally your unit should come with 3 years parts and labour; reassuring back up so long as the service itself is fast and effective. That will largely depend on the size of their service network. How many technicians do they have in the field and what is their likely response time? Don't buy a unit until you have all the facts and can rely on its service support.
