Compare under bench fridge & freezer prices in Australia. Discover costs, types, features & maintenance tips for commercial buyers.
Key takeaways
- Price range: Under bench fridges and freezers in Australia typically cost between $500 to $5,000+, depending on size, brand, and features.
- Types: Options include refrigerated drawers, glass door models, and stainless steel solid door units.
- Energy efficiency: Look for Energy Rating labels—efficient models can reduce running costs by up to 30%.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and annual professional servicing extend appliance lifespan beyond 10 years.
- Warranty: Standard warranties range from 1 to 3 years, with some brands offering extended coverage.
- Compliance: All units must comply with Australian electrical safety standards and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) where relevant.
- Financing: Leasing and equipment finance options are available to ease upfront costs, helping businesses manage cash flow effectively.
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Introduction
If you're outfitting a commercial kitchen, café, or laboratory in Australia, choosing the right under bench fridge or freezer is essential for efficient space use and proper storage of perishables. Under bench refrigeration units maximise limited kitchen or workspace by fitting neatly beneath counters, saving valuable floor space while providing quick and easy access to refrigerated items.
This guide helps Australian buyers navigate the market, understand pricing, types, operation, maintenance, compliance, and financing options—arming you with the knowledge to make informed purchasing decisions.
Types of Under Bench Fridges and Freezers
Understanding the main types of under bench refrigeration units will help you select the model that best suits your needs:
1. Solid Door Under Bench Fridges & Freezers
- Commonly made from stainless steel for durability and hygiene.
- Provide excellent insulation and temperature stability.
- Ideal for heavy-use commercial kitchens and food service environments.
2. Glass Door Under Bench Fridges
- Feature double-glazed, self-closing doors allowing easy visibility of contents.
- Common in cafés, bars, and retail where display of products is important.
- Typically slightly more expensive due to glass door technology.
3. Refrigerated Drawers
- Compact units with sliding drawers under benches.
- Provide flexible storage solutions, often used in medical or laboratory settings.
- Allow easy access to small items or ingredients with minimal disruption.
Pricing Breakdown for Under Bench Fridges & Freezers in Australia
Prices for under bench fridges and freezers in Australia vary widely depending on factors such as capacity, features, and brand reputation. To help you budget effectively, here’s a breakdown by type:
- Small solid door units typically range from $800 to $1,500 and are well-suited for small businesses with limited storage needs.
- Medium capacity models fall between $1,500 and $2,500 and are popular choices for cafés, restaurants, and medium-sized commercial kitchens.
- Large units or glass door models generally start around $2,500 and can go upwards of $5,500+, often representing premium brands and display units designed for retail or hospitality environments.
Additional costs may include delivery, installation, and optional features like digital temperature controllers or smart monitoring systems.
Find the right Under Bench Fridge & Freezer
Compare quotes from expert Australian suppliers and make the best choice. It's free, quick and easy!
Operation and Energy Efficiency
Operating an under bench fridge or freezer efficiently can reduce energy costs, which on average make up 20-25% of total kitchen expenses:
- Energy Star Ratings: Australian Energy Rating labels help identify energy-efficient units. Look for models with 4 stars or higher.
- Temperature control: Units typically operate between 0°C to 5°C for fridges and -18°C to -22°C for freezers. Adjustable thermostats provide precision.
- Compressor type: Modern inverter compressors consume less energy and run quieter compared to traditional models.
Maintenance and Parts
Proper maintenance ensures your under bench fridge or freezer performs optimally and lasts longer:
- Regular cleaning: Clean condenser coils every 3-6 months to improve airflow and efficiency.
- Door seals: Inspect and replace worn gaskets to maintain airtight seals and prevent energy waste.
- Professional servicing: Schedule annual check-ups with qualified technicians to inspect refrigerant levels and mechanical parts.
- Common replaceable parts: Thermostats, compressors, fan motors, and door seals. Ensure your supplier offers after-sales support and parts availability.
Warranty and After-Sales Support
Most Australian suppliers offer standard warranties from 12 to 36 months. Extended warranties and service contracts may be available for an additional fee. Always:
- Check what is covered under warranty (parts, labour, onsite repair).
- Register your product promptly to activate warranty.
- Understand service response times, especially if your business depends on continuous refrigeration.
Compliance and Certification Considerations
Australian buyers must ensure their under bench fridges and freezers comply with relevant standards:
- Electrical Safety: Must meet Australian Electrical Safety Standards (AS/NZS 60335).
- Food Safety: If used in food service, refrigeration must comply with FSANZ guidelines for temperature control to prevent foodborne illnesses.
- Energy Efficiency: Units should carry the mandatory Australian Energy Rating Label.
- Environment: Look for models using eco-friendly refrigerants like R600a or R290, which have lower global warming potential.
Financing Options
Many Australian businesses choose to finance their refrigeration equipment to avoid upfront capital strain:
- Equipment leasing: Allows you to spread payments over time while upgrading to new technology as needed.
- Small business loans: Competitive interest rates for established businesses.
- Grants and rebates: Occasionally available for energy-efficient appliances, check local government websites for eligibility.
For tailored financing, consider providers specialising in commercial equipment finance to get flexible and affordable payment plans.
Installation and space requirements
Choosing the right under bench fridge or freezer isn’t just about size and features—it’s also about ensuring a proper fit and safe operation in your commercial kitchen or workspace. Poor installation can lead to overheating, inefficiency, and even health code violations. Here's what to consider:
Key installation factors:
- Ventilation space: Most units require at least 50mm to 100mm clearance at the rear and sides for proper airflow and to prevent overheating.
- Ambient temperature: Ensure the fridge is rated for the temperature zone it will operate in—particularly important for hot Australian kitchens.
- Built-in vs. freestanding: Built-in models are designed to be enclosed in cabinetry but still require adequate ventilation. Freestanding units may offer more flexibility and airflow.
- Flooring and levelling: The unit should sit on a level, non-slip surface to prevent strain on the compressor and to comply with workplace safety.
- Power requirements: Most under bench models use standard 10A power, but always verify the unit’s electrical specs before installation.
- Access for servicing: Allow sufficient room to slide the unit out for regular cleaning, inspection and repair.
Professional installation recommended
While many under-bench units can be plugged in and used immediately, commercial environments often benefit from professional installation, especially where multiple appliances, ventilation requirements or food safety compliance is involved.
Industry-specific uses and considerations
Different industries use under bench refrigeration for very different purposes—so your selection should reflect not just capacity and features, but also compliance and functional suitability for your specific sector.
Hospitality and food service
- Usage: Ideal for storing prep ingredients, garnishes, drinks, or dairy products in kitchens, bars, or cafés.
- Considerations: Look for models with adjustable shelves, rapid cooling, and stainless steel interiors for easy cleaning and compliance with Australian Food Safety Standards.
- Glass door units may be preferred for front-of-house or customer-facing areas to showcase products.
Healthcare and laboratories
- Usage: Often used for storing vaccines, samples, or sensitive materials.
- Considerations: Must have precise temperature control, digital thermometers, and built-in alarms. Ensure units comply with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and NSQHS standards.
- Avoid glass doors unless display is required—solid doors help maintain stable temperatures.
Retail and convenience stores
- Usage: Used for storing cold drinks, grab-and-go foods, or promotional items under service counters.
- Considerations: Glass door units with internal lighting enhance visibility and product appeal. Ensure units have auto-defrost functions and lockable doors if located near entry points.
Pet care and veterinary practices
- Usage: Storage of medications, pet food, and samples.
- Considerations: Units must maintain consistent, safe temperatures and be easy to sanitise. Choose compact, quiet models that won’t disturb animals or staff.
Common Questions About Buying Under Bench Fridges & Freezers in Australia
Q1: What size under bench fridge or freezer do I need?
Calculate your daily storage needs and measure your available space. Typical widths range from 600mm to 900mm. Capacity varies from 100L to over 300L.
Q2: Are glass door units less energy efficient?
Glass door units can use up to 10-15% more energy than solid door models, but modern double-glazing and improved seals have narrowed this gap.
Q3: How often should I service my fridge or freezer?
Annual professional servicing plus quarterly basic maintenance like coil cleaning and gasket checks will optimise performance and lifespan.
Q4: Can I use an under bench fridge in a laboratory setting?
Yes, specialised refrigerated drawers and under bench units designed for labs are available and meet strict temperature and contamination standards.
Q5: What are typical warranty terms?
Most units come with 1-3 years of warranty covering manufacturing defects. Some brands offer extended coverage for compressors or key parts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right under bench fridge or freezer in Australia requires balancing size, energy efficiency, features, and budget. By understanding types, costs, maintenance, and compliance, you can select a reliable unit that supports your business operations effectively. Always consider total lifecycle costs and available financing options to make a smart, sustainable investment.
