Commercial Under Counter Freezers

The ideal use case for your under bench freezer will depend on what your kitchen does - they’re limited only by your menu. They’re highly functional and easily accessible, making them ideal for everything from keeping ice to hand for cocktails and accessing ice cream tubs if you’re selling individual portions, to storing frozen meat, vegetables and fruit. They can also be used for food prep owing to their design.

You can also use them to store pre-made meals, quickly chilling things before they’re put into the oven. They’re also useful for simply improving food health and safety by creating unique spaces for different ingredients, preventing cross-contamination.

Yes, absolutely. No two restaurants are the same, which is why we stock a wide range of sizes, designs and configurations. Under bench freezers are generally sold as one, two or three door models — unlike the fridges, you won’t often find a four door version — and they’re almost always solid doors rather than glass. There are also options with drawers if you want something that can be pulled out rather than opened with hinges.

Depending on the needs of your kitchen, along with the location you want to keep your under bench freezer, one option may be better than the other. Many are also suitable to work directly on top of, thanks to stainless steel construction. You can either fit your under bench freezer directly beneath a benchtop space, or have it free-standing to use as a food or drink prep area.

Two other things are worth asking about before you order. Door widths vary: the standard opening is sized around gastronorm, while larger-door models take bakery trays, which are wider than a GN pan. The motor also sits on either the left or the right, which decides which end of the cabinet loses internal space and which end needs clear air.

By their design, Commercial Under Counter Freezers are inherently space-saving. If you have a pre-existing bench but lack enough space for a chest freezer or an upright freezer, under bench models may be the perfect choice. They still offer plenty of space internally, while fitting seamlessly into your existing setup.

Check the room you have available and see whether or not you have adequate room for a double door or two drawer freezer, or, if you’re pressed for space, a single door unit is another solid choice. Check the depth as well as the width — Commercial Under Counter Freezers are built in a few different depths, and a deeper cabinet pushed into a shallow bench run will stand proud of the bench and into the walkway.

They can certainly be used under benches, making them convenient for easy access when you’re getting food or ingredients out to cook. Depending on the insulation and gap you have between your freezer and the type of cooking equipment you use, it may be best to avoid placing hot appliances directly above your freezer.

Certain cooking appliances can transfer some heat, even with the durable insulation that modern freezers have. If you’re unsure which appliances are suitable for being placed directly on top of a freezer, please contact the team at REO, and we can help you with a personal recommendation and support to arrange your commercial kitchen efficiently.

With energy bills perpetually on the rise, we understand why getting energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers is a high priority for hospitality venues. Commercial freezers don’t come with the same star-rating that residential models do; rather, you should look at what kind of cooling they utilise and check the refrigerant they use.

Modern models will have high-grade insulation and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption. The refrigerants we recommend looking for in particular are R290, and our secondary option would be R32. R290 has lower emissions and also requires less power to maintain its temperature. To make sure your freezer is running as efficiently as possible, regular defrosting is recommended, and many models will come with automatic or manually activated defrosting so you aren’t straining your freezer or using more energy than necessary.

Absolutely. Along with being hard-wearing and resistant to hot pots, countertop appliances, and daily wear and tear, stainless steel Commercial Under Counter Freezers can withstand heavy use and will last you for years to come.

They’re also incredibly easy to clean and maintain, requiring very little extra care to keep the outside looking in good condition. Stainless steel is corrosion resistant, especially when you opt for 904 stainless steel, which can handle the humid and hot conditions that kitchens so often generate.

Yes, some models will come with castors that make for better maneuverability. Whether you want to rearrange your kitchen, simply need to clean or maintain your under bench freezer or want to get it set up yourself, having the ability to move your freezer is a useful feature to consider when you’re purchasing any sort of commercial freezer.

Most units arrive on wheels, and the wheels can be switched for legs if you’d rather the cabinet stayed put. Legs adjust for level on an uneven floor and lift the unit clear so you can mop underneath it, while castors are the better choice if it needs to be rolled out for cleaning or service.