The benefits of pizza prep fridges in a commercial kitchen span food health and safety, efficiency and optimising the use of your space. 

The biggest key benefit is, of course, preparation efficiency. Rather than having to move from space to space within your kitchen, your pizza bases, sauce, and toppings are all in one place. You can keep your ingredients in chilled, separate containers, assemble your pizza and have it in your pizza oven in record timing. 

Equally, by having dedicated, enclosed spaces for each ingredient, you can keep things separated more easily, maintaining the hygiene and safety of your ingredients. Clean-up is easier, and the stainless steel benches are hard-wearing yet easy to sanitise between shifts. 

By combining both refrigeration and a food preparation area, you can reduce the overall space you need in stainless steel tables and prep zones. You can arrange your setup in a way that makes sense, keeping a designated zone for pizzas, with another separate area for your pasta cooker. 

Like regular commercial refrigeration, pizza prep fridges have a thermostat that allows you to control and refine the temperature at which you want to keep ingredients. 

If you choose a model with top-level storage, you’ll need to chill them first before transferring them to the prep zone. Ensure they’re cooled to 4℃ to 5℃, then you can move them to the trays on the top of your pizza prep fridge. 

If you’re a small pizzeria, something as compact as a 735mm wide model from a brand like Polar might be enough space. The best way to calculate what size you need is to first look at how much space you have available in the kitchen, along with what kind of volume of ingredients you need to be able to store. 

Even small models can have around 150 litres or more when it comes to capacity, often featuring adjustable shelves and trays, making them versatile to your restaurant's changing needs over time. 

Yes, with modern refrigerants and high-quality insulation, pizza prep fridges are overall energy efficient. When it comes to the features to look for, their designs are often diverse, and the best pizza prep fridges for pizzerias will vary depending on a few factors. 

One of the first things to consider is the total volume in litres the fridge you’re considering can hold, along with the number and size of individual compartments. You may only need 6 to 8 compartments in total, while other establishments may need 10 or more. 

Along with the number of compartments, the way you access the food they contain can either be through a lift-up lid or a sliding lid. Both have their benefits, but the one that’s best for your restaurant will often vary depending on your personal preference. Having quick and easy access to ingredients - whatever that looks like for you - is a key consideration. 

Along with internal storage, consider how large the actual workspace is. You may want a wide, deep countertop, depending on how large your pizzas are and how many you want to put together at any one time. 

You should maintain a pizza prep fridge the same way you would any commercial fridge or freezer. If any ice builds up, you’ll need to defrost it again and give it a deep clean with a cloth and sanitiser on the inside. Many have curved corners inside, making wiping them out thoroughly much easier and more efficient. 

When it comes to the mechanics of your fridge, checking that the hinges, compartments, and temperature control are working efficiently and effectively is also key. Proper care and maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your fridge for many years to come, ensuring you get the maximum return on your investment. 

Before moving your ingredients to their top-level compartments, we recommend chilling them to at least 5℃ first. When the shift is over, your ingredients should be kept at 4℃ or less in the main refrigeration area to ensure health and safety. Make sure you don’t overcrowd your fridge, and keep toppings in separate containers to prevent cross-contamination. 

Yes, pizza prep fridges are incredibly versatile and can be used to store a range of ingredients for other menu items. You can use it to store the toppings you need for everything from salads and tacos to quesadillas and sandwiches. 

The average pizza prep fridge will last 5 to 10 years, depending on how you care for and maintain it and the frequency of use. Many of the models stocked at REO will come with a 2-year warranty covering parts and labour if you register your appliance within 14 days of purchase. 

The more compartments you have, the more variety you can offer your customers when they’re ordering pizza. Whether you want a variety of cheeses, herbs, different meat options or a broad spectrum of vegetables, the more compartments you have, the more variety your menu gets. 

If you want to keep two compartments filled with the same ingredient, you can also have one spare in the fridge itself for when the prep area container runs out. You can then switch the empty container out for the full one while you’re working. This helps to reduce the amount of time you need to spend replenishing ingredients and ensures everything is kept at the optimal temperature. 

Yes, you can get custom-made fridges for small spaces from Skope Refrigeration. They offer a variety custom solutions for businesses, with financing options available so you can create the perfect model for your business.