Types of Commercial Refrigeration Systems, Brands, & Prices

Commercial refrigeration is a critical investment for many businesses. If you are buying and want to evaluate the most expensive vs. the least expensive commercial refrigeration units, you must first choose the type of cooling system you need.

• Bar refrigerators – Bar refrigerators are the workhorses of commercial refrigeration systems and have a long lifespan. They can feature bottle coolers, beer dispensers, glass chillers, and more. They are designed to fit behind the bar or under the counter.
  
  
• Display-case refrigerators – Proper temperature is maintained in these glass-front units that can accommodate anything from sushi to deli meats and cheese.
  
  
• Ice cream freezers – These commercial units feature dipping sections for employees or shelving for self-serve containers.
  
  
• Merchandising refrigerators or freezers – Commercial refrigeration merchandising appliances usually have clear-glass doors and are designed for easy identification of products. The refrigeration units are upright, but there are also smaller, countertop versions. Merchandising freezers offer easy visibility, and products should be positioned in a way that encourages quick access. These units have bright lighting and backlit signage to facilitate decision-making before opening freezer doors.
  
  
• Open-air merchandising refrigerators – Customers can easily view products in these grab-and-go commercial refrigeration display cases. Some have curtains for temperature control. Convenient, point-of-sale positioning often encourages last-minute purchasing.
  
  
• Prep refrigerators – Tables for pizza or sandwich prep are part of these undercounter-style systems. Food pans and condiment-holders are available; some units have a hinged cover over the top for temperature management. Most prep refrigerators have access doors or drawers on the bottom.
  
  
• Reach-in refrigerators or freezers – Many homes have small, reach-in freezers, but commercial freezers are used mainly in restaurants and other food-service industries. Unlike home freezer units, most commercial reach-in refrigerators and freezers are vertical. This provides easier access and enhanced visibility.
  
  
• Undercounter, worktop refrigerators or freezers – These systems often feature a food prep surface. They are designed to fit under standard commercial counters.
  
  
• Walk-in refrigerators and freezers – Large food-service facilities use walk-in refrigerators and freezers to store food and beverages in bulk. Walk-ins can feature movable shelving or rolling racks and are available with or without flooring. Many sizes can conform to available space.

Top 6 Commercial Refrigerators

The top commercial refrigeration companies offer customer-centric sales and service. Operational reliability is critical to protect refrigerated products, but energy efficiency and sustainability are also of concern to industries using commercial refrigeration solutions. Energy-efficient components (condenser fan motors, ECM evaporators, high-efficiency compressors, etc.) can reduce energy bills, offering significant savings for small- to medium-sized businesses. True™ and Hoshizaki® are recognized by Energy Star as leaders among energy-efficient brands.  

Six top brands are:

• Arctic Air – In 2012, Arctic Air upgraded its already popular, efficient commercial refrigerators to higher-grade stainless steel. Increased functionality and performance led to Arctic Air’s reputation for superior commercial refrigeration equipment.
  
  
• Atosa – Efficient use of storage and user-friendly temperature controls make Atosa commercial refrigeration systems a top brand.
  
  
• Beverage-Air – Since 1944, Beverage-Air has been a global leader in commercial refrigeration system manufacturing. The U.S. company has a wide range of comprehensive refrigeration solutions.
  
  
• Continental Refrigerator – Continental Refrigerator units are considered to be one of the most durable, efficient brands of commercial refrigeration units.
  
  
• Hoshizaki America – Hoshizaki is the world’s largest manufacturer of ice machines, but they also offer commercial refrigerators, freezers, and combination systems. The company headquarters are in Georgia, but its commercial refrigeration systems are U.S. and global leaders.
  
  
• True – True’s commercial refrigeration systems are detail-oriented, with a commitment to superior performance and sustainability.

Cost Comparison: Commercial Refrigerator Prices

All types of commercial refrigeration systems are available at many prices, from $1,977 (NAFCOOL™ open-air merchandising unit) – $171,949.14 (Traulsen® TBC2H-8 roll-in blast chiller). How much does a walk-in cooler cost? They average about $15,000, and you’ll likely spend between $10,000-$40,000. Here are some low-end prices for commercial walk-in refrigeration:

Walk-in refrigerators, no floors

• Astra 6×6 – $3,305.00
• Astra 5×6 – $3,309.00
• Coldline 6×6 – $3,472.74
• Astra 6×8 – $3,737.00
• Astra 5×8 – $3,770.00

Walk-in freezers with floors

• Astra 5×6 – $3,954.00
• Astra 6×6 – $3,996.00
• Astra 5×8 – $4,299.00
• Astra 6×8 – $4,428.00
• Coldline 6×6 – $4,637.00

Commercial Refrigeration Service Solutions

No matter what brand or type of commercial cooling system you have, you must partner with a local commercial refrigeration service provider. Country Air serves:

• Fetzer
• Klein
• Pinehurst
• Rose Hill
• Spring
• Stagecoach
• The Woodlands
• Todd Mission
• Tomball
• Whitehall
• …and other nearby communities

Professional maintenance is key to keeping your commercial refrigeration investment operating efficiently, and we take pride in offering honest, industry-best services at affordable prices. If you’d like additional information, contact Country Air today.

FAQs

Two questions we receive about commercial refrigeration are: