Types of Commercial Fridges: Complete Australian Buying Guide
Quick Summary
- Main fridge types: Commercial kitchens commonly use upright fridges, under bench fridges, walk-in cool rooms, display fridges, merchandisers, back bar coolers and prep fridges.
- Best for kitchens: Reach-in upright fridges and under bench fridges are the most practical choices for back-of-house food storage.
- Best for customer display: Glass door merchandisers, cake display fridges and deli display cases are designed to keep products visible while holding them at safe temperatures.
- Best for bars: Back bar coolers and under counter drink fridges keep bottled beverages cold and easy to access during service.
- Buying tip: Choose based on workflow, capacity, door type, ventilation, temperature control and the type of product being stored.
Choosing the right commercial fridge is one of the most important decisions for any food business. The right fridge keeps ingredients safe, improves service speed and helps staff work more efficiently. The wrong fridge can slow down prep, waste space and make temperature control harder than it needs to be.
There are many types of commercial fridges available, and each one is designed for a different purpose. A café may need an under bench fridge for prep, a restaurant may need an upright commercial fridge for kitchen storage, while a bakery may need a cake display fridge to present products to customers.
This commercial fridge buying guide explains the main types of fridges, where they are used and what to consider before choosing one for your venue.
Main Types of Commercial Fridges
Bulk Storage
Walk-In Cool Rooms
Walk-in cool rooms are refrigerated storage spaces designed for large volumes of stock. They are commonly used by hotels, large restaurants, supermarkets, food production businesses and venues that receive bulk deliveries.
Kitchen Storage
Reach-In Upright Fridges
Reach-in upright fridges are one of the most common types of commercial kitchen fridges. They provide easy access to ingredients, prepared food, sauces, garnishes and daily service stock.
Customer Display
Glass Door Merchandisers
Merchandisers are glass door fridges designed to display packaged food and drinks. They are ideal for cafés, convenience stores, grocery stores, takeaway shops and grab-and-go areas.
Food Presentation
Display Fridges
Display fridges keep chilled food visible while maintaining safe storage temperatures. They are commonly used for cakes, pastries, deli meats, cheese, sandwiches and prepared meals.
Space Saving
Under Bench Fridges
Under bench fridges fit below a workbench or counter, giving staff cold storage close to the prep area without taking up extra floor space.
Bar Service
Back Bar Coolers
Back bar coolers are designed for bottled drinks, beer, wine, mixers and soft drinks. They are commonly used in bars, cafés, restaurants, clubs and hospitality venues.
Walk-In Cool Rooms
A walk-in cool room is a refrigerated room used for bulk cold storage. It gives businesses space to store large quantities of ingredients, cartons, meat, seafood, produce and prepared stock.
Walk-in units are best suited to high-volume venues that need more storage than upright fridges can provide. They are commonly used in large restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, catering businesses and food service operations.
Reach-In Upright Fridges
Reach-in upright fridges are the standard choice for many commercial kitchens. They are available in one, two or three door configurations and are used to store ingredients, prepared meals, sauces, garnishes and daily service stock.
Because they sit inside the kitchen, upright fridges help reduce staff movement and improve prep speed. Many venues use more than one unit, with one fridge for bulk prep and another for daily service items.
Browse Snowmaster’s range of commercial upright fridges.
Glass Door Merchandisers
Glass door merchandisers are designed to display chilled products while keeping them easy for customers to see. They are commonly used for bottled drinks, packaged meals, dairy products, sandwiches and grab-and-go food.
These fridges are useful in customer-facing areas because they improve product visibility and make browsing easier. Narrow models can also help save aisle space in smaller stores.
Display Fridges and Display Cases
Display fridges are used when presentation matters. They keep chilled food visible while protecting product quality and food safety.
Bakery display fridges are commonly used for cakes, pastries and desserts. Deli display cases are used for meats, cheese, salads and prepared foods. These fridges are common in bakeries, delis, cafés, supermarkets and takeaway shops.
Browse Snowmaster’s cake display fridges and commercial display refrigeration options.
Under Bench Fridges
Under bench fridges are compact commercial fridges designed to fit under a counter, preparation bench or bar area. They are a smart choice when floor space is limited but staff still need fast access to chilled ingredients or drinks.
In commercial kitchens, they are often used for small ingredients, sauces, garnishes and prep items. In bars and cafés, they can be used for bottled drinks, milk, mixers and packaged products.
Browse Snowmaster’s range of under bench fridges.
Back Bar Coolers
Back bar coolers are similar to under counter fridges but are designed specifically for beverage service. They usually feature glass doors, internal lighting and adjustable shelving for bottles and cans.
They are commonly used in bars, restaurants, cafés, lounges, clubs and hotels. Some models have one section, while larger venues may use two, three or four door units depending on service volume.
Prep Fridges and Prep Tables
Prep fridges combine refrigerated storage with a working preparation area. They are commonly used in pizza shops, sandwich bars, salad bars and takeaway venues where ingredients need to stay cold but remain within easy reach.
A pizza prep fridge, for example, can hold toppings above the work area while refrigerated storage sits below. This improves speed, reduces movement and keeps ingredients organised during busy service periods.
Browse Snowmaster’s pizza prep fridges.
Key Features to Consider
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Door Type | Solid doors are better for kitchen storage. Glass doors are better for display and product visibility. |
| Capacity | Choose a fridge that suits peak service, not just quiet periods. Overfilled fridges recover temperature more slowly. |
| Digital Thermostat | Makes it easier to monitor, adjust and record temperatures for food safety. |
| Removable Door Gaskets | Help with cleaning and maintaining a strong door seal, which supports cooling efficiency. |
| Ventilation | Correct airflow protects the compressor and helps the fridge maintain temperature in busy kitchens. |
| Build Quality | Commercial fridges should be built for constant use, frequent door opening and demanding hospitality environments. |
Standard Duty vs Specification Line Fridges
Commercial fridges are often grouped into standard duty and specification line models. Standard duty fridges suit general commercial use and are often more budget-friendly.
Specification line fridges are built for heavier use and may include stronger construction, more precise temperature control, better insulation, premium fittings and more configuration options. They usually cost more upfront but can be a better long-term choice for high-volume venues.
Standard Duty
- Lower upfront cost
- Suitable for light to medium commercial use
- Good for cafés, small restaurants and secondary storage
- Fewer premium features
Specification Line
- Built for demanding commercial use
- Stronger temperature control
- Better construction and finish
- Better suited to high-volume kitchens
Common Buying Mistakes
Avoid These
- Choosing by price only – a cheap fridge may cost more long-term if it struggles with temperature control or energy use.
- Ignoring kitchen workflow – the fridge should support how staff prep, cook, serve and restock.
- Buying too small – size the fridge for peak service, not average stock levels.
- Forgetting ventilation clearance – blocked airflow can reduce performance and damage the compressor.
- Using a display fridge for back-of-house storage – glass door display fridges are useful, but solid door fridges are often better for kitchen storage.
- Not checking cleaning access – removable shelves, gaskets and accessible condensers make maintenance easier.
Which Type of Commercial Fridge Do You Need?
| Business Type | Recommended Fridge Types |
|---|---|
| Café | Under bench fridge, upright fridge, cake display fridge, glass door merchandiser |
| Restaurant | Upright fridge, under bench fridge, prep fridge, walk-in cool room |
| Bar | Back bar cooler, under counter drink fridge, glass door merchandiser |
| Bakery | Cake display fridge, upright fridge, under bench fridge, walk-in cool room |
| Takeaway Shop | Prep fridge, upright fridge, under bench fridge, display fridge |
| Supermarket or Grocery Store | Merchandiser, display case, walk-in cool room, upright storage fridge |
Commercial Fridge Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your commercial fridge and reduces the risk of breakdowns. It also helps the unit maintain safe temperatures during busy service.
Maintenance Checklist
- Check and record fridge temperatures daily.
- Clean shelves, handles and internal surfaces regularly.
- Inspect door seals for cracks, gaps or food buildup.
- Keep ventilation grilles clear of dust and grease.
- Clean condenser coils according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not overfill the fridge, as this restricts airflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of commercial fridges?
The main types of commercial fridges include upright fridges, under bench fridges, walk-in cool rooms, glass door merchandisers, display fridges, back bar coolers and prep fridges.
What type of fridge is best for a commercial kitchen?
Most commercial kitchens use upright fridges, under bench fridges and prep fridges. Larger venues may also need a walk-in cool room for bulk storage.
What is the difference between a merchandiser and a display fridge?
A merchandiser is usually a glass door fridge used for packaged food and drinks. A display fridge is often used for prepared food such as cakes, pastries, deli items and sandwiches.
Are under bench fridges good for restaurants?
Yes. Under bench fridges are ideal for restaurants because they save space and keep chilled ingredients close to the prep or service area.
How do I choose the right commercial fridge?
Choose based on what you need to store, how much capacity you need, where the fridge will sit, whether products need to be displayed and how often staff will access the unit during service.
Snowmaster supplies a wide range of commercial fridges for cafés, restaurants, bars, bakeries, supermarkets and food service venues across Australia.Browse Commercial Fridges →
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