Commercial Fridges vs Domestic Refrigerators

01 Dec.,2023

 

Commercial fridges and domestic refrigerators are both designed to keep food cold, but there are some key differences between the two. Find out what’s the difference between a commercial fridge and a domestic refrigerator.

Your refrigerator has enough food to feed you and your family for about a week at any moment? Well, a grocery refrigerator has to hold enough food to keep anything up to 100 people per day fed. Aside from the commercial vs domestic refrigerators’ size and volume differences, commercial units have several advantages that allow them to fulfil their needs in a restaurant setting.

 

What is a Commercial Fridge?

A commercial fridge is a large, refrigerated appliance typically used in restaurants, grocery stores, and other food service businesses. These units are designed to keep food and beverages chilled or frozen for extended periods of time, ensuring that perishables remain fresh and safe to consume. Commercial fridges come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit the needs of any business and can be outfitted with additional features such as ice makers, door locks, and temperature alarms.

 

What is a Domestic Refrigerator?

A domestic refrigerator is a household appliance that is typically used to store food and keep it fresh. Refrigerators work by using a cooling system to lower the temperature of the air inside the fridge, which in turn keeps food from spoiling. Most modern refrigerators also have a freezer compartment that can be used to store frozen foods.

 

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What is the difference between a commercial fridge and a domestic refrigerator?

A commercial fridge is designed for heavy-duty use and can handle larger quantities of food than a domestic refrigerator. They also tend to be more durable and have features that make them easier to keep clean, such as stainless steel construction and removable shelves.

Domestic refrigerators, on the other hand, are typically smaller and less durable than commercial models. They also usually don’t have as many features or as much space for storage. However, they can be a good choice for people who don’t need a large fridge or who want a more budget-friendly option.

When it comes to choosing a fridge, it’s important to consider your needs and what will work best for your space. If you need a large fridge that can handle heavy use, a commercial model is your way to go. If you’re looking for a smaller fridge or want to save money, a domestic refrigerator may be a better option.

Fridge Access

The commercial fridge performance is unaffected by hundreds of openings per day, with the temperature remaining consistent.

A domestic refrigerator is built to maintain consistent temperatures when the door is rarely opened and closed.

Size and capacity

Commercial fridges may be found in a range of sizes and capacities to choose from. While smaller, more compact versions are available, the majority of units will create a higher capacity that can handle the significant requirements imposed by large quantities of inventory, which is important in food service industries.

The most popular domestic fridge-freezer configuration is a 70/30 split between fridge and freezer, although single-use variants are occasionally available.

Temperature

Precision temperatures are required for both commercial freezers and fridges, especially under food safety regulations. All equipment is risk-tested and guaranteed to meet and maintain temperature standards and norms. Specific temperature ranges are available for certain equipment, such as fresh meat and fish storage at -2° to +2°C and ultra-low units operating below -30°C or even below.

The majority of residential refrigerators feature a standard temperature range that is ideal for chilling and freezing all things.

Materials

To endure intense commercial environments, commercial refrigerators are built with high-grade materials for increased strength and durability.

Plastic is frequently used in domestic refrigeration components, making them not as long-lasting as commercial versions.

Efficiency

Refrigerators that are intended for usage in grocery, pubs, cake shops, restaurants, or other commercial applications must go through extensive testing to demonstrate their efficiency. On certain equipment, the energy rating is presented in the form of MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standard), however, it will be implemented in all equipment in the future.

The star ratings for home chillers are determined, but testing isn’t as rigorous. Although effective, residential-grade insulation and design aren’t of the same high quality as commercial-grade equipment.

 

Accuracy and precision

The functionality of commercial refrigerators may be enhanced with thermostats that are meant to control the temperature precisely, whether they’re used in restaurants or grocery stores. Temperatures and conditions can be easily monitored for records using these units, which feature simple-to-use controls and a clear display.

According to settings, domestic refrigerators have chilling steps, although fluctuations will occur during operation. In a domestic setting, this little fluctuation in temperature should not have any safety concerns.

 

Features

Commercial refrigeration equipment can include everything from robust adjustable shelves to sturdy baskets, night blinds to cover open chillers during out of hours, locks, LED lighting, replaceable door gaskets, castors, adjustable feet, anti-mist glass, canopies, and more.

Residential refrigerators will generally include baskets, shelves, or trays depending on the type of equipment, however, they may not be as strong or long-lasting as commercial alternatives. Internal lighting and adjustable feet are typically included as well.

Power

Increased cooling power enables more accurate conditions, faster temperature pull-downs, and greater consistency in commercial refrigerators. On some equipment, single-phase, 13A supplies are available (with a conventional 3-pin plug). Larger models that require greater power will require either a single phase hardwired connection or a 3 phase supply.

The domestic refrigerator is not as strong as commercial refrigeration equipment. It will operate on a normal three-prong plug found in households utilizing a 13A supply.

Design

Commercial fridge equipment is available for every application whether undercounter freezers, upright drink fridges, deli counters, chest freezers, or multidecks, not to mention glass door fridge options. Storage and display fridge units are available in different sizes, shapes, and materials to store everything from food to beverages. Commercial refrigeration systems can be single- or double-door based on the model.

 

Can I use a domestic fridge for commercial purposes?

No, definitely not. Most domestic refrigerators are not designed for commercial use and should not be used in this way. They may not be able to handle the constant use or be large enough to store food. Using a domestic fridge for commercial purposes can also void the warranty.

Commercial refrigerators are designed to withstand the constant opening and closing of doors, as well as being bumped or moved around. Commercial fridges are also typically larger than domestic fridges, allowing businesses to store more food.

What are the benefits of using a commercial fridge?

Commercial refrigerators can help businesses keep food fresher for longer and minimize waste. They can also save businesses money by reducing the need for constant replacements of spoiled food. Additionally, commercial refrigerators can help businesses keep track of inventory and ensure that food is properly rotated. This can help to prevent foodborne illness and other health hazards.

There are several benefits to using a commercial fridge, including:

1. Keeping food fresher for longer

2. Reducing the need for constant replacements of spoiled food

3. Keeping track of inventory

4. Ensuring that food is properly rotated

5. Preventing foodborne illness and other health hazards.

What are the drawbacks of using a commercial fridge?

The main drawback of using a commercial fridge is the initial cost. Commercial refrigerators are typically more expensive than domestic fridges. However, they last longer and can save businesses money in the long run.

Another drawback of using a commercial fridge is that they often require more maintenance than domestic fridges. This is because they are constantly being used and abused, which can take a toll on their components. Businesses should be prepared to perform regular maintenance on their commercial fridges to keep them running smoothly.

 

Conclusion

Commercial refrigerators and domestic refrigerators have a lot of similarities, but there are some key differences that set them apart. Commercial fridges tend to be larger in size than domestic fridges and they come with more features, such as temperature control and shelving options. Domestic fridges are typically used for smaller spaces, like a home kitchen, while commercial fridges are often found in restaurants or other business settings. Another difference is that commercial refrigerators must meet certain safety standards that domestic refrigerators do not need to meet.

Overall, the main difference between commercial and domestic refrigerators is their intended use – one is meant for personal use in a home setting while the other is meant for professional use in a business setting.

Depending on your needs, either a commercial refrigerator or a domestic refrigerator can be a good option. If you need a fridge for your home kitchen, a domestic fridge will likely suffice. However, if you need a larger fridge for a business setting, or one with more features, then a commercial fridge would be the better choice. When making your decision, keep in mind the differences between these two types of fridges so that you can choose the right one for your needs.

 

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