Undercounter Fridge Freezer Side by Side For Busy Commercial Kitchens
Dual temperature undercounter fridge freezers side by side offer an efficient solution for busy commercial kitchens. There are a variety of styles to choose from such as framed glass or stainless-steel swing doors and models that are panel-ready.
These refrigerators under counter can be installed beneath counters and between cabinets to keep food, beverages or other ingredients for meal preparation in close proximity. Make sure you check the size requirements to ensure that the countertop is clear, particularly if the fridge is rear or side breathing.
Capacity
Side by side refrigerators with undercounter freezer models can provide a lot of space within a small area. They can be used to store a range of ready-to-cook food items. Many dual-temp units offer frozen compartments for foods that need to stay cold which is why they're great for restaurants with little space or kitchens that are busy.
The size and location of your kitchen will determine which model you need. For instance, if host guests at your home bar, the dual-zone wine cooler could be ideal. Alternatively, large families might be able to benefit from the extra food storage space of an undercounter refrigerator drawer.
Remember that ventilation requirements may limit the size of refrigerators under counter. They must be installed at least 6 inches away from the back of your counter or other cabinet to allow for proper air flow. Some cabinets have vents on the side or back that cannot be placed against a brick wall. Some have vents for front breathing and less restrictions.
Certain models are designed to fit flush under a countertop, with a sleek design that looks like a standard 24 " base cabinet. This gives you an integrated appearance, and you can add handles or drawer fronts to match your décor. These cabinets are ADA compatible, and a majority come with panel-ready designs that let you customize the door opening to your needs.
Convenience
Apart from giving a stylish look that complements any kitchen, undercounter fridge freezer side-by-side refrigerators provide the convenience of a simple access and storage. They're particularly useful in kitchens with small spaces for storing food items or as a second refrigerator for grilling outdoors and rooms. These dual temperature undercounter refrigerators can also be installed in cellars, bars or garages to keep condiments, drinks and party trays ready to use.
These slim refrigerators come in various sizes, meaning you can pick the best one for your office or home. Some models include water dispensers and ice machines for added convenience.
Although the slim design of a refrigerator that is side-by-side may be ideal for those who want to save space, it can limit the refrigerated capacity you have. If integrated fridge freezer side by side got a lot of wide or large trays, leftovers or packages, they won't fit as easily as the freezer side is shorter than the refrigerator. This could be a deal-breaker for those who want to use the refrigerators as their primary kitchen refrigerator, or for those living in smaller homes and apartment. If this is a problem for you, then consider an alternative undercounter fridge-freezer model.
Energy efficiency
French-door models are usually more expensive than side-by-side models. They are also more energy efficient than top-and-bottom freezer fridges, and some are Energy STAR certified. Find refrigerators with a "kWh rating" on the label for energy. This will inform you how much electricity they use every year.
Side-by side fridges typically come with shelves that can be adjusted and door bins to allow for flexible storage. Some refrigerators come with butter or deli drawers as well as one or two produce drawers. A lot of them come with a dual icemaker that can produce both cubed and crushed ice. Certain ice makers feature advanced features, like slow-melting ice balls that can be added to drinks that would otherwise be watered down when they are made of traditional cubes.
Side-by-side refrigerators are available with a wide range of door designs and finishes, including stainless steel, black or white. The most elegant models are fingerprint and smudge resistant making them easy to clean.
When you're looking for a pair-by-side freezer for your fridge, think about the amount of food you normally keep in each compartment and the kind of food you tend to purchase and how often you open the door. This will help you pick the best option for your family. Quincy Bulin is a writer covering homes and appliances. He helped create this article by researching refrigerators based on their the size, cost and capacity as well as color/finish and certifications.
Design
These commercial refrigerator-freezer combination units are popular due to the fact that they can be placed beneath counters that already exist. This makes them an ideal alternative for businesses that don't have enough space for full-sized upright refrigerators or freezers but still need a space for storing ready-to-cook or pre-cooked ingredients. They're typically available in two or three section models, each with the option of a separate frozen and refrigerated compartment.
These units may have front doors made of stainless steel or tempered glass to give them the look of a typical refrigerator. Some units are panel-ready, that means they can accommodate doors that are custom-designed to match other cabinets in the home. Drawers are another option, with some of them featuring drawers that offer fresh and frozen storage, and others offering just one drawer of each type.
If you are planning to use the fridge in the counter and freezer side by side for food preparation, be sure that it is rated as such. Otherwise, you may end with a scratched or damaged surface that may contain bacteria.
Other options for refrigerator and freezer storage in commercial kitchens include reach-in refrigerators and walk-in freezers, merchandising refrigerators, freezers along with worktop refrigerators and freezers. Burkett offers a variety of sizes of each of these refrigeration units to help you determine the best fit for your restaurant or business.