Guide to Choosing a Professional Refrigerator Cabinet

If you run a restaurant, deli, or pastry shop, you know how crucial it is to keep ingredients fresh and safe. This is where the refrigerator cabinet comes into play, a fundamental tool to ensure optimal food preservation while maintaining high standards of quality and food safety.
 
But with all the models available on the market, how do you choose the right one for your business?
 
The choice can seem complicated, but we at Everlasting are here to help you make things clear. In this article, we will analyze together the main factors to consider in order to make an informed decision.
 

Crucial Factors in Choosing the Right Professional Refrigerator Cabinet

 
Each type of refrigerator cabinet offers specific advantages that can meet different operational needs. It is important to carefully evaluate which refrigerator cabinet best meets the requirements of your business, considering factors such as the type of cabinet, energy efficiency, type of refrigeration, and overall dimensions. Let's explore these in more detail.
 

The Type of Refrigerator Cabinet

Refrigerator cabinets are primarily divided into three types:
  • Positive temperature;
  • Negative temperature;
  • Dual temperature.
Positive temperature cabinets maintain temperatures between -2°C and +10°C, ideal for storing fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and cooked items. Negative temperature cabinets, on the other hand, are designed to store foods at very low temperatures, generally between -18°C and -25°C, perfect for storing meat, fish, and other frozen products that need to be preserved to maintain their organoleptic properties.
 
Lastly, dual temperature cabinets offer the flexibility of having two separate compartments, one for positive temperature storage and one for negative temperatures. This type of cabinet is particularly useful in situations where it is necessary to store different types of food with different temperature requirements, such as a pastry shop that needs to store both fresh cakes and ice cream, keeping everything needed in a single versatile device.
 
Therefore, the choice of the most suitable type of cabinet should be made taking into account the type of business you run.
 

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a crucial factor in choosing a professional refrigerator cabinet, not only to reduce operating costs but also to minimize environmental impact. Refrigerator cabinets operate continuously, so choosing a model with high energy efficiency can result in significant long-term economic savings.
 
Energy labels are a useful tool for evaluating the efficiency of a refrigerator. These labels classify appliances on a scale from A+++ (maximum efficiency) to G (minimum efficiency). Opting for a model with a high energy class, such as B or A, means having a device that consumes less energy and contributes to more sustainable resource management.
 
Another important aspect of energy efficiency is the use of eco-friendly refrigerants. Many modern refrigerator cabinets use R290 gas, a natural hydrocarbon also known as propane. R290 has a low environmental impact due to its low global warming potential (GWP) and does not contribute to ozone layer depletion. Additionally, refrigerators that use R290 tend to be more energy-efficient than those using traditional refrigerants.
 
It is clear that the choice should fall on a refrigerator cabinet with a good energy class and an eco-friendly refrigerant like R290, to significantly reduce long-term operating costs.
 

Type of Refrigeration

There are three main refrigeration systems for professional refrigerator cabinets:
  • Static;
  • Ventilated;
  • Roll bond.
Static refrigeration is based on the gradual thermal exchange between the internal walls of the cabinet, which become static evaporators, and the products inside. This type of refrigeration is widely used in horizontal counter display units for ice cream and fresh gelato, as it is ideal for foods that need a temperature and humidity that does not lead to the formation of ice crystals.
 
The system uses the natural circulation of slower, gentler cold air, creating different temperature zones.
 
Ventilated refrigeration, on the other hand, offers greater power and cooling speed thanks to the uniform distribution of cold throughout the interior of the appliance. This result is achieved through a fan that forces air through the evaporator, ensuring a constant and homogeneous temperature. It is particularly suitable for storing fresh and perishable foods that require stable conditions, such as meat, fish, and dairy products.
 
Professional refrigerator cabinets with roll bond refrigeration use an aluminum plate stamped with refrigerant gas, placed in the back wall of the compartment, near a small fan that moves the air.
 
This system represents a middle ground between static and ventilated refrigeration, combining energy efficiency and uniform temperature distribution. It is ideal for pastry shops and gelato laboratories.
 
Again, the choice of refrigeration type should be based on business needs.
 

Dimensions

The dimensions of the refrigerator cabinet are a crucial factor to consider when choosing a model. It is essential to assess the available space in the premises and choose a cabinet that fits perfectly without hindering daily operations. A cabinet that is too large might be cumbersome, while one that is too small may not meet storage needs. It is also important to consider the accessibility and internal layout of the cabinet, such as the presence of adjustable shelves and compartments, to maximize space efficiency and facilitate product organization.
 

Conclusions and the Role of Everlasting

In conclusion, we have listed the main factors to consider when choosing a professional refrigerator cabinet: type of cabinet, energy efficiency, type of refrigeration, and overall dimensions. Each aspect significantly impacts the refrigerator's ability to keep food fresh and safe, and on the economic and environmental sustainability of the business.
 
At Everlasting, we understand how important it is to find the perfect refrigerator cabinet to meet the specific needs of your business. For this reason, we produce a wide range of refrigerated cabinets for professional use, designed to meet any operational need in the catering sector. But it doesn't stop there: our catalog offers custom solutions for the bakery, pastry, gelato, and chocolate preservation sectors.
 
Our staff is always available to help you find the most suitable product for your needs. Contact us for personalized advice and discover how Everlasting can contribute to the success of your business with high-quality and reliable refrigeration solutions.