Commercial Refrigeration Blog

The following is a break-down of some of the most important aspects of properly maintaining commercial refrigerators:

Commercial refrigeration units are a business investment. Since these units cost thousands of dollars, keeping them in working order is a necessity to avoid costly and time-consuming replacements and new installations. In order to keep a commercial refrigerator running as it should, it’s important to implement regular maintenance. Many business owners can perform some of these tasks themselves, while others are more complicated and require the help of a professional. In order to ensure a unit works as it should, it should be installed correctly and placed in such a way that any fans aren’t covered. Improper installation or placement can lead...

March of 2015 proved to be a significant month for the beer distributors on the heels of the March 6th announcement that PLCB has now authorized the sale of 12pack, 15 pack, and 18 pack beer in local stores. But it’s not just an announcement that affects the beer industry alone. It also has a significant on the commercial refrigeration industry. Why? Because large quantity beer is typically stored in a walk-in cooler, while smaller quantity, such as the packs named above can now be sold via a display cooler. However, what do you do when you’ve got a store that only has...

In a restaurant, convenience store, or grocery store, having an inefficient walk-in cooler can be detrimental to the business. When a cooler fails, this could result in spoiled food, warm beverages for customers, and a stressful rush to find a replacement. Before getting stuck with a completely non-functioning cooler, there are a few signs to look for that indicate a cooler needs to be replaced. Looking for these signs allows an owner or manager to plan ahead, price shop, and have a new model installed without affecting the business. One of the most important features of a walk-in cooler is the door....

We rely on electricity to power the major appliances in our commercial businesses. As more and more electricity is consumed, the demand for energy results in an increase in cost. Over the last several years, manufacturers have seen requirements of commercial appliances tighten to stay in line with the minimum federal energy efficiency standards. While most of these changes are good for our pockets and our environment, one must ask “Are energy efficient appliances really worth it?” With the increased cost of energy and environmental concerns looming, business owners are looking toward a combined effort of conserving more energy while reducing...

When purchasing commercial refrigeration for a business, the initial cost is not the only thing that a business owner should consider. Instead, the long-term cost of owning the refrigerator or freezer should also be a consideration. When shopping commercial refrigeration systems, one of the main factors that can affect the cost of ownership is monthly energy usage. A refrigeration unit that has a cheaper price tag may cost much more to operate than an efficient walk in cooler that has a higher initial purchase price. Many restaurateurs, grocery store and convenience store owners, and managers invest in Energy Star products such as...

While laying out the overall design, one of the most important considerations to take into account is the placement of open case refrigeration units for restaurant, hotel shop, convenience store, or supermarket refrigeration units will be placed is one of the most important things to consider. These cases cannot be placed just anywhere. In fact, careful planning to create an uncluttered look while getting optimum performance from the unit is critical. Before placing an open refrigeration display unit simply where it fits, these additional steps should be taken for the perfect placement. Since open merchandiser units do not have glass enclosures like some types...

Commercial refrigeration equipment that is designed to be seen by customers requires a few things to really stand out. Placement that is convenient for the customer that also doesn’t clutter up space is one way to attract attention, but having the right lighting is equally as important because it allows customers to easily view what is inside of the cooler. When deciding what type of lighting is best, there are two main types to choose from: T8 and LED. T8 lighting is a type of fluorescent lamp that is most commonly found in coolers and refrigerators. Unlike the old T12 lamps, these do not contain...

Online shopping has grown in recent years because of its convenience, so it’s no surprise that many entrepreneurs are buying their equipment, including commercial refrigeration units, online. Hoteliers and, restaurateurs, as well as and convenience store and supermarket owners all have turned to the Web to find great deals on essential equipment for their businesses. However, shopping on the Internet isn’t so cut and dry.  Consumers can often become overwhelmed with the number of options coupled with pricing discrepancies. Before purchasing commercial refrigeration equipment online such as a commercial glass door refrigerator or a floral display cooler, entrepreneurs and managers should heed these four...

Commercial refrigeration is an essential part of many different types of business locations. Smooth operation of your store depends on a variety of things, especially if you are in the business of food retail. Understanding the best way to cool your food allows you to keep your products fresh for an extended period of time. This tends to be the cornerstone of any food business. In addition, having a plan for proper refrigeration in your specific environment is essential. One obstacle you may have noticed when accessing refrigerated display cases is condensation build-up. Condensation occurs when heat escapes into a cooler environment. These...

Even the most advanced commercial refrigeration equipment encounters problems after years of use. With proper care, parts may still require replacement or upgrade. In addition, maintenance needs to be performed to ensure a commercial refrigerator cools as it should, maintains its efficiency, and doesn’t have premature failure of expensive parts. If a unit isn’t working the way it was intended, it’s time to call in a refrigeration mechanic. Since commercial refrigeration units can require extensive and complicated repairs, it is important to choose a mechanic that is ready to tackle any problem. Before picking up the phone, utilize these tips...

Any grocery store or convenience store owner knows that running commercial refrigeration equipment in their store is bound to increase energy costs. However, there are several ways to keep these costs down. If you are looking at the latest models in commercial refrigeration, it is natural to lean towards an old staple. A quick review of a variety of units could prove to be useful to keep your energy costs to a minimum.  Before you purchase or install any self-contained unit, you should consider a few specific things about the unit itself and the design of your space. Let’s explore how eliminating...

Now that you're ready to make the investment in a walk in cooler, where do you start? Without the necessary up front research into the exact type of walk in cooler you will need, this could be a very costly mistake. Purchasing a walk in cooler for your business is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. In this article we will go over the steps you will need to take to insure your initial investment will last many years and give you a good return for your hard earned dollars. So where to begin? One of the...