Want to know what the best commercial fridges on the market are, as well as the top commercial refrigeration brands?

Like all other equipment types, they are numerous. With models available to suit every requirement and budget.

But with so much choice, it can be difficult to decide which model is going to be best for you.

To help you, Eco Catering have created a list of our top 5 picks of products within the commercial fridge sector. This is based on our experience of the fridges we have supplied, their reliability, customer feedback, manufacturer’s energy rating scores, warranties, and everything else that should be considered when buying a new fridge.

For this review, we are using commercial fridges, but keep in mind that, as a rule, freezers and other temperature variant models will tend to share the same general stats, although their energy consumption will typically increase. If the fridge performs well and has a freezer variant, you can reliably assume that the freezer will follow suit.

 

2024 Update:

In the previous update to this post, we mentioned there had been major updates from Foster Fridge as they launched their new G3 range, this affected the ordering of our list. However, since then Hoshizaki-Gram have discontinued some older models, as well as released new ones.

This has shaken up the order of our list somewhat, the Foster EP 700H claims the top spot thanks to its excellent specs and efficiency. The Liebherr GKPV 6540 takes number two, on the previous version of this list we featured the GKPV 6590 instead, whilst it was a close decision, we decided to go with the 6540 this time, taking into account the current economic climate. The new Hoshizaki Advance K 70-4 has slid in at number three, and we’ve also decided to add the Polar G592 at number five as it’s at a lower price point and good option in the current climate. Finally, we’ve maintained the Foster XR600H on the list at the number four position, as it is still one of the best mid-tier fridges.

Overall, the landscape of the commercial fridge sector has been shaken up quite a bit, as well as the order of the products we recommend in this list. Whilst many of the same great products are still around, and as reliable as ever, there are new offerings joining the ranks alongside Foster’s previous addition of the G3 range.

Top Commercial Fridges

So, with all things considered, here are our picks of 5 of the best single-door upright refrigerators currently on the market, (all of which are capable of holding GN 2/1 tray sizes):

1. Foster EP 700 H (+1°C/+4°C)

Industry favourite with a good cost to performance balance.

Net Volume: 480 litres Climate Class Test: 5 Energy Efficiency Class: A                     Energy Consumption: 332 kWh/year Warranty: 2 years

+ Good efficiency

+ Parts and service support

–  Narrower temperature range

– Warranty length

Foster is one of the most recognised and purchased commercial refrigerators in the UK. And deservedly so. A British manufacturer, they have been developing and building commercial fridges for over 50 years. Not only are their cabinets great, they are very well supported, with parts and service support readily available. The Foster G3 EP700H replaced one of their biggest-selling premium upright cabinets, and this newer model continues its dominance.

It offers great energy efficiency compared to its competitors, whilst maintaining its leading storage capacity. While brands like Liebherr are known for their excellent build quality, here Foster are offering quality of a comparable level, with even greater efficiency than the Liebherr GKPv 6540, for example, all for a more competitive price.

The EP700H offers the latest iteration of Foster’s Stayclear innovative condenser design, helping reduce potential blockages and making the G3 EP700 range very easy to maintain. If you’re looking for a premium unit with a good level of efficiency and support without the price tag, the Foster G3 fridge makes a very compelling argument for itself.

2. Liebherr GKPV 6540 Refrigerator (+1°C/+15°C)

Robust, solid, and high-quality commercial fridge.

Net Volume: 465 litres Climate Class Test: 5 Energy Efficiency Class: C                    Energy Consumption: 542 kWh/year Warranty: 2 years                  

+ Build Quality

+ Temperature range

– Expensive (Though this particular model is currently discounted until the end of 2024)

– Warranty length

Designed and manufactured in Austria, Liebherr are a quality product and typically Germanic in their design and build. They have a very solid, quality feel, giving a real sense of robustness and durability. The GKPV 6540 really is a very solid refrigerator. Liebherr only offers this unit with a stainless steel interior and exterior for durability, robustness, and ease of cleaning. But it’s not just the build that excels.

Another great feature is their use of forced air cooling to rapidly chill products to temperature. They also have a helpful 14 degrees of variation in their temperature set point, running from +1 to +15 degrees. Allowing for real flexibility and future proofing.

Even though this fridge is at the higher end of the price bracket, by the time you spec. other brands to the same level, you’re not too far off the same cost, and they would still come up short in their ultimate specification. The only small negative is the warranty period when compared to the likes of Hoshizaki-Gram. Their units typically range from 3 to 5 years of warranty. Whilst the two-year period on this unit is in keeping with the majority of manufacturers, for a unit of this quality and price, we’d like to see a 5-year warranty. But with that aside, there really isn’t much to fault at all with the Liebherr.

3. Hoshizaki Advance K 70-4 C DR U (+0°C/+10°C)

Sleek, affordable, quiet, and intelligently designed commercial fridge.

Net Volume: 415 litres Climate Class Test: 5 Energy Efficiency Class: C                     Energy Consumption: 548 kWh/year Warranty: 3 years

+ Stainless steel interior at a lower price point

+ Good variable temperature range

– Not as efficient as some other Hoshizaki models

– Capacity on the lower side compared to others on this list

After Hoshizaki and Gram merged, they have since worked to reorganise their lineup of refrigeration offerings using their combined knowledge of the industry. The Advance K 70-4 is a commercial Hoshizaki fridge that has benefitted from this, making it an excellent choice amongst its competition.

Intelligently designed in a number of ways, the Advance strives to make owning a commercial fridge as easy as possible. Whilst the capacity may seem less than some of the others on this list, the fully adjustable shelves allow you to use every inch of available space. The supports for the shelves are also fully moulded to make them easy to clean, and the edges of the interior are rounded for the same reason. With guides to ensure that the airflow throughout the cabinet is evenly distributed, even if it’s completely full of produce.

Their design decisions helped make the Advance stand out from its competition. With features including those that are the staple of any commercial fridge, such as its lockable, self-closing door; and LED lights on the interior so you can always see inside clearly. As well as this, it has also been designed to run at a low sound level, 10 dB lower than the Liebherr GKPV in fact, so it will never get annoying to be around, and even has a stainless steel interior.

The only downsides are the fact that the energy efficiency is lower than some other Hoshizaki models (for example, the Hoshizaki Premier, which is more efficient but also more expensive), and that it doesn’t have the 5-year warranty that is present on Hoshizaki Premier units. That said, it does have a 3-year warranty, which is still better than a lot of its competition.

Overall, the new Hoshizaki Advance has many great features, and is a compelling choice.

4. Foster XR 600 H Refrigerator (+2°C/+8°C)

Good all-rounder, built by one of the UK’s leading commercial refrigeration manufacturers.

Net Volume: 440 litres Climate Class Test: 5 Energy Efficiency Class: C                    Energy Consumption: 627 kWh/year Warranty: 2 years

+ Major brand support

+ British built

–  Warranty could be longer

– Energy efficiency

Another industry favourite from Foster. Striking a good balance between quality and price. Built for the independent operator and for usage in sites that aren’t too busy, and the environment not too harsh. Backed by Foster’s service and parts support, the XR is a safe choice for a commercial fridge.

Efficiency is good for the price point whilst still maintaining a good net capacity. Scoring a C in the energy efficiency rating whilst being tested to climate class 5, a test which many manufacturers won’t put their budget cabinets through. So even though the consumption level is high, ideally the XR range wouldn’t be used in the hardest environments. Foster would argue this is where their G3 range should be operating. With that taken into account, the running costs would probably be quite a bit lower. However, it’s good to know their cabinets will still function where others around a similar price point could well fail.

5. Polar G592 (+2°C/+5°C)

Affordable, reliable, and easy to use. An excellent option if you’re on a budget.

Net Volume: 376 litres  Climate Class Test: 4 Energy Efficiency Class: C                     Energy Consumption: 587 kWh/year Warranty: 2 years

+ Has a lot of features on par with more expensive units

+ Excellent price point

– Lower climate class

– Capacity

If you have a reduced budget, the Polar G592 is an excellent choice. With many great features typically only found on more pricey units, the G592 is able to incorporate these whilst still maintaining a price point below £1,000.

Its features include an automatic defrost, easy-to-clean construction, a lockable self-closing door, and fan assisted cooling for faster temperature recovery. With added insulation to improve its efficiency.

It’s very affordable, and has lots of great features, so what are its downsides? Well, for one, it has a lower climate class than the other units on this list, meaning it is designed to only operate effectively in up to 30°C of ambient temperature, compared to the 40°C typical of a climate class 5 unit. That shouldn’t be an issue most of the time, but it’s definitely something to bear in mind. As well as this, it has a lower capacity than the other units on this list.

However, all in all, and at this price point, it’s still an excellent commercial fridge, and well worth considering.

 

Products in this article:

Foster EcoPro G3 EP700 H

Liebherr GKPv 6540

Hoshizaki Advance K 70-4 C DR U

Foster XR 600 H

Polar G592

 

Commercial refrigerator FAQs

Is there an all round top commercial fridge you’d recommend?

The Foster EP700 H Refrigerator is a great all round refrigerator for commercial kitchens, finished with a stainless steel exterior and comes with 2-years warranty on parts and labour.

What commercial fridges do restaurants use?

Commercial kitchens and restaurants use a range of equipment, from a variety of manufacturers. Most equipment in kitchens tend to be finished in stainless steel as it’s highly durable and prevents rust by protecting it from air and moisture.

We wouldn’t say that restaurants prefer one brand over another. Most of the time it comes down to the kitchen space available and the budget. However, some of the leading commercial kitchen fridge brands include Foster, Hoshizaki, and Liebherr.

What are the top commercial fridges by brand and quality?

Foster, Hoshizaki and Liebherr are three top commercial fridge brands that are know for quality and reliability. All complete with digital temperature control and the ability to store cold foods safely. They tend to be a reach in refrigerator rather than a walk in, but ensure that you’re able to keep fresh produce correctly and safely.

What features should you look for when buying commercial fridges?

Total capacity, digital temperature control, self closing doors, adjustable shelves and reliable door seals are just some of the key features you should look for in a leading commercial fridge. You’ll also want to find a product that is energy efficient to save energy, meets industry standards, is easily accessible and will help you reduce waste.

Are budget commercial fridges a waste of money?

No. You can find very reliable fridges and units at good value for money for under a £1000. Not every fridge needs to be in the ££££s to give you great performance.

Do commercial refrigerators come only in stainless steel?

Not always. However, fridges for commercial use tend to. This is because it allows then to become more durable and protects them from air and moisture building up, that could lead to rust.

Do the commercial refrigerators you stock meet food hygiene legislation requirements?

Yes. All of the fridges we stock meet hygiene requirements.

Do all commercial fridges include digital temperature control, an automatic defrost system and safety lock?

Not always. Fridges features will vary by product and brand. We’d encourage you to check the product descriptions and feature lists of any fridge you are potentially looking to order.

Are commercial fridges available as walk ins or only as a reach in refrigerator?

Both. This also depends on the product and brand. For easy access, a walk in fridge may be preferred in a commercial kitchen but is not always possible due to space. But reach in single door and twin door fridges also provide sufficient space for storing chilled goods and produce.

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