Why Choose a Drawer Counter?
Drawer counters maximise kitchen efficiency by placing ingredients within arm’s reach, reducing wasted movement and keeping service flowing smoothly. Unlike traditional undercounter fridges, drawer systems provide quick visibility and easy access to ingredients, all while maintaining consistent temperatures, even in hot, high-pressure kitchens.
Foster FlexDrawer Counters
- Dual-mode flexibility: Each drawer can be set as either a refrigerator or freezer (-21°C to +4°C), giving you instant adaptability for seasonal menus or changing storage needs.
- Hot-kitchen performance: Designed to hold safe temperatures in ambient conditions up to 43°C. Ideal for professional kitchens where ovens and grills raise the heat.
- Built for durability: With stainless steel construction, removable drawer bins, and high load capacity, these counters are built to handle heavy daily use.
- Energy conscious: Using natural refrigerant R290 and advanced defrost systems, Foster helps reduce running costs and environmental impact.
Adande Drawer Counters
- Patented ‘Hold the Cold’ design Adande’s insulated drawers significantly reduce cold air loss when opened, keeping ingredients fresher for longer and reducing food waste.
- Exceptional stability: Independent tests have shown Adande units outperform many alternatives in both energy efficiency and temperature consistency.
- Precision control: Each drawer can run as a fridge or freezer, with a wide temperature range from -22°C to +15°C, making them versatile enough for chilled prep, frozen storage, or even delicate items like ice cream.
- Modular options: Available in single, double, and chef-base configurations, they fit seamlessly into different kitchen layouts.
Choosing Between Foster & Adande
Both brands are trusted in professional kitchens worldwide, but each has its strengths:
- Foster FlexDrawer is ideal where kitchens demand robust counters that double as worktops or equipment bases, especially in hot environments.
- Adande excels when temperature stability, ingredient quality and energy savings are the top priority.
For many kitchens, the choice comes down to workflow: whether the priority is heavy-duty counter space (Foster) or precision storage with minimal cold loss (Adande).
Benefits for Your Kitchen
- Fresher ingredients, less waste
- Faster service with storage at the point of use
- Lower running costs through energy-efficient design
- Flexible storage that adapts as your menu does
- Reliable, long-lasting equipment from trusted UK manufacturers
Drawer Counters – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a drawer counter?
A drawer counter is a refrigerated or frozen storage unit with pull-out drawers, often designed to double as a worktop or equipment base. They keep ingredients within easy reach while saving space in busy kitchens.
Q: Can drawer counters be used as both fridge and freezer? Yes. Both Foster FlexDrawer counters and Adande refrigerated drawers allow each drawer to be independently set as either a fridge or freezer. This means you can adapt storage quickly for changing menus or service needs.
Q: How energy efficient are drawer counters? Modern drawer counters are highly energy conscious. Foster FlexDrawer units use natural refrigerant R290 and hot-gas defrost systems, while Adande’s patented ‘Hold the Cold’ design reduces cold air loss when drawers are opened. Both options help lower running costs and reduce environmental impact.
Q: Which is better: Foster or Adande? It depends on your kitchen priorities:
- Foster FlexDrawer counters are ideal for hot kitchens and heavy-duty use, with strong build quality and reliable dual-mode drawers.
- Adande drawer counters excel in temperature stability and ingredient quality, with outstanding energy efficiency.
Both are trusted brands, so the choice often comes down to workflow and layout requirements.
Q: Are drawer counters suitable for hot kitchens? Yes. Foster FlexDrawer counters are specifically designed to perform in ambient conditions up to 43°C. Adande units are also proven to hold stable temperatures in busy, heat-intense kitchens.
Q: Do drawer counters take standard Gastronorm pans? Yes. Both Foster and Adande counters are designed with GN pan compatibility, making them flexible for different storage setups.
Q: Why invest in a drawer counter instead of a standard undercounter fridge?
Drawer counters offer quicker access, better visibility of ingredients, and more stable storage when frequently opened. This reduces wasted movement, speeds up prep and service, and helps maintain food quality.