From enhancing inventory organisation and driving sales, to ensuring products are safe for customers to consume, commercial refrigeration has many advantages for businesses operating in the hospitality sector.
We often get asked about the differences between commercial and domestic refrigeration, and although they may be subtle, they’re definitely there.
Here, our experts walk you through the pros and cons of commercial refrigeration and why it may or may not be the best choice for your home kitchen.
What are the differences between commercial and domestic refrigeration?
- Size – commercial and domestic refrigeration units differ in size and capacity.
- Refrigerators designed for home kitchens are much smaller than those that are intended for use in commercial kitchens, as more storage space is needed to accommodate stock.
- Materials – commercial refrigeration units are made from much higher-grade materials – like stainless steel – for increased strength and durability. Whereas domestic fridges are made from plastic components, which aren’t as strong or long-lasting.
- Features – with adjustable shelves, sturdy baskets and out-of-hours locks, commercial fridges boast some amazing features. Though home fridges may feature some of these things, like shelves and baskets, they’re not always as durable as the ones found in commercial units.
Pros of commercial refrigeration
There are plenty of ways you can benefit from investing in a commercial fridge for your kitchen at home, including:
- You’ll have endless storage space
If you have the space for a commercial refrigeration unit in your home kitchen, then you’re sure to benefit from the additional space.
Having more shelves and drawers means you have much more room for all of your food and drink, which is ideal if you have a large family to feed.
If you’re planning on investing in a commercial fridge for your kitchen at home, we suggest measuring your space first to make sure that it’ll definitely fit and doesn’t take up all the room in your kitchen.
- Aesthetics
If you’ve taken a more minimalistic approach to the décor in your kitchen, the stainless steel exterior of a commercial refrigerator is sure to complement it perfectly. And, being made from such high-quality materials, commercial refrigerators can withstand much more wear and tear, and will last much longer than their domestic counterparts which are made mostly of plastic.
- There are more features
With a commercial fridge comes many more state-of-the-art features, which admittedly, aren’t necessarily needed in a domestic kitchen. But if you’re a passionate home chef, you’ll thank yourself for making the investment.
Cons of commercial refrigeration
Like most things, investing in commercial refrigeration for your home comes with potential drawbacks, and just some of them include:
- They’re harder to install
Commercial fridge installation is much more complicated than fitting a domestic fridge, and you’ll need to consult a professional to help you.
- They require more complex maintenance
Whereas fridges intended for home use only require simple cleaning and checks every now and then, commercial fridges require much more frequent maintenance, including coil and gasket cleaning and thermostat monitoring, checking refrigerant levels and more.
- They take up lots of space
Having more storage space may be beneficial for some – but not everyone.
If you’re lucky enough to have a large kitchen, space won’t be an issue. However, if your square footage is limited, the size of a commercial fridge just isn’t practical.
Need help choosing the perfect commercial refrigerator?
Whether you’re considering commercial refrigeration for your kitchen at home, or you’re looking for recommendations for your restaurant kitchen, our experts are here to help.
At J&M Refrigeration, we have decades of experience in the industry, and are best placed to offer advice and recommendations.
Give us a call today on 0121 544 0555 or send us a message via our online contact form and we’ll be in touch with more information!
