To many people, the main difference between a commercial-grade refrigerator and a standard home refrigerator is that one is used in restaurants and grocery stores, and the other is used in home kitchens.
However, there are many technical factors that make a refrigerator a commercial refrigerator, many of which are not as obvious.
For example, commercial refrigerators come with more formidable refrigerants, which enable them to cool much faster, often about 2-3 times quicker than regular refrigerators.
These subtle differences are important for telling whether a fridge is commercial grade or not.
Here are five main factors that make a refrigerator commercial-grade.
The most obvious way of telling a commercial-grade refrigerator from a standard refrigerator is by observing what materials it is made of, both in the interior and exterior.
Regular residential refrigerators are made of painted steel or powder-coated metal for the exterior and plastic or aluminum liners for the interior (ABS polystyrene).
Commercial-grade refrigerators, on the other hand, are made of heavy-duty stainless steel (usually 304-grade or better) on both the interior and exterior.
Stainless steel works best for commercial refrigerators because:
If you are in the market for a commercial refrigerator to be used specifically inside the kitchen, go for a unit that is made of high-quality stainless steel that will endure the rigors of frequent use.
These commercial reach-in refrigerators are designed for in-kitchen use, and they are covered, both interior and exterior, with high-grade stainless steel for lasting durability and hassle-free cleaning.
You can choose different sizes from 27-inch Commercial Solid Door models to 81-inch Commercial Reach-in models.
Act now as they are now on sale up to 25% off!
A commercial-grade refrigerator is also superior to a standard refrigerator in terms of cooling power and speed. On average, a commercial refrigerator will cool its contents 2-3 times quicker than a standard household refrigerator would manage.
This is because commercial-grade refrigerators use more powerful compressors and fans. Commercial refrigerators use hermetically sealed, high BTU/hour rating compressors (like the Embraco NEKZ), which are built for rapid cooling and continuous use.
Standard residential refrigerators, on the other hand, use compact, energy-efficient compressors like the LG linear Compressor, which are built for light cooling and energy-saving operation.
Ebraco compressors are a big green flag when it comes to buying commercial refrigerators.
Wilprep Commercial Display Refrigerators come with a formidable Embraco compressor, combined with natural R290 refrigerant for reliable and eco-friendly operation.
Now on sale up to 28% off, you can choose between single door models, double door and even triple door models to match the size and needs of your business.
Another major feature that sets commercial-grade refrigerators apart is the superior amount of storage capacity they offer: they are taller, deeper, and usually wider, especially when they come with multiple doors.
On average, a standard commercial reach-in fridge is roughly 1.5 to 2 times larger in internal volume than a standard home fridge, and up to 3 times larger in multi-door or walk-in configurations.
This table shows differences in storage capacity between different types of commercial refrigerators and similar household models:
Even a single-door commercial refrigerator takes up more floor space than a residential model
Most commercial refrigerators provide enough storage space, but not all are designed to make storage easy.
Whether you are going for a commercial prep-table or undercounter model, the key is to go for one that allows adjustable shelves so you can better organize your food pans, large trays, or bulk goods.
Commercial refrigerators have significantly more precise temperature control and monitoring systems than residential units.
Commercial fridges offer ±1°F accuracy, faster recovery, and often include digital controls, alarms, and logs.
Residential fridges are sometimes less precise and lack real-time feedback, built more for energy savings and quiet use than rigorous temperature management.
This is because they are often used in the foodservice industry, where temperature precision is critical for food safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable performance under heavy use.
Precise temperature control can be tailored for specific ranges required by food safety regulations (e.g., holding meat or dairy).
Suiling supply professional and honest service.
Here are 5 temperature controls you will find on a commercial-grade refrigerator that you wouldn't necessarily find on a household fridge:
Though it’s becoming less noticeable due to the rise in environmental awareness and green technology, the tradeoff between energy efficiency and performance has long been a key way to distinguish commercial refrigerators from standard household models.
Commercial-grade refrigerators are built for optimal performance in demanding kitchen environments, so they’ve often been viewed as less energy efficient than home fridges, with performance taking precedence.
However, many modern commercial units now carry ENERGY STAR® ratings, helping to reduce operating costs without sacrificing capability.
All commercial refrigerators from Wilprep’s kitchen come with varying certifications from internationally recognized testing institutions like ETL, ETL Sanitation, and DOE.
From larger models to open-air curtain merchandiser fridges, you can rest assured that each unit has been tested by Intertek and meets the applicable Energy Star and CEC standards.
A commercial-grade refrigerator is a robust, efficient, and regulation-compliant unit built to handle the rigorous demands of professional kitchens and businesses. It’s all about performance, durability, and compliance, not just keeping food cold.
A commercial refrigerator has more space than a regular fridge. It can store large amounts of food, making it perfect for restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. Businesses can keep fresh ingredients, frozen items, and drinks all in one place.
This helps save time because workers don’t have to restock food often. More storage means less worry about running out of ingredients during busy hours.
These refrigerators have strong cooling systems that keep food at the right temperature all the time. Even if the kitchen gets hot, the fridge keeps working properly. This prevents food from spoiling, which is important for safety. A steady temperature also keeps food fresh for a longer time. This is helpful for businesses that store meat, dairy, and vegetables.
Commercial fridges cool food much faster than home fridges. When food is stored at the right temperature quickly, it stays fresh and safe to eat. This is important for businesses that need to keep food cold after delivery or cooking. Quick cooling also helps prevent bacteria from growing. This makes sure that customers get safe and high-quality food.
These refrigerators are made with strong materials like stainless steel. They can handle heavy use in busy kitchens without breaking easily. Since they last for many years, businesses don’t have to replace them often. This saves money in the long run. A strong fridge is a smart investment for any food business.
Commercial refrigerators come in different shapes and sizes. Some have glass doors to display drinks, while others have solid doors for storage. Businesses can choose models with extra shelves or drawers based on their needs. There are also upright, under-counter, and walk-in refrigerators. This allows businesses to pick the best fridge for their kitchen space.
Keeping food at the right temperature is very important for safety. A commercial refrigerator helps prevent food poisoning by keeping food fresh. Many models have easy-to-clean shelves and surfaces, which help maintain hygiene. This reduces the risk of bacteria and cross-contamination. Businesses that follow food safety rules can keep their customers safe and happy.
In busy kitchens, people open and close the fridge many times a day. A commercial refrigerator is designed to handle this without losing its cooling power. It quickly returns to the right temperature after the door is shut. This means food stays fresh, even during rush hours. Regular fridges cannot handle this kind of use and may let food spoil.
Some commercial refrigerators are made to use less electricity. These energy-efficient models help businesses save money on power bills. They also reduce the impact on the environment. Even though they cost more at first, they save money over time. Choosing an energy-saving fridge is a good option for businesses that want to cut costs.
These refrigerators have different sections for different types of food. Some areas are colder for meats, while others are perfect for vegetables and dairy. This helps keep all food fresh for a longer time. It also prevents the mixing of food odors and cross-contamination. Organized storage makes it easier for workers to find ingredients quickly.
A well-organized fridge helps kitchen staff work faster. When ingredients are easy to find, chefs can prepare food quickly. This reduces mistakes and makes the kitchen more efficient. A clean and organized fridge also makes it easier to check inventory. This helps businesses avoid wasting food and running out of stock.
With proper cooling, food lasts longer. This means businesses throw away less food, which saves money. A commercial refrigerator helps keep ingredients fresh until they are used. This is important for restaurants that order food in bulk. Less waste also means better profits and a cleaner environment.
Commercial refrigerators are more expensive than home fridges. Businesses have to spend a lot of money at the start to buy one. The price depends on the size, brand, and features. Some small businesses may find it hard to afford. However, it is a long-term investment that saves money over time.
These refrigerators are big and need a lot of room. If a kitchen is small, finding space for them can be a problem. Some models may not fit through doors or in tight spaces. Businesses must plan carefully before buying one. If space is limited, a smaller model might be a better option.
Commercial refrigerators use more electricity than regular fridges. This means higher electricity bills every month. Some energy-efficient models are available, but they still consume a lot of power. Businesses should check energy ratings before buying. Choosing a model with good insulation can help save energy.
These refrigerators need regular cleaning and servicing. If dust collects on the cooling system, it may stop working properly. Businesses must clean the fridge, check for leaks, and service it often. Ignoring maintenance can lead to costly repairs. A well-maintained fridge lasts longer and works better.
Commercial refrigerators have strong cooling systems that can be loud. The noise can be annoying, especially in small kitchens or quiet places. Some models are noisier than others, so it’s important to check before buying. Businesses should place the fridge in a spot where the noise won’t disturb workers or customers. Regular maintenance can also help reduce noise.
These refrigerators produce a lot of heat. If they don’t have enough space around them, they may overheat. Overheating can make the fridge work harder and use more electricity. Businesses need to place them in a well-ventilated area. Keeping the vents clean also helps them run efficiently.
Commercial refrigerators are very heavy. Moving them from one place to another is not easy. If a business needs to rearrange the kitchen often, this can be a problem. Special equipment or extra workers may be needed to move them. Businesses should choose a good spot for the fridge so they don’t have to move it often.
If a commercial refrigerator breaks down, fixing it can be costly. Some parts are expensive, and repairs may take time. A broken fridge can also lead to food spoilage, which means more losses. Regular servicing helps prevent big repair costs. Choosing a reliable brand with a good warranty can also be helpful.
If too much food is stored in the fridge, the cooling may not work properly. Some areas may become warmer, leading to food spoilage. It’s important to arrange food properly and not block air vents. Businesses should check the temperature regularly to make sure it stays consistent. Using the right-sized fridge for storage needs can help avoid this issue.
Small cafes, food trucks, or home-based businesses may not need a big commercial fridge. It can take up too much space and increase electricity costs. For small businesses, a regular fridge or a compact commercial model might be a better choice. Choosing the right fridge size based on storage needs is important. It helps avoid unnecessary costs and space issues.