Buying the Right Reach in Cooler and Freezer

Reach in coolers and freezers are primarily used to chill raw and cooked food for short term preparation and service.

Types :  Reach in coolers and freezers can be found available in 1 , 2 , 3 section configurations which have 1,2,3 full doors and 4 , 5 , 6 half doors .  Combination cooler-freezers have separate external temperature controls. Under counter coolers keep fresh produce on the line close to the cooks reach.  Glass door units help to quickly identify the contents and are generally used as self service merchandisers at convenience stores and supermarkets.

Before buying a reach in cooler and freezer, it is vital to take the following things into consideration, that is, one must carefully look into the various features offered and try to match it with the needs one has. Some of these features include:

Features: A 1-door unit requires one ½ HP compressor, 2-door units use either a ½ Hp or a ¾ HP compressor and a 3-full door unit uses a 1 HP compressor. Units with half door configurations can easily maintain internal cabinet temperatures and save energy costs by allowing less cold air to escape when it is opened. Models which have an expansion valve system for the refrigerant tend to be more efficient and are quicker to recover than those with a capillary tube. Manufacturers are more aware of using environmentally friendly refrigerants such as HCFC -22 and CFC free R-134a.

Capacity: Depending on the manufacturer 1-section have a storage capacity of 20-25 cubic feet; 2-door units have 46-52 cubic feet and 3-door units 70-80 cubic feet of storage.
Footprint: Prefabricated reach – in units are able to fit into narrow spaces or even under counters to maximize space.  Standard 1-section units can measure 28” wide 32” deep and stand 78”-84” tall. Under Counter units are commonly used about 29.5” tall and the standard widths are 28”, 48”, 60” and 72”.
Energy Source: Under Counters which have one or two door units operate on 115 volts. Larger Capacity units use 208-230 volts.
Temperature Range: Coolers are generally manufactured to maintain an interior temperature of 40 0 F. And freezers on the other hand maintain a temperature of 10 0 – 20 0 F.
Construction: Normally reach in coolers and freezers are manufactured in a combination of both aluminum and stainless steel.  100 % stainless steel units are more expensive but they are also more durable and easier on maintenance.
Maintenance: Both coolers and freezers need to be frequently cleaned and sanitized both in the inside and in the outside.  Units on casters add mobility to ease through cleaning.
Manufacturers : Reach in coolers and freezers are available in various sizes from some leading manufacturers like Coldtech , Artic Air ,  Trauslen , Hoshizaki , Continental Refrigerator ,  True Manufactueres ,  Mc Call ,  Blue Air ,  Master Bill and Metalfrio.

Most manufacturers provide only a limited number of freezer baskets and cooler wire shelves for each unit however additional baskets, shelves and casters are readily available for separate purchase.