Choosing a commercial refrigeration system is a major decision for foodservice businesses. Whether you are a supermarket, convenience store, cafeteria or restaurant, foodservice outlets depend on commercial refrigeration equipment to properly chill and attractively display food. Every foodservice operator’s nightmare is finding that food has spoiled or equipment has leaked. Examining the following five critical areas will help you choose the right commercial refrigeration system for your organization.
Functionality
A commercial refrigeration system must prevent spoilage and display items in an attractive manner. The best systems are designed with the end user in mind. Units should be easy to clean. Components should be easy to sanitize and disinfect when necessary to ensure food safety. Doors should be easy for customers to open and close securely to keep food fresh and cold. Temperature controls should be easy to see and adjust.
Reliability
Commercial refrigeration systems must be durable since they have to keep food cold 24 hours a day. You don’t want equipment failures that result in food waste and unhappy customers. You also want to avoid leaks that expose refrigerants.
Look for high performing equipment from best in class vendors. Ask them about the life span of the equipment you are considering for purchase.
Serviceability
If your commercial refrigeration system does malfunction, you’ll want to know that your vendor provides exceptional post installation support and servicing. Ask your vendor about their equipment warranties and customer support program. Ask about their turnaround time for servicing.
Do they provide ongoing training for equipment installers and servicers? Do they hire certified technicians who are experts in troubleshooting and repairing specific equipment?
You will also want to factor in costs for regular maintenance and part replacement. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your system, reduce refrigerant leaks and prevent high energy consumption.
Efficiency
As energy costs continue to rise, so does the need for higher efficiency commercial refrigeration systems. Some commercial refrigeration systems use as much as 17,000 kilowatts of power annually.
Environmental impact should also be considered as regulations continue to focus on refrigerants.
Aesthetics
Commercial refrigeration goes beyond protecting perishable food items. Not only must the system perform well it must seamlessly blend into the interior design of the foodservice establishment.
Equally important, the commercial refrigeration system you select must showcase food attractively so people will be enticed to buy it.
A commercial refrigeration system is a big investment. Weighing areas like functionality, reliability, serviceability, efficiency, and aesthetics is an essential part of the selection process. An experienced vendor can help you choose the right commercial refrigeration system for your business or organization.
