Aquilo’s Guide to Choosing a Fridge
Fridges are, undoubtedly, amongst the most heavily used items in any commercial food operation so replacing existing equipment or buying additional items needs careful consideration.
Storage requirements and space availability are the two areas that need to be addressed over and above all others. Your starting point is defining what, and how much, food needs to be refrigerated and at what temperatures. Then think through how this could be best addressed within your spatial limitations. For instance, a counter unit doubles up as an extra worktop. Models with drawers enable various foods to be held separately while, for some busy kitchens, a countertop prep fridge might prove convenient. Essentially, chefs and kitchen staff should be able to access what they need quickly thereby reducing unnecessary footfall and congestion.
Other things to look at are:
Refrigerant - Undoubtedly, the new hydrocarbon models now available are not only exceptionally eco-friendly but are far more energy efficient than their predecessors and offer increased longevity. R290 refrigerant (one of the most popular hydrocarbons) has outstanding thermodynamic properties and quickly absorbs heat which, in turn, leads to faster temperature recovery. Also, it’s important to note that R290 is naturally occurring and possesses non-toxic properties that have made it one of the most climate-friendly and cost-efficient refrigerants available today.
Gastronorm compatibility - not all commercial fridges and freezers are gastronorm compatible so it is also worth checking that the model you’re looking at can accommodate the quantity and configurations of pans you use.
Temperature - check the temperature range to ensure it will meet your needs. A good range will prove more versatile, especially as seasons and menu changes demand different ingredients that might require different holding temperatures.
Defrost - although most fridges and freezers offer automatic defrost, do check.
Self-closing doors – these are a must as doors left ajar will cause temperatures to rise and food to be compromised.
Condenser pre-filter - this helps ensure the condenser runs super-efficiently while also extending its useful life. The filter prevents contamination by collecting airborne debris and can be easily vacuumed and cleaned as opposed to the costly chemical process that is often necessary on fridges without a filter.
Packaging size – it might seem obvious, but people often forget to check the packaged dimensions of their new fridge so ensure that the model you’re looking at can actually be carried into your kitchen.
Aftercare - It’s always worth checking what aftercare is provided at the time of purchase. For absolute peace of mind, make sure your supplier can offer extended and/or tailored warranties.
AQUILO’S GUIDE TO FRIDGE MAINTENANCE
Looking after your fridge will maximise its efficiency and ensure food is kept in optimum condition for the longest time. A proper maintenance schedule will also reward you by increasing the useful life of your fridge.
Check fridge contents daily and discard anything that is out of date or beyond its best.
Resist placing warm items into the fridge. Doing this can increase the possibility of activating dormant bacteria and lead to foodstuffs perishing quickly – and even more crucially, could lead to food poisoning.
Clean both internally and externally weekly.
This includes the following:
• Switch off at wall and transfer contents.
• Remove shelving and rails and wash in mild soapy
water.
• Wash inside fridge and door.
• Sanitize with a commercial sanitizer.
• Power up and allow to reach temperature before
re-loading contents.
• Remove gaskets, check for damage and wash as
above. If they are showing signs of deterioration (this happens) do replace them. A good supplier should always have stock available that’s right for your model.
• Clean coil and vacuum if necessary.
• Clean condenser (many well-specified models have a
pre-filter screen which makes cleaning much easier).
• Check the air filter and keep it clean.
Further information: Sandro Wulkan. Aquilo Refrigeration. The Mill. Marsh Fold Lane. Manchester. BL1 4HG Tel: 0800 093 8343
Comments