Are you remodeling your food truck and you are wondering what type of fridge to use? If YES, here are 7 best fridge and freezer for food trucks. Irrespective of what your food concept is, you will probably need at least one refrigerator installed in your food truck.
Whether you are serving sandwiches and need to keep meats and cheeses cold or you intend to serve summer time beverages and need a cooling system that’s both reliable and enough to keep everything necessary to execute your menu.
Note that finding the right refrigerator for a food truck is quite different from finding the right one for a restaurant. If you are looking for commercial – grade restaurant refrigerators, you will have a wide range of quality options. However, fridges and freezers designed to withstand the tough demands of a food truck business are harder to come by.
Commercial refrigerators specifically marketed for mobile food businesses come in various types with their own benefits. However, before you purchase a food truck, make sure you understand the different types of appliances that may be included with your commercial refrigerator.
Best Food Truck Refrigerators
1. Under – counter Refrigerators
With limited space to work inside a food truck, under – counter models can be used as the main or secondary refrigeration unit. These refrigerators are specifically designed to fit under counter – tops and some are not suitable to be used as preparation space or hold equipment above them.
Their measurements include 36 inches for typical under – counter refrigerators, 34 inches for “ADA height” (Americans with Disabilities Act) models, and 30 to 32 inches for “low profile” versions (including legs or casters). However, before acquiring this refrigerators, measure the area where the fridge or freezer will be placed.
Depending on the design of the model, you might require clearance for proper ventilation. In the United States, the drawer – types are becoming more popular owing to quick access to ingredients compared to door – type under – counter refrigerators.
Also note that some under – counter refrigerators are designed with heavy – duty worktop surface and can be mounted with an optional back – splash accessory, essentially transforming it into a worktop refrigerator.
2. Worktop Refrigerators
Even though they might have the same height as an under – counter refrigerator, worktop models differ due to its design offers a convenient space for cutting and preparing food. In addition, some models have a back – splash attached to protect the wall from food debris or particles.
However, owing to its similarities with under – counter refrigerators, check the weight – bearing specification of the model you are about to acquire, as those designed to be able to carry weight above can be safely used as worktop.
3. Reach-In Refrigerators
If your food truck business requires you to store an abundance of fruit, vegetables or juices, a reach-in refrigerator may be the perfect fit for you. This type of refrigeration system will be very similar to the refrigerator in your home, but built for commercial use and functionality.
4. Refrigerated Chef Bases
These come with rugged tops that can be used for food preparation or hold other appliances. In recent times, refrigerated chef bases have grown in popularity due to its convenient design.
However, if cooking equipment will be used on top of the chef base, always ensure you consider the warm air produced by the refrigerator’s condenser in addition to the heat from the cooking equipment when doing the calculation of CFM (cubic per minute) ventilation requirements for the exhaust hood.
Also consider using mounting legs to achieve minimum amount of clearance between the cooking equipment and the chef base. Check the refrigerator’s specification sheet to prevent exceeding the weight of objects put on top of the chef base.
5. Sandwich, Salad, or Pizza Prep Tables
These tables are used to streamline food preparation while keeping ingredients cold and fresh. These tables can also be equipped with mounted cutting board and pans for easy food assembly.
Prep tables tend to come in two different categories: sandwich or salad prep table and pizza prep tables. Sandwich prep tables comes with a thinner cutting board, have no rail (flat prep), and uses 1/3 size food pans. Pizza prep tables come with a thicker cutting board, raised rail, and uses 1/6 size food pans.
But depending on the model, refrigeration is achieved via air cooled, cold wall, or liquid jacket method. Nonetheless, choose the type base on your application and available space. But have it in mind that the number of ingredients or your truck menu can affect what style and configuration you must purchase.
7 Best Fridge and Freezer for Food Trucks
Choosing the right fridge or freezer for your mobile food business can be a bit confusing with all the options available and the various health regulations that need to be considered. But sticking to your business plan, needs, and budget is an ideal way to stay on track and select the equipment that will help your food truck succeed. Nonetheless, here are top choices to consider;
1. Entrée EUR27X Single Door 27” Under counter Cooler
This under counter cooler is 27 – 4/5”W x 31”D x 35 – 2/5”H and it is equipped with one heavy – duty, PVC – coated shelf and a rear – mounted condensing unit. The polyurethane insulation is CFC – free and the stainless steel front and sides can withstand the demands of a commercial environment. Other Features and Details include;
- Solid state thermostat with digital display
- Self – closing door remains open past 90 degrees
- Environmentally – friendly R600A refrigerant
- EZ slide out condenser
- Full length integrated door handle
- Four 3” casters included (two front brakes)
- Cool air intake
- Temperature range: 34 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit
- Two – year parts and labour warranty, five – year compressor
2. Volition VUR27 Commercial Under counter Single Door 27 Inch Refrigerator
The Volition VUR27 Commercial Under counter Single Door 27 Inch Refrigerator is exclusively provided by Rapids Wholesale, a name you trust.”
- Features of the Volition VUR27
- Finish: Stainless Steel Interior and Exterior
- Heavy Duty Vinyl Coated Shelf
- 7 Cu.Ft. Under counter Commercial Refrigerator
- Recessed Pocket Handles
- 6” overall height castors included
- Door: self closing with recessed pocket handle
- Able to be converted to a worktop unit with corresponding backsplash
- Dimensions: 36” Height, 27 – 1/2” Width, 30” Depth
- Warranty: 1 Year Parts and Labour (additional parts and labour warranty available for purchase), 5 Year Compressor
3. Entrée 70” Pizza Prep Refrigerator 2 – Door
This EP70X 70” Pizza Prep Table makes use of an effective self – contained refrigeration system to keep your pizza – making supplies at optimal temperature. It includes nine 1/3 size food pans, as well as casters and two PVC – coated shelves. Other features and details include;
- Finish: Stainless steel front, top, and sides with powder – coated aluminium interior
- Heavy – duty, PVC – coated shelves (2)
- Solid state thermostat with digital display
- EZ slide out condenser
- Full length integrated door handle
- Zero clearance back and sides
- Cool air intake
- Doors: Self – closing, field – reversible, with stay – open feature past 90 degrees
- Dimensions: 41 – 7/10”H x 70 – 7/10”W x 33 – 3/10”D
- Casters included | Two front brakes
- ½ HP, 115v/60/1 – ph, 9.0 amps, NEMA 5 – 15P, 10 ft. cord, cULus, UL EPH
4. Atosa MSF8303GR
Atosa Sandwich/Salad Top Refrigerator is a front – breathing, side – mount compressor sandwich prep unit from Atosa comes with a two – year parts and labour warranty and a 5 – year compressor warranty. Both the interior and exterior are constructed of stainless steel, and it has a heavy – duty Embraco compressor. Additional Features of the Atosa MSF8303GR include
- Stainless steel food pans included
- Self – closing door that will stay open past 90 degrees
- Recessed door handle
- Standard safety door lock
- Magnetic door gaskets
- Pre – installed 5” casters (4) and shelves (2)
- 155 lbs loading capacity per shelf
- 2 cu.ft.
- Environmentally – friendly refrigerant
- Exterior dimensions: 60 – 1/4”W x 30”D x 44 – 1/4”H
5. Entrée EST60X
The EST60X is a double door 16 pan Sandwich Prep Refrigerator. It will extensively simplify preparation of all your salads and sandwiches. The refrigerated top section comes with a standard (16) food pans to keep most popular ingredients handy. Self – closing door and EZ slide out condenser add to the unit’s energy efficiency. Additional features include;
- Finish: Stainless steel front, top, and sides with ABS interior
- 1535 Cu.Ft. Salad/Sandwich Prep Refrigerator
- Full – length integrated door handle
- Castors included – two front brakes
- Solid state thermostat with digital display
- Self – closing doors are field – reversible and remain open past 90 degrees
- Zero clearance back and sides
- EZ slide out condenser
- ½ HP, 115/60/1 – ph, 7.0 amps, NEMA 5 – 15P, 10 ft. cord, cULus, UL EPH
- Dimensions: 43 – 3/10” Height, 61 – 1/5” Width, 31” Depth
6. Atosa MSF8302GR
Atosa Sandwich/Salad Top Refrigerator, two – section, rear – mounted, self – contained refrigeration, (2) solid hinged doors, digital temperature control, 33° to 38°F temperature range, (2) adjustable shelves, poly cutting board, ventilated refrigeration, automatic evaporation, air defrost, includes (12) 1/6 stainless steel pans, stainless steel interior & exterior, galvanized steel back, 5” casters, 115v/60/1 – ph, cETLus. Additional Features include;
- Stainless steel food pans included
- Self – closing door that will stay open past 90 degrees
- Recessed door handle
- Standard safety door lock
- Magnetic door gaskets
- Pre – installed 5” casters (4) and shelves (2)
- 155 lbs loading capacity per shelf
- 12 cu.ft.
- Environmentally – friendly refrigerant
- Exterior dimensions: 48 – 1/4”W x 30”D x 44 – 5/16”H
7. Entrée EUR47X Double Door 48” Under counter Cooler
Note that this under counter fridge is 48 – 1/5”W x 31”D x 35 – 2/5”H and it comes with two heavy – duty, PVC – coated shelves and a rear – mounted condensing unit. The polyurethane insulation is CFC – free and the stainless steel front and sides can withstand the demands of a commercial environment. Other Features and Details are;
- Solid state thermostat with digital display
- Self – closing doors remain open past 90 degrees
- Environmentally – friendly R600A refrigerant
- EZ slide out condenser
- Full length integrated door handle
- Four 3” casters included (two front brakes)
- Cool air intake
- Temperature range: 34 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit
- Two – year parts and labour warranty, five – year compressor
Factors to Consider When Buying a Fridge or freezer for your Food Truck
When trying to decide on the best fridge or freezer system for your food truck, the first factor you should consider is the nature of your business. What do you intend to serve your prospective clients? Do you plan on serving barbecue, or will you be serving frozen products such as ice cream or smoothies?
Another crucial factor you will have to consider is the size and energy efficiency of your chosen refrigerator. Although some food truck owners may decide to use a residential refrigerator to save a little money but this is highly not advisable. Note that residential refrigerators are far less powerful than commercial ones.
Commercial refrigerators tend to be much better suited for food trucks especially since they come with a wide range of convenient features. Note that some popular features may include prep tables and refrigerated drawers, which can go a long way when there’s a twisting line of customers waiting outside of your food truck.
Also note that some commercial refrigerators are also designed to be extremely energy efficient, which can save you a substantial amount of money in the long run. However, before you hit the road with your food truck, make sure you are well aware of the health code regulations in your town or city.
Always have it in mind that many territories and states require mobile food businesses to have commercial appliances and a certain amount of storage capacity. But once it comes to finding the perfect fridge for your food truck, always strive to acquire one that complies with local laws and regulations to avoid business interruption.
Conclusion
For food truck owners, choosing the best refrigerator for your business can have a great impact not just to the quality of the food served but on the operation of your venture.
However, note that not all refrigerators are created equal and choosing the right one is very important for your business. This type of equipment is an investment not to be taken lightly as it affects your business operations on a daily basis.