Reach-In vs. Walk-In Restaurant Refrigerators

Refrigeration is a key technology essential to every restaurant. Despite the sheer number of options available to choose from, restaurant refrigeration can be narrowed down to two main types offered by refrigeration and HVAC companies: reach-in and walk-in. In this blog, Cafco Services shares a look at these two types and how to choose the right one for your restaurant.

Reach-In Refrigeration

Reach-in refrigerators and freezers are standalone units that are available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. Reach-in refrigerators typically have stainless steel doors and enclosures, with vinyl or stainless steel interiors. The shelves can be configured to any height needed. Some reach-in refrigerators feature doors with insulated glass. While this type is usually used in convenience stores, they also look good in open kitchens where they’re in view of customers.

Its comparatively smaller footprint makes reach-in refrigerators ideal for small kitchens. Some models are designed to be installed beneath counters and workspaces, which can help maximize vertical space. You can have refrigerators installed in key locations around the kitchen to help improve staff efficiency. Reach-in refrigerators can also make changing the kitchen layout easier.

Walk-In Refrigeration

Walk-in refrigerators are essentially refrigerated rooms with heavy steel doors. The refrigeration system is similar to air conditioning systems and may use air filters similar to HVAC filter products. Stainless steel standalone shelves are typically used to maximize vertical storage. A walk-in freezer is typically installed as an adjoining room with its own sealed door.

Because of its size, walk-in refrigerators are best for restaurants with high seating capacities. Storing perishables in bulk can help reduce trips to the market and may save money when securing supplies for your restaurant. It also minimizes the chances of having to eighty-six a menu item just because you ran out of a crucial ingredient.

Which One Should You Choose?

It all boils down to your restaurant’s requirements. In fact, you don’t even have to choose between them if your restaurant requires both types of refrigerators. Having a kitchen that has both bulk storage and area-specific refrigeration can be more efficient than choosing one type over the other.

Cafco Services is your leading provider of HVAC and refrigeration equipment services. Give us a call at (513) 242-3400 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.