There are a number of factors that can affect the price of a commercial refrigerator. These include:
If you're after a double door display fridge for example, then a brand new unit will likely cost a fair bit more than a used display fridge. The age and condition of the used fridge will also determine its price. Newer models will likely have more robust cooling systems, better insulation, and will be much more energy efficient than older models. They would also include warranties and support from the seller.
Although a used fridge could very well be the budget friendly option, and could still last years if properly serviced and maintained, the price does reflect the fact that the unit has a history of use, may not have a valid warranty, may be less energy efficient, and could require more maintenance and repairs down the line, depending on its service history. These are all things that must be factored into the cost of purchasing a used commercial refrigerator.
The size and capacity of the refrigerator will also play a role in the price, with larger units generally being more expensive. The number of doors, shelves, compartments, overall size and capacity will have an impact on the price of the unit.
The type of cooling system used can also impact the cost. A fan forced refrigerator is generally more expensive than a static cooled fridge, as a fan forced fridge has a much more powerful and robust cooling system with more moving parts.
The materials used in the construction of the unit will also determine the price of a commercial fridge. Models made of cheaper materials and cheap imported parts will generally cost less upfront but may cost more down the line as they will likely need more repairs. It may also be harder to source replacement parts for these kinds of models.
If you're after a high quality commercial refrigerator that will last your business years, with easily sourced replacement parts that are standard parts in the industry and won't cost a fortune to source and replace, then check out our range of commercial fridges here.
Read on to learn about how much you can expect to pay for the following types of commercial refrigerators:
Bar fridges are compact refrigerators that are used for storing drinks and other items for bar service. These range from single door up to four door units. A single door bar fridge generally costs about $1000, and a 4 door unit will cost up to $4500 or more, depending on the materials and features of the unit.
Underbench bakery refrigerators are perfect for storing dough and other bakery goods. These units come in 1 door, 2 door, 3 door, and 4 door models. They come with solid doors and feature shelving with some units offering drawers.
A single door unit will cost roughly $3000, a double door unit will generally cost over $4000, and the largest four door unit will be over $6000.
Upright bakery refrigerators are similar to the underbench models in that they also feature solid doors and shelving perfect for storing dough and other bakery goods. However these units are much larger, with a single door upright bakers fridge selling for around $4800 and a double door unit going for roughly $5900.
Blast chillers are used for quickly cooling down food for storage. These come in various configurations, such as countertop blast chillers which range from $2000-$3000, combined blast chiller and shock freezers for $4000-$5000, large blast chillers with touchscreen controllers for around $6000, and some of the largest and most multifunctional models selling anywhere from $15000 to $20000 and more.
Chest freezers are ideal for maximising food storage and storing food for long periods. These refrigerators come in many different sizes and designs to suit different needs. On the smaller end, a 299L chest freezer sells for about $1300. The prices increase as the size and capacity of the unit increases, with 650L units selling for $2000. You'll pay slightly more for a stainless top or glass top chest freezer with a 670L chest freezer selling for about $2400. On the larger end, an 826L supermarket chest freezer sells for about $6200 and the prices increase from there as the capacity increases.
Allowing you to store both refrigerated and frozen goods, a combination fridge freezer is a handy appliance for any commercial kitchen. You can expect to pay about $3000 or more for a horizontally split door fridge, and up to $5600 for a double door fridge. To learn more about how a commercial combination fridge freezer works, check out our article here.
Ice boxes are heavy duty refrigerators that can store different amounts of ice depending on the model you're after. Smaller units like a single door ice box sell for about $5000, with larger double door units selling for about $7000.
Perfect for preparing pizza, sandwiches, and more, prep fridges can hold many different ingredients and come in a variety of configurations. For a smaller counter top ingredients fridge, you can expect to pay about $1500. Larger prep fridges with more drawers and bench space can go for $3000-$5000.
Underbench fridges are excellent for saving space in a commercial kitchen. Depending on the amount of doors the model has, you can expect to pay between $2000 and $5000 for an underbench fridge.
Upright commercial fridges are essential for any commercial kitchen. Single door units range from $1800 to $4400 depending on the brand and quality.
Double door refrigerators range from $3800 to $4900, and triple door units range from $5800 to $7500 and above.
Check out our range of high-end commercial fridges here.
In addition to the initial purchase price of a commercial refrigerator, there are also ongoing costs to consider.
Commercial fridges require constant cleaning, maintenance, repairs, and regular servicing.
Refrigerators typically run 24/7, so the cost of power usage over time is an important factor to consider.
Check out our article on ways you can reduce running costs for a commercial refrigerator here.
When purchasing a commercial refrigerator, consider the needs of your business. Would a used fridge be better for your budget? How long is the warranty? What size fridge do you need to store your stock? Which cooling system is best for what you need? What kind of materials were used in the construction of the fridge you're considering to buy?
By considering these factors, you can find a commercial refrigerator that meets your needs and budget.
