Reach In Refrigeration

Reach-In Refrigerators and Freezers

No kitchen is complete without reliable refrigerators and freezers. Keeping food, beverages, and perishables at the proper temperature is an essential part of food safety. If you’re in need of a  new fridge or freezer for your business, Elite Restaurant Equipment’s selection is the best place to look.

Many restaurants and commercial kitchens opt for a commercial reach-in freezer or fridge. These freestanding units offer great value, efficiency, and accessibility.

The Benefits of a Reach-In Unit

There are a variety of benefits associated with reach-in models. First, they are a good solution for smaller establishments that don’t have room for a full walk-in refrigerator or freezer. They can also be helpful if you already have a walk-in but require additional food storage. You can set up as many reach-in freezers and refrigerators as you need, wherever they are most convenient. Plus, reach-in models are quicker and cheaper to install. 

The Best Reach-In Refrigerators and Freezers 

A well-maintained commercial reach-in refrigerator and freezer can improve your kitchen’s operations and save money. Before selecting your new reach-in freezer or reach-in refrigerator, consider the following: where the unit will be located, who will be using it, and what will be stored inside.

We have something for every establishment. First, you can choose between two door types, glass or solid. Glass door models provide extra visibility, which is especially helpful in a retail setting. Staff or customers are able to see inside and locate what they need quickly. However, solid door models offer more insulation and require less energy to maintain. For the best of both worlds, you can select a combination half-door reach-in refrigerator which allows for display storage on top and solid door storage on the bottom half.

Reach-in freezers and refrigerators are available in many sizes, ranging from 21” to 82”. Single-door units are ideal for narrow spaces, while a double or triple-door reach-in fridge offers more storage. We also sell countertop refrigerators and freezers for convenient refrigerated storage on tables or counters.

Speaking of storage, all of our reach-in refrigeration units feature plenty of shelving space. Durable, well-made shelves hold a high capacity of food, beverages, and kitchen essentials. Some models even include adjustable shelving so you can customize the interior of the fridge or freezer to suit your needs.

Elite Restaurant Equipment is committed to offering exceptional equipment at great prices. Furnishing your commercial kitchen is easy when you shop with us. Customers appreciate our wide selection, knowledgeable team, and hassle-free shopping experience. Be sure to check out our range of reach-in refrigerators, freezers, and other high-quality restaurant equipment.

1. True T-49-HC (The "Gold Standard")

Best for: High-volume Manhattan kitchens where the doors never stay closed.

• Pros:

  • Ultra-Fast Recovery: Oversized evaporator and condenser coils allow the temp to "snap back" to 33°F faster than almost any other unit after the door is opened.

  • Lifetime Durability: Uses "Lifetime" guaranteed door hinges and torsion-type closure systems. You won't see sagging doors on a True unit even after 10 years.

  • Serviceability: Because they are so popular, almost every commercial technician in the NYC area stocks True parts on their truck.

• Cons:

  • Premium Price: You are paying for the brand and the build quality; the upfront cost is higher than "Value" brands.

  • Weight: These are heavy, industrial units. If your kitchen floor isn't reinforced or you have a steep basement entry, installation takes extra planning.

2. Turbo Air M3 Series (The "Low-Maintenance" Choice)

Best for: Busy Brooklyn bakeries or pizzerias where flour and dust are constant.

• Pros:

  • Self-Cleaning Condenser: This is a game-changer. A rotating brush cleans the condenser daily, preventing the #1 cause of refrigerator failure (dust buildup).

  • Digital Monitoring: The external display doesn't just show temp; it has a self-diagnosis program that warns you of issues before the compressor fails.

  • Ergonomics: Designed with "Pressure Relief" doors that eliminate the vacuum seal, making it easier to open the door multiple times in a row.

• Cons:

  • Epoxy Shelves: Unlike the "Super Deluxe" series, the M3 comes with PE-coated wire shelves which can chip over years of heavy use (though they are easily replaced).

  • Top-Mount Only: Most M3 reach-ins are top-mount, which may not fit in kitchens with extremely low basement ceilings.

3. Universal / Avantco Series (The "Value Winner")

Best for: Startups, Ghost Kitchens, and budget-conscious cafes.

• Pros:

  • Price-to-Space Ratio: You get the most cubic feet of storage for every dollar spent. Ideal for businesses that need to pass a health inspection on a tight budget.

  • Bottom-Mount Efficiency: Placing the compressor at the bottom makes the unit run cooler in hot kitchens and provides a "no-stoop" bottom shelf for your staff.

  • Simplicity: Fewer digital "bells and whistles" mean fewer things to break for owners who want a straightforward cooling solution.

• Cons:

  • Slower Recovery: During a heavy lunch rush, it may take longer to pull the temperature back down compared to a True unit.

  • Lighter Construction: The stainless steel is often a thinner gauge, meaning it may show dings and scratches more easily in a chaotic kitchen.

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