Find the Best Commercial Fridge for Your Space
Choosing the right commercial fridge for your kitchen layout isn’t just about finding something that fits the space — it’s about creating a smarter workflow. The right refrigeration setup helps your team move efficiently, keeps food safe, and supports the day-to-day demands of a busy hospitality kitchen. Whether you're building from scratch or upgrading your current setup, it pays to take a strategic approach. Let's take a look at how to find the best commercial fridge for your space.
Here’s what to think about when choosing the best commercial fridge for your kitchen — and why working with a specialist design team like SACH can help get it right the first time.
1. Understand your space and workflow
Start by mapping out your kitchen floor plan. Think about how staff move during prep and service. Where are the bottlenecks? Where do you need ingredients within arm’s reach?
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Undercounter fridges are perfect for tight prep spaces.
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Upright fridges, like those from SKOPE or Atosa, make the most of vertical space and work well in high-volume kitchens.
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Display and glass door fridges, such as those in the Airex range, suit front-of-house or grab-and-go environments.
A thoughtful layout avoids crowding, reduces unnecessary movement, and keeps service flowing smoothly.
This is where a design team like SACH can make a huge difference — creating layouts that balance performance and practicality, tailored to your menu and workflow.
2. Choose the right fridge style and door configuration
Different fridges suit different tasks and spaces:
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Solid door fridges from SKOPE or Atosa are energy-efficient and better suited to back-of-house operations.
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Glass door fridges, like those from Airex, allow for quick visual checks and are ideal when visibility matters.
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Drawer units are great for keeping prep-line ingredients organised and accessible.
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Pass-through fridges can streamline operations between prep and service areas in larger kitchens.
The right design team will help identify the best configuration for your service style, staff flow, and storage needs.
3. Match your fridge to your food storage needs
What you store in your fridge will influence the best type to use:
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For fresh produce, consider units with humidity control.
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For meats or seafood, temperature stability is key — something SKOPE does especially well.
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If you rely on prep stations with chilled ingredient wells, look to Atosa or Airex for compact, high-performance solutions that can be integrated with your worktop layout.
An expert kitchen design team like SACH can work closely with your chef or operations manager to ensure every fridge is working hard and in the right spot.
4. Plan for ventilation and airflow
Every fridge needs room to breathe. Before buying, check how much clearance the unit needs and how it vents:
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Top-mounted units, like certain SKOPE models, perform better in hotter kitchens.
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Bottom-mounted options are easier to access and clean but may draw in more dust.
SACH’s team factors this into your design, helping you avoid costly mistakes like tucking a fridge into a space without proper airflow.
5. Energy efficiency and compliance
Choosing an energy-efficient fridge pays off in the long run. Look for features like:
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Eco-friendly refrigerants (like R290)
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MEPS ratings and digital controls
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Solid insulation and smart airflow
SKOPE leads the way in this space, with many of their models designed to reduce environmental impact and running costs — while still performing under pressure.
Using quality, compliant fridges from trusted brands ensures your kitchen meets New Zealand food safety regulations and runs as efficiently as possible.
6. Work with professionals who know commercial kitchens
When you’re building or upgrading a kitchen, there’s real value in working with a team that understands the finer details. SACH works alongside hospitality operators to plan and design kitchens that are functional, future-proof, and compliant — bringing together the best equipment from brands like SKOPE, Atosa, and Airex to suit your needs and budget.
From choosing the right fridge for your layout to making sure everything flows from prep to pass, SACH can guide you through the process and avoid expensive missteps.
Final thoughts
Your commercial fridge plays a big role in the day-to-day rhythm of your kitchen. With the right layout, fridge style, and support from trusted suppliers, you can save time, reduce food waste, and boost energy efficiency.
At Simply Hospitality, we stock quality commercial fridges from industry-leading brands like SKOPE, Atosa, and Airex — and we work closely with professional design teams like SACH to help you get your kitchen set up right.
Need help choosing the right fridge? Chat to our team at Simply Hospitality today.