Should I buy a Self-Contained Plug in Display Unit or is Remote Refrigeration better?
Every business, whether it’s a small café or a large restaurant, needs somewhere to store cold foods.
Refrigerators come in many different sizes and styles, which is useful because it allows you to purchase the option that best suits your restaurant’s layout and individual needs.
When shopping for a refrigerator for your restaurant, you may come across the terms ‘plug in’ or ‘remote refrigeration’ and you’ll notice that there is a large price difference between the two.
In this article we will try to explain main differences between them…
What is a PLUG IN unit?
Plug in refrigerators are appliances that house all of their components, such as the condenser and evaporator, inside the unit itself.
These types of refrigerators are the most popular option used, and they comprise nearly 90% of refrigerators used in businesses.
What are the Benefits a of ‘Plug in’ Counter:
- PLUG IN refrigerators are very easy to set up, and many allow you to just plug them in and start using them.
- Everything you need to set up your refrigerator comes in one convenient purchase.
- Because everything is housed in one unit, it’s easy for repairmen to service your refrigerator if there is an issue.
- Self-contained units can be moved easily.
What are downsides to a ‘Plug in’ Display Stand:
- Self-contained units create heat, raising the temperature in your shop quite quickly.
- As a result of the hot air in your premises, your air conditioning will have to work overtime to compensate, resulting in a higher utility bill.
- The evaporator and condenser on these units can be loud, which is not ideal if you have an open concept or small kitchen, as it can disrupt guests
What is Remote Refrigeration?
Remote refrigerators are insulated cold food storage areas that are outfitted with an evaporator inside.
However, the compressor and condenser are located in a remote area away from the refrigerator itself.
Typically, foodservice establishments will place their condensers and compressors on the roof, outside wall, or ground.
Because the components that give off the most heat, the compressor and condenser, are moved to a separate location, remote refrigeration units are ideal for restaurants that have heat concerns.
These establishments can suffer with poor ventilation or low ceilings.
Additionally, if you have a large grocery store, deli, or commissary kitchen that operates multiple coolers, remote options are an excellent choice.
They keep your interior cool and comfortable for your guests and also remove the noise from the condensers.
What are the benefits of remote refrigeration option:
- Because there are fewer components in the main body of the refrigerator, remote refrigerators usually have more storage space.
- Remote refrigerators eliminate any noise issues, which is ideal for display units or refrigerators in grocery stores.
- These products can reduce your electric bill because your fridge will be producing less heat that your air conditioning needs to deal with.
- If you operate in a cool climate, installing your condensers and compressors on the roof or outside can help your unit run more efficiently.
What are the Downsides to remote refrigeration:
- Remote refrigerators are more expensive to install because you need a professional to run lines from your kitchen to wherever you want to install the compressor and condenser.
- Additionally, because the components of your refrigerator are separated, they’re more difficult and time-consuming to repair.
- Remote refrigeration units have the potential to increase your utility bills because they require more power to move the coolant from the body of the fridge to the remote compressor and condenser.
Plug in and remote refrigerators are both excellent choices for different types of foodservice settings when you’re looking for a new refrigerator.
Of course, while there are some instances where choosing a remote refrigerator is an ideal option, in most restaurants a plug in refrigerator is the perfect solution.
Set-up is easy and they offer great versatility.
However, when it comes to refrigerators, though, it’s best to consider your options and think about which type of refrigerator is best for your establishment’s unique situation and needs, rather than budget alone.
