Competition is very high in the market for commercial refrigerators, as a few brands are always highly reliable with energy efficiency and novel features. Among such leading names, True Manufacturing is one famous for its toughness and use of superior quality materials. True’s products have been used by over 80% of the leading restaurants and foodservice operations throughout the United States, and its models, such as the True T-49, reach storage as high as 49 cubic feet. These are thought to be very consistent-performing units in the market, with a temperature range from 33°F to 38°F and energy savings of up to 40% as compared to their counterparts. The prices of a True refrigerator can range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the size and specs.
Turbo Air is another big name in the commercial refrigeration market. Their models are energy-efficient and save space. The Turbo Air M3F24-1 refrigerator comes with a self-cleaning condenser that reduces maintenance costs. As a matter of fact, their energy-efficient models consume up to 20% less energy compared to traditional refrigeration units. Turbo Air’s pricing for a standard single-section reach-in refrigerator falls between $1,200 and $2,500, making it a go-to choice for mid-sized restaurants.
Beverage-Air manufactures a range of refrigeration equipment that is seriously required by convenience stores and retail food markets. Among them, for example, there is the model Beverage-Air DD58 – storage capacity up to 19.2 cu ft. It can be equipped with an environmentally safe refrigerant ensuring fewer resource wastes of the entire machine. Its price range comes up with $ 1,000 – $2,000.
Many end users recommend Hoshizaki to a business in search of high-level refrigeration options because it possesses advanced technology for cooling and great reliability. All units, like the Hoshizaki RM-24B, feature a highly efficient compressor that decreases power consumption up to 25%. The commercial refrigerator Hoshizaki model’s cost is around $2,000 to $5,000; their higher version will have such options as twin compressors or programmable temperature setting.
Frigidaire is a very recognizable brand in terms of home appliances, but it also produces commercial refrigerators that will fit the needs of most small to mid-sized operations. One of the most popular units out there is the Frigidaire FGRS20F6TW, offering 19.2 cubic feet of space for approximately $1,200. In general, Frigidaire units are affordable and energy-efficient with solid construction.
Another brand one could rely on is Continental Refrigerator, especially because this brand serves heavy-duty refrigeration purposes. The model SW60 from Continental Refrigerator provides 60 cubic feet of storage and is made for those environments where refrigeration is done on a continuous basis. With a concentration on high performance, their units can last for over 10 years with proper maintenance. Continental refrigerators can be found in the range of $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the model and size.
The National Restaurant Association says that 65% of restaurants will spend money with the intention of reducing utility costs by purchasing an energy-efficient refrigeration unit. This is very true, because such brands as True and Turbo Air, which have ENERGY STAR-rated units, have proven to help businesses cut their energy costs up to 30%.
Overall, the choice of the best brand of commercial refrigerator depends on a business’s needs in terms of storage, available space, and budget. However, True Manufacturing, Turbo Air, Beverage-Air, Hoshizaki, Frigidaire, and Continental Refrigerator remain top-tier brands that, for the most part, manage to balance reliability, efficiency, and price.