What's inside this Buyer's Guide

 

1. Introduction
2. What is a pizza prep fridge?
3. Sandwich/Salad prep table vs. Pizza prep table
4. How to choose a pizza prep fridge?
5. Pizza prep fridge sizes
6. Pizza prep fridge refrigeration types
7. Features to consider
8. Other purchase considerations
9. Best pizza prep fridges
10. Used pizza prep fridges – worth considering?
11. Frequently asked questions
12. Pizza prep fridge glossary
13. Keep your cash, use ours!

 

 

Pizza has woven itself into the very fabric of Australian food culture, becoming a beloved staple across the continent.

From the bustling urban landscapes of Sydney and Melbourne to the serene coastal towns, the popularity of pizza is undeniable.

A pizza prep fridge can be a game-changer for any pizzeria or restaurant serving the dish — enhancing efficiency, productivity, and quality all in a single shot.

In this pizza prep fridge buying guide, we'll delve into the specifics of pizza prep fridges, discuss the different refrigeration types, essential features, top brands and provide you with a comprehensive idea of how to choose the best one for your business.  

 

 

What is a pizza prep fridge?

A pizza prep fridge is a multi-tasking appliance that combines three different sections, each serving a different purpose to make pizza preparation a breeze.

It holds refrigerated wells at the top, where you can store the pizza toppings for quick access.

Followed by a wide worktop or prep area that gives you sufficient space to prepare the pizzas and finally, a refrigerated section underneath, where you can store the pizza dough, larger top-up pans, and other ingredients you might need.

Though they are called pizza fridges, they are versatile in application.

You can use a pizza prep fridge to prepare sandwiches to salads, burgers to burritos, and also for finishing any of your other signature dishes with perfection. 

 

      

Sandwich/salad prep table vs. pizza prep table

The primary difference between a sandwich or salad prep table and a pizza prep table is in the size of the worktop it comes with.

Sandwich or salad preparation needs less table space compared to a family-size pizza.

Hence the worktop on a sandwich or salad prep table is shallower in width, compared to a pizza prep model.

The other common difference is, the top storage wells in a sandwich prep table are often set up .  

 

 

How to choose a pizza prep fridge?

Choosing the right pizza prep fridge requires careful consideration of several factors:

 

Measure your space

Before purchasing a pizza prep fridge, ensure you have sufficient space in your kitchen.

The size of the appliance not only determines the storage area but also impacts the workflow in your kitchen.

A prep fridge that's too large can disrupt kitchen flow, while one that's too small may not meet your storage and preparation needs.

While measuring the space take into account if there are any fixtures that might hinder the placement of the appliance.

Most pizza prep fridges are plug-in units and come with a standard 3-prong plug that works with a standard electrical outlet.

Also, you don’t want to place your pizza prep fridge close to equipment that produces a lot of heat, like an oven or cooking range.

 

Consider clearance

A pizza prep fridge will need extra clearance from the sides or rear according to the design.

Depending on the position of the air inlets and exhaust, the refrigerator can be either front breathing or side/rear breathing.

In front breathing models, the air exhaust and inlets are located at the front.

This design allows the refrigerator to function optimally with less side or rear clearance.

In side/rear breathing models, the exhausts and inlets are located at the side or back of the unit and will need more side/rear clearance for proper functioning.

So, while you decide on the size of the fridge, take clearance into consideration. 

      

Consider the Volume

The volume of food that will be passing through your kitchen each day is another crucial factor.

The number of customers you serve, the meals you offer, and the number of employees using the prep fridge at once should all be considered when determining the size and capacity.

If multiple staff need to work on the prep table at the same time to manage the rush, larger three or four-door prep fridges will be a better fit.   

 

Find out your storage needs

Consider the inventory that you will store in the unit.

Will you store only pizza dough and fresh toppings or it will be also used to store meat and other ingredients?

Considering your inventory can help you decide the best fridge for your needs.

You need to find a prep fridge that maintains a suitable temperature range for the inventory you plan to store in it.

Typically, pizza prep table refrigerators maintain a temperature range between 0.5°C to 5°C.

Some top-end models come with adjustable controls that let you set the temperature according to the items you store.

 

 

Pizza prep fridge sizes

Pizza prep fridges come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging width.

The size of the pizza prep fridge you need will depend on the size of your business, the volume you serve, and the amount of ingredients you need to store.

The 914mm models are compact and suitable for small businesses, whereas the 3023mm models are mostly used in large pizzerias.

1168mm (46”), 1524mm (60”), and 2362mm (93”) pizza prep counter fridges are more common in larger food establishments.  

Depending on the width of the unit, the refrigerator can have one, two, three, or four doors.

 

Single door prep fridges

The smaller units, 1219mm (48”) or less in width, typically have a single door.

Double door prep fridges

The double-door models are usually around 1524mm (60”) to 1829mm (72”) in width.

Three door prep fridges

2363mm (93”) to 2896mm (114”) models generally have 3 doors.  

Four door prep fridges

Pizza prep counter fridges wider than 2896mm (144”) typically come with four doors and provide maximum refrigerated storage space.

 

 

Pizza prep fridge refrigeration types

Pizza prep table refrigerators are designed to maintain a cold temperature consistently in both the base storage area and the raised rail.

The baseline for any model is the unit should be capable of preserving product temperatures of 5°C or below when the doors are shut and the pan lid is on. If the pan lid is off, the unit should still be able to keep the products in the rail at 5°C or below for a certain duration.

There are different cooling methods used in pizza prep table refrigerators:

 

Unified Cooling System

Some models use a unified cooling system for both the base and the rail.

This can lead to two potential issues.

Firstly, when the pan lids are open, the compressor may need to cycle more frequently to compensate for the cold air escaping through the rail, which could potentially freeze products in the base.

Secondly, food can easily spill from the pans in the rail down into the base, necessitating more frequent cleaning.

 

Cold-wall Cooling

Some pizza prep table refrigerators use standard refrigeration techniques for the base storage and cold-wall cooling for the rail.

Refrigerant lines running through the walls surrounding the pan rails maintain the pan temperature.

The rail area is essentially sealed from the base which allows to contain spills and makes cleaning easy.  

These models are designed with separate temperature controls for the two sections.

The advantage is that the rail temperature can be controlled independently, allowing it to be defrosted and shut off at night, leading to energy savings.

However, the products in the rail need to be emptied and stored elsewhere overnight, if you plan to shut off the rail for saving energy.

 

Forced-air Cooling

Pizza fridges using forced-air cooling typically come with separate temperature controls for the refrigerated base and the top rail.

Fans and/or air ducts are designed to direct air over, around, and under the pans placed in the rail which keeps the ingredients at the right temperature.

The sealed rail also avoids food spillage into the base.

 

Liquid Cooling

This design cools the food pans by circulating cold fluid through the divider rails. This system doesn't require a defrost cycle, which saves energy.

The rail area is sealed from the base which helps to keep the rail temperature constant and prevents contamination. 

The coolant temperature stays more consistent, and there's no issue related to frosting of the refrigerant lines.

This type of system can accommodate deeper pans compared to other systems.

 

 

Features to consider

Pan specifications

You need to determine the right pan specifications to find the best fit for your business.

The number of pans, pan capacity, and lid style all should be considered before shortlisting a model.

 

Pan number: Different pizza prep table models are designed to hold different numbers of pans on the top rail.

Consider how many different types of ingredients you will need close at hand to decide the right pan number.     

 

Capacity: The standard pan size for pizza prep fridges is 1/3 size food pan, but, the pan capacity can vary in different makes and models.

However, a particular pizza prep refrigerator model might have only one pan configuration per size.

Confirm the pan capacity for a particular model from the manufacturer before you order. If you are using Gastronorm (GN) pans, you need to ensure that the unit is GN compatible.

 

Lid/hood: In pizza prep fridges, insulated stainless steel lids over the top wells are common.

However, clear polycarbonate lids hold a higher aesthetic appeal and let you check the stored ingredients without opening them.

Stainless steel lids are easier to clean and often preferred for better insulation and longevity.        

 

Worktop

The worktop or prep area is a vital feature of a pizza prep fridge.

You want the prep area to be spacious enough to make the largest pizza you serve.

Typically, pizza prep fridges come with a stainless steel or marble worktop.

Some models have a removable cutting board that can be mounted on the table surface.

HDPE or nylon cutting boards are standard. 

 

Compressor

Any type of refrigeration system is only as good as its compressor and pizza prep fridges are no exception.

A more powerful compressor will have a higher cooling capacity.

However, it will also consume more electricity.

The efficiency and horsepower of the motor are the two features you have to account for before deciding on a model.

The horsepower of a pizza prep fridge depends on the capacity, make, and model of the unit.

In pizza fridges, the compressor is typically mounted on the right/left side or at the bottom of the unit.

Depending on the design of your kitchen, available space, and proximity to other equipment, you can pick the right compressor mount style.   

 

Defrost system

The defrost system ensures that there’s no frost build-up in the unit.

So that the cooling mechanism performs optimally.

Pizza prep counter fridges commonly feature a programmed defrost or adaptive defrost system.

The programmed defrost work by initiating the defrost cycle at pre-determined intervals for a specific duration.

If the frosting condition in the unit alters due to changes in storage or ambient temperature, the defrost cycle might not start exactly when needed or might run for a shorter duration than sufficient.    

In an adaptive defrost system, the defrost cycle adapts to the conditions, automatically turning on when there’s ice build-up.

This mechanism overcomes the drawbacks of a programmed defrost system and is more apt for commercial setups.  

 

Doors and drawers

Pizza prep refrigerators come with either doors or drawers or a combination of both. The number of doors or drawers depends on the size of the unit.

 

Units with doors: These are similar to typical reach-in refrigerators with multiple storage racks and maximum storage space.

 

Units with drawers: Drawers make it easier to access the stored trays and pans with food as the containers are laid out when the drawer is pulled.

However, this design provides less storage space compared to the doors.

 

Units with doors and drawers: These units come with a combination of doors and drawers for maximizing space utilization while delivering the benefits of both styles in a single unit.     

 

Double airflow

The ingredients stored in the top wells on a pizza prep station are exposed to the elements and are at higher risk of spoilage.

Only cooling from the bottom can lead to a temperature difference between the bottom and top of the pans which can deteriorate the quality and freshness of the ingredients.

To overcome this issue, double airflow, an advanced cooling technique, has been introduced by prominent prep fridge manufacturers.

Here the pans are chilled from below, while cool air is passed over their open tops, which ensures that food-safe temperatures are maintained throughout the top wells.

Double airflow keeps ingredients fresh in the open wells for longer.  

 

Ambient temperature

The temperature of the immediate environment where the pizza prep fridge is positioned is called the ambient temperature.

This factor is crucial when purchasing a commercial pizza prep fridge because it can significantly impact the efficiency and performance of the unit.

Pizza prep counter fridges are designed to operate optimally within a specific range of ambient temperature.

If the ambient temperature is too high, the fridge may struggle to maintain the desired internal temperature.

This will lead to increased energy consumption and potential food safety issues.

On the other hand, if the ambient temperature is too low, the fridge may not function properly, leading to unnecessary energy usage and potential damage to the fridge.

A commercial kitchen with a pizza oven or other high-heat-producing equipment will have a higher ambient temperature.

Steep fluctuation in outdoor temperatures during different seasons should also be considered.

High-end pizza prep fridges typically come with a wider ambient temperature range between 5°C and 43°C.   

 

 

Other purchase considerations

Ease of cleaning

Preserving the hygiene of your pizza prep table refrigerator necessitates a thorough cleaning routine every day.

Before purchasing a unit, it's crucial to ensure that cleaning can be done easily and won't consume an excessive amount of your time.

Pizza prep fridges with castors provide easy access for cleaning around the unit, which can get messy during pizza preparation.  

Key considerations include the ease of removing the pans, the ease of accessing the surface beneath the cutting board, the accessibility of the well beneath the pans for cleaning, whether the pan well is separate from the storage to simplify cleaning in case of food spills, and whether the work surface is welded and has rounded corners to prevent food from getting trapped.

 

Maintenance

Consistent maintenance of your pizza prep refrigerator is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.

All surfaces that come into contact with food should be cleaned daily.

Wipe down the worktop with a clean dry cloth after every batch.

Use soapy water to clean nylon or marble surfaces at the end of the shift.

Replace the cutting board when it starts showing signs of wear.

Additionally, it's beneficial to make a habit of dusting the refrigeration compressor of your unit at least once a week.

This is necessary to remove any fine food particles that could have been pulled in with the airflow and got stuck in the compressor.

 

Warranty

In the unlikely event that the pizza prep table refrigerator starts malfunctioning, you want to ensure that the issue is addressed quickly and with minimal downtime for your business.

Therefore, before a purchase, check whether the unit you're considering can be checked and repaired onsite in case of malfunctioning, or if it will have to be transported elsewhere.

It's also important to understand how the manufacturer's warranty works, whether it covers a technician's visit, how quickly a technician will come to assist, how you can submit a service request if needed, and how soon you can expect a response.

 

 

Best pizza prep fridges

Bromic Refrigeration

Bromic Refrigeration, a renowned name in the commercial refrigeration industry, has been serving businesses with its innovative solutions since 1999.

Originating in Australia, Bromic has made a significant impact on the global market with its high-quality products and commitment to customer satisfaction.

The company's dedication to quality and innovation has led to the development of a range of commercial refrigeration solutions, including their highly sought-after pizza fridges.

Bromic's pizza prep fridges feature dual-airflow technology, which ensures the freshness of ingredients for a longer duration.

Spacious under-counter refrigerated storage and a wide, removable cutting board for food preparation, make Bromic's pizza prep fridges a versatile solution for any commercial kitchen.

Each model is built to withstand an industry-leading ambient temperature rating.

Among Bromic's popular models is the PP2370 three-door pizza prep fridge.

This model is a perfect blend of style and functionality, designed to enhance the efficiency of takeaway businesses and dine-in food services.

The two-door model PP1700, featuring two adjustable shelves per door, plus 9 removable gastronorm 1/3” pans and rails is a favourite of businesses with a medium to small footprint.

 

Polar

Polar Refrigeration, a globally recognized brand, has been serving the commercial catering industry for over 15 years.

The brand has earned a reputation for its high-quality, diverse product range, and competitive pricing.

Polar's offerings are designed to meet the needs of a variety of businesses.

Polar pizza prep counter fridges are known for their high quality, durability, and energy efficiency.

Polar pizza prep fridges are engineered for making fresh and delicious pizzas.

Forced air cooling ensures that the temperature is evenly distributed throughout the unit.

Automatic defrost prevents ice build-up and helps to maintain the fridge's energy efficiency whereas the stainless steel construction with GN compatible shelves allows for easy use and cleaning.

Polar G-series pizza prep counter fridge 368ltr featuring 3 doors, a marble worktop, and stainless steel finish is an industry favourite.

It comes with a ¼ GN covered topper and sturdy adjustable feet for easier positioning.

Polar G-Series pizza prep counter fridge 390ltr with an 8 x 1/4 GN countertop area is another popular and versatile model that can be used as a prep station for all dishes including pizzas.  

 

Williams

Williams Refrigeration is a UK-based global brand with manufacturing facilities in Australia and China.

The Australian counterpart was established in 1986 and is known for their commitment to manufacturing excellence.

Williams manufactures a wide range of commercial refrigeration equipment that efficiently serves the unique needs of small to large businesses.

Blown air cooling is used in Williams pizza prep fridges.

It ensures even cooling across the unit. Plus, CoolSmart technology provides precise temperature control while helping to reduce energy consumption.

The Jade PC series pizza and preparation counters come with one, two, and three-door variants with raised ergonomically angled top pans.

The compact single-door model, Jade PC J1PC with 400ltr, 5x1/3 GN pan capacity is an efficient solution for small pizza parlours and takeaways serving limited customers.

The double-door model J2PC with 710ltr capacity featuring polycarbonate sliding lids over blow-air wells is a popular solution for mid-sized businesses.

The three-door, 1072ltr model J3PC is designed to serve the high demand of large and busy pizzerias.

 

Turbo Air

Turbo Air, a global leader in commercial refrigeration, has made a significant impact in the Australian market with its innovative and efficient pizza prep fridges.

The company, with its roots in Long Beach, CA, and manufacturing facilities in the U.S.A, South Korea, and China, has over 20 years of international experience.

Turbo Air's commitment to quality and efficiency is evident in their products, which are exported to more than 70 countries.

Turbo Air's department has introduced several groundbreaking features in their products, such as the self-cleaning condenser, energy-saving fan controller, turbo cooling & freeze feature for faster chilling, and 60mm thick high-density wall to prevent heat transfer.

These features ensure that Turbo Air's pizza prep fridges offer superior insulation and efficient cooling, reducing energy consumption and keeping ingredients fresh.

In Australia, some of Turbo Air's most popular pizza prep counter fridges include the CTPR-44SD, CTPR-67SD, and CTPR-93SD.

CTPR-44SD is a compact, single-door model suitable for smaller businesses, whereas the CTPR-93SD three-door model is a good fit for larger operations.

These models are highly sought after for their high-quality construction, energy efficiency, and innovative features.

 

Fresh Refrigeration

Fresh Refrigeration, a Korean brand, is known for its commitment to providing high-quality refrigeration solutions to businesses across the globe.

In Australia, their showroom is located in Melbourne.

With a focus on innovation and efficiency, Fresh Refrigeration has carved a niche for itself in the competitive commercial refrigeration market.

In the realm of pizza prep fridges, Fresh Refrigeration has made significant strides.

Their models are equipped with innovative features like digital temperature control and monitor, hot gas condensate system, and automatic evaporation and defrost system.

These features ensure that the fridges maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels, keeping your ingredients fresh and ready for use.

In Australia, some of the most popular pizza fridges from Fresh Refrigeration include the FTT-1500 - narrow pizza prep fridge, a double-door, 412ltr capacity model, and the FTT-1800, featuring three doors and 512ltr capacity.  

The 572ltr model FPT-67 is another popular choice. These models are renowned for their robust and durable design, efficiency, ease of use, and maintenance.

 

 

Used pizza prep fridges — worth considering?

Spending thousands of dollars on a new pizza prep fridge can put a strain on your budget and cash flow.

If you’d prefer not to invest a lot of money in a new pizza prep refrigerator, a cheaper, pre-owned appliance might be the solution you’re looking for.

SilverChef’s range of ‘Certified Used’ commercial equipment is mostly ex-rental equipment sourced from businesses we know and trust.

The equipment is typically less than two-and-a-half years old, has been fully refurbished by us, and is backed by a three-month parts-and-labour warranty.

Considering the effective, or useful, life of a pizza prep fridge is much longer, you can be sure our Certified Used commercial pizza fridges have plenty of life left in it.

You can either buy or finance the ‘Certified Used’ (and clearance) equipment on our website. (We’re one of the few financiers, if not the only one, in Australia that funds second-hand commercial kitchen equipment).

Read more about ‘Certified Used’ equipment

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What is the best pizza prep fridge in Australia?

Identifying the best pizza prep fridge depends on various factors, including your specific needs, budget, and the size of your kitchen.

However, several brands stand out for their quality and reliability.

Bromic is a well-regarded brand known for its versatile pizza prep table refrigerators.

Polar is another brand that offers excellent value with its range of commercial prep fridges for pizzas.

Williams pizza prep fridges also have dependable options with great longevity.

 

Where can I find a pizza prep fridge for sale?

In Australia, you can find pizza prep fridges for sale in a variety of places.

Kitchen and restaurant supply stores offer a wide range of pizza fridges.

You can also check the online stores of popular brands to find a good match.

It's also worth checking out local appliance stores and commercial kitchen suppliers, as they often carry a selection of pizza prep refrigerators.

If you are looking for certified used pizza prep fridges or would prefer to get a new appliance on our collection for the best deals.

 

What are the energy efficiency considerations when buying pizza prep fridges?

When ordering a pizza prep fridge, energy efficiency should be a key factor.

Energy-efficient models can significantly reduce your establishment's energy consumption, leading to cost savings in the long run.

Firstly, look for prep counter fridges that have an Energy Star rating.

This certification ensures that the appliance meets certain energy efficiency standards. Secondly, consider the type of cooling system used by the fridge.

Some models use advanced technologies that offer better insulation and more efficient cooling, reducing the amount of energy required to keep your ingredients fresh.

Lastly, consider the design and features of the fridge.

For instance, models with self-closing doors or well-insulated structures can prevent cold air from escaping, thereby reducing energy usage.

 

 

Pizza prep fridge glossary

Condenser

The part of the fridge where the hot, compressed refrigerant releases its heat to the surrounding environment, cooling down and becoming a high-pressure liquid.

 

Digital Display

A feature available on some pizza prep fridges that shows the current temperature and other settings.

It allows for easy monitoring and adjustment of the fridge's operation.

 

Defrost cycle

A defrost cycle is a built-in function that periodically warms up the appliance's cooling element to melt away any frost or ice that has accumulated.

 

Evaporator

The component where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the inside of the fridge and evaporates, cooling the interior.

In a pizza prep fridge, the evaporator helps maintain the temperature in the food pans and the refrigerated base.

 

Energy star rating

A certification given to appliances that meet certain energy efficiency standards. Pizza prep refrigerators with this rating consume less energy, leading to cost savings.

 

Gastronorm / GN pans

food pans used in commercial kitchens, including pizza prep fridges.

Their standard sizes allow for easy interchangeability and efficient use of space.

 

Gasket

The seal around the door of the pizza prep fridge. It prevents cold air from escaping and warm air from entering, maintaining the efficiency of the fridge.

 

Insulation

The material used in the walls, doors, and lids of the pizza prep fridge to reduce heat transfer and maintain cold temperatures.

Good insulation improves energy efficiency.

 

Polyurethane Insulation

A type of high-density foam insulation used in many pizza prep fridges.

It provides excellent thermal resistance, helping to maintain cold temperatures and improve energy efficiency.

 

Thermostat

A device that regulates the temperature inside the fridge by controlling the refrigeration cycle.

It ensures that the pizza prep fridge maintains the set temperature.

 

 

Keep your cash. Use ours!

We hope this guide has helped you better understand what you need to look for in a pizza prep refrigerator and how to choose the right model for your needs.

If you want to know more, you can always reach out to the SilverChef team.

Hospitality equipment can be expensive and paying for it outright can put pressure on your business’s cash flow.

Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now and to pay for it in small, regular amounts out of the revenue it generates for you.

Rent–Try–Buy® not only helps you maintain your cash flow, it gives you unrivalled flexibility to adapt your equipment to the changing needs of your business.

You can upgrade or buy the equipment at any time or, after 12 months, return or continue renting it.

If you decide to buy the equipment, we’ll give you back 75% of the net rent you paid in the first year and 25% of any rental payments thereafter — to put toward the purchase price.

Read more about Rent–Try–Buy.