Avantco CBE-48-HC 48" 2 Drawer Refrigerated Chef Base

Item number  178cbe48hc

Regularly

$1,519.00/Each

$1,399.00/Each

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Product Overview

  • 880 lb. weight capacity; 1 3/4" stainless steel top with marine edge
  • Each drawer holds 2 full size food pans, 4" deep
  • Stainless steel exterior for durability
  • Digital temperature controls for intuitive and simple operation
  • 1/3 hp; 115V; R290 refrigerant

UPC Code:400013489012

Other Products from this Line

This Avantco CBE-48-HC 48" 2 drawer refrigerated chef base streamlines production and increases efficiency.

Provide a convenient place to hold and store cold foods right where they are needed by adding this refrigerated chef base to your kitchen! As a space and productivity solution for your kitchen, this chef base makes it easy to increase efficiency by placing countertop cooking equipment right on top of the chef base where you store your cold ingredients.

  • 5-15P

    5-15P

    This unit comes with a NEMA 5-15P plug.

  • ETL Listed

    ETL Listed

    This product has been certified by ETL, a division of the Intertek Group.

1 3/4" Stainless Steel Top

This base features a durable 1 3/4" stainless steel top that can hold up to 617 lb. Equipped with a marine edge, the unit's top helps to contain drips and spills for easy cleanup.

Two Drawers

This refrigerated chef base is equipped with two drawers to hold your cold ingredients. Each drawer in this unit can hold 2 full size food pans (sold separately) or a combination of other configurations, so your kitchen staff will always have fresh ingredients within reach.

1/3 hp Refrigeration System

The refrigeration system uses a 1/3 hp compressor and R290 refrigerant to cool the cabinet. It requires a 115V electrical connection and uses electronic temperature controls to keep ingredients at safe temperatures between 33 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

(4) 4" Casters

The unit rests on 4" casters, offering convenient mobility for easier cleaning.

Stainless Steel Construction

The cabinet is made of type 430 stainless steel inside and out for added durability.

Removable Magnetic Drawer Gaskets

Each drawer gasket is removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.


Questions & Answers

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Frequently Asked Questions From Customers

Does Avantco warrant this item for use in a food truck?
Avantco warrants new equipment sold to food truck customers to be operational for a period of 30 days from the date of delivery if installed and maintained correctly.
R-290 (also known as high purity propane or CARE 40) and R-600a (also known as refrigerant grade Isobutane or CARE 10) are hydrocarbon refrigerants. R513a (also known as Opteon XP10) and R-448A (also known as Solstice N40) are HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) refrigerants. They are being used by some manufacturers in response to the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program.
The units come with casters preassembled underneath the pallet.
While various configurations combining traditional 1/3 size, 1/6 size, and other food pan sizes are possible, it's important to refer to your equipment's Specification Sheet and/or Owner's Manual to see what pan sizes and configurations are recommended. Certain accessories may be needed in order to use pans of a different size than what is recommended. It is also important to note that mixing and matching pans from different manufacturers may result in the pans not fitting properly.

Compare to Other Products


Overall Dimensions:
Width:
48 3/8 Inches
Depth:
32 1/8 Inches
Height:
25 13/16 Inches
Interior Dimensions:
Width:
36 5/8 Inches
Depth:
27 9/16 Inches
Height:
16 9/16 Inches
Capacity:
9.6 cu. ft.

Please check the Compatibility resource for information on items that work with this product.

This Item Ships via Common Carrier. For more information and tips to help your delivery go smoothly, click here.

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Resources and Downloads

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Warranty Info

Note: Avantco Refrigeration equipment with a labor warranty purchased prior to May 1st, 2024, is warranted for 1-year parts & labor / 5-year compressor. Any equipment installed outdoors, in a temporary structure, food truck, other mobile application, or in a residence or home-based business is covered by a 30-day replacement warranty through the place of purchase.

Customer Reviews

Customer Photos & Videos

3.8

Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars

35 Customer Reviews

How item reviews work

Customers Say

Customers say this unit is convenient for kitchen organization and holds temperature well. Many find it useful for placing equipment on top and storing food below. Some mention issues with drawer fit and durability, and experiences with reliability vary. Opinions on build quality and customer service are mixed. Overall, feedback is divided on long-term performance and ease of use.

  • base
  • pans
  • chef
  • drawers
  • top
  • unit
  • price
  • avantco
  • drawer
  • flat

This AI-generated summary was created from real customer reviews

Showing 35 of 35 reviews
Review by

Michael J. from 19Th Hole In The Wall Llc

Posted on 12/06/2021

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

this chef base is always a good deal when it comes to needing a place to put your griddle or flat top on. Easy access with the ability to put 4 full size pans in it and 6" pans. Make sure to buy the 4" deep pans only or it won't close

Review by

Taco L.

Posted on 04/13/2024

Verified Purchase

Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

Drawer broke after one week of use, it’s not the best build quality.

Thank you for your review, Qing! We are sorry this chef base has not worked well for you. A Customer Solutions Representative will contact you soon!

Review by

Brice H.

Posted on 10/09/2023

Verified Purchase

Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

Leaks water EVERYWHERE ALLDAY! It has kept temp but I'm sure it won't last long.

Thank you for your review, Brice! We are sorry this product has not worked well for you. A Customer Solutions Representative will contact you soon!

Review by

Antoinette L.

Posted on 06/05/2023

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

Love this refrigeration unit!! We keep only meat in it and it works so well!! We have our roaster and friers on either side and a very small kitchen. It keeps temperature well and is so convenient that all the meats we use regularly are kept right under where they are cooked! We have had it over a year now and we are not sure how we lived without it!

Review by

Patrick M. from Trailer Kings

Posted on 04/02/2020

Verified Purchase

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

used to sit a 36" griddle, the chef base allows for cooks to access their proteins easier, can be used in a food truck and works with any piece of equipment.

Review by

Raul A. from Mambos Cuban Cafe

Posted on 03/15/2018

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
52"

This Avantco drawer works perfectly so far! Ive had it for going on two months and shows no sign of failure. I bought a larger one to fit a 36" Vulcan griddle and still have room on the sides for my spices and oil station. Highly recommend this drawer cooler.

Review by

Donald W. from Classic Burger Group Inc.

Posted on 11/07/2017

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
52"

I really don't know how we managed without one of these for so long. Having everything you need so close at hand is great. Works perfectly.

Review by

Katherine P.

Posted on 06/29/2026

Verified Purchase

Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

Lasted 3 years.

Thank you for your review, Katherine! We would like to gather more information about your experience with this chef base. A Customer Solutions Representative will contact you soon!

Review by

Craig C.

Posted on 06/22/2026

Verified Purchase

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

Insert bars can fall out alot

Review by

Ashley L.

Posted on 01/23/2026

Verified Purchase

Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

I purchased Item #: 178CBE48HC on January 16. On January 21, the same item was listed at a price lower than what I paid. I contacted customer service to inquire about a possible price adjustment, as many companies offer a grace period when an item goes on sale shortly after purchase. As a business, we have spent a significant amount with WebstaurantStore and maintain a Plus membership annually. Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have experienced a substantial price reduction shortly after purchasing an item, which makes this situation particularly disappointing. The response we received stated that because the promotional Plus pricing went live on January 21, a credit for the difference could not be issued. While I understand the policy, the lack of flexibility given the short time frame and our long-standing relationship is discouraging. Additionally, the griddle does not properly fit on the refrigerator it was intended for, further adding to our dissatisfaction with this purchase. Due to these ongoing issues, we are seriously reconsidering continuing our business relationship with WebstaurantStore. Also, this item was dented with miss screws

Thank you for your review, Ashley! A Customer Solutions Representative has been in touch with you on this chef base. Please reach out with any questions!

Review by

Antonio L.

Posted on 12/31/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

A very good Chef base , and very affordable

Review by

Margaret J.

Posted on 12/09/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

Purchase 10 months ago and quit holding temperature a month ago. Stay far far awsy from this product!! Very frusrated!!!!

Thank you for your review, Margaret! We would like to gather more information about your experience with this refrigerated chef base. A Customer Solutions Representative will contact you soon!

Review by

Kim D.

Posted on 11/26/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

The bins recommended to purchase with this unit do not fit well at all. They keep falling between the dividers, with no "floor" to the drawers, they fall to the ground. Trying many configurations and none are seeming to work. Do not recommend this item. More of a hassle!

Thank you for your review, Kim! Our Customer Solutions team will remain in contact with you about this.

Review by

Mario B.

Posted on 11/06/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

This is a great base refrigerator that makes cooking much easier! We have been using this refrigerator for over three years without any problems at all! It is very versatile and the drawers are smooth and easy to clean.

Review by

Charlie's A.

Posted on 11/03/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

Its a quality chef base. Pans are off sizes and divider bars a wide, not allowing 1/3rd and 1/6th pans to fit correctly. I had to separately purchase long pans to make things work

Thank you for your review! We would like to gather more information about your experience with this chef base. A Customer Solutions Representative will contact you soon.

Review by

Alex R.

Posted on 10/15/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

We received the units at the beginning of July, installed them a couple of weeks ago, and this week began testing all the equipment purchased for our new location. Out of the four Avantco refrigerators, two are completely nonfunctional — both are brand new and have never been used. The other two units are operating, but the temperature does not remain consistent at the set level, which is disappointing even considering the price range. Our opening date is in two weeks, and this issue has created a serious inconvenience. We now have to go through the warranty department, but we are unsure how long that process will take. Given the urgency of our timeline, we would appreciate your prompt assistance in resolving this matter as soon as possible.

Thank you for your review, Alex! A Customer Solutions Representative will remain in touch with you on this chef base. Please reach out with any questions! Please note, the cabinet temperature will fluctuate up to +7 degrees over your set minimum temperature as the compressor runs and shuts off. For more information, check out the manual in the Downloads and Resources section of this page.

Review by

Abdul E.

Posted on 09/24/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

Review by

Lisa C.

Posted on 09/15/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Width:
60"

I dislike this chef base. We barely use it despite it offering supposedly considerable space. The pans are always falling through. We meant to screw them in this season, but it got busy and other tasks took priority. I rented a food truck years ago, that had full pullout drawers, all in one piece. I have looked/called endlessly for one.

Thank you for your review, Lisa! We would like to gather more information about your experience with this chef base. A Customer Solutions Representative will contact you soon.

Review by

Joshua D.

Posted on 09/10/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

Purchased item around July 9, 2024 received item July 16,2024 on July 23, 2025 it died completely. Had an hvac company come and look at it and it needs a whole new refrigerant system. This item last just barely over a year. Don’t recommend this unit if it can’t last more than 3 years for the price you pay.

Thank you for your review, Joshua! We would like to gather more information about your experience with this chef base. A Customer Solutions Representative will contact you soon!

Review by

Rick L.

Posted on 09/04/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

Keeps at temp and recovery

Review by

Pauline V.

Posted on 08/29/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

Great Fridge Base. Was worried about ordering an Avantco product but after two years, we have yet to have any issues with this fridge!

Review by

Deborah L.

Posted on 08/27/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

We have the 36" unit. Runs great. We are open 7 days a week and open the drawers at least 50-100 times a day for about a year now. Getting ready to buy a 48" unit, hope it's as good as this one!

Review by

Claudia C.

Posted on 08/26/2025

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
48"

Excelent Refrigerated!

Review by

Kevin P.

Posted on 11/18/2024

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

We had this unloaded and in place in 20 minutes. Set our flat top on it and didn't miss a beat.

Review by

Francesca C.

Posted on 09/08/2024

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

Great quality and price

Review by

Armando X.

Posted on 05/27/2024

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
60"

I just bought it and it works excellent for me

Review by

Randy B.

Posted on 03/29/2024

Verified Purchase

Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Width:
60"

I purchased this unit for our brewpub 5/21 both drawers are falling apart. Not sure what to do about this one but will consider other brands in the future.

Thank you for the review! We’re sorry this chef base is not working for your needs. For alternatives, check out our other Refrigerated Chef Bases.

Review by

Friedrice H.

Posted on 02/20/2024

Verified Purchase

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

Review by

Darren A.

Posted on 05/19/2023

Verified Purchase

Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

Review by

Frida's from Frida's The True Mexican

Posted on 04/19/2023

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
60"

Good

Review by

Jose D. from Jojos Diner

Posted on 03/25/2023

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
52"

Surprisingly good results with the avantco refrigeration units. Not complains here.

Review by

Reva C. from Heaven In A Cup

Posted on 03/05/2022

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
52"

I do like this product. The flat top sits on top and everything you need for burgers is right under. However to move the flat top to clean under is a little difficult being so heavy.

Review by

Ak83llc from Riddhish Shah

Posted on 07/23/2020

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
36"

This refrigerated drawer is very nice product and very useful too. It can stores many items. We are definitely going to buy this item again.

Review by

Brenda F. from Penelopes Lil Cafe

Posted on 10/25/2019

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
52"

What an amazing chef base able to put tons and tons of stuff in the two drawers and able to keep it at Tampa and separated enough for me cheddar we have such a wide variety that goes in our chef face that allows our cooks be able just to lean down open up the drawer and be able to get a steak right onto the flat top

Review by

Ronald L. from Cafe Nube LLC

Posted on 10/24/2019

Verified Purchase

Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Width:
52"

This thing is an absolute unit. I put the avantco 36 in griddle on top and it handles the weight without a problem. There is plenty of space for hotel pans of all sizes