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How to Choose a Reach-In Refrigerator

Last updated on Apr 7, 2026

Thanks to their convenience and efficiency, reach-in refrigerators are essential appliances for restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and convenience stores. These units provide ample storage space for perishable items such as fresh produce, dairy products, meats, and beverages. Whether you need to store ingredients for order preparation or keep grab-and-go items chilled for quick service, a reach-in refrigerator is a versatile and reliable solution for your commercial refrigeration needs.


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What Is a Reach-In Refrigerator?

Reach-in refrigerators are designed to be more compact compared to walk-in refrigerators, making them ideal for kitchens with limited space. They are typically standing units that can easily fit into tight corners or against walls without taking up too much room. The design of reach-in refrigerators also allows for easy access to the stored items. With shelves that are easily adjustable and removable, organizing and retrieving products becomes a simple task.

One of the most important functions of a reach-in refrigerator is to ensure that perishable items remain fresh and at optimal temperatures. These units are equipped with powerful refrigeration systems that maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cabinet, helping to preserve the quality and safety of the stored food items.

Types of Reach-In Refrigerators

While commercial reach-in refrigerators have a wide variety of distinguishing features between models, the three most distinctive categories are reach-in refrigerators with 1, 2, or 3 sections.

1. One Section Reach-In Refrigerators

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One section reach-in refrigerators are the ideal choice for small restaurants, cafes, or bakeries looking to store perishable items efficiently. The sizes of single section refrigerators typically range from 8-49 cubic feet, providing enough storage space for your essential ingredients and products. While units with 1 door are the most common configuration, you can also find models with up to 4 doors for added convenience and organization. These compact refrigerators are perfect for establishments with limited space, as they are still small enough to fit in areas where larger units would not.

  • Benefits: Compact, efficient, versatile
  • Best Applications: Small restaurants, cafes, bakeries
  • Sizes: 8-49 cu. ft.

2. Two Section Reach-In Refrigerators

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Two section reach-in refrigerators are the most popular model for commercial businesses, offering the best balance of capacity, efficiency, and space-saving design for most commercial kitchens. With sizes ranging from 18-80 cubic feet, these refrigerators feature spacious cabinets that provide ample storage space for keeping a wide variety of perishable goods fresh. Whether you need to store fresh produce, dairy products, meats, or beverages, a two section reach-in refrigerator provides the storage capacity and organization necessary to keep your ingredients at their optimal temperature.

  • Benefits: Ample storage, manageable footprint
  • Best Applications: Standard fit for most foodservice applications
  • Sizes: 18-80 cu. ft.

3. Three Section Reach-In Refrigerators

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Three section reach-in refrigerators are a popular choice for businesses that require ample storage space and organization. Typically ranging from 50-79 cubic feet of storage capacity, three section reach-in refrigerators provide plenty of room to store a wide variety of perishable items. One of the key advantages of three section reach-in refrigerators is the ability to arrange items in a way that is much easier for staff to navigate. By sectioning items onto different shelves by product type, businesses can maintain organization and proper cold food storage standards. This not only makes it easier for staff to locate and grab items quickly but also helps prevent overcrowding and confusion within the refrigerator.

  • Benefits: Large volume storage, prevents overcrowding, facilitates organization
  • Best Applications: High-volume restaurants, catering businesses, grocery stores, convenience stores, institutional kitchens, high-volume bars, bakeries
  • Sizes: 50-29 cu. ft.

Reach-In Refrigerator Styles

glass door reach-in refrigerator

Once you know how many sections you will need, there are many styles within each category. Considerations such as refrigeration type, construction, and door style help narrow down your purchasing decision.

  • Construction: Choose a unit constructed with all stainless steel, painted steel, or a combination of stainless steel and aluminum, depending on your budget, aesthetic, and desire for easy maintenance.
  • Door Type: Decide whether you prefer a glass and solid combo door, a unit with just glass doors, or one with just solid doors.
  • Hinge Location: Choose between a right hinge, left hinge, or left/right hinge configuration based on your kitchen layout.
  • Dutch Half Doors: Consider whether you need a unit with or without Dutch half doors for convenient access to specific sections of the refrigerator.
  • Refrigerant Type: Select the refrigerant type that best suits your needs from options like R-290, R-513A, R-290A, or R-134A for efficient cooling.
  • Voltage: Opt for a refrigerator with a voltage of 115 or 120 to ensure compatibility with your establishment's electrical system.

Reach-In Refrigerator Features

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Reach-in refrigerators are essential for any commercial kitchen looking to store perishable items at safe temperatures. When choosing a reach-in refrigerator for your establishment, it's important to consider the various features available to ensure you select the best option for your needs. Here are some key features to look out for:

  • Energy Star Qualified: Opt for a reach-in refrigerator that is Energy Star qualified to help reduce energy consumption and save on operating costs.
  • Extra Wide: Choose an extra-wide reach-in refrigerator if you need ample storage space for larger quantities of food items.
  • Narrow Body: A reach-in refrigerator with a narrow body is ideal for kitchens with limited space, allowing for efficient storage without compromising on functionality.
  • Narrow Width: Similar to the narrow body feature, a reach-in refrigerator with a narrow width is perfect for tight spaces where every inch matters.
  • Pass-Through: Consider a pass-through reach-in refrigerator if you require access to the unit from both sides, facilitating a smooth flow of kitchen operations.
  • Digital Display: Offering precise, real-time monitoring and control of the refrigerator's internal temperature and operational settings, digital displays serve as a replacement for traditional mechanical dials.
  • Roll-In: A roll-in reach-in refrigerator is designed for easy loading and unloading of food items, making it a convenient choice for busy kitchens.
  • Shallow Depth: Opt for a reach-in refrigerator with a shallow depth if you have space constraints but still need sufficient storage capacity.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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