7 important facts to know about bar refrigerators
A small neighbourhood bar or a full-fledged resto serving liquor, having the right commercial bar fridge is essential to ensure the best service and smooth operation. If you plan to get a bar refrigerator or already have one, here are some important facts that you should know about these appliances. Knowing your companion better is a great way to use it efficiently and get the best value for your money. Find out all that you need to know.
Using outdoors Unlike the underbench fridges & freezers, using the bar refrigerators outdoor is quite common. But is it okay to use it in the outside entertainment area? Let's find out. Every refrigeration solution comes with an ambient temperature rating. If it is rated 43°C or T (Tropical) it can be used outdoors. Fridges with Sub Tropical (ST) rating can also work outside at max 38°C temperature. But the ones with Standard or N rating will work only up to 32°C max ambient temperature and are not designed for outside use. If you plan to use the refrigerator outside, it is best to opt for a device with Tropical ambient temperature rating.
Irrespective of the rating, always keep the refrigerator under cover and away from direct sunlight when using outside. Even a fridge with Tropical rating will not perform at its best if kept under direct sunlight or close to a heat source.
Using glass door bar fridges A glass door bar fridge looks prettier and more convenient, but it is not the best option, mainly if you use the refrigerator outside. Even the best quality glass doors do not have the same insulation level as a premium solid door. Therefore, these models must handle the extra heat entering into the unit through the glass. It makes the compressor work harder. Using a glass door bar refrigerator in the open during hot summer days will naturally add to the heat entering the unit. Therefore, will put more pressure on the compressor to maintain the inside temperature and also consume more energy. Glassdoor units perform best as the back bar fridges where they are kept in a controlled environment. The best quality ones will also maintain the desired temperature when placed outside but at the cost of burning more energy and straining the compressor.
A glass door beverage fridge with a Tropical rating can also work efficiently at the shop's front, when placed in a covered area, away from direct sunlight. Therefore, before buying a commercial bar fridge in Sydney or somewhere else with a glass door, consider where you will use it.
Ventilation Ventilation is another important aspect of every commercial refrigerator. For efficient performance, the appliance should be placed in a space where it can ventilate properly without any obstruction. There is front venting, semi-front venting, and freestanding models available. The front venting models are best suited for compact spaces. In this design, the hot air is ventilated from the front, but air circulation around the unit is necessary to circulate the warm air away so that it is not sucked back. Additional ventilation might be required for the other models. Providing the recommended space around the unit is vital. Otherwise, it will have to work harder to maintain the temperature, which will lower the device's life expectancy and increase the total energy consumption.
Therefore, when you decide the space for installing the fridge, make sure that there is sufficient space around. Failing to provide the recommended gap around the unit can hamper the performance.
Condensation In Australia's hot and humid weather, condensation is quite normal for all types of display fridges & freezers, and the glass door bar refrigerators are no exception. Depending on the relative humidity condensation will happen outside the glass. Condensation can occur even on days with a comfortable temperature but high humidity. It will be more on extra hot days, with above 80% humidity. Condensation will not directly affect the cooling efficiency or the performance of the refrigerator. Still, the accumulated water droplet might damage expensive flooring, and it might even damage the outer finish if not removed. Wiping it down with a soft and clean cotton cloth is an easy solution to this problem. Otherwise, bar refrigerators with specially treated glass doors are a good option for areas with extremely high humidity.
Noise levels Every refrigeration unit makes noise, and as the commercial refrigeration systems are more powerful, they will naturally produce more noise than a domestic solution. Most commercial refrigeration solutions used in bars create noise around 45 to 55 decibel, which is higher than the noise created by the domestic models. In case the compressor must work extra hard due to some reasons, like placing the unit under direct sunlight or not providing a proper gap for ventilation, it might create more noise. Not servicing the device for months can also lead to more noise during operation. If your unit is suddenly making more noise and has not been serviced in the last couple of months, it is best to get it checked by a registered technician for any faults. Any commercial bar fridge for sale, under normal conditions, will not make deafening noises.
Keep the fridge full Your commercial bar refrigerator performs better when it is full. Yes, you heard us right. It is not like if you have fewer items in the fridge, it will have to work less, rather the compressor will have to work harder to cool the total air contained in the empty space. The empty racks mean they are filled with air that should be cooled down to maintain the inside temperature. On the other hand, when the refrigerator is full, there is less air and less work for the compressor.
Read the installation and usage instructions A brand-new commercial refrigeration solution will always come with an installation guide and usage instructions. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn't switch on the unit for 2 hours after the delivery. When the appliance is carried in a vehicle, the compressor's gas and liquids are relocated towards the narrower ducting. Keep it in a standard vertical position on a plain ground after delivery. It will bring the liquids and gas back to their usual place. Carefully read the instructions provided by your commercial bar fridge supplier before you start using the device.
Simco Catering Equipment has a comprehensive collection of bar refrigeration solutions. You may check their website or the store of their distributors to know more about bar refrigeration solutions.