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Free Commercial Fridge Buying Checklist
A free commercial fridge buying checklist covering space, climate class, energy use, warranty and budget, plus a calculator that compares the total cost of up to three models.
Use the checklist and comparison online
Online Commercial Fridge Buying Checklist
Tap each check as you go: ✓ done, ✗ still to check, or N/A. Then compare your shortlist with the calculator below.
General guidance only. Ticks are stored only in this browser on this device.
Free tool by Display-Fridge Wholesale
Commercial Fridge Comparison Calculator
Compare up to three fridges on what they really cost: the price plus the electricity over the years you plan to keep them.
Find the energy use (kWh per 24 hours) on the specification sheet or the product page. Running costs are estimates: real use depends on room temperature, door openings, how full the unit is and maintenance. Standing charges and VAT are not included.
Calculator by Display-Fridge Wholesale
Frequently asked questions
What is the commercial fridge buying checklist?
A list of everything to check before you buy a commercial fridge, from space and ventilation to energy use, warranty and delivery, with a table and a calculator to compare models.
What is the commercial fridge buying checklist for?
It helps you choose a unit that suits your food, your room and your budget, and avoid expensive mistakes such as a fridge that does not fit or cannot cope with a hot shop.
Who should use the commercial fridge buying checklist?
Anyone buying refrigeration for a café, bakery, butcher, deli, convenience store, pub or restaurant, whether opening a new site or replacing a unit.
What is a climate class on a commercial fridge?
The room conditions the unit is tested to work in. Class 3 is up to 25°C and 60% humidity; class 4 is up to 30°C and 55%. Choose a class that matches your room in summer.
How do I compare commercial fridge running costs?
Compare energy use in kWh per 24 hours. Multiply by 365 and your electricity unit rate, or use the comparison calculator on this page.
How much space does a commercial fridge need?
Its own size plus a ventilation gap, often 5 cm to 10 cm behind and above, and room for the doors to open. Check the manual for each model.
When should I use the buying checklist?
Before you contact suppliers, while you compare quotes and before you confirm the order.
Where do I find a fridge's energy use and climate class?
On the product page or specification sheet. If they are missing, ask the supplier before you buy.
How does a buying checklist help my business?
It reduces the risk of buying the wrong unit, lowers running costs and makes delivery and installation go smoothly.
Is the online buying checklist saved?
Yes, in the browser on your device only. Nothing is sent to us.
Your business with our buying checklist, and without
| Using our buying checklist | Without it | |
|---|---|---|
| Right type of fridge | Matched to the food you sell | A unit that does not suit the products |
| Fit and ventilation | Measured before you order | A fridge that does not fit, or overheats |
| Hot shops | Climate class chosen for the summer | A unit that cannot hold temperature in July |
| Total cost | Price plus five years of electricity compared | The cheapest price, and the highest bills |
| After-sales | Warranty, parts and installation checked | Surprises after delivery |
| Format | PDF, Excel and online, free | Decisions made from a single quote |
How to choose a commercial fridge
A commercial fridge is a five- to ten-year decision. Choosing on price alone often costs more in the end: in electricity, in breakdowns or in a unit that does not suit the food or the room. Working through a checklist before you order means fewer surprises after delivery.
Match the fridge to what you sell
- Cakes, pastries and desserts: a patisserie display fridge.
- Cans and bottled drinks: an upright glass-door drinks fridge.
- Sandwiches, salads and meal deals: a multideck or grab-and-go fridge.
- Meat, cheese and deli products: a serve-over counter.
- Pies, pasties and hot snacks: a heated display cabinet.
- Back-of-house stock: an upright or under-counter storage fridge.
Climate class: the detail most buyers miss
Display fridges are tested to hold temperature in a particular room climate. Climate class 3 means up to 25°C and 60% relative humidity; climate class 4 means up to 30°C and 55%. A unit rated for class 3 in a shop that reaches 30°C in summer will struggle. Measure your room on a hot day and choose accordingly.
Running costs over five years
Compare energy use in kWh per 24 hours, not just the price. The comparison calculator on this page adds five years of electricity to the price of each model, so the cheapest unit to own stands out.
How to use the buying checklist, step by step
Work through the checklist
Tap each check: ✓ when you have it covered, ✗ while it still needs checking, N/A if it does not apply. The score shows how much you have covered.
Checks covered so far Note what to ask the supplier
Use the notes column for questions, such as the climate class, the warranty terms or the delivery date.
The checklist with sections for space, performance, after-sales and budget Compare your shortlist
In the comparison calculator, enter each model’s price, energy use and width. You will see the running cost per year, the total over five years and which model is the best value, and whether each one fits your space.
Two patisserie fridges compared over five years Check the delivery route
Before you order, measure doors, corridors and lifts with the Will It Fit? checker.
Questions to ask before you order
- What is the climate class and energy use in kWh per 24 hours?
- Which refrigerant does it use?
- What does the warranty cover: parts, labour, call-out?
- Is delivery, unpacking and installation included?
- How quickly can spare parts be supplied?
- Do you deliver to my area? See our delivery regions.
Related free resources
- Fridge Delivery Access Checklist: make sure the fridge fits through every door.
- Running Cost Calculator: work out the running costs of your current units.
- Refrigeration Energy-Saving Checklist: keep running costs low after delivery.
- All free resources.
General guidance only. Always check the specification sheet for each model.