Choosing the Right Commercial Freezer for a Melbourne Kitchen
Upright vs Chest Freezers
Upright freezers are the default choice for most commercial kitchens. They make stock easier to organise,
provide faster access to products, and reduce the back strain associated with digging through a chest freezer.
Chest freezers, however, offer more storage capacity per dollar and per square metre while losing less cold
air when opened, making them more economical for bulk frozen storage.
Most cafés and restaurant kitchens prefer upright freezers, while commissaries, catering operations and camp
kitchens often benefit from using both upright and chest freezer solutions.
Choosing the Right Capacity
A standard 2-door upright commercial freezer typically provides around 1,200 litres of storage capacity,
making it suitable for a busy café or a small restaurant carrying approximately one week's worth of frozen stock.
Larger operations such as restaurants serving more than 100 covers per day, dark kitchens and aged-care
facilities generally require 1,800 litres or more, often achieved through a 3-door upright freezer or a
combination of an upright and chest freezer for bulk storage requirements.
Refrigerant & Energy Efficiency
R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant has become the standard for quality commercial freezers and can operate around
20–25% more efficiently than older R404a systems. With Melbourne's electricity costs, the additional upfront
investment is often recovered within the first year through lower energy consumption.
When comparing models, review the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) listed on the specification sheet. For a
commercial upright freezer, an EER above 1.5 W/W is generally considered a strong performance benchmark.
Display Freezers
Glass-door display freezers are ideal for ice cream, frozen meals and retail-facing food service businesses.
Because they constantly work against heat ingress through the glass doors, they typically consume more energy
per litre of storage compared to solid-door units.
While they are excellent for merchandising and product visibility, display freezers are generally not the most
economical choice for back-of-house frozen storage.
Food Safety Requirements
Victorian food safety regulations require frozen products to be stored at or below -18°C with
appropriate temperature monitoring procedures in place.
Every commercial freezer in our range includes a built-in digital temperature display, while selected models
also feature high and low temperature alarms and HACCP-compatible data logging capabilities for enhanced
compliance and record keeping.
Why Choose CKA for Melbourne Freezer Supply?
Our commercial freezer range is supported by the same Parramatta warehouse and Victorian service network used
for our Melbourne commercial refrigeration solutions. Most kitchen fit-out projects combine fridges and
freezers in a single shipment, helping reduce freight costs and streamline delivery.
Customers also benefit from trade pricing across combined equipment orders, with finance options available for
complete packages rather than individual units alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you deliver freezers to Melbourne and regional Victoria?
Yes. Melbourne metro deliveries typically arrive within 2–4 working days, while regional Victoria
deliveries generally take 3–6 working days. Upright freezers are transported in their operating position,
and chest freezer deliveries may require additional clearance during unloading.
Should I order a fridge and freezer together?
In most cases, yes. Ordering both together reduces freight costs, simplifies scheduling with a single
delivery window, and may qualify your purchase for trade pricing when multi-unit thresholds are met.
Most commercial kitchen fit-outs start with at least one upright fridge and one upright freezer.
What warranty applies to commercial freezers?
Warranty coverage varies by manufacturer and model, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years on parts and
labour. Refer to the product specification sheet or warranty information page for detailed coverage.
Can I purchase a commercial freezer at trade pricing?
Yes. Trade pricing is available on most multi-unit purchases. Send through your equipment list or preferred
freezer model and quantity, and we can provide a customised quotation.
What temperature does a commercial freezer maintain?
Most commercial freezers operate between -18°C and -22°C. Certain specialised units,
including ice cream freezers, can achieve temperatures as low as -25°C. Always review the
specification sheet for the operating temperature range of a specific model.
Is energy consumption documented?
Yes. Every commercial freezer includes a published energy consumption figure expressed in kWh per 24-hour
period. Multiplying this value by your electricity rate provides a reliable estimate of annual running
costs.
