Choosing a commercial fridge for a Perth kitchen
Climate. Perth summers are dry but consistently above 35°C for weeks at a time, which puts heavy load on commercial refrigeration — especially in kitchens without dedicated mechanical ventilation. R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant copes better than older R134a in high ambient temperatures, and is standard on most quality units now. If your fridge is going in a hot section of the kitchen, look for the 43°C ambient temperature rating, not the standard 32°C.
Capacity sizing. Café operations typically run on a single 2-door upright (around 1,200L) plus an undercounter or salad prep bench (250-400L). Restaurants with multiple sections need a 2-door per station. FIFO and mining camp catering scales faster — a 1,800L 3-door upright plus a dedicated chest freezer is a typical pairing for a 50-person camp kitchen.
Service access. WA's commercial refrigeration tech network is smaller than the eastern states. Buying from a supplier with a documented WA service partner — rather than "we'll find someone" — is the difference between a 48-hour fix and a fortnight of warm stock and ruined product. Every fridge below ships with that service contact on the warranty card.
Energy. WA electricity prices are among the highest in Australia. R290 units use roughly 20% less energy than older R134a equivalents, and night-mode functions (compressor cycles less when the kitchen's closed) typically pay themselves back in 18-24 months on a busy commercial unit.
Why CKA for Perth
WA delivery has been part of our routine since 2012. We use freight partners with WA depots and follow up actively when an ETA slips — something most carriers won't do, especially on regional drops. Trade pricing applies on multi-unit fitouts (typically 5%+ off list at 3 units). SilverChef finance is available — approvals up to $65,000 in around 5 minutes. AU 3-pin plugs and AS/NZS 60335.2.89 compliance on every unit. Warranty varies by product — manufacturer cover typically runs 1-5 years on parts and labour depending on the unit. See our warranty page for the specific terms on each model. The WA service-tech network handles in-warranty work directly; out-of-warranty calls can also be coordinated through us at non-emergency rates.
Common questions
How long is delivery to Perth? Metro Perth typically 5-9 working days. Regional WA (Mandurah, Bunbury, Geraldton, Albany) 7-12 working days. Express options are available for time-critical orders.
Do you deliver to mining camps and remote WA sites? Yes — FIFO camp catering refrigeration is part of our regular work. Quote a final delivery address and a contact on-site to receive, and we'll come back with a freight quote.
What's the warranty in WA? Manufacturer cover varies by unit — typically 1-5 years on parts and labour. Specific terms on each spec sheet; full details on our warranty page. The WA service-tech network handles in-warranty callouts. Out-of-warranty service can also be arranged.
Is the equipment certified for Australian commercial use? Every unit complies with AS/NZS 60335.2.89 (commercial refrigerated appliances) and AS/NZS 60335.1 (electrical safety). AU 3-pin plugs as standard.
Can I get trade pricing or finance? Both. Trade pricing on multi-unit kitchen fitouts (5-15% off list). SilverChef finance is available — approvals up to $65,000 in around 5 minutes.
What if the unit arrives damaged? Photograph the damage at delivery, refuse the unit, and call us. We replace damaged units at our cost — freight insurance covers it.
