Countertop Prep Fridges

Countertop prep fridges keep toppings and fillings chilled in gastronorm pans right on the bench where sandwiches, salads, pizzas and bowls are assembled. Most in this collection are salad benches that sit on an existing bench or fridge, with a row of chilled pans under a glass canopy or stainless lids. For full-height prep counters with storage underneath, see our pizza prep fridges and salad bar fridges.

Types of countertop prep fridge

FED-X XVRX salad benches

The FED-X XVRX range comes in 1200, 1500, 1800 and 2000 mm widths, holding 4, 6, 8 or 9 GN 1/3 pans at +2 to +8°C with static cooling and a Dixell controller. Each size is offered with a flat toughened glass canopy (about 439 mm high) or stainless steel lids (about 281 mm high), and the pan positions are angled for reach, taking pans up to 150 mm deep. Pans are sold separately.

Atosa VRX salad benches

Atosa VRX units come in two depths. The 330 mm-deep models take GN 1/4 pans, from 5 to 10 pans across 1200 to 2000 mm widths, and the 395 mm-deep models take GN 1/3 pans, from 4 to 9 pans. They are static cooled with a Dixell digital controller, about 435 mm high, and can sit on top of a prep fridge to add an ingredient tier.

Small and display units

The Technocrio CIT0001 is a 600 mm countertop ingredients fridge that takes a full GN 1/1 pan 150 mm deep, or any mix of smaller pans, on 0.13 kW. Thermaster SSS4 and SSS7 sushi showcases are curved-glass countertop displays in 1199 and 1800 mm widths; they are holding units, so product must be chilled below 5°C before it goes in.

What to check before you order

• Depth of your bench. Units here are about 335 mm or 395 mm deep; measure the bench or fridge top they will sit on.
• Pan size and count. GN 1/3 pans hold more per pan; GN 1/4 pans fit more ingredients into the same width.
• Glass or lids. A glass canopy keeps the ingredients visible and shields them during service; stainless lids keep the unit low and cover the pans between services.
• Holding, not chilling. These units keep cold food cold. Load ingredients from the coolroom or fridge rather than at room temperature.

For help choosing between formats, read our guide to salad bar vs pizza prep fridges. Popular models include the FED-X XVRX1500/380 flat glass salad bench and the Atosa VRX 1500/380 salad bench.

Frequently asked questions