Commercial Counter Fridge Buying Guide
Glass or solid doors, and how many — how to choose an under-bench counter fridge with a usable stainless worktop.
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A counter fridge is refrigerated storage built into working height — a run of doors below a stainless top that gives you cold stock exactly where you work, plus a bench on top. It’s the back-of-bench workhorse in a busy kitchen or bar. Two decisions: solid or glass doors, and how many.
Every figure here is from our own range.
Glass or solid (stainless) doors?
- Solid stainless doors — better insulated, more discreet and tougher. The choice for back-of-house storage and anywhere the stock doesn’t need to be seen. Most efficient.
- Glass doors — let staff (or customers) see the stock without opening up, handy for fast service and front-of-bench display. Slightly higher running cost than solid.
Simple: hidden storage → solid. See-and-grab or display → glass. Every size below comes in both.
How many doors — the range
Counter fridges run 1 to 4 doors along the bench. Every size comes in solid stainless or glass doors — same cabinet, same capacity. All are 850mm high (bench height) and 700mm deep.
| Model | Capacity | Size (W × D × H) | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GN1100TN1 door, solid | 115 L | 930 × 700 × 850mm | Compact station |
| GN1100TNG1 door, glass | 115 L | 930 × 700 × 850mm | Compact station |
| GN2100TN2 door, solid | 260 L | 1360 × 700 × 850mm | Café, small bar |
| GN2100TNG2 door, glass | 260 L | 1360 × 700 × 850mm | Café, small bar |
| GN3100TN3 door, solid | 403 L | 1800 × 700 × 850mm | Busy kitchen / bar |
| GN3100TNG3 door, glass | 403 L | 1800 × 700 × 850mm | Busy kitchen / bar |
| GN4100TN4 door, solid | 545 L | 2230 × 700 × 850mm | Long service line |
| GN4100TNG4 door, glass | 545 L | 2230 × 700 × 850mm | Long service line |
Match the length to your bench run and how much chilled stock you keep at hand. Two doors suit most cafés; three or four for a long service line.
What to look for
- The stainless top as workspace — a counter fridge doubles as bench; make sure the run suits your layout.
- Door type per position — you can often mix glass and solid; confirm the model.
- Castors or legs — for cleaning access underneath.
- Temperature and airflow — chilled storage that recovers fast when doors open at service; give it ventilation and keep it off the cook-line heat.