A reach-in is the upright refrigerator that holds the food a kitchen uses through the day. The number of doors is shorthand for its width and capacity, and it is the first decision to make. The second is what kind of door.
One model to look at: our Coldline C-2RF two door reach-in refrigerator.
Size by doors
| Doors | Typical width | Suits | Examples we carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| One | About 27 to 29 in. | Small kitchens, cafes, a second unit at a station | Migali C-1R-HC, Coldline E-1RE, True T-23-2-HC |
| Two | About 40 to 54 in. | Most restaurant kitchens | Migali C-2R-HC (49 cu. ft.), Coldline E-2RE, True T-35-HC |
| Three | Wider still; check the product page | High-volume kitchens with the wall space | Migali C-3R-HC |
See all of them in reach-in refrigerators, and the matching reach-in freezers.
One large unit or two smaller ones
Two one-door units can be better than one two-door unit. They can stand in different parts of the kitchen, each close to the station that uses it, and if one fails you still have the other. One larger unit usually costs less for the same capacity and uses one outlet. If your kitchen is small and everything is within a few steps, buy the larger unit. If cooks are walking across the kitchen to reach the refrigerator, split it.
Solid doors, glass doors and half doors
- Solid doors insulate best and hide the contents. They are the standard for back of house.
- Glass doors, as on the Migali C-2RG-HC, let staff see what is inside before opening. That saves time and cold air on a busy line, as long as the inside is kept tidy.
- Half doors, as on the True T-23-2-HC, split each section into an upper and lower door. Opening one half lets out less cold air, which helps in a hot kitchen where the door is opened constantly.
How much capacity
Capacity is listed in cubic feet on each product page. Work from your deliveries: the refrigerator has to hold what arrives on your biggest delivery day plus what is already there. If you are replacing a unit that was always overfull, go up a size. An overpacked refrigerator blocks its own air flow and struggles to hold temperature.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on the product page.
- Check the voltage and plug type on the spec sheet against the outlet. Commercial refrigeration is normally put on its own circuit.
- Leave the clearance the manufacturer asks for around the condenser.
- Measure the ceiling height. Reach-ins are tall, and some need clearance above.
- Check which way the doors swing against your layout.
Ordering and delivery
Delivery within the continental US is included in the price on each product page, and freight orders include liftgate service. If you want help checking a measurement or a power requirement before you order, call +1-877-558-2253.