Keepin’ it cool: A buyer’s guide to fridge-freezers for schools

Fridge-freezers are a school essential. With hungry kids to feed at lunch and the milk to keep fresh in the staffroom, you need fridge-freezers with the capacity and durability to cope.

This blog looks at the uses of fridge-freezers for schools. It also gives you some practical tips on what to consider when choosing the ideal appliances for your school.

Why are fridge-freezers for schools important?

Fridge-freezers for schools have many needs to meet. School canteens are busy places, churning out hundreds of meals a day – so they need equipment that’s up to the job!

Areas such as the staffroom and food technology classrooms also need fridge-freezers to keep perishable items fresh.

What to look for in fridge-freezers for schools

Will a few domestic fridge-freezers, do the job, or do you need to invest in a range of high-capacity commercial models?

A good starting point is to think about the style of fridge-freezer you want.

Does a combined fridge-freezer – with a typical 70/30 split in favour of fridge space – work for you? Or do you need separate, standalone appliances with one function?

Alternatively, you might want to consider a versatile model with compartments that can switch between fridge and freezer mode, as needed.

The standard types of domestic fridge-freezer are:

• Freestanding: These are normally the cheapest and there tends to be a lot of choice in terms of brand etc. They’re also portable, so can be moved wherever needed!
• Integrated: These are concealed behind cupboard doors and are a popular choice for residential use.
• American: These are usually sleek and stylish, with lots of storage. However, they can be expensive to run and take up a lot of floor space!

Commercial fridge-freezers are available in a wide range of styles and designs.

What size should I go for?

Make sure you think carefully about the capacity you need and the available space you have. Domestic fridge-freezers tend to hold around 100 litres in the case of under-the-counter designs, to up to 600 litres for free-standing models. For higher capacity, you’ll need a commercial model.

Remember to check:

• External dimensions: Carefully measure the space you have, allowing a little additional room at the back and the sides to prevent overheating.
• Internal dimensions: Bear in mind that manufacturers typically calculate dimensions with all shelves, drawers and racks taken out.
• Energy consumption: The capacity of your fridge-freezer will affect its energy consumption, which can drive up your energy bills. Appliances are rated from A to G, with A being the most efficient.

Additional features

Some fridge-freezers come with extra features to make life easier. Here are some popular options:

• Frost-free: This saves you from the time and effort of defrosting your appliance.
• Door alarms: These go off if you accidentally leave the door open, so your food won’t go to waste.
• Water and ice dispensers: Check whether your model is plumbed-in or one you have to refill manually.
• Hybrid cooling system: This circulates air around the appliance to ensure an even temperature.

At Utility Rentals, we make updating your fridge-freezers for schools as convenient as possible. Our exclusive rental packages include delivery to your location, disconnection of old appliances, installation of new appliances, testing and commissioning as well as a parts and labour breakdown warranty for the full rental term.

For more help choosing the right fridge-freezer solution for your school, contact the experts at Utility Rentals!