In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical considerations on the benefits and drawbacks of using a commercial refrigerator at home. While it may be an appealing choice for some families, it may not be for everyone. Hope this post will guide you to make an informed decison. 

Benefits of Commercial Refrigerators:

While commercial refrigerators are essential for restaurants, homeowners are increasingly recognizing the advantages they offer. In many ways, commercial refrigerators outperform their residential counterparts, especially for busy, large families or those running a home-based business. If you’ve done your research on residential models and haven’t found one that meets your needs, a commercial fridge might be the perfect solution. You might be surprised with a simplified life with this not-so-traditional option. Now, let's explore the benefits of commercial refrigerators and see how they can make a difference in your home.

- Large Capacity and Storage

You'll see different sizes of commercial fridges in the market, ranging from small under-counter fridges to big 3 door models. At Westlake, for example, our 1-door commercial fridge has 23 cubic feet capacity, 2-door models have 36 or 49 cubic feet capacity, and 3-door models have 54 or 72 cubic feet capacity.  Commercial refrigerators allow extra space for users to stack food easily. If you have a large household, you probably need a lot of eggs, fruits, drinks, vegetables and meat. While residential refrigerators can handle a heavy load, perisables can stay fresh longer in a commercial refrigerator. 

Another great thing when using commercial coolers is they come with adjustable shelves. Although residential refrigerators allow some kind of adjustment, it's still very limited. Commercial ones, on the other hand, allow you to change the height and configuration depending on your needs. Proper shelf adjustment not only makes organization a breeze but can also dramatically improve airflow around food items, keeping them fresh at an ideal temperature.

When you only have a residential fridge, you might constantly need to squeeze items in wherever they fit, often blocking the airflow vents. Things get stacked up making them hard to find. Some food even goes to waste without being noticed. It’s also important to keep a distance from the airflow vent to prevent food, especially vegetables, from freezing, but that’s not always easy when space is tight.

-Durable Construction 

Commercial Refrigerators are built to handle the real tough situations. Speaking of durability, we are talking about industrial-grade material, heavy-duty parts, and reinforced shelving etc. These are meant to withstand constant use and high demands in any commercial kitchen environment. The stainless steel exterior makes these fridges resistant to damage. For the interior, Westlake refrigerators use high-quality stainless steel compared to aluminum used by other manufacturers. This high standard of interior lining can ensure a professional look.  

On the other hand, residential refrigerators are made with lighter and thinner steel. They may have a more appealing and aesthetic design, but don't overlook the durability. This lighter construction is sufficient and convenient for everyday home use. But if you have large families requiring frequent door openings, residential refrigerators cannot withstand the same level of wear and tear as commercial models.

Commercial refrigerators typically last longer than residential counterparts. While both types often last 10-15 years, commercial fridges can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. On the other hand, the lifespan of residential refrigerators can be shorter than 10 years depending on usage and maintenance.  

- Cooling Ability

If you’re a homeowner but prefers a refrigerator that has better cooling ability and keep your food at its best, commercial refrigerators are worth considering. These units are designed to meet strict food safety standards in foodservice industry.If you’re on the hunt for a commercial refrigerator that balances performance with eco-friendliness, be sure to check out Westlake models. 

Westlake commercial refrigerators use the Italian brand Carel controllers, which makes it easy to adjust the refrigerator's cabinet temperature. Additionally, you can set the defrost frequency to suit your needs. The clear LCD readout provides a convenient way to monitor the unit’s temperature all day everyday. 

Besides, commerical refrigerators have powerful compressors and top-notch insulation, so they can cool large volumes of food rapidly. Some models even have specialized temperature control zones. This will be perfect for storing different types of food or dairy products at their ideal temperatures. For example, meat might be kept at a lower temperature than dairy products.  These custom temperature settings are a real game-changer when it comes to maintain the integrity and freshness of your ingredients.

Westlake commercial refrigerators use Embraco compressors, known for their reliability and efficiency. These compressors are designed to achive a perfect balance of optimal performance and energy efficiency. Another great thing about Embraco compressor is that they use eco-friendly R290 refrigerant, which has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0. If you prefer something more environment friendly, this is a good choice. 

More Consideration on Commercial Refrigerators 

- Upfront Cost:

Of course, commercial refrigerators do have a higher upfront cost, but this is well justified. Durable material, advanced features and large storage are just a few reasons. The cost can vary greatly based on factors like size, features, brand, and customization requirements. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more for a commercial refrigerator. Here’s a breakdown:

- Small Undercounter or Reach-In Units: $1,000 to $3,000
- Mid-Size Reach-In Units: $3,000 to $6,000
- Large Reach-In Units or Specialty Models (like walk-in coolers): $6,000 to $10,000 or more

Westlake refrigerators range from small 1-door to spacious 3-door models. Even for the large 3-door models, the prices are below $5000, making it an excellent value given all the advanced features Westlake brand offers. These include digital temperature control, adjustable shelves, high-capacity compressors, and a 6-year warranty on the compressor.

On the other hand, residential refrigerators are more affordable. Here’s a breakdown:

- Budget units: $500. Come with basic design and small capacity.                              - Mid-range units: $1000-$1500. Come with features such as side-by-side or French door configurations, adjustable shelves, water dispenser and ice maker.        - High-end units: $2500 or more. Come with smart connectivity, large capacity and temperature control zones.  

- Size and Space Requirements:

Another factor you should consider is whether your kitchen or garage have enough space for a commercial refrigerator. A 2-door Westlake refrigerator is 48.4" or 54.1"in width and 31.5" or 30.7" in depth, while a Frigidaire French Door refrigerator is only 31" in width and depth.  

Before you make any purchase, you should always measure the space. The substantial size of commercial refrigerators is a big plus for some families, but it can be inconvenient for others. If you have the space, commercial refrigerators are excellent choices and can be very practical in use. And don't forget, commercial units generally require more floor space, larger doorways for installation and ventilation. It might pose challenges when integrating into a typical home environment.

On the other hand, residential refrigerators are designed to fit comfortably in standard home kitchens. They come in various sizes and styles that cater to different space requirements and aesthetic preferences. These units are easier to place in a home setting, offering flexibility in terms of installation and integration with existing kitchen layouts.

- Energy Consumption

Without any doubt, commercial refrigerators will consume more power due to the size and functionality. But how much more? According to Energy.gov, commercial refrigerators can use up to 17,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, which is nearly twice the amount compared to the consumption in a typical household, 10,399 kWh per year. If you are set on getting a commercial one, you should evaluate these areas to minimize consumption and save money on your electricity bill.

1. Compressor location

Where the compressor locates plays a big role in energy consumption. If the reach-in refrigerators have botton-mounted compressors, they will use less electricity. This is because the air near the floor is usually colder. This type of configuration also makes the storage space more accessible. If users can find what they are looking for faster, the door will be closed sooner. 

At Westlake,  some commercial refrigerator models have bottom mounted design, such as WKR-23B, WKR-49B, KWR-82B, WKR-23BG, WKR-49BG, WKR-82BG.  These units have solid or galss door designs. They all come with self-closing doors with 90 degree stay-open feature. Locks and keys are included.

2. Door type

There are usually two types of doors in commercial refrigeration systems - glass or solid. Glass door is a main feature in display fridge, which allowe kitchen staff or grocery shoppers see the contents inside. However, solid door has better insulation, so this type refrigerators use less power to keep the food fresh and cold. So if your main concern is energy consumption, you should opt for a solid door commercial fridge. Here’s a detailed review to help you decide between a solid door and a glass door refrigerator:

3. Maintenance

Like any machine, regular maintenance is essential for commercial refrigerators. A well-maintained refrigerator can have a longer lifespan and reduce energy consumption. A poorly maintained refrigerator may have to use more energy to maintain the desired set temperature after frequent door opening. We want to make the machines work smarter, not harder, right?

So make sure you have a good routine for regular cleaning and maintenance. You should perform tasks such as checking door seals, cleaning the coils, and addressing any issues promptly. Check out our post here on how to clean commercial refrigerators. According to energystar.gov, studies show that cleaning the coils of a refrigerator can reduce energy consumption by 2% for coils that were fairly clean to start with, and up to 49% for particularly grimy coils. 

Speaking of maintenance, won't it be easier if you can move the refrigerator around? So make sure you purchase products with casters instead of legs. All Westlake refrigerators come with casters and locks, allowing you to position the refrigerator exactly where you want it. This mobility makes cleaning and maintenance tasks more convenient, ensuring you can access all areas of the refrigerator effortlessly.

4. Energy Star Rating 

According to energystar.gov, refrigerators earning the ENERGY STAR label are, on average, 25% more efficient than standard counterparts.You should consider investing in ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators if you want to take advantage of the incentives and reduce energy bills. These products are designed to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All these Westlake units have Energy Star certification: WKR-23B, WKR-49B, KWR-82B, WKR-23BG, WKR-49BG, WKR-82BG. 

- Noise Levels:

The powerful compressor and cooling system in a commercial refrigerator can bring benefits like rapid cooling and reliable temperature control. However, they also produce more noise. This is not an issue in a busy restaurant  kitchen where background noise is a norm. But for your own home kitchen, it's important to evaluate this area.

Fortunately there are ways to mitigate this issue. You may want to consider placing your refrigerator in a less busy area, such as a garage where the noise won’t be as noticeable. Westlake commercial refrigerators can be placed in a garage if the temperature is between 42 - 100℉. You know your space well, just make sure don't put it near bedrooms or living rooms.

Your commercial cooler will run at a lower noise level with regular maintenance. For example, loose parts or dirty fans can increase the noise, which will be more noticable in a home setting. So, make sure you have good cleaning tools and maintenance habits in place early on. Regularly checking, cleaning and tightening components will also extend the lifespan of your commercial fridge. And it saves some electricity too!

Final Words

Now that you've learned all the pros and cons of owning a commercial refrigerator at home, you should be well-equipped to start your research on the brands and models available in the market. It can be quite intimidating to begin this journey. Understanding your specific needs and comparing different options takes quite a bit of time. Will the machine last? How's the brand reputation? How good is the warranty? Is it easy to use? What features do they have? 

The list of questions can seem endless, but we’re here to guide you! Email or call us, we can share testimonials and useful information to help you make the best choice. At Bitimexhome, we'll make sure to match or even beat the price of other reputable retailers on Westlake products. With our 5-year warranty on compressors and a 2-year warranty on the entire machine, you can shop with confidence!