Refrigerators

Types

• Direct-cool single door — simple, low-cost units for small offices, pantries and staff rooms; needs manual defrosting.
• Frost-free double door — automatic defrost and separate freezer, suitable for larger pantries, hostels and guest houses.
• Deep freezer — chest-type unit for storing frozen items in bulk, used by canteens, hospitals and food businesses.
• Visi-cooler (glass-door display) — vertical cooler with a transparent door for cold drinks, dairy and packaged food in shops and canteens.
• Commercial under-counter or upright refrigerator — stainless steel units for kitchens and catering, built for frequent door opening.

What to check before buying

• Usable capacity in litres compared with what you actually store.
• BEE star rating where the model is covered, and the stated annual energy use.
• Refrigerant type and compressor make, plus compressor warranty, which is often longer than the product warranty.
• Operating temperature range and whether the unit holds temperature during power cuts or voltage fluctuation; consider a voltage stabiliser.
• Ambient rating for hot climates and ventilation clearance behind the unit.
• On-site service coverage in your town, AMC options and a GST invoice with serial number.

Who buys them

Offices, schools, hospitals, shops, canteens, hostels, housing societies, NGOs and government offices.

Frequently asked questions

What capacity of fridge does an office pantry need?

A single-door unit of 180 to 250 litres is usually enough for a team of 20 to 40 people storing drinks and lunches. Increase capacity if the fridge is shared by several floors.

Do I need a frost-free model?

Frost-free units save the effort of defrosting and suit heavy use. Direct-cool models use less power and cost less to repair but need regular manual defrosting.

What is a visi-cooler used for?

It displays and chills bottled drinks and packaged items for customers. Common brands include Godrej, Voltas, Blue Star, Haier and Whirlpool.