The Energy Shift:
Transforming Commercial Refrigeration in Hospitality Operations

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, operational efficiency and sustainability are crucial for long-term success. Back-of-house operations – specifically commercial refrigeration units – quietly ensure food safety, quality, and service continuity. For large hospitality brands, back-of-house commercial refrigeration represents a hidden opportunity to drive cost savings, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Cooling is the single largest consumer of energy in the commercial kitchen, so what can you do to ensure your commercial refrigerator isn’t costing you more than it needs to? Well, help is at hand with the Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS), designed to rank all refrigeration products on a scale of A-G (with G being the lowest efficiency rating).

Modern refrigeration is designed to consume less energy compared to older models, which translates into significant savings on your energy bills. Let’s explore how upgrading to energy-efficient commercial refrigeration units can transform your business.

The Hidden Costs of Outdated Commercial Refrigeration

Commercial refrigeration units, especially those installed over 10 years ago, are often energy inefficient and pose several challenges:

• High Energy Consumption: Older commercial refrigeration units, such as commerical upright fridges, can consume more energy than modern alternatives, driving up utility bills across multiple sites.
• Frequent Breakdowns: Aging units are prone to maintenance issues and breakdowns, risking costly disruptions to service.
• Regulatory Non-Compliance: Many older units rely on high GWP refrigerants, which are now restricted or phased out, creating compliance risks.

Key Benefits for Hospitality Brands

1. Lower Energy Costs: Reduce Utility Bills

Did you know that upgrading to an energy-efficient freezer can cut your electricity costs by over £1,297.50 per unit annually? Here’s how:

That’s a saving of £1,297.50 per freezer, per year. Now, imagine the impact across an entire hotel chain or restaurant group – tens of thousands in energy savings while also reducing your carbon footprint.

Considering Rental?

Opting for a Rental+ model allows you to upgrade to modern, energy-efficient refrigeration with no upfront CapEx. Even after factoring in rental costs, businesses can still retain additional net savings per unit, per year, making it a cost-effective and sustainable choice.

2. Sustainability Alignment: Upgrades support Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, enhancing your brand’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

3. Reliable Operations: Fewer breakdowns and maintenance needs ensure seamless service, protecting your reputation and revenue.

Which Commercial Refrigerator Option Is Best For You?

Selecting a commercial refrigerator for back-of-house operations depends on a variety of factors, including the amount of product typically being stored, the space you have for the unit, the industry in which you work and personal preference or positioning. To help you decide, here are some of the back-of-house commercial refrigeration options we offer:

Commercial Upright Fridges & Upright Freezers
Tall, single or multi-door units for back-of-house kitchen storage. These commercial fridges and freezers maximise storage capacity while maintaining organisation and easy access.

Commercial Undercounter Fridges & Undercounter Freezers
Compact and space-saving, these fridges and freezers fit neatly under countertops, offering quick access to refrigerated ingredients.

Commercial Refrigerated Prep Counters
Designed to prepare ingredients while also keeping them refrigerated. These units, also known as refrigerated prep tables, combine a fridge or freezer with a built-in prep area, making them ideal for hospitality outlets like quick-service restaurants.

Commercial Counter Fridges & Counter Freezers
Commercial counter fridges and freezers are designed to combine reliable cold storage with a sturdy work top, as space-saving option. They also provide rapid access to ingredients, suitable to commercial kitchens of all sizes.

Commercial Refrigeration FAQs

Are commercial refrigerators energy efficient?

Most modern commercial refrigeration incorporate technologies designed to enhance energy efficiency. These technologies include optimised airflow systems; the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants and the use of quality of components among other factors. Rental+ makes it convenient and cost-effective to access these highly efficient commercial refrigeration units without significant initial investments.

How do I find out the energy rating of my refrigerator?

To determine your commercial refrigerator’s energy efficiency, locate its energy label, typically found on either the front or back of the unit. Under the GB energy rating system, commercial refrigeration appliances are rated from A+++ (highest efficiency) to G (lowest efficiency). This rating is based on Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), which helps operators quickly assess efficiency.

How do I check if my commercial refrigerator is energy efficient?

You can verify your commercial refrigerator or freezer’s energy efficiency by checking its energy label which should provide the annual energy consumption in kWh/year. This figure tells you how much energy the refrigerator is expected to consume over the course of a year based on typical commercial usage. Additional efficiency details can also be obtained from the appliance manufacturer’s website.

How much does it cost to run a commercial refrigerator?

The running cost of a commercial refrigerator depends primarily on its size, energy efficiency rating, and local electricity tariffs. You can estimate annual operating costs by multiplying the annual energy consumption by your local electricity rate per kWh. As commercial refrigeration equipment may also be operated continuously depending on the business, selecting a highly efficient commercial refrigerator can significantly reduce ongoing costs, helping your hospitality business achieve greater profitability and sustainability.