Steps For Adding Freezers

It’s not uncommon for a restaurant to need additional freezers. The need for more space simply means a growing business! There are a few considerations that need to be made before purchasing a new freezer. Space constraints, electricity, and usage need to be taken in to account.

Measure Your Space

Before you start shopping for a freezer you need to know what kind of space you have to work with. Instead of measuring the model you want and then trying to figure out where to place it later, it’s better to measure the space and find a freezer to fit. Remember to leave proper ventilation space between the  freezer and the wall for venting. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for how much space your model needs. The freezer fans need to be accessible as well. Also consider traffic needs when you are measuring. A freezer that sticks out in a heavy traffic area can pose a danger. Find a good space for the freezer, measure the available space, then start shopping for a freezer model.

Determine a Specific Use

Think about how you organize your food. With mutliple freezers it's tempting to toss as much food as possible into the nearest freezer. This can confuse the storage problem rather than solving it. This can be resolved by devoting each freezer to a specific food category. Use one freezer for dairy, another for meats, etc. This will help prevent confusion and clutter later on. Think about whether you want to place multiple freezers side by side or at different ends of the room, depending on traffic patterns.

Consider the Power Usage

Not only will you need to consider the available power outlets, you want to think about the draw you have available on each circuit. Appliances like freezers draw a lot more power than a toaster or stereo. You can’t just add extension cords to keep them all plugged in. You may need to have an electrician add an additional outlet and circuit if you have multiple freezers.

You will also want to think about efficiency. The advantage of buying a new freezer is that you can count on better efficiency ratings. You will want to check the Energy Star ratings on each model. You don’t have to raise your utility bills huge amounts by adding a new freezer. You can expect to pay more up front for a more efficient model, but the savings over the year will make up for increased upfront cost.

Once you have your new freezer you may want to consider rearranging what you store in the others. Things that are used often should go in the most efficient freezer. This way even though the door is opened constantly the energy savings will still be there. Less used items can go in the older freezers to avoid constant running.

If you need more than one freezer, a little thought and foresight can go a long way in your long term food storage goals.