If you want to buy a chest freezer for your restaurant, then your first job is to buy a model that is big enough for your storage needs and available space. Once you've worked this out, you should look at key features to make sure that the freezer works well for you.

Which features are good to have?

1. Temperature Warning Alerts

You might store a lot of food in your freezer. This food has a specific value, so you need to make sure that it stays frozen. If someone accidentally unplugs the unit or if it malfunctions, then your stored food might start to defrost. You could lose all your stock if you don't notice the problem in time.

Some commercial freezers come with temperature warning features. Some have a display that you can check; others give out an audible alert if the temperature goes below or above its optimum setting. Any warning could give you a useful heads-up.

2. Automatic Defrosting

If a freezer doesn't have an automatic defrost function, then you have to clear it out manually every now and then. Between defrosts, the freezer builds up ice which reduces your storage capacity. If you choose a model with automatic defrosting, then the unit manages itself. You won't have to deal with ice build-up and you won't have to spend time defrosting the freezer.

3. Fast Freeze Settings

The food you store in your freezer takes time to become completely frozen. Ideally, you want your foods to freeze as soon as possible.

A fast freeze helps maintain quality and avoids problems with food spoiling. So, this feature could be useful especially if you freeze prepared food for later use.

4. Internal Lights

If you fill a chest freezer, then you will end up with layers of food in the space. You might have to rummage around to find what you want. You'll find it a lot easier to see what is in your freezer and to find what you want if you buy a unit with an internal light.

5. Balanced Lids

If you buy a chest freezer with a hinged lid, then it's worth looking for counterbalanced hinges.  Here, the lid stays up when you open it. It won't fall down and hit anyone who leans into the freezer to put things in or take them out.

6. Locks

If you fill a freezer with expensive cuts of meat, fish and seafood, then you have a lot of cash invested in the unit. If you buy a freezer with a lock, then you control access to its contents. You won't have problems with pilfering or theft.

For more information on suitable chest freezers, contact commercial refrigeration equipment professional.