Reach-In Refrigerators vs Reach-In Freezers: What’s the Difference?

When designing or upgrading a commercial kitchen, one of the most important equipment decisions is choosing between a reach-in refrigerator and a reach-in freezer.

While they may look similar on the outside, they serve very different purposes inside a professional kitchen. Understanding the difference ensures food safety, operational efficiency, and long-term cost control.

At Kitchen Pro Restaurant Equipment, we specialize in commercial refrigeration built for real working kitchens. We proudly supply Frigos Value Series (FGV) and Frigos reach-in refrigerators and freezers — delivering the best balance of quality and affordability nationwide.

What Is a Reach-In Refrigerator?

A reach-in refrigerator maintains temperatures between 33°F and 41°F, making it ideal for daily ingredient storage in busy restaurant kitchens.

Common Uses:

Fresh produce
Dairy products
Sauces and condiments
Prepped ingredients
Beverages
Short-term meat and seafood storage

Key Features:

Temperature range: 33°F – 41°F
Fast access for high-volume kitchens
1-door, 2-door, and 3-door options
Solid or glass door configurations

One of our most popular models is the Frigos Value Series 2 Door Reach-In Refrigerator (FGV-RF-2D) — known for stainless steel durability and competitive pricing.

What Is a Reach-In Freezer?

A reach-in freezer maintains temperatures between -10°F and 0°F, allowing for long-term food preservation and bulk storage.

Common Uses:

Frozen meats and seafood
Ice cream and frozen desserts
Pre-portioned ingredients
Bulk inventory storage

Key Features:

Heavy-duty compressor systems
Thicker insulation
Reinforced door gaskets
Designed for extended storage

A strong performer in this category is the Frigos Value Series 2 Door Reach-In Freezer (FGV-FZ-2D) , one of our most competitively priced commercial freezers.

Reach-In Refrigerator vs Reach-In Freezer: Key Differences

Feature	Reach-In Refrigerator	Reach-In Freezer
Temperature	33°F – 41°F	-10°F – 0°F
Purpose	Short-term storage	Long-term preservation
Energy Use	Lower	Higher
Compressor Power	Moderate	Heavy-duty
Insulation	Standard	Thicker

Explore Commercial Refrigeration Options

Browse our full selection of Reach-In Refrigerators, Reach-In Freezers, and the complete Frigos Value Series collection.

Why Kitchen Pro Restaurant Equipment?

At Kitchen Pro Restaurant Equipment, we specialize in commercial-grade refrigeration designed for real working kitchens. Our mission is simple: deliver the best value for the money without compromising on quality.