Top Rated Commercial Refrigerators

A Practical Guide for UK Businesses

If you run a restaurant, café, supermarket or commercial kitchen, you know how important it is to have a reliable commercial refrigerator. When one breaks down, it’s not just inconvenient, it can mean food waste, lost sales, and frustrated staff.

In this post, we’ll break down the top rated commercial refrigerators used by businesses across the UK, based on performance, reliability, and real-world experience. We’ll also highlight which brands we see the most and least breakdowns with, so you can make a more informed choice.

Whether you’re searching for the best rated commercial refrigerators, or just looking for the best commercial fridge that won’t let you down mid-shift, this guide’s for you.

Why Picking the Right Commercial Fridge Matters

Choosing a commercial refrigerator isn’t just about size or price — it’s about reliability, ease of maintenance, and efficiency.

As Director Ali from Be Cool Refrigeration puts it:

“We repair hundreds of commercial fridges each year. The brands that cause the fewest issues over time are the ones we end up recommending, not just because of spec sheets, but because we’ve seen how they hold up in real kitchens.”

What Makes a Commercial Fridge “Top Rated”?

Before diving into specific brands and models, here are a few things we look for when calling a commercial fridge “top rated”:

Consistent cooling performance
Energy efficiency (look for an A or B energy rating)
Ease of servicing and availability of spare parts
Strong build quality (stainless steel interiors, reinforced doors)
Warranty and after-sales support

1. Foster Refrigeration (UK)

Model Example: Foster EcoPro G3 700L Upright Fridge
Best for: Restaurants, hotels, large commercial kitchens

Foster is a UK-based brand and widely respected in the hospitality industry. Their EcoPro G2 range is known for being efficient and extremely durable.

At Be Cool Refrigeration, we see fewer breakdowns with Foster units compared to many others. The parts are easy to source, and servicing is straightforward, which makes life easier for our engineers and saves you money long term.

“Foster units just keep going. We’ve seen kitchens use them for 10+ years with minimal issues, provided they’re maintained properly,” says Director Ali.

🔗 Check out the Foster EcoPro G3

2. Gram Commercial

Model Example: Gram K 420 LG L2 4N Upright Fridge
Best for: Cafés, bakeries, high-volume operations

Gram fridges are built in Denmark and known for low energy consumption and excellent insulation. Their upright fridges are often chosen for their quiet operation and easy-to-clean interior.

We rarely get callouts for Gram units breaking down, they’re built to last, and most issues we see are due to user error (like blocked filters or incorrect loading).

🔗 View the Gram Upright Fridge

3. Williams Refrigeration

Model Example: Williams Jade HJ1-SA
Best for: Commercial kitchens, supermarkets

Williams fridges are solid performers. They’re used in everything from hotels to schools. The Jade range offers great performance and a strong stainless steel build that can handle heavy daily use.

Repairs are usually straightforward, with parts readily available. We recommend a regular cleaning and filter check to keep these running smoothly.

🔗 Explore the Williams Jade Series

Common Repairs (and What They Tell Us About Brands)

We’ve noticed patterns over time, some brands break down more than others, and often for the same reasons. Here’s what we see most often on our commercial fridge callouts:

Brands with fewer issues:

Foster, Gram, and Williams, common issues are blocked condensers or wear and tear after many years of use.

Brands with more frequent issues:

Polar and Blizzard, These are lower-cost options and more prone to thermostat failures, door seal breakdowns, and noisy compressors after just a few years. They work for tight budgets, but expect more servicing.

As Ali puts it:

“Buying cheap often means paying more in the long run. We get the most emergency calls for the lower-end fridges that seemed like a bargain at first.”

Best Commercial Fridge for Small Spaces

If you’re in a small café or food truck and need something compact:

Polar CD083 Single Door Under Counter Fridge

Not the most durable long-term, but great for new businesses starting out. Easy to fit under counters, and parts are readily available.

🔗 Check Polar CD080

Energy Efficiency Matters More Than You Think

Running multiple fridges adds up fast. Choosing a unit with a better energy rating could save you hundreds of pounds a year. Foster and Gram lead in this area, many models are A-rated or better.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Fridge Life

Clean condenser coils monthly, keeps your system efficient
Don’t overload shelves, airflow matters
Check seals, loose door seals let cold air escape
Get a service twice a year, it’s cheaper than a breakdown

The best rated commercial refrigerators aren’t just about brand names, they’re about long-term performance, reliability, and how easily they can be maintained.

Our top picks Foster, Gram, and Williams consistently deliver great results with fewer headaches.

If you’re buying your first unit or upgrading from something unreliable, go for a brand that’s proven in the field not just on paper.

Still unsure what to choose? We’re always happy to offer advice based on your kitchen setup and what you really need.