How to Choose the Right Refrigerators for Front of House and Back of House

When it comes to choosing commercial refrigeration for your business, customers often focus on either style or capacity, but the best equipment does both. For front of house, you need units that are visually appealing, easy to access, and showcase your products in the best possible light. For back of house, durability, consistent cooling, and efficient storage are key. Selecting the right fridges for each area ensures smooth operations, happy staff, and satisfied customers. Let’s break down the essentials.
Front of House Refrigeration

NEW AIR NGR-49-HB Commercial 49" Double Glass Door Refrigerator Merchandiser
Front of house fridges are the centerpiece of your food service operation, designed with dedicated spaces to showcase your logo or branding for a professional, personalized touch. These are the units your customers notice first, whether it’s a glass door cooler filled with beverages, a dessert display case, or a sleek undercounter refrigerator. They seamlessly combine practical functionality with eye-catching style and also showcases your brand.

Key Features of Front of House Refrigeration
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Clear visibility to highlight products
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Customizable panels let you make your equipment a true extension of your brand
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Energy efficient LED lighting to make drinks and desserts irresistible
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Quiet operation for a pleasant customer environment
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Easy access to speed up service
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Stylish design that complements your space

Canco 24” Open Refrigerated Floor Display Case
Front of house fridges do more than keep products cold; they help sell them. When customers can see the items clearly, they are more likely to make impulse purchases. Think of these fridges as your silent sales team, working 24/7 without complaining about overtime.
Back of House Refrigeration

Canco SSR-2040 Triple Solid Door 81" Wide Stainless Steel Refrigerator
Back of house fridges are the unsung heroes of your kitchen. They are built to endure heavy daily use, handle frequent door openings, and maintain safe temperatures for all your ingredients. Durability, consistency, and efficiency are the key words here.

Key Features of Back of House Refrigeration
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High capacity storage for bulk ingredients and prepared items
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Stainless steel construction for long lasting durability and hygiene
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Powerful compressors and even cooling for food safety compliance
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Prep friendly worktops in some models for multitasking
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Efficient layouts that streamline kitchen workflow

NEW AIR NCB-072-SS Commercial 72" Two Drawer Refrigerated Chef Base - 538 L / 19 Cu. Ft.
A reliable back of house fridge keeps your kitchen running smoothly. When ingredients are stored properly and easily accessible, staff can work faster and serve quality meals without stress. Think of these units as the dependable teammate who never calls in sick.
Front of House vs Back of House
One attracts customers. The other keeps the kitchen running smoothly. Both are essential for a successful food service operation.
How to Choose the Right Refrigeration
- Identify the purpose, display, storage, prep, or all three
- Measure your space carefully, including ventilation and door swing
- Match capacity to demand to avoid clutter or wasted space
- Plan placement based on the kitchen workflow
- Choose trusted brands like Canco and New Air
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right refrigeration for both front of house and back of house improves efficiency, food safety, and customer experience. Front of house fridges make your products look irresistible. Back of house fridges keep your kitchen running like a well oiled machine. Together, they create a seamless operation where great food meets great service.