Boost your business efficiency! Discover the +43∘C working performance, “Icecool” system, and 5 critical industrial features of Special Type Refrigerators.
Commercial kitchens, marine applications, and demanding food storage conditions require equipment specifically designed to go beyond the capabilities of standard refrigerators. This is where Special Type Refrigerators come in. These devices don’t just cool your food; they guarantee temperature stability and hygiene even in the harshest environments, such as extreme heat, high humidity, and even motion at sea. Where a standard home fridge struggles in the summer heat, these industrial heroes continue to work at full performance. For a business owner, food safety and energy efficiency are top priorities, and these machines are engineered to meet exactly those expectations. So, what are the 5 critical features that make these “special type” refrigerators so durable, efficient, and indispensable? In this guide, we’ll examine the most important details of these technological marvels—which are more than just a refrigerator; they are your operational guarantee.
What Are Special Type Refrigerators? Industrial Definition and Areas of Use
The concept of Special Type Refrigerators represents a class far beyond traditional home or small commercial fridges. These are professional cooling units designed from the ground up for use in industrial environments where food storage and cooling operations are mission-critical, demanding continuous reliability under challenging conditions. These appliances not only keep food cold but also offer top-tier performance in terms of temperature precision, volume management, and environmental resilience.
So, what are the fundamental differences that set them apart from standard coolers? The biggest distinction is stability and durability. Standard refrigerators are designed to operate at normal room temperatures with limited door-opening cycles. However, Special Type Refrigerators are built to withstand the high ambient temperatures of industrial kitchens (up to +43∘C), constant door usage, and heavy loads. These machines can control the internal temperature range much more precisely (e.g., the ability to function as both a chiller at +8∘C and a freezer at −20∘C), which maximizes product quality and food safety.
The integration of these refrigerators into commercial kitchens is made possible, particularly through GN capacity and professional kitchen integration. GN (Gastronorm) is the universal standard for tray sizes used in professional kitchens. These refrigerators are typically designed to directly accommodate standard trays, such as GN 2/1 sizes. This allows chefs to create a seamless workflow from prep areas to the refrigerator and then to the oven, eliminating unnecessary transfer steps and greatly boosting kitchen efficiency.
Their application areas are not limited to just restaurant kitchens; they cater to specific niches like marine and land applications. Marine versions, in particular, are equipped with special legs, shelves, and advanced cooling systems (like ‘Icecool marine’) to withstand the constant motion and high humidity conditions of ship and yacht galleys. Land applications include hotels, catering companies, hospitals, and industrial food production facilities. In all these sectors, the most important expectation from Special Type Refrigerators is to maintain critical temperature values without compromise, even under the most demanding circumstances.
Critical Features 1 & 2: High Temperature Performance and Patented Cooling System
The most vital aspects that differentiate Special Type Refrigerators from standard models are their resistance to operating environments and the superior cooling technologies they employ. These features are not merely about comfort; they are the guarantee of food safety in challenging commercial conditions.
The first critical feature is the ability to achieve Flawless Operation Even in +43∘C Ambient Temperatures. Standard fridges begin to struggle at temperatures above 30∘C, their compressors run non-stop, and energy consumption skyrockets. However, environments like industrial kitchens and ship engine rooms are often above +40∘C with high humidity. Therefore, professional Special Type Refrigerators are engineered to work under these harsh conditions without losing performance. This durability ensures temperature stability even at critical moments, minimizing the risk of food spoilage.
The second critical feature involves special technologies focused on efficiency and energy saving. For instance, the “Icecool” Patented Cooling System and Energy Efficiency used by some manufacturers provides faster and more balanced cooling with less energy consumption compared to traditional systems. These systems optimize the circulation of the refrigerant gas, reducing compressor strain and lowering the electricity bill. Since a commercial fridge runs 24/7, this efficiency has a dramatic long-term impact on operating costs.
Another significant technological advantage in these units is the Hot Gas Defrost System and its Benefits. The defrosting process is a critical period when the refrigerator consumes energy. The hot gas defrost system uses hot gas coming directly from the compressor to melt the ice quickly and efficiently. This method is faster than traditional electric heaters and prevents the food temperature from rising. Short defrost cycles allow the machine to return to the cooling mode faster, helping the internal temperature remain stable. This way, food safety is enhanced, and the energy consumption of Special Type Refrigerators is minimized.
Critical Features 3 & 4: Insulation Quality and Stainless Steel Durability
A Special Type Refrigerator‘s commercial lifespan is determined not only by its cooling power but also by its resistance to external factors. High insulation quality and the correct choice of material are fundamental to maintaining the fridge’s efficiency and hygiene standards.
The third critical feature is the Importance of Zero ODP Polyurethane Insulation. Injected polyurethane insulation with zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) is environmentally friendly and vital for the refrigerator’s energy efficiency. High-density insulation (e.g., 42 kg/m3) prevents the high external ambient temperature (even at +43∘C) from penetrating the fridge interior. This means the compressor runs less, consumes less energy, and the internal temperature remains much more stable. Poor insulation can render even the most powerful cooling system inadequate; thus, insulation quality is the unsung hero of the long-term efficiency of Special Type Refrigerators.
The fourth critical feature is Stainless Steel Properties: Hygiene and Longevity. The quality of the steel used in commercial fridges (e.g., 430 or 304 stainless steel) directly affects hygiene standards and the device’s durability. Stainless steel surfaces are easy to clean, resist bacteria, and show high resistance to corrosion in humid, intense kitchen environments. Especially in marine versions, using extra durable stainless steel to combat salt water and high humidity is mandatory. This material choice ensures the refrigerator surface stays pristine for years, preserving your business’s professional look and hygiene standards.
Finally, even Ergonomic Design Details (Door and Handle) play a role in efficiency. In industrial kitchens, doors are constantly opening and closing. Ergonomically designed, strong, and easy-to-open handles make the staff’s job easier. Furthermore, it’s essential for door gaskets to provide perfect sealing and be easily cleanable to prevent energy loss. Details like the waste heat recovery system in some models help balance heat loss when the door is opened and manage condensation water hygienically.
Critical Feature 5: Recovery Technologies and Sustainability
Efficiency in industrial kitchens is not just limited to cooling performance; it’s also measured by the device’s environmental impact and its contribution to long-term operating costs. Modern Special Type Refrigerators offer groundbreaking technologies in this field.
The fifth critical feature is the Waste Heat Recovery Condensate Vaporizer System. When a refrigerator operates, it expels heat, which causes the kitchen environment to warm up. Recovery technology captures this waste heat and uses it to evaporate the condensate water. What does this mean?
- Reduced Heat Emission: The kitchen environment heats up less, meaning your air conditioning runs less.
- Energy Savings: Saves the extra electrical energy that would otherwise be used to evaporate the condensate water.
- Environmental Benefit: When combined with Zero ODP insulation, these Special Type Refrigerators not only protect food but also help your business achieve its sustainability goals.
Another crucial feature is Digital Control and Precise Temperature Management. Instead of traditional thermostats, digital control panels with easy-to-read screens are used, which instantly monitor and maintain the fridge’s internal temperature within a very narrow range (e.g., ±1∘C). This system:
- Provides Accuracy: Offers absolute control when storing sensitive products at different temperatures (e.g., from +8∘C to −20∘C).
- Gives Early Warning: Provides immediate audible/visual alerts in case of a malfunction or if the door is left open, preventing food loss. The easy-to-read screen allows staff to check and record temperatures instantly.
Finally, Energy Consumption (kW) Analysis and Cost Impact form the most rational part of refrigerator selection. The energy consumed per unit of time (e.g., 24 hours) determines the refrigerator’s total cost of ownership. Even if the initial cost of a high-tech Special Type Refrigerator is higher, its low energy consumption (e.g., a low value like 0.900 kW) and longevity mean it quickly pays for itself compared to a standard, inefficient model. Therefore, you should view the purchase of a cooler not as an “expense” but as a smart “investment” in operational efficiency and cost savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GN 2/1 Capacity mean? GN 2/1 is a tray size in the international Gastronorm standard. Special Type Refrigerators with this capacity can easily accommodate the largest sized trays (approx. 650mm×530mm) used in industrial kitchens, either side-by-side or stacked. This simplifies the transfer of food within the kitchen workflow.
What does the marine version mean in special type refrigerators? The marine version is designed for use on ships, yachts, and offshore platforms. These versions are equipped with special legs, shelves, and locking systems to withstand motion. Furthermore, extra durable materials (stainless steel) and a special “Icecool marine” cooling system are used to resist salty air and high humidity.
How is the temperature range of the cooler adjusted? Special Type Refrigerators are generally adjusted via a digital control panel. Through this panel, the user can set the unit as a chiller (e.g., +8∘C) or a freezer (e.g., −20∘C). In some models, it is also possible to create different temperature zones within a single unit.
Why are these refrigerators more expensive? These appliances are more expensive than ordinary refrigerators because they are equipped with superior commercial features such as high-density, environmentally friendly insulation (Zero ODP), a guarantee for operation in extreme temperatures, rust-resistant 430/304 grade steel, and patented energy-efficient cooling systems (Icecool, hot gas defrost).
Conclusion
Investing in a Special Type Refrigerator is not just buying an appliance; it’s securing the most critical guarantee for your business’s operational continuity and food safety. The 5 critical features discussed (high temperature performance, patented cooling, superior insulation, stainless steel durability, and recovery technologies) set these units apart from standard models. These systems, which operate flawlessly even in harsh conditions (like +43∘C), are GN compliant, and energy-efficient, both speed up your kitchen workflow and reduce your long-term energy costs. Making a smart choice is the most important step towards achieving peak efficiency and reliability.
