Commercial Refrigeration in the UK: Our Comprehensive Guide
Commercial refrigeration is a must-have for UK sectors that handle perishable goods. These systems support various sectors, including Hospitality, Retail, and Healthcare. They safeguard stock, meet food safety rules, and lower costs by improving efficiency. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) warns that poor temperature control is a leading cause of foodborne illness. This is because bacteria multiply rapidly in unsafe temperatures, leading to sickness.
To prevent this, the FSA recommends storing:
- Chilled food at 8°C or below
- Frozen food at -18°C
- Hot food at 63°C or above
This reinforces the need for dependable systems and thermometers to manage these temperatures. For decision-makers, outdated refrigeration risks stock loss, disruption, and higher bills.
This guide outlines system types, key selection factors, and maintenance best practices. It also delves into the benefits of upgrading to modern, energy-efficient solutions.
5 Types of Commercial Refrigeration Systems in the UK
Every industry has its own needs. When choosing refrigeration systems, consider storage capacity, layout, and compliance.
Reach-In Refrigerators & Freezers
These units are often used in hospitality and retail. They provide easy access to stock while keeping food at safe temperatures between 0°C and 5°C. Solid doors are more energy-efficient. Glass-fronted models, however, allow better visibility and aid in merchandising.
Walk-In Cold Rooms
Supermarkets, warehouses, and healthcare facilities rely on walk-in cold rooms for bulk storage. If designed and serviced properly, these systems can last over 15 years. All while providing consistent and dependable temperature control. Our Case Studies show how they protect high-value stock and improve operational resilience.
Display Refrigeration
Retail and food service environments use display units to showcase products while keeping them safe. As addressed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), regular maintenance is essential for these systems. It stops energy loss from frequent door openings and keeps you compliant with UK food safety standards.
Under-Counter Refrigeration
Bars, kitchens, and catering outlets often opt for compact under-counter units. These units allow quick access, even in small spaces. They are designed to support efficiency and workflow without compromising compliance.
Speciality Refrigeration Systems
Some sectors require custom solutions, such as ice machines, pharmacy-grade fridges, or wine cellars. These systems are designed to meet precise environmental standards. They protect both product integrity and regulatory compliance.
Our team delivers refrigeration solutions in many sectors. We tailor each installation to fit your operational needs, as well as your energy and compliance targets.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Commercial Refrigeration System
Choosing the right system requires a close examination of your business needs, the rules you must follow, and future costs.
Capacity & Sector Fit
A refrigeration system must match your operational demand. Undersized units risk spoilage, while oversized systems waste energy. The FSA requires chilled food to be stored at 8°C or below, with most businesses targeting 0°C to 5°C for safety. Therefore, select a system tailored for your industry, such as Education, Public, or Offices. This choice ensures compliance and improves efficiency.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigeration consumes a significant amount of energy in the food and drink sector. Some estimates suggest it makes up more than half of the sector’s electricity consumption. This data comes from the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Investing in high-efficiency units with advanced insulation and green refrigerants lowers operating costs. It also helps the UK reach its net zero targets.
Compliance & Reliability
UK legislation requires safe handling of refrigerants and adherence to F-gas regulations. Working with accredited engineers ensures installations are legally compliant and future-proof. Our team has Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and Vantify accreditations. This gives businesses confidence in safety, performance, and meeting regulations. Learn more about Our Accreditations.
Maintenance Best Practices for Long-Term Efficiency
Well-maintained refrigeration systems are safer, more efficient, and less prone to costly failures. Regular checks protect stock, support compliance, and extend equipment lifespan.
Clean & Inspect Key Components
Dirt builds up on coils, door seals, and filters, restricting airflow and making systems work harder. Over time, this increases energy use and the risk of breakdowns. Quarterly cleaning and inspection help prevent failures and keep systems running efficiently.
Monitor & Log Temperature Consistency
Daily temperature checks make sure food safety standards are met. They also catch problems early, preventing them from getting worse. The HSE notes that poor equipment upkeep can contribute to wider compliance failures. Digital logging systems make it easier to maintain accurate records for audits and inspections.
Schedule Professional Servicing
Routine checks are essential, but you must have professional servicing to stay safe and meet legal rules. Accredited engineers not only identify hidden faults and optimise performance. They also ensure you remain compliant with UK refrigerant regulations. We deliver personalised service packages across the South and nationwide. This helps to minimise disruption while maximising system reliability.
For an overview of our regional support, visit our Areas We Cover page.
Why Upgrading Your Commercial Refrigeration Saves Money
Upgrading refrigeration systems is not only about replacing ageing equipment. It’s a strategic move that saves money, improves compliance, and aids long-term sustainability.
Lower Running Costs
Older units consume more energy, often because of outdated components and poor insulation. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs made a fundamental discovery. They reported that switching to efficient models can cut electricity use in some food and drink businesses by up to 40%. This is because modern systems feature eco-friendly refrigerants and smart controls. These provide consistent performance with lower overheads.
Reduced Downtime & Spoilage Risks
As equipment ages, the likelihood of failures increases, leading to stock loss and business disruption. Upgrading provides reliable storage and adds monitoring features. These help catch problems early, which is crucial for industries with strict food safety rules.
Access to Government Support
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants of up to £7,500 for eligible low-carbon heating systems. This support helps businesses manage their installation costs. Keeping up with these initiatives makes sure investments are cost-effective and support the UK’s net zero goals.
To learn more about energy-saving technologies and their specific uses, read our latest News articles.
Future-Proof Your Business with Reliable Refrigeration
Commercial refrigeration is fundamental to protecting stock, maintaining compliance, and controlling energy costs. For businesses in hospitality, retail, healthcare, and beyond, it’s worth the investment. The right system provides both immediate reliability and long-term sustainability.
Meridian Cooling has over 30 years of experience. With accreditations like MCS and Vantify, our solutions aim for future efficiency. Our engineers ensure that systems run safely and sustainably. They manage everything from installation to planned maintenance, meeting all sector standards.
Call us on 01202 658254 or arrange a free site survey today and future-proof your site with accredited refrigeration options.
