Practical guides for commercial refrigeration.
Buying advice, maintenance tips and food-storage know-how for restaurants, delis, bakeries, bars and shops.
RefrigerantsWhy R290 is the smarter refrigerant for commercial equipment
R290 (propane) is an efficient, very low-GWP natural refrigerant. Learn how it compares with R404A and R134a, how it is made safe, and what it means for your business.
7 min readRead →
Buying guideHow to choose the right reach-in refrigerator or freezer for your business
Sizing, solid vs glass doors, temperature, electrical, footprint and total cost: a practical buying guide for commercial reach-in refrigerators and freezers.
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Buying guide7 reasons to choose an all-stainless steel commercial reach-in
Why an all-stainless reach-in refrigerator or freezer is worth it: durability, cleaning, temperature control, self-closing doors, mobility and more.
6 min readRead →
MaintenanceHow to clean a commercial refrigerator (and keep it running longer)
A step-by-step routine for cleaning commercial refrigerators and freezers: interior, stainless steel, gaskets, condenser coil and drains, with a daily to quarterly schedule.
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MaintenanceHow to clean refrigerator condenser coils: a step-by-step guide
What condenser coils are, where to find them, why they must be cleaned and exactly how to clean them on a commercial refrigerator or freezer.
6 min readRead →
Food safetyHow to organize and load a commercial refrigerator or freezer
Where to put what, how full is too full, and how to label and rotate stock so food stays safe, fresh and easy to find in a commercial refrigerator or freezer.
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Food safetySafe food storage temperatures: a complete guide for restaurants
Cold holding, frozen storage, cooking, hot holding and cooling temperatures, plus how to organize a walk-in or reach-in so food stays safe. Based on the FDA Food Code.
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OperationsHow to reduce food waste in your restaurant (and how refrigeration helps)
Practical ways to cut food waste and save money: audits, portioning, menu planning, FIFO, storage and the role of reliable refrigeration.
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MerchandisingWhat makes a deli case stand out at the front of your business
Lighting, glass, stainless finish, size and placement: how to choose and merchandise a deli display case that sells for you at the front of your shop.
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MerchandisingHow a custom sign on a merchandiser can help you sell more
A branded header sign turns a glass-door merchandiser into an ad that works all day. See what to put on it, how to design it and how to merchandise the cooler.
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Buying guideSandwich prep table, Mega Top or pizza prep table: which one do you need?
Standard top vs Mega Top sandwich/salad prep tables vs pizza prep tables: how they differ, how many pans they hold and how to choose for your menu.
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Buying guidePrep table pan layouts: what fits in each Xiltek sandwich prep table
Pan layouts for every Xiltek stainless steel sandwich/salad prep table, standard top and Mega Top, with a free downloadable pan guide.
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Buying guideKeg capacity guide: how many kegs fit in each Xiltek beer dispenser
Keg layouts for the Xiltek XDD series draft beer dispensers: how many half, quarter slim and sixth barrel kegs fit in each model, plus tips for airflow and temperature.
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Buying guideBack bar coolers, bottle coolers and beer dispensers: how to choose for your bar
How back bar refrigerators, bottle coolers and draft beer dispensers differ, and how to choose the right mix for a bar, restaurant or taproom.
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Buying guideUndercounter, reach-in or chef base: how to save space in a small kitchen
Compare undercounter refrigerators, reach-in units and refrigerated chef bases, and learn how to put cold storage exactly where your line needs it.
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Maintenance7 signs your commercial refrigerator needs attention
Temperature swings, frost, noise, water and rising bills: the warning signs a commercial refrigerator or freezer needs service, the likely causes and what to check first.
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