Cheap Refrigeration ‘Falling Over’ in Summer Sun

Williams says heat is calling time on low-cost fridges

The hot summer has underlined the importance of good quality refrigeration equipment, says Williams. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of budget priced imported fridges in the market – but according to many of its customers these products have not been performing in the recent hot weather, resulting in operators turning to quality brands for replacements.

“Some of these imported products are semi-domestic models that are being miss-sold, but many are allegedly commercial models that are simply not up to the job,” says Malcolm Harling, sales and marketing director of Williams. “Either way, they have caused operators big problems during the warm weather, because they can’t maintain temperature and are therefore failing HACCP guidelines or simply breaking down.”

According to Harling, the largest area of product failure is bottle coolers and undercounter fridges. “We’ve had calls from coffee shops where milk kept in cheap imported fridges has gone off,” he says. “Similarly, we’ve seen bottle coolers that are struggling even in ambients of 18°C! These products are generally manufactured with polystyrene blocks as insulation, rather than with a fully foamed shell, and use components more commonly seen in domestic refrigeration. You cannot serve premium bottled lager at room temperature, or make a latte with curdled milk! In these cases, buying cheap refrigeration is actually more costly as it gives the operators loss of revenue, loss of product and unhappy customers.

“It pays to buy quality, even in the short term, because that way you know your products are safe and you are complying with HACCP and the law.”

For operators considering buying commercial refrigeration that can stand the heat, whether in the kitchen, bar or elsewhere, Williams suggests asking these questions:

• Is the equipment rated for / capable of operating efficiently in high ambient temperatures?
• What about the size, quality and type of components used by the manufacturer? For example, is the compressor heavy duty enough to cope with the demands of a busy commercial kitchen or bar?
• Is the system able to ensure rapid temperature pull-down times, even when fridge doors will be opened frequently?
• What type of insulation does it have? A thick polyurethane insulation will help guarantee uniform temperatures and mean that the compressor won’t need to work as hard.
• Does it use fans to ensure even distribution of the cool air?
• Will it hold the product at the correct temperature?

Once a suitable commercial product has been purchased, make sure staff are trained to use and look after it correctly, to ensure optimum operation. For example, check shelves are not overloaded, allow adequate ventilation, clean the condenser and replace door gaskets regularly. Also, have the refrigeration regularly serviced.

Williams Refrigeration offers a comprehensive range of commercial refrigeration including gastronorm cabinets and counters, specialist bakery equipment, coldrooms, merchandisers and blast chillers.

To learn more about Williams extensive product range visit www.williams-refrigeration.co.uk.

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Cheap refrigeration warning.docx – Sep-13

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Toni Turner or Alison Haynes at The Publicity Works: 01263 761000

For more news about Williams visit the press office at www.publicityworks.biz

Martin Laws at Williams Refrigeration 01553 817002

Williams Refrigeration is an ISO9001-2008 Quality Management accredited company and has been awarded ISO14001, the internationally recognised industry standard for Environmental Management Systems. Most recently Williams has demonstrated its commitment to staff welfare by achieving Occupational Health and Safety Standard (OHSAS) certification 18001:2007.

Williams designs, manufactures and installs a highly diverse product range, supplying hotels, hospitals, schools, restaurants, bars and kitchens around the world. With a wide selection of gastronorm cabinets and counters, prep stations, blast chillers/freezers, bottle coolers, bakery and modular coldrooms the company provides products that suit almost any application – a “one-stop” refrigeration purchasing solution.

Williams’ commitment to customers is absolute, offering extensive specialist advice and support from installation through to after-sales, service and maintenance.

To learn more about Williams’ extensive product range visit www.williams-refrigeration.co.uk. To find out how Williams greenlogic initiative can help caterers select energy efficient equipment visit www.greenlogic.info

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