FEA Guide 2024: How to choose the correct refrigeration

Think further ahead than the initial purchasing decision as well – manufacturers with a maintenance service could be a boon, as they should know their appliances inside out in case of a fault and can usually respond quickly to any service calls.

The FEA’s advice

The biggest impact on sustainable refrigeration was the introduction of the Eco Design Directive. It paved the way with its obligation to improve energy efficiency and encouraged manufacturers to move away from harmful hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.

Later amendments included sustainability and repairability requirements, ready for the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations (ESPR). These have had a dramatic effect as manufacturers focused resources on improving efficiency – so much so that modern professional refrigeration uses a fraction of the energy its predecessors did. How’s it been achieved? Better insulation and more efficient internal air flow systems are certainly part of the picture, as are intelligent controllers, variable speed compressors, energy efficient fans etc. These are all features to look for if you’re purchasing. 

One aspect of refrigeration that’s critical to sustainability and the environment is the refrigerant. The introduction of natural refrigerants, like hydrocarbons and, in larger systems, carbon dioxide and ammonia, has not only made the systems greener, because they have lower or zero GWP (global warming potential) and ODP (ozone depletion potential), but also more energy efficient, since they perform better than the old F-Gas refrigerants they are replacing.

Every buyer of refrigeration also needs to know about Climate Class. Commercial refrigeration is designed to operate in varying climates, in terms of the ambient temperatures and relative humidity (RH) conditions of where it is sited. For example, a Climate Class 3 fridge is designed for up to 25°C ambient temperature and 60% RH. A top end Climate Class 5 unit can handle ambient temperatures up to 40°C and 40% RH.  When buying refrigeration, it’s important to ensure it is designed to operate in the conditions on site. A Climate Class 3 fridge will struggle in Climate Class 4 conditions: it will use excess energy and may not hold temperature, compromising food safety.

Read more from the FEA Guide

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Multicook/multifunctional equipment – the combi-oven: the tool that does it all >>

Microwaves and rapid cooking – are microwaves a secret weapon in the kitchen? >>

Hot and cold holding displays – display units to boost your revenue generation capabilities >>

Warewashing – here’s how to make the decision on the perfect warewasher >>

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