If you’ve got a commercial fridge, chances are it’s the most underappreciated thing in your business. It doesn’t get compliments, it doesn’t get time off, and it definitely doesn’t get enough attention until something goes wrong. And when it does, it’s rarely small. To avoid that, it’s time to start treating your fridge like the workhorse it is.
Keep the Coils Clean
Condenser coils that are covered with dust or grease can’t do their job properly, which means your fridge has to work harder to stay cold. Over time, that extra strain can burn out the compressor or mess with internal temps. Not ideal when you’ve got a fridge full of dairy or deli meats.
Deep cleaning the coils isn’t exactly a dream job. It’s dusty, awkward, and usually involves squishing behind a very heavy unit. But it’s non-negotiable. A quick clean every couple of months can do wonders. Just unplug it first. Safety first, superhero second.
Check the Door Seals
A dodgy door seal might not seem like a big deal, but it can completely throw off your fridge’s performance. If cool air is constantly escaping, your unit has to cycle on more often to compensate.
So, take a close look at the door gaskets. You can even do the paper test. All you have to do is shut a slip of paper in the door and see if it pulls out easily. If it does, you’ve probably got a weak seal.
Don’t Ignore the Drip Pan and Drain Lines
Behind every functioning fridge is a humble drip pan and a set of drain lines. When they’re clogged or ignored, you end up with water pooling, mould forming, and a distinctly swampy smell wafting from underneath.
This isn’t exactly appetising in a food setting. Check the pan monthly and give it a deep clean with hot soapy water if there’s buildup. Don’t leave it, or you’ll be dealing with water damage, or worse, pest issues.
Professional Servicing
Routine servicing might sound like overkill, but it’s one of the best investments you can make. A technician can spot small faults before they cause real damage. Plus, they’ll clean areas you can’t easily reach and recalibrate components so the unit runs as it should.
So, book a service at least once a year. And if anything needs fixing, make sure to order the right parts. An Electrolux fridge will run best only on Electrolux fridges parts and accessories, not the ones made by Samsung.
Mind the Temperature
Your fridge should stay between 1 and 4 degrees Celsius. Anything outside of that can encourage bacterial growth or compromise food safety. And no, opening the door and deciding it “feels cold” isn’t good enough.
Pop a thermometer inside the fridge and check the reading at least once a day. Place it near the centre, not on the door or at the very back. If you’re noticing temperature swings or slow cooling, that could signal deeper issues like refrigerant leaks or failing fans.
Give It Space to Breathe
Commercial fridges need airflow around them to work efficiently. Without airflow, the heat builds up around the condenser, and the fridge struggles to stay cool. Over time, that heat can warp internal components or trigger emergency shutdowns.
Leave at least 10-15 cm of clearance around the sides and back of the unit, and don’t stack things on top unless the manual says it’s okay. The vents also need breathing room; blocking them with food containers or cleaning supplies is a recipe for disaster.
Train Your Staff
You’d be surprised how many fridge issues come down to user habits. It’s not about blaming anyone, but about setting clear, practical expectations for how the fridge should be treated day-to-day.
Make it part of onboarding if you can. Simple instructions, clear dos and don’ts. Even something like “never leave the door open while you prep” can make a difference. If you’re the only one using it, that still counts.
Don’t Overpack It
We’ve all crammed every last inch of fridge space during a busy shift at least once. But when airflow is blocked by stacked containers or giant trays of prep, temperature consistency drops.
Keep things spaced out, use shelf dividers if needed, and avoid stacking right up to the fan. If you’re constantly running out of room, the solution might be as simple as a second fridge or better stock rotation.
Listen to It
Your fridge doesn’t speak English, but it does communicate. The usual hum, the occasional click, and a bit of cycling on and off are normal. But if it starts to sound like a lawnmower, or you notice buzzing, grinding, or weird clunks, that’s its way of telling you something is off.
Don’t wait until it fully conks out. Unusual sounds or new patterns in its behaviour are early warning signs. The same goes for odd smells or unusual heat around the casing. Trust your instincts, and if it seems off, get it checked.
Conclusion
Fridges don’t need much. Staying on top of these basics won’t just keep things cold, it will protect your stock, keep inspectors happy, and stop your whole kitchen from grinding to a halt over something totally avoidable.
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