Choosing the Right Climate Class for Your Kitchen

The performance of commercial refrigeration, like any other appliance, depends on environment and operation.

Refrigerators are not all built equal, designed to serve different purposes, operate in different spaces and under different conditions.

As an element of the mandatory energy label now applicable on some types of commercial refrigeration equipment, Climate Class can help operators to determine whether a product is suitable for them, stating the temperature and humidity that a refrigerator will efficiently work in.

Why is Climate Class important?

Energy labels are required for most solid door upright and counter refrigeration products, with the details stated determined by specific testing criteria.

During this test, the unit is loaded with simulated product which must consistently remain below a specific temperature in order to pass. The amount of energy consumed during a successful test is a determining factor in the letter grade stated on the label.

On most commercial equipment today, you will find either a 4 or 5 in the bottom-right section of the label.

A ‘5’ on the label confirms that the product was able to maintain the required temperatures throughout the test under the “heavy-duty” conditions (40 °C / 40% Relative Humidity) typical of many commercial kitchens.

A ’4’ indicates that the product was not able to meet these criteria, but still successfully maintained the required temperatures in a less demanding (30°C / 55% RH) environment).

It is imperative to ensure your refrigeration meets the demand for your service and environment.

Get it right

According to The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA), if you buy a refrigerator which is unsuitable for your operation, you may encounter problems including temperature control issues, which may lead to unnecessary food wastage and the unit not performing with maximum efficiency.

When purchasing equipment, CESA says, operators should also consider how food and ingredients will be stored.

In terms of looking after equipment, CESA advises that staff should follow best practices – for example, regularly checking door gaskets for any signs of damage. A split in the gasket could lead to rising temperatures, which could cause food to spoil, while at the other end of the scale, wedging a fridge door open will severely inhibit cooling operation and reduce the service life of the equipment.

It’s also essential to load refrigerators correctly – for example, ensuring that the cabinet isn’t overloaded with food blocking the airflow system, which will also cause temperature control issues that could lead to food waste.

Correct food storage helps keep units working efficiently.

True’s Commitment

True is the only commercial refrigeration manufacturer in the UK to hold ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from UKAS.

This is a formal recognition of our competence to perform in-house testing of equipment to several recognized standards, including EN16825 (the testing standard applicable to professional use solid door refrigerated and freezer storage cabinets).

This is our guarantee of accuracy provided to customers that our test results are correct and accurate.

Today, every serious operator has targets around sustainability, including energy management programs to reduce wastage across all sites.

By choosing a refrigerator or freezer with the correct Climate Class for your environment, you can considerably reduce energy consumption, improve food safety and increase revenue and profitability.

Need more advice? Contact us

When selecting new commercial refrigeration equipment, it is essential to review the temperature, humidity and ventilation conditions of where the cabinet is to be positioned.

For more information about Climate Class or to find out how True can help you choose a Class suitable for your needs, please get in touch.