Marc Refrigeration

Monday 27 September 2021

Which Refrigeration to Choose - Remote or Self-Contained?

 Every business operating in the food industry, whether it’s owning a small cafe, managing a restaurant, or a supermarket, requires proper refrigeration systems. However, choosing a refrigerator, whether it's a deli case, deep freezer or a heated display case can be confusing due to the myriad of options available out there. There are two types of deli cases, in particular, popular among restaurants, cafes, i.e., remote and self-contained.

Now, there is much confusion afloat regarding the pros and cons of choosing either deli case for a business based on its usage. Hence, let’s take a quick look at their functions to best determine which one is the more suitable choice for your business.

Remote Refrigeration System
These commercial refrigerators are designed with a condensing unit fitted outside of the refrigerator itself. It is made up of a fully insulated cold storage unit with built-in evaporators. However, the condenser and compressor are located in an entirely separate unit. These units require to be installed in basements or roofs, away from the hustle and bustle of customers. Thus, these refrigerators are an ideal choice for displaying a large amount of food in a limited space such as in a supermarket, deli, or similar food service establishments where ventilation is an issue.


Self-Contained Refrigeration System
A more popular choice among commercial kitchens is the self-contained refrigeration systems. These refrigerations have the entire system, i.e., from the condenser to evaporator, all built into its cabinet. The location of the condenser may differ as per the make and model, however, the evaporator is always on top of the unit. This explains why almost 90% of commercial kitchens prefer self-contained refrigeration systems simply for their ease of use.


Which is better?

Evidently, self-contained refrigeration refrigerators are a popular choice because of their simple plug-and-run functionality. Additionally, self-contained refrigerators have lower installation and maintenance hassles. However, the chances of a hefty electricity bill and heating emitted by the systems inside your cafe or deli are higher.
On the other hand, remote refrigeration systems may appear to be a huge task in terms of installation, the daily operations are noiseless and cost-efficient in the long run.


Hence, ask yourself what are your goals in terms of product display and space allowance, and the choice would be evident. Marc Refrigeration offers high-quality deli merchandise like self-contained and remote refrigerators in various interesting designs and colors to best suit your establishment. So, explore our collection online or reach out to our team to get more information.