Dual Temp vs. Separate Fridge & Freezer
When shopping for the right type of refrigeration unit, you may have stumbled upon dual temps and separate refrigerators and freezers. While they’re both designed to store food product at safe temperatures, you may be wondering what makes them unique from the other. In this guide, we’ll discuss the major differences between dual temp refrigerators and separate refrigeration units so you can make an informed decision while shopping for your new equipment.
What is the Difference Between Dual Temp & Separate Refrigerator/Freezer?
There are some key differences between dual temp and separate refrigeration units, with the main one being the difference in design. Dual temp units have a single cabinet design that features two sections built in, with one section for refrigeration and the other for freezing/cold storage. Separate units, on the other hand, are designed for just refrigeration or just freezing/cold storage.
Other differences between these equipment types include:
- Storage capacity—Dual temp refrigeration equipment often limits storage space due to its design, while separate refrigerators and freezers can offer more storage space.
- Space—Dual temp units feature a compact design and don’t take up as much space as separate refrigeration units.
- Temperature control—Dual temp equipment offers two areas of temperature control, while separate units are independently controlled.
Benefits of a Dual Temp Unit
Dual temp refrigeration units offer several benefits, including a space-saving design, lower upfront cost, and the convenience of having two refrigeration units in one. These factors make them ideal for commercial kitchens and businesses that don’t have a lot of space.
Benefits of a Separate Refrigerator & Freezer
Having a separate refrigerator or freezer brings many benefits, including larger storage space, easier maintenance, and a wider variety of sizes and styles. If you need to store a lot of food products and keep everything at one set temperature, then separate units are the way to go.
Which Businesses Use Them?
In general, commercial foodservice businesses use dual temp or separate refrigerators and freezers. There are many operations that use both dual temp and separate units, including QSRs (quick service restaurants), ghost kitchens, catering businesses, and bars that have kitchens. However, there are some commercial foodservice businesses that tend to favor dual temp over separate refrigeration units, and vice versa.
What Businesses Use Dual Temp Equipment?
- Food trucks
- Small coffee shops/cafes
- Convenience stores
- Bars and lounges
What Businesses Use Separate Refrigerators & Freezers?
- Full-service restaurants
- Hotels
- Institutions like schools, hospitals, and prisons
- Bakeries
- Commissary kitchens
Can Dual Temps be Used as a Separate Refrigerator or Freezer?
The short answer is: no. Since dual temps are a freezer and refrigerator combined into one unit, they cannot be separated physically. Though, depending on the model, you may be able to operate one side and not the other.
Can a Separate Refrigerator or Freezer be Used as a Dual Temp?
No, separate refrigerators and freezers cannot be used as a dual temp unit. Commercial refrigerators can usually go as low as 33°F–35°F (0.5°C–1.7°C), while commercial freezers can reach a maximum of 33°F (-18°C). So refrigerators are too warm to be freezers, and freezers are too cold to be refrigerators. Additionally, since separate refrigeration units only have one thermostat, there’s no way to set two different temperatures to refrigerate and freeze at the same time
If you are interested in finding out more about refrigeration equipment, take a look at our comprehensive guide to find the unit that will work best for you.