What is an under bench fridge?
An under bench fridge is a commercial fridge built into a stainless steel workbench. Chefs prep on top and reach straight down for ingredients, which saves steps on every order. They are the most common fridge on a commercial cooking line, behind a cafe counter and in bars, because they turn bench space into cold storage without taking up any extra floor.
How to choose an under bench fridge
Width and number of doors
Start with the length of bench you have. Our range runs from compact 900mm single door models like the Skipio SUR9-1 through 1200mm and 1500mm two door units to 1800mm three door models such as the Skipio SUR18-3 and Atosa YPF9042, plus four door units like the Thermaster FE4100TN (511 litres) and Atosa EPF3442. More doors means smaller doors, so less cold air escapes each time one is opened.
Standard or slimline depth?
Most under bench fridges are around 700mm deep. If your kitchen is narrow, a slimline model like the Atosa EPF3421 or EPF3431 gives you cold storage without blocking the walkway.
Doors or drawers?
Drawers are the chef's favourite on a busy line. They pull out so you can see every ingredient at once, hold gastronorm pans, and let out less cold air than a door. Skipio makes drawer versions of its under bench fridges with 3, 6 or 9 drawers, such as the SUR12-3D-3 and SUR18-3D-9. Doors with adjustable shelves are better for storing bulk containers, bottles and larger items.
Gastronorm compatibility
Gastronorm (GN) models, like the Thermaster GN2100TN, GN3100TN and GN4100TN, are sized to take standard GN 1/1 pans, so food moves straight from prep to storage to service in the same container.
Glass doors for front-of-house
Glass door bench fridges such as the Skipio SGR range and Thermaster GN2100TNG let staff and customers see what is inside, which is handy behind a cafe counter or bar.
Temperature, ambient rating and tropicalised models
Under bench fridges typically hold 2°C to 8°C, and food safety rules require chilled food to stay at 5°C or below. Because they sit right next to ovens, fryers and grills, the ambient rating matters. Tropicalised models like the Thermaster GN series are designed to keep working in hot kitchens and hot climates, and many of our models are rated for ambient temperatures of 38°C to 40°C.
Under bench fridge vs salad prep fridge
An under bench fridge has a flat stainless steel top for prep work. A salad or pizza prep fridge adds refrigerated pan wells on top, so toppings and salad ingredients are kept cold within arm's reach while you assemble. If you build sandwiches, salads or pizzas to order, a prep fridge is usually the better choice.
Installation and care
Check where the fridge breathes. Some models vent at the front, while others need clearance at the back or sides, so read the manual before building one into a counter. Do not put hot cooking equipment directly on the top unless the manufacturer allows it; use an equipment stand instead. Clean the condenser regularly, especially in kitchens with flour or grease in the air, and check the door and drawer seals often.
Our under bench fridge range
- Skipio: SUR solid door and SGR glass door under bench fridges from 900mm to 1800mm, plus drawer models with 3, 6 or 9 drawers.
- Atosa: YPF under bench fridges in 1.2m, 1.5m and 1.8m, EPF slimline models and 2 to 4 door cooling tables, including glass door versions.
- Thermaster: FE bench fridges from 260 to 511 litres and tropicalised GN gastronorm bench fridges with solid or glass doors.
- Anvil: single door underbench fridges, 598mm wide, with a stainless steel door (FBC2201) or glass door (FBCG2202) and a Dixell controller.
- Inomak: 2, 3 and 4 door underbench fridges with stainless steel or glass doors, ultra slimline models only 600mm deep, drawer fridges with 1 door and 2, 4 or 6 drawers, and low boy chef bases, all made in Greece.
- Glacian: slimline 660mm deep underbench fridges with 1 to 4 stainless steel or glass doors, and 760mm deep 2 and 3 door models that take 2/1 GN pans, all rated for 43°C kitchens.
Delivery, warranty and our price-beat guarantee
We deliver Australia-wide by tailgate truck, usually within 2 to 5 business days to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide and 4 to 12 days elsewhere. Every fridge comes with the manufacturer's warranty, and prices are shown ex GST with the GST-inclusive price alongside. Found a lower price? Send us the link under our Price-Beat Guarantee and we'll send you a one-off discount code.
Under bench fridge FAQs
Is an under bench fridge the same as an undercounter fridge?
Yes. Under bench, undercounter, bench fridge and workbench fridge all describe the same thing: a commercial fridge with a stainless steel bench top.
What temperature should an under bench fridge run at?
Between 2°C and 5°C. Food safety rules require chilled food to be kept at 5°C or below.
Can I put a grill or fryer on top of an under bench fridge?
Not usually. Heat from cooking equipment makes the fridge work much harder and can void the warranty. Use an equipment stand for hot equipment, and keep the fridge top for prep.
Should I choose drawers or doors?
Drawers are faster on a busy line and hold gastronorm pans. Doors with shelves suit bulk containers, bottles and tall items. Many kitchens use a mix of both.
How deep is an under bench fridge?
Most are around 700mm deep, which matches standard bench depth. Slimline models are shallower for narrow kitchens. Check the exact dimensions on each product page.
Do you deliver Australia-wide?
Yes. We deliver to every state by tailgate truck. Standard delivery is to your door, so ask us if you need it carried inside.