Under Bench Freezers

Q: What's the difference between an under bench fridge and freezer?

The cabinet looks the same; the difference is the operating temperature. A freezer runs around -18°C to keep product solidly frozen, while a fridge holds roughly 1°C to 4°C for chilled storage. Some venues run one of each side by side along the bench.

An under bench freezer is a commercial freezer built to slide neatly under a standard worktop, giving your team frozen storage right where they prep without surrendering floor space. This range runs from compact single-door units for a bar or coffee cart through to wide multi-door cabinets for a busy production kitchen. If you also need chilled storage at bench level, pair one with our under bench storage fridges, or step up to a full-height commercial freezer when frozen volume is the priority. Aussie operators also search for these as underbench or under counter freezers — same cabinet, different spelling.

Who these units are for

Any venue where the freezer needs to live within arm's reach of the pass is a candidate. Cafés and espresso bars tuck a single-door unit under the counter for ice cream, frozen pastry and milk reserves; pubs and clubs keep frozen garnish and par-cooked stock close to the line; restaurants and ghost kitchens line a prep bench with two- or three-door cabinets so chefs pull frozen product without leaving their station. Because the cabinet doubles as worktop, it earns its place twice over in kitchens where every millimetre of bench is already spoken for.

What's in scope

By door count

Single-door cabinets are the smallest footprint and suit a bar, kiosk or tight prep corner. Two-door models are the workhorse of the category — enough frozen capacity for most cafés and mid-size kitchens while still fitting a typical bench run. Three-door cabinets give a production kitchen a long, continuous worktop with serious frozen storage underneath.

By depth — slimline vs standard

Standard-depth cabinets (around 700mm) hold the most and match the depth of most stainless benches. Slimline models trim the depth back for narrow galley kitchens, food trucks and bars where a full-depth unit would block the walkway. Measure your aisle clearance before you choose — the depth decision is usually the one that catches operators out.

With drawers

Drawer-style units swap hinged doors for pull-out freezer drawers, so staff reach frozen product from above without bending into a cabinet. They suit chef stations and plating lines where speed of access matters. For the chilled equivalent, see our drawer fridges; if you want a glass front to merchandise frozen stock, browse undercounter glass door fridges.

How to choose an under bench freezer in three steps

Getting the right cabinet comes down to three questions, worked through in order.

Step 1 — Measure the bench gap, height and clearance

Start with the space, not the spec sheet. Measure the width of the run you want to fill, the height under your worktop, and the depth from wall to bench edge. Then add door-swing or drawer-pull clearance and a ventilation gap so the compressor can breathe — a freezer crammed into a tight cavity runs hot and works harder than it should.

Step 2 — Size the frozen capacity to your turnover

Match litres to how fast you cycle frozen stock, not to the biggest cabinet that fits. A bar holding ice and a few frozen lines needs far less than a kitchen freezing par-cooked product daily. Buy for your busy week with a little headroom, and remember an under bench unit is built for working stock kept close — bulk frozen reserves belong in an upright or chest unit out the back.

Step 3 — Match the layout to how your team works

Decide between doors and drawers, and where the unit sits in the flow. Doors suit storage you dip into a few times a service; drawers suit a station where staff grab frozen product constantly. Confirm the worktop height lines up with the rest of your bench so the surface stays usable, and check the unit runs off a standard outlet to avoid an electrician's bill.

For a deeper read on where these units fit, our guide to industries that benefit most from under bench fridges and freezers walks through real venue scenarios.

Popular picks: two reliable starting points are the Bromic 115L underbench storage freezer for a compact single-door fit, and the Polar C-Series 140L stainless steel under bench freezer where you want a hard-wearing finish at a sharp price.

Frequently asked questions

What is an under bench freezer?

It's a commercial freezer designed to fit beneath a worktop, so frozen storage sits at bench level within reach of your prep area. The top doubles as usable worktop, which is why these units are popular in kitchens, bars and cafés where floor space is tight.

What's the difference between an under bench fridge and freezer?

The cabinet looks the same — the difference is the operating temperature. A freezer runs around -18°C to keep product solidly frozen, while a fridge holds roughly 1°C to 4°C for chilled storage. Some venues run one of each side by side along the bench so chilled and frozen stock are both at the line.

What temperature do these freezers run at?

Most commercial models operate at or below -18°C, which is the standard for keeping frozen food safe under Australian food-safety guidance. Check the individual product page for each model's rated temperature range, as it varies between units.

How do I work out what size I need?

Size by two things: the bench gap the unit has to fit, and how much frozen product you cycle in a busy week. Measure the width, height and depth of the space first, then choose a capacity that covers your peak turnover with a little headroom rather than the largest cabinet that fits.

Will a slimline model fit a narrow kitchen?

That's exactly what slimline models are for. They trim the cabinet depth so the unit fits a galley kitchen, food truck or bar without blocking the walkway. Always measure your aisle clearance and allow for the door swing or drawer pull before you commit to a depth.

Do these freezers need special power or plumbing?

Most plug into a standard outlet and need no plumbing, since they're self-contained and air-cooled — leave a ventilation gap around the compressor so it can shed heat. Larger or specialised models may have different requirements, so confirm the power rating on the product page before installing.

Are the products in this range reviewed by other buyers?

Yes. Many of our refrigeration products carry verified customer reviews on the product page, and Commercial Kitchen Store holds a strong record of five-star Google reviews from Australian operators — useful when you're weighing one model against another.

Do you deliver these freezers across Australia?

Yes. Commercial Kitchen Store ships nationwide, and our Australian-based team is on 1300 111 901 if you'd like help sizing a unit to your bench. For cover details, see our warranty and service information.