A reach-in refrigerator is the backbone of most commercial kitchens, keeping bulk ingredients cold and organized right next to the line. Babak Food Equipment offers solid door and glass door reach-in refrigerators, reach-in freezers and combination units for restaurants, cafés, bakeries, caterers, grocers, schools, hospitals and hotels across Vancouver and British Columbia – from brands such as Turbo Air, Traulsen, Infrico and Cold Zone.
Types of reach-in refrigeration
Solid door reach-in refrigerators
Solid door reach-in refrigerators are insulated upright cabinets with one, two or three doors (full or half doors). They hold temperature well and are the standard choice for back-of-house storage.
Glass door reach-in refrigerators
Glass door reach-in refrigerators let staff see what’s inside without opening the door, which speeds up service and stock checks. They also work front-of-house for drinks and desserts.
Solid door reach-in freezers
Solid door reach-in freezers store frozen proteins, fries, desserts and prepared foods, usually at about 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
Glass door reach-in freezers
Glass door reach-in freezers combine frozen storage with visibility – useful for ice cream, frozen meals and displays.
Reach-in refrigerator/freezer combinations
A solid door reach-in combination puts a refrigerator section and a freezer section in one cabinet, saving floor space in smaller kitchens.
How to choose a reach-in refrigerator

Number of sections: one-door units suit small kitchens or a single station; two- and three-door models hold bulk deliveries for busy restaurants.
Full or half doors: half doors let cold air escape from only part of the cabinet each time and are easier to open in tight aisles.
Solid or glass: solid doors save energy and hide stock; glass doors show product and help with rotation.
Top- or bottom-mount compressor: bottom-mount units put the top shelf at a comfortable height and suit cooler rooms; top-mount units handle hot, greasy kitchens and keep the compressor away from flour and dust.
Space, doors and clearance: measure the spot, doorways and the door swing. Leave room for airflow around the compressor.
Power: most reach-ins plug into a standard 115 V outlet, but check the amperage and plug type for larger three-door models.
Cleaning and shelving: stainless steel interiors, adjustable shelves and removable gaskets make health inspections and daily cleaning easier.

Why buy your reach-in refrigerator from Babak Food Equipment?
With more than 20 years in business and a 4.9★ Google rating from 380+ reviews, our team helps you compare reach-in refrigerators and freezers by size, door style and compressor location, and checks space and power with you. Delivery and installation options are available across BC – details and costs are discussed when you order. Looking for value? Ask about used commercial refrigeration, or browse all commercial refrigeration.
Reach-in refrigerators at a glance
SizeTypical width / capacityBest forOne-doorAbout 23–29 in / 12–27 cu ftCafés, small kitchens, single stationsTwo-doorAbout 48–56 in / 40–50 cu ftMost full-service restaurantsThree-doorAbout 72–82 in / 65–75 cu ftHigh-volume and institutional kitchensRefrigerator/freezer comboAbout 48–56 inSmall kitchens needing both
Frequently asked questions
What is a reach-in refrigerator?
A reach-in refrigerator is an upright commercial cabinet that staff open and reach into, as opposed to a walk-in cooler. It usually has one to three sections with solid or glass doors.
What are the typical dimensions of a commercial refrigerator?
A one-door reach-in is typically about 23–29 in wide, a two-door about 48–56 in and a three-door about 72–82 in. Most are about 78–84 in tall and 30–36 in deep.
What temperature should a reach-in refrigerator be?
Commercial refrigerators should hold food at about 41°F (5°C) or below, and most kitchens aim for 35–38°F (2–3°C). Freezers should stay at about 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
What’s the difference between a commercial refrigerator and a regular refrigerator?
Commercial reach-ins have stronger compressors, faster temperature recovery, heavier shelving and food-safe, easy-to-clean materials. They are built for constant door openings in a busy kitchen.
Is a glass door reach-in refrigerator a good choice for the kitchen?
Glass doors help staff find ingredients quickly and keep track of stock. They use slightly more energy than solid doors, so many kitchens use glass for front-of-house and solid doors in the back.
Availability, pricing, warranty terms, delivery and installation are confirmed at the time of purchase – request a quote on any model or call our team at (604) 566-9747.