A commercial undercounter refrigerator puts cold storage exactly where your cooks and bartenders work, without giving up valuable floor space in a crowded kitchen or bar. Babak Food Equipment offers undercounter refrigerators and freezers, worktop refrigeration and chef bases for restaurants, bars, cafés, food trucks, hotels and institutional kitchens across Vancouver and British Columbia – from brands such as Traulsen, Turbo Air, Infrico and Cold Zone.
Types of undercounter refrigeration
Undercounter refrigerators
Undercounter refrigerators slide under a standard 36 in counter with swing doors or drawers. They suit bar fridge, beverage and prep-station duty where space is tight.
Undercounter freezers
Undercounter freezers keep fries, proteins and desserts frozen right beside the fryer or plating station. Some models offer drawers sized for food pans to speed up plating.
Worktop refrigeration
Work top refrigeration adds a sturdy stainless steel top – often with a backsplash – so the unit doubles as a prep counter with cold storage underneath.
Chef bases
Chef bases are low, heavy-duty refrigerated drawers built to support griddles, charbroilers and other countertop cooking equipment, keeping proteins one step from the heat.
How to choose an undercounter refrigerator

Height and depth: check the height under your counter and the depth of the station. Most units are about 30–34 in tall; chef bases are lower so equipment sits at a safe working height.
Doors or drawers: drawers hold food pans and are faster to access on the line; doors give more flexible shelf space for bottles and containers.
Refrigerator, freezer or both: some undercounter refrigerator/freezer combinations put both temperatures in one cabinet.
Front-breathing design: if the unit will be built in, choose a front-breathing model so the compressor can vent without side or rear clearance.
Heat load: chef bases and units under cooking equipment need a rating for hot environments. Never place a standard undercounter fridge under a griddle.
Power and cleaning: most units plug into a standard 115 V outlet; stainless steel interiors and removable gaskets make cleaning easier.

Why buy your undercounter refrigeration from Babak Food Equipment?
With more than 20 years in business and a 4.9★ Google rating from 380+ reviews, our team helps you choose between undercounter refrigerators, worktops and chef bases, measure the space and check ventilation and power. Delivery and installation options are available across BC – details and costs are discussed when you order. Browse all commercial refrigeration or ask about used commercial refrigeration.
Undercounter refrigeration at a glance
TypeTypical sizeBest forUndercounter refrigerator / freezerAbout 27–72 in wide, 30–34 in tallBars, cafés, prep stationsWorktop refrigeratorAbout 27–72 in wide, counter heightExtra prep surface with cold storageChef baseAbout 36–110 in wide, 20–26 in tallUnder griddles and charbroilersDrawer undercounterAbout 2–4 drawersFast access to food pans on the line
Frequently asked questions
Are undercounter refrigerators worth it?
Yes, for most commercial kitchens and bars. They keep ingredients and drinks within arm’s reach, cut steps during service and use space under counters that would otherwise be wasted.
What is the best brand for undercounter refrigerators?
Traulsen, Turbo Air, Infrico and Cold Zone are all well-regarded commercial brands. The best fit depends on the size, door or drawer layout and how hot the location is.
What is the difference between a chef base and an undercounter refrigerator?
A chef base is lower and built to support hot cooking equipment on top, usually with drawers. An undercounter refrigerator is designed to sit under a standard counter, not under heat.
Can I get an undercounter refrigerator with drawers?
Yes. Drawer models hold food pans or containers and are popular on cook lines because staff can see and reach ingredients without bending into a cabinet.
Do undercounter refrigerators need ventilation?
Yes. Front-breathing models vent through the front grille and can be built in; others need side or rear clearance, so check the specifications before installing.
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.