A commercial freezer is a big investment, so it’s worth choosing one that actually suits how your business runs day to day. Some are built for bulk storage, others for quick access during service and some are designed to cool food down fast. In this guide, we’ll walk through chest freezers, upright freezers and blast freezers to help you find the right one.
Types of Commercial Freezers
Chest Freezer
Top-load chest freezers feature an open bin configuration, which is why they work so well with high-volume frozen product storage. One of their biggest advantages is how well they maintain stable temperature because cold air stays inside even when the lid is open, making them more energy-efficient than most other options. They also offer plenty of space for bulk storage. This makes them a great choice for butchers, seafood suppliers and catering businesses that buy in volume. Explore our range of chest freezers.
Upright freezers
Upright freezers are designed with shelves, making everything easier to organise and find. They take up less floor space than chest freezers and make it quicker for staff to grab what they need, especially during busy service. While they don’t retain cold air quite as well as chest freezers, they make up for it with better visibility and access. They’re a popular choice for cafes, restaurants and bakeries. Browse Artisan’s upright freezer range.
Blast freezers
Blast freezers are built to bring food down from cooking temperature to safe storage levels as quickly as possible. This rapid cooling helps preserve texture, flavour and nutritional value, while also supporting food safety standards. They’re commonly used in commercial kitchens, patisseries and aged care facilities, but they’re just as useful for any business preparing food ahead of time. Learn more about our blast freezer solutions.
Browse the full range or shop by industry to find the right fit from our commercial freezers for sale:
- Butcher, Seafood and Deli Equipment
- Commercial Bakery and Cafe Equipment
- Hospitality and Catering Equipment
- Supermarket Fridge and Freezer Equipment
How to Choose the Right Size
The right size commercial freezer depends on how much you need to store and how your kitchen operates. Small cafes might only need a compact unit under 300 L, while mid-size restaurants usually sit in the 300–700 L range. Larger kitchens or catering operations often require 700 L+ or even multiple units. Before making your final decision, measure your space carefully, including ventilation and door clearances, to ensure a smooth installation.
Comparison Table
To make things easier, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the three main commercial freezer types:
| Feature | Chest Freezer | Upright Freezer | Blast Freezer |
| Storage layout | Open-bin, top access | Shelved, vertical | Tray-based or rack system |
| Floor space | Larger footprint | Compact footprint | Moderate to large |
| Best for | Bulk storage, less frequent use | Quick access, organised storage | Rapid chilling and food safety |
| Temperature recovery | Excellent | Moderate | Very fast, built for rapid cooling |
Use this as a quick guide, but always consider your kitchen layout, workflow and storage needs before making a final decision when buying a commercial freezer for sale.
FAQs
What size commercial freezer do I need?
It depends on your operation. Small cafes usually need under 300 L, mid-size restaurants often require 300 to 700 L, and larger commercial kitchens or catering businesses typically need 700 L or more, or multiple units.
What is the difference between a chest freezer and an upright freezer?
Chest freezers offer more storage volume and better temperature retention, making them ideal for bulk storage. Upright freezers take up less floor space and provide faster, more organised access, which suits busy service environments.
Buy Commercial Freezers for Sale at Artisan
Artisan stocks a wide range of chest and upright freezers designed for Australian food businesses. Designed to support Safe Food Australia compliance, our products help you meet food safety standards with confidence. See the full range to find the right commercial freezer for your business.
