Zenith Commercial Cook supplies commercial chest freezers built for UK restaurants, cafés, hotels and catering kitchens. Our range covers capacities from 220 litres through to 650 litres, with both solid stainless steel lids and glass-topped display models. Chest freezers offer efficient frozen storage at temperatures between -18°C and -24°C, making them ideal for bulk ingredient storage, ice cream merchandising and long-term frozen stock management across busy hospitality operations.
Shop Chest Freezers by Capacity and Lid Type
Our chest freezer collection includes compact 220L models suited to smaller cafés and takeaways, mid-range 350L–450L units for standard restaurant kitchens, and larger 550L–650L freezers for high-volume catering operations. You can choose between solid stainless steel lids for back-of-house storage or curved glass lids for front-of-house display and impulse sales. Lid configurations include sliding glass tops for easy customer access, hinged solid lids for secure storage, and self-closing options for energy efficiency.
We stock commercial chest freezers from Blizzard, Vestfrost, Artikcold and Igloo. Blizzard offers a wide range from 220L display freezers with curved glass lids through to heavy-duty 650L solid-lid models for demanding kitchen environments. Vestfrost provides energy-efficient stainless steel chest freezers in 296L and 383L capacities, known for reliable performance in professional kitchens. Artikcold supplies hinged-lid chest freezers (479L–582L) with robust construction, whilst Igloo's glass-top sliding chest freezers combine merchandising appeal with dependable frozen storage. Most models include wire baskets for organisation, lockable lids for security, and castors for easier positioning.
How to Choose the Right Chest Freezer
Capacity & Size
Think about your frozen storage needs and available floor space. A 100-cover restaurant typically needs 300–500 litres of chest freezer capacity for bulk ingredients, prepared items and ice cream stock. Smaller cafés and takeaways often manage with 220L–350L models, whilst large catering operations or venues with limited upright freezer space may need 550L–650L units. Chest freezers are more space-efficient than uprights for the same capacity, but remember they need clear floor space and top access. Measure your available area and allow room to open the lid fully without obstruction.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial chest freezers in our range carry energy ratings from A down to E. Higher-rated models cost more upfront but reduce running costs over time, which matters when the unit runs continuously. Chest freezers are naturally more energy-efficient than upright models because cold air stays inside when you open the lid, rather than spilling out. Glass-lid display models use slightly more energy due to heat transfer through the glass, but LED lighting and double-glazed construction help minimise this. Solid stainless steel lids offer the best insulation for back-of-house storage where display isn't needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size chest freezer do I need for a restaurant?
Most restaurants need between 300L and 500L of chest freezer capacity, depending on menu complexity, delivery frequency and whether you prep in-house or buy ready-prepared items. A 350L chest freezer suits a 50–80 cover restaurant with weekly deliveries, whilst a 450L–550L model works better for 100+ covers or venues that batch-cook and freeze prep. If you're storing bulk ice cream for dessert service or holding large frozen stock for events, consider a 550L–650L unit. Chest freezers work well alongside upright freezers, with chest models handling bulk storage and uprights used for frequently accessed items.
Can you put a chest freezer in a garage or unheated area?
Most commercial chest freezers are designed for indoor use in temperature-controlled environments, typically between +10°C and +32°C ambient temperature. Using a chest freezer in an unheated garage or outdoor area during UK winters can cause the compressor to struggle or stop working properly when ambient temperatures drop below +10°C. If you need frozen storage in a garage or unheated prep area, check the manufacturer's specifications for minimum ambient operating temperature. Some models are rated for lower ambient conditions, but most standard commercial chest freezers perform best in heated indoor spaces with adequate ventilation around the compressor.
