Polar U-Series 8-Drawer Gastronorm Counter Fridge

The Polar U-Series eight-drawer counter fridge is a wide-format refrigerated prep station designed to sit beneath a stainless steel worktop and provide immediate access to chilled ingredients during service. It runs eight gastronorm-compatible drawers across a substantial footprint, making it a practical choice for busy prep lines where speed of access and organised cold storage are a priority.

In a working kitchen, the real test of a drawer fridge is how consistently it holds temperature when drawers are being opened repeatedly throughout a shift. The U-Series uses forced-air cooling to maintain even temperatures throughout the cabinet interior, which helps it cope with frequent access and warm ambient conditions. The climate class 4 rating means it is rated to perform in ambient temperatures up to 43°C — relevant in kitchens where the pass or cooking line generates significant background heat. Automatic defrost keeps the unit running without manual intervention, which matters during sustained service periods.

From an operational standpoint, this unit suits kitchens where ingredient prep relies on direct GN tray compatibility throughout the cold storage and cooking chain. Key practical advantages include:

• Eight individual drawers supporting organised, separated ingredient storage
• Full 2/1 GN drawer compatibility for direct integration with GN-based prep workflows
• Digital controller with LED display for straightforward temperature monitoring
• Forced-air refrigeration for consistent temperature recovery after access
• Energy rating of B and R600a refrigerant, keeping running costs reasonable over time

At 193kg and over two metres wide, this is a substantial piece of equipment. It requires adequate floor space with a level, weight-bearing surface, and positioning should account for ventilation clearance as specified in the installation documentation. Built-in castors assist with positioning during installation, but the unit is not intended to be regularly moved once in place. Electrical connection should be confirmed with a qualified engineer prior to installation.

This unit is well suited to high-volume kitchens — hotel banqueting operations, large restaurant kitchens, and contract catering environments — where a centralised, high-capacity cold prep station adds real workflow value. For smaller operations where bench space is limited or throughput is lower, a narrower or fewer-drawer configuration may be a more proportionate fit. For sites with even greater cold storage demands across multiple sections, it is worth exploring heavier-duty or larger-format alternatives from the range.

If you are unsure whether this configuration suits your kitchen layout or service volume, our team is happy to talk through the options before you commit to a purchase.