Whether you run a restaurant, grocery store or hospitality business, the refrigeration equipment you select is crucial to the long-term success of your brand. Your top mission is to keep food cold at safe temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Knowing which national commercial refrigeration companies are the best gives you an edge over the competition and keeps costs reasonable.
Since many restaurants operate on a thin profit margin, finding spoiled or accidentally thawed food due to a faulty refrigerator can severely impact the bottom line. Waiting for repairs and new supplies means additional lost time and revenue. A reliable refrigeration partner protects your inventory and reputation for keeping food safe for your customers. You must find a national commercial refrigeration company that understands compliance issues in your area and your business’s daily demands.
Methodology
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that as much as 50% of grocery stores’ total energy use comes from refrigeration. Investing in new equipment increases efficiency and lowers costs. It is crucial to find the right provider for cost control and longevity. If your goal is to create a greener brand, partnering with the right company can improve your efforts by reducing your energy consumption.
Figuring out which brand to choose is complex. You may need more than just refrigeration, depending on the type of business you are in. Many suppliers also offer additional equipment. This list of the best suppliers saves you time by breaking down the benefits of the top providers on the market from a commercial refrigeration perspective. Anything else they offer is a bonus. Here are the main criteria considered in this ranking:
- Nationwide reach
- 24/7 response times
- Monitoring capabilities
- Sustainability commitments
- Reviews and reputation
- Unique elements
Each company listed checks off these key features and also offers strengths that fulfill the typical needs of small business owners. To save your time researching multiple brands, the table at the end of the list of companies offers a quick glimpse into who they work best for.
The Best National Commercial Refrigeration Companies
Each of the providers below offers a service level that aligns with the criteria used to select the top options. Explore the strengths of these national commercial refrigeration companies and what they can offer you as a business owner.
1. CoolSys
CoolSys is a complete refrigeration company that also offers HVAC solutions and ensures equipment operates at optimum levels. Some of the brands already utilizing its services include Aldi, Giant, FredMeyer, Buffalo Wild Wings and Amazon. Known for scale and reliability, the company sells multiple brands, giving it enough reach to cover almost any need.
CoolSys has teams in over 40 states, giving it nationwide reach for nearly any metro location. Its preventive maintenance program ensures equipment runs at optimal levels and prevents unexpected breakdowns and food loss. Ask about its energy management solutions to reduce utility bills and create a more sustainable brand.
Smart monitoring tools alert staff if equipment fails so service can be restored rapidly. Growing chains will appreciate the company’s network and scalable service contracts. As your brand scales and your budget increases, you can add on services. Representatives can also map out a five-year maintenance projection to estimate costs and keep them under control.
2. Hillphoenix
Hillphoenix has a solid reputation for designing refrigerated display cases and systems. The company is known for putting sustainability first and features natural refrigerant systems, including ones that use CO2. In addition, it offers custom cases for retailers needing something specific.
The company is an excellent option for restaurants and retailers wanting to prioritize eco-friendly practices. Using its natural refrigerants reduces your brand’s carbon footprint. The company also mentions that strict compliance regulations may be on the horizon as people become more aware of their impact on the earth, so partnering with a brand that offers green solutions can help you meet those demands.
Dover — Hillphoenix’s parent company — generates $7 billion in global revenue yearly. With plants in Iowa, Virginia, Arizona and Georgia, the company has a footprint in multiple states.
3. Hussmann
With over 100 years of industry experience, Hussmann offers cold storage and integrated display solutions for grocery retailers and restaurants. For boutique services, the company provides innovative designs customized to match your interior. If you care deeply about aesthetics or serve a higher-end clientele, Hussmann is an excellent option for your cooling needs.
Hussmann offers 600 company-employed technicians throughout the U.S. and Canada to cover project management, installation, maintenance and additional support. It can also help with LED lighting upgrades, multi-deck door upgrades and refrigerant conversions.
One of the company’s strengths is its integrated Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring systems. Early warning systems alert company leaders to maintenance issues before they become costly replacements. For example, a refrigerant leak may require new cooling systems. If not stopped quickly, it could necessitate a costly environmental cleanup.
4. True Manufacturing
If you have been in the food service industry for a while, you may have heard of True Manufacturing. The company was founded in 1945, and its systems are still designed and engineered in the U.S. The brand website states that it has the industry’s best warranty with seven years of labor, parts and compressor coverage. Newer companies will not face a service bill for seven full years.
True Manufacturing keeps costs low by eliminating intermediaries and using a factory-direct sales model. Its reputation in the foodservice industry is excellent. You will find almost any equipment you need, from prep tables to large cold rooms.
If you are a small or midsized business, True Manufacturing caters to you. The lower costs will allow you to stay on budget, and the company will provide a lifetime cost of ownership calculation upon request that lists maintenance and energy usage costs.
5. Carrier Commercial Refrigeration
Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is well-known among HVAC suppliers and has a refrigeration arm. The brand’s reputation is excellent worldwide, and it is known for competitive engineering standards. If you are looking for large-scale commercial refrigeration systems, Carrier is a stellar option. In addition to traditional models, it offers natural refrigerant solutions.
Package deals help cover multiple needs and save companies money. Carrier’s website also mentions that the company has over 20,000 CO2 systems in operation and is a pioneer in the use of CO2. It follows European Union regulations to ensure systems are as green as possible.
6. Kitchenall
Kitchenall offers commercial refrigeration options and other equipment frequently used in the restaurant and grocery industries. The company provides reliable refrigeration and cold display cases at low prices. It is best known for back bar refrigerators, under-counter choices and prep tables. By focusing on cost savings, the organization’s leaders position themselves to serve clients on a budget.
The supplier carries multiple brands, giving users numerous options to fit their needs. Some of the names you might be familiar with include Turbo Air, Beverage Air, Summit and Atosa. Based in Brooklyn, New York, the distributor ships within the U.S. and Canada. It also has some international clients and serves Hawaii.
Comparing the Best U.S. Commercial Refrigeration Companies
Figuring out which top national commercial refrigeration companies best meet your needs can still be daunting. To make your decision easier, consult this comparison table to better understand each provider’s benefits.
| Company | Overview | Strengths | Best For | Unique Features |
| CoolSys | Offers complete refrigeration and HVAC equipment | Preventive maintenance programs and smart monitoring tools | Growing chains | Has teams in 40 states and maps out long-term maintenance plans |
| Hillphoenix | Provides refrigerated display cases with a focus on environmental friendliness | Natural refrigerant options | Eco-conscious food retailers and restaurants | Has plants in multiple U.S. locations |
| Hussmann | Has over 100 years of experience and offers aesthetic customization | Technicians across the U.S. and Canada | High-end retailers and upscale restaurants needing a customized appearance | Uses IoT monitoring to prevent costly damage |
| True Manufacturing | Has around 80 years of experience and offers a factory-direct sales model | A long-term warranty that covers parts, labor and the compressor for seven years | Small to midsized businesses needing affordable solutions | Eliminates intermediary costs |
| Carrier Commercial Refrigeration | Recognized as a well-known global brand integrating HVAC and refrigeration | Large-scale CO2 systems and compliance with E.U. regulations | Warehouses and distribution centers | Known as a pioneer in green refrigerants |
| Kitchenall | Based in Brooklyn, New York, and serves national and some international clients | Wide range of refrigerator brands with reliable cold storage | Business owners who require low prices | Offers affordable multi-brand customization |
Why Choosing the Right Provider Matters
Consider how much downtime might cost you in lost revenue. If a restaurant is forced to shutter its doors when the refrigerators fail, the owner must consider the cost of lost food as well as the lost income. Such situations can also impact employees since they fail to make as much in tips because they are not serving customers. If this happens often, you could lose your most valuable workers.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates food retailers lose around 25% of their refrigerant annually. Studies show these leaks equal as much as 33% of a food retailer’s annual greenhouse footprint. Losing that much can equal thousands of dollars in replacement fees. You could also run into issues with environmental fines and cleanup costs.
Considerations for Purchasing Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
Ask each potential supplier questions to ensure the response time will work for your needs. In addition to checking reviews and Better Business Bureau complaints, ask what the average response time is during an emergency.
Many of the best refrigeration companies also offer 24/7 service contracts. Pairing maintenance with such offers can help prevent loss and guarantee a technician arrives within hours.
When choosing a refrigeration partner, ask if the company offers national coverage that includes your current area and places you may like to expand. This helps you assess whether you can rely on the same provider as your business grows. In addition, ask what is included in the warranty, if labor costs extra and how they stay on top of sustainability regulations.
Finally, companies interested in advanced technology should ask about live monitoring through IoT integration and any other unique features the company offers.
Should You Buy Used Commercial Refrigeration?
If you are on a budget, you might think buying used commercial refrigeration is the way to go. However, purchasing used equipment can sometimes cost more than buying new, as you may run into expensive maintenance issues. For those working with a stricter budget, having a service plan in place can make a difference. Seek brands with scalable maintenance options that also service their used products.
The cost of ownership versus the initial investment can be deceptive. Whenever you buy equipment, ask for a lifetime cost of ownership calculation. Compare warranties, energy efficiency and operating costs. You may find that buying new equipment costs less in the long run.
Industry Trends in Commercial Refrigeration
The commercial refrigeration industry is constantly growing as technology changes and countries adopt stricter controls over the chemicals used in various industries. Consumers are demanding sustainability more than ever before. A huge shift in the industry is toward natural refrigerants like CO2.
Choosing more eco-conscious materials sets companies up to be compliant with existing and evolving regulations. By making the switch now, business owners can set themselves up for success later. You will not have to suddenly switch to costlier systems because yours are no longer compliant.
Another industry game changer is advances in monitoring tools. Tapping into the power of the IoT ensures someone in charge is notified when a system goes down or needs service. Some options even notify the provider and immediately assign a service technician the same moment you realize your cooling system has an issue. Such rapid responses prevent loss and equipment damage.
Partner With the Best Commercial Refrigeration Companies
Finding the right partner is about more than just getting the best equipment. You also want a provider that understands how crucial prevention is to save you time and money. The best national commercial refrigeration companies reduce your carbon footprint, ensure you remain compliant and stop issues before they start.
