How to Choose Fridge Hire for Your Event

Expo Hire understands that refrigeration might not be the first item on your event planning checklist. However, overlooking this crucial element can lead to significant problems, including food safety hazards and operational disruptions. This guide provides practical advice on selecting the right fridge hire for your specific event needs.

Why Commercial Fridge Hire is Essential for Events

Domestic refrigerators are designed for everyday household use. A standard 200-litre under-counter fridge, sufficient for a family's weekly groceries, simply cannot cope with the volume and variety of pre-prepared food, beverages, and dairy products required for a function serving 100 guests. Commercial event fridges from Expo Hire offer the necessary capacity, rapid temperature recovery, and consistent reliability that professional event catering demands.

Food safety regulations in England and Wales mandate that chilled food must be stored at or below 8°C, with a target of 5°C or below. Commercial units maintain these temperatures reliably, even with frequent door openings during busy service periods. Domestic fridges often struggle to achieve this consistency under the demanding conditions of an event.

Types of Fridge Available for Hire from Expo Hire

Upright Display Fridges: These are ideal for showcasing beverages. Their glass fronts allow guests to see the selection, making them suitable for bar areas and front-of-house service. They offer easy access to drinks.

Under-Counter Refrigerators: Designed for back-of-house operations, these units fit neatly beneath preparation surfaces, maximising valuable workspace. They are well-suited for smaller catering setups or as supplementary storage.

Large Capacity Upright Units: For larger events requiring substantial storage before the event or across multiple days, these units provide ample space. They are perfect for storing bulk quantities of pre-prepared dishes, dairy products, and a wide range of beverages.

Bottle Coolers and Wine Fridges: If serving wine at specific temperatures is critical to your event, these specialised units are essential. Beer and wine fridges maintain precise temperature ranges, ensuring your beverages are served at their optimal serving temperature.

Calculating Your Refrigeration Needs

To determine the correct amount of refrigeration, systematically review your catering plan and list every item that requires chilling:

• Beverages: Quantify the number of bottles and cans. Consider if specific temperature settings are needed for different types of drinks, such as white wine versus soft drinks.
• Pre-prepared Food: Estimate the total volume of food items that need refrigeration, noting any items requiring different temperature zones or specific preparation stages.
• Dairy and Perishables: List quantities of items like cream, milk, butter, and any other perishable ingredients.
• Desserts and Pastries: Include any cakes, tarts, or other sweet items that require chilled storage.

Once you have your calculated requirement, add an additional 20–30% capacity. This buffer accounts for the need to reorganise items during service and ensures that a fridge operating below its maximum capacity can recover temperature quickly after doors are opened. For example, if your calculations suggest you need 1000 litres of chilled storage, aim for a hire capacity of 1200–1300 litres.

Placement and Power Requirements

Before finalising your order, confirm with your venue the exact locations where the fridges will be positioned and the available power supply. Commercial fridges typically run on standard 13-amp sockets. However, if you are hiring multiple units, ensure that each unit has its own dedicated circuit or that the venue can safely support the combined load. Consult with the venue management regarding safe load limits for power circuits to avoid overloading and potential hazards. Always position fridges away from direct heat sources, such as ovens, grills, or chafing dishes, as this will significantly impact their efficiency and ability to maintain target temperatures.

Choosing the Right Expo Hire Unit

When selecting from Expo Hire's range, consider the primary function of each fridge. For a busy bar, upright display fridges offer visibility and easy access for staff and guests. For a catering prep area, under-counter units maximise space. For large-scale events or multi-day functions, bulk storage uprights are indispensable. If your event centres on fine wines or craft beers, dedicated bottle coolers and wine fridges are a wise investment. You can explore our full range of refrigeration hire options on our website.

Maintaining Temperature and Hygiene

All commercial fridges supplied by Expo Hire are regularly maintained and cleaned to meet high hygiene standards. However, it is your responsibility to ensure they are operated correctly during the event. Avoid overpacking the units, as this can obstruct airflow and hinder cooling. Keep doors closed as much as possible, especially during peak service times. If you are unsure about the specific requirements for your event, our team at Expo Hire can provide expert advice. We also offer a comprehensive selection of catering equipment hire to complement your refrigeration needs.