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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Commercial Upright Freezer | Double Door Gastro Freezer | 1200 Litre Capacity | Polar CW196. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

Jarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535

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Polar In Stock

Commercial Upright Freezer | Double Door Gastro Freezer | 1200 Litre Capacity | Polar CW196

SKU: CW196
£2,886.03 / exc vat
£3,463.24/ inc vat
  • Massive 1200L Capacity
  • Fan-Assisted Cooling
  • 60mm Insulation
  • Automatic Defrost

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Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Looking for a freezer that can truly keep up with the relentless pace of your professional kitchen? Meet the Polar CW196, a seriously spacious double door commercial upright freezer designed to be the backbone of your cold storage. It's a proper workhorse, built from tough stainless steel and  ready to handle whatever you throw at it, day in and  day out.

This upright gastro freezer is an absolute must for high-volume operations like bustling restaurants, large hotel kitchens, schools, and  event caterers. With a whopping 1200-litre gross capacity and  space for 20 full-sized gastronorm pans, you'll have all the room you need for bulk ingredients, prepped meals, and  frozen goods, keeping everything organised and  easily accessible.

Engineered for performance, the Polar CW196 freezer boasts fan-assisted cooling for rapid temperature recovery, thick insulation for energy efficiency, and  an automatic defrost system to save you time and  hassle. It’s not just a freezer; it’s the dependable, high-capacity cold storage partner your business deserves.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Massive 1200L Capacity: Store huge amounts of stock, reducing delivery frequency.
  • Fan-Assisted Cooling: Gets back to temperature quickly after opening the doors.
  • 60mm Insulation: Keeps the cold in, saving you money on electricity bills.
  • Automatic Defrost: No more manual defrosting, saving you precious staff time.
  • Lockable Self-Closing Doors: Keep your valuable stock secure and  prevent energy wastage.
  • Digital Controls & Display: Set and  monitor temperatures with absolute pinpoint accuracy.
  • Stainless Steel Construction: It's tough, durable and  an absolute doddle to wipe clean.
  • Lockable Castors: Easily move the entire unit for deep cleaning underneath.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Polar
  • SKU: CW196
  • Dimensions: 2010(H) x 1340(W) x 800(D)mm
  • Power: 700W, 230V / 13A Plug
  • Temperature Range: -20°C to -10°C
  • Refrigerant: R290
  • Gross Capacity: 1200Ltr | Net Usable Capacity: 770Ltr
  • GN Capacity: 20 x 2/1GN (100mm deep)
  • Weight: 195kg
  • Doors: 2 Hinged Lockable Self-Closing
  • Shelves: 6 Adjustable + 2 Floor Protectors
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Max Ambient Temperature: 32°C

Expert Review and  Insights

The Polar CW196 is a real workhorse. It doesn't mess about with unnecessary bells and  whistles; it just delivers reliable, high-volume freezing. For any busy kitchen where capacity and  consistency are non-negotiable, this is a very solid and  sensible investment that will pay for itself in operational efficiency.

Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →

  • Pros: Exceptional storage capacity and  rapid temperature recovery, perfect for busy service.
  • Cons: Its large footprint requires a significant, well-ventilated space in your kitchen.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

A high-turnover pub and  carvery in York was struggling with three separate, ageing chest freezers that were inefficient and  made stock rotation a nightmare. They upgraded to a single Polar CW196 to centralise their frozen storage.

"We were constantly running out of space and  our energy bills were frankly alarming. The Polar CW196 streamlined our storage and  made a real difference to our kitchen's workflow. Everything is so much easier to find now."

Emma guildford – Head Chef, The Minster Inn

The switch consolidated three old freezers into one unit, freeing up valuable floor space and  reducing their monthly energy consumption by an estimated 20%.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Position in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight.
  • Leave a gap of at least 20cm around the unit for air circulation.
  • Once in position, let the freezer stand for at least 4 hours before plugging it in to let the refrigerant settle.
  • Lock the front castors to prevent it from moving, and  use the digital display to set your desired temperature.

Keeping It Going

  • Wipe down the door seals weekly with a damp cloth to ensure they remain clean and  effective.
  • Clean the interior regularly with a food-safe sanitiser.
  • Ensure internal air vents are never blocked by food items to maintain proper airflow.
  • The automatic defrost handles ice build-up, but periodically check the drainage outlet is clear.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Freezer

Not sure what to look for in a new freezer? It's a big decision, so here are a few key points to consider to make sure you get the perfect fit for your business.

Capacity vs. Footprint

Measure your available space carefully! A large capacity commercial freezer is fantastic, but only if it fits. Balance your storage needs with the physical reality of your kitchen layout.

Upright vs. Chest

Upright freezers, like this one, make organisation a breeze with adjustable shelves. They are ideal for quick access and  easy stock rotation in a busy service environment.

Energy Efficiency

Look for good insulation (60mm is great) and  modern, eco-friendly refrigerants like R290. An efficient freezer costs less to run every single day, saving you money in the long run.

Defrost Type

Manual defrosting is a time-consuming, disruptive chore. An automatic defrost system, like the one in the CW196, handles ice build-up for you, saving labour and  hassle.

Ambient Temperature Rating

Check the freezer's 'Climate Class' or maximum ambient temperature. This tells you the hottest room temperature it can operate in effectively – crucial for a hot, busy kitchen.

See all Double Door Upright Freezers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Gastronorm compatible' mean?

A: It means the internal shelves are sized to perfectly fit standard Gastronorm (GN) pans, which are the industry-standard food containers used in most professional kitchens. This model fits 2/1 GN pans.

Q: How often does the automatic defrost cycle run?

A: The freezer's intelligent controller initiates a defrost cycle automatically as needed, typically a few times a day, to prevent any disruptive ice build-up without affecting food safety.

Q: What is R290 refrigerant?

A: R290 (Propane) is a natural, highly efficient refrigerant that has a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP), making it much kinder to the environment than older refrigerants.

Q: What does the 'maximum ambient temperature' of 32°C mean?

A: This means the freezer is designed to work efficiently in a room where the temperature is up to 32°C. This is vital for performance in hot commercial kitchens.

Q: Are the shelves adjustable?

A: Yes, this model comes with 6 fully adjustable shelves, allowing you to customise the interior layout to suit different sized products.

Q: How easy is it to move for cleaning?

A: It comes fitted with sturdy castors, two of which are lockable. This makes it very easy to roll out for cleaning and then securely lock back into place.

Q: What is the difference between Gross (1200L) and  Net (770L) capacity?

A: Gross capacity is the total empty volume inside the cabinet. Net, or 'usable', capacity is the realistic space available for food storage after accounting for shelves, components, and  air circulation gaps.

Q: Are the doors reversible?

A: No, on this particular model, the doors are hinged on the left and  right respectively and  are not reversible.

What Customers Are Saying

An absolute beast of a freezer. Holds everything we need for the week and  keeps temperature perfectly. Solidly built and  the castors are a lifesaver for cleaning.

Mark R. – Restaurant Owner, Bristol

Really happy with this purchase. The self-closing doors are a brilliant feature for our busy kitchen staff. Great value for the sheer size of it.

Sarah Jones – Catering Manager, Leeds

Does exactly what it says on the tin. No fuss, just a reliable and  massive double door catering freezer. Highly recommend for any busy kitchen.

Tom P. – Pub Kitchen, Birmingham

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The Polar Advantage: Built for Britain's Busiest Kitchens

When you invest in a Polar appliance, you're buying more than just its technical specifications; you're buying peace of mind. Polar has built a formidable reputation in the UK for creating affordable, dependable equipment that withstands the daily punishment of a commercial environment. The CW196 freezer is a prime example of this philosophy. It's not designed to be flashy; it's designed to work, consistently and  reliably. This focus on robust construction and  core performance translates directly to long-term business value. You'll experience fewer breakdowns, less food spoilage, and  reduced maintenance headaches. In an industry where equipment failure can bring service to a halt, the reliability of a Polar commercial upright freezer is an operational advantage that protects your revenue and  your reputation.

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How Fan-Assisted Cooling Keeps Food Safer

Ever noticed how the food at the back of your home freezer gets more frosted than the stuff at the front? That's because the cold air isn't moving. A double door commercial upright freezer with fan-assisted cooling solves this problem entirely. Think of it like a convection oven, but for cold. Instead of letting cold air just sit there, a fan actively circulates it around the entire cabinet, from top to bottom and  corner to corner. This means two things: first, there are no warmer 'danger zones', so all your food is kept at a consistent, safe temperature. Second, when you open the door and  warm air gets in, the fan kicks in to pull the temperature back down rapidly. This reduces stress on the compressor, saves energy, and  most importantly, keeps your food in perfect condition.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Large Restaurants & Hotels: Keep bulk ingredients perfectly frozen, ensuring you're always ready for a busy weekend service.
  • Schools & Hospitals: Safely store large quantities of food for high-volume catering operations and  weekly meal prep.
  • Butchers & Farm Shops: Ideal for storing large cuts of meat or seasonal produce at safe, consistent temperatures.
  • Event Caterers & Production Kitchens: A reliable, large capacity commercial freezer that handles the demands of prepping for big events.
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