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Jarvis

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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Commercial Upright Glass Door Refrigerator | Gastro Fridge | 600 Litre Capacity | Polar CW197. 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 Glass Door Refrigerator | Gastro Fridge | 600 Litre Capacity | Polar CW197

SKU: CW197
£1,705.38 / exc vat
£2,046.46/ inc vat
  • Fan-assisted cooling
  • Lockable double glazed door
  • 600 Litre capacity
  • User-friendly digital controls

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Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Looking for a dependable display fridge that works as hard as you do? Say hello to the Polar CW197. This isn't just another cooler; it's a robust, high-capacity workhorse designed to keep your ingredients and  best-sellers perfectly chilled and  attractively displayed, right where your staff or customers can see them. With over 50 years in the business, we at EasyEquipment.com know a top-tier bit of kit when we see one, and  this is it.

Specifically built for the hustle and  bustle of professional UK kitchens, from bustling city centre cafes to busy hotel restaurants, this upright glass door refrigerator offers a massive 600-litre capacity without hogging all your floor space. Its combination of powerful fan-assisted cooling, sturdy adjustable shelving, and  easy-to-use digital controls makes it an absolute must-have for any business that values efficiency, reliability, and  presentation.

Featuring a lockable, double-glazed door and  a sleek stainless steel finish, this commercial glass door fridge 600 litre unit doesn't just perform brilliantly; it looks the part, too. It’s the smart, no-fuss choice for showcasing drinks, desserts, and  pre-prepared food, ensuring everything stays at the perfect temperature, ready for service. It’s an investment in smooth operations and  happy customers.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Fan-assisted cooling: Ensures cold air reaches every corner for rapid chilling.
  • Lockable double glazed door: Keeps your valuable stock secure and  clearly visible.
  • 600 Litre capacity: Generous storage for drinks, ingredients, and  prepared foods.
  • User-friendly digital controls: Makes setting and  monitoring the temperature an absolute breeze.
  • Automatic defrost: Saves you time and  effort on maintenance tasks.
  • Sturdy lockable castors: Allows for effortless movement for cleaning and  repositioning.
  • Adjustable GN2/1 compatible shelves: Customise your storage for maximum space and  organisation.
  • 60mm insulation: Improves efficiency and  helps to lower your energy bills.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Polar
  • SKU: CW197
  • Dimensions: 2010(H) x 680(W) x 800(D) mm
  • Capacity: 600 Litre / 10 x GN2/1
  • Power: 300W, 230V, 13 Amp Plug
  • Temperature Range: 2°C to 8°C
  • Refrigerant: R600a
  • Weight: 150kg
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Defrost Type: Automatic
  • Cooling Type: Fan Assisted
  • Insulation: 60mm
  • Max Ambient Temperature: 32°C

Expert Review and  Insights

The Polar CW197 hits that sweet spot between robust capacity and  everyday usability that so many kitchens need. It's a proper workhorse, not a show pony. The temperature recovery is impressively quick, even during a busy service, and  the build quality feels solid enough to handle years of knocks and  scrapes. It’s a smart, reliable choice for businesses that need performance without the premium price tag.

Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →

  • Pros: Excellent temperature consistency thanks to the powerful fan-assisted cooling system.
  • Cons: The unit's 150kg weight means initial placement is definitely a two-person job.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Garden Bistro in Bath was struggling with insufficient fridge space, relying on multiple smaller units that were inefficient and  disorganised. They needed a centralised, high-capacity solution to streamline their kitchen prep and  back-of-house drink storage.

"The Polar CW197 upright display fridge has completely sorted out our chilling chaos. We can see all our stock at a glance, the temperature is rock solid, and  our workflow is so much smoother. It's just a solid, reliable bit of kit that does exactly what it says on the tin."

David Chen – Head Chef

After installation, the bistro saw a 25% reduction in time spent restocking during busy periods, allowing chefs to focus more on food preparation.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Position the unit on a flat, level surface, ensuring at least 20cm of space around it for ventilation.
  • Once in its final position, allow the refrigerator to stand for at least 4 hours before plugging it in to let the refrigerant oils settle.
  • Clean the interior shelves and  surfaces with a mild detergent before loading any stock.
  • Use the digital controller to set your desired temperature between 2°C and  8°C.

Keeping It Going

  • Regularly wipe down the door seals with a damp cloth to ensure a tight, efficient seal.
  • Clean the interior weekly to prevent odours and  maintain hygiene standards.
  • Check that the internal fan is not obstructed by products to ensure proper airflow.
  • Gently brush the condenser coil (usually at the back or bottom) every few months to remove dust build-up, which improves efficiency.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Fridge

Not sure if this is the perfect fit? Here are a few things to consider when you're buying a commercial refrigerator.

Capacity vs Footprint

Make sure you measure your space! A high-capacity fridge is great, but only if it fits. This 600L model offers excellent storage for its width.

Energy Efficiency

A fridge runs 24/7, so running costs matter. Look for features like thick insulation (this one has 60mm) and  efficient refrigerants like R600a to save money.

Glass vs Solid Door

A glass door is perfect for displaying stock and  quick visual checks (like on this Polar CW197). A solid door offers slightly better insulation if it's purely for back-of-house storage.

Fan vs Static Cooling

Fan-assisted cooling provides faster temperature recovery and  more even chilling, which is essential for busy kitchens where the door is opened frequently.

Kitchen Environment

Check the maximum ambient temperature the fridge can handle. This one is rated for up to 32°C, making it suitable for most professional kitchens.

See all Single Glass Door Upright Display Fridges

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this commercial upright refrigerator glass door unit easy to move for cleaning?

A: Yes, absolutely. It's fitted with sturdy, lockable castors, so you can easily wheel it out, clean behind it, and  lock it securely back in place.

Q: What is the actual usable storage space?

A: The total capacity is 600 litres, with a net usable capacity of 376 litres once you account for internal components and  airflow space.

Q: Can the shelves be adjusted?

A: Yes, it comes with 3 sturdy adjustable shelves, plus a floor protector shelf, allowing you to customise the layout for different sized items.

Q: Is the door reversible?

A: No, the door on this specific model is not reversible. It is hinged on the right-hand side.

Q: What does 'GN2/1 compatible' mean?

A: It means the shelves are sized to directly hold Gastronorm pans of size 2/1 (650 x 530mm), which is a standard size in professional kitchens.

Q: How does the automatic defrost work?

A: The fridge automatically runs a defrost cycle at regular intervals to prevent ice from building up on the cooling element, ensuring it runs efficiently without manual intervention.

Q: What kind of plug does it come with?

A: It's supplied with a standard 3-pin, 13-amp plug, so you can plug it straight into any normal socket.

Q: Is the glass door double glazed?

A: Yes, it features a double-glazed door which provides excellent insulation, reduces condensation, and  improves energy efficiency.

What Customers Are Saying

"Absolutely brilliant fridge. Keeps temperature perfectly even when we're constantly in and  out of it during service. The castors are a lifesaver for cleaning underneath."

- Sarah T. – The Oakhill Pub, Chester

"A fantastic gastro display fridge 600 litre unit for the price. Holds a surprising amount and  the digital display is very clear. A great upgrade for our cafe."

- Mark R. – Cafe Fresco, Manchester

"Very happy with this Polar 600L glass door fridge. It's solid, easy to clean, and  the lock is a useful feature. It is quite heavy, so make sure you have help getting it in place!"

- Ben L. – Hotel Kitchen, Edinburgh

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The Polar Advantage: Built for Britain's Busiest Kitchens

Beyond the impressive spec sheet, choosing a Polar CW197 is an investment in peace of mind. Polar has built a formidable reputation in the UK catering industry by focusing on what truly matters: day-in, day-out reliability and  fantastic value. This isn't just a fridge; it's a solution engineered for the real-world pressures of a professional environment. The robust stainless steel construction is designed to withstand the inevitable knocks and  scrapes of a busy service, while the thick 60mm insulation isn't just a number—it's a direct contributor to lower energy bills over the unit's lifespan. The use of efficient R600a refrigerant further underlines a commitment to operational economy and  environmental responsibility. With a Polar, you're not just buying a piece of equipment; you're buying into a legacy of dependable performance that keeps your business running smoothly, your stock safe, and  your costs under control.

Explore more from Polar

How Fan-Assisted Cooling Keeps Food Safer and  Fresher

Ever had a fridge where the stuff at the back is practically frozen but the items in the door are lukewarm? That's what fan-assisted cooling is designed to prevent. Instead of just letting cold air sit (known as static cooling), a fan actively circulates it around the entire cabinet. Think of it like a gentle, chilly breeze that ensures there are no warm spots or pockets of stale air.

This means that whether a product is on the top shelf, at the bottom, or right by the door, it stays at a consistent, safe temperature. Crucially, it also means the fridge recovers its temperature much faster after you've had the door open during a busy service, protecting your stock and  reducing energy waste. It's a simple bit of tech that makes a massive difference to food safety and  quality.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Busy Restaurants & Gastropubs: Ideal for storing prepped ingredients, desserts, or white wine, keeping everything organised and  perfectly chilled for service.
  • High-Street Cafes & Sandwich Bars: Perfect for beautifully displaying bottled drinks, sandwiches, and  cakes, encouraging those profitable impulse buys from customers.
  • Farm Shops & Delicatessens: A great way to showcase local cheeses, charcuterie, and  premium ready meals, maintaining freshness and  visual appeal.
  • School, College & Office Canteens: Reliably stores large quantities of milk, yoghurts, and  drinks for the daily rush, with a lockable door for security.
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