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Polar
In Stock
Commercial Double Drawer Counter Fridge Freezer | GN1/1 Refrigeration | 6 x GN1/1 Capacity | Polar DA997
£2,938.51
/ exc vat
£3,526.21/ inc vat
- Flexdrawer System
- Fan-Assisted Cooling
- Independent Drawer Control
- Generous GN Capacity
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Product Overview
Looking for the ultimate kitchen space-saver that doesn’t skimp on power or flexibility? Meet the Polar DA997 Flexdrawer Counter. This isn't just a fridge or a freezer; it's both. A true workhorse, this unit allows you to switch between refrigeration and freezing at the touch of a button, adapting instantly to your changing menu, seasonal demands, or a particularly busy service.
Designed for the fast-paced professional kitchen, from bustling restaurants and ghost kitchens to dynamic cafés and pubs, this commercial double drawer counter fridge freezer provides a solid, food-safe stainless steel worktop and invaluable under-counter storage. With a generous capacity for 6 x 1/1 GN pans spread across two heavy-duty drawers, your most-used ingredients are always perfectly chilled, frozen, and within arm's reach.
Its clever design, featuring fan-assisted cooling for rapid temperature recovery and automatic defrost, means it works as hard as you do, without the fuss. The Polar DA997 is the smart, adaptable answer to modern refrigeration challenges, offering a robust prep surface and high-performance storage all in one compact footprint. It’s the chameleon of commercial cooling.
Key Features and Benefits
- Flexdrawer System: Switch the entire unit between a fridge or freezer.
- Fan-Assisted Cooling: Ensures temperatures stay consistent, even during busy service.
- Independent Drawer Control: Fine-tune the temperature in each drawer within the selected mode.
- Generous GN Capacity: Holds up to 6 x 1/1 Gastronorm pans.
- Heavy-Duty Drawers: Each drawer can handle a hefty 60kg load.
- Automatic Defrost: Maximises efficiency and performance with minimal manual effort.
- Lockable Castors: Easily move the unit for deep cleaning and secure it.
- Easy-Clean Stainless Steel: Saves valuable time on cleaning and ensures top hygiene.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Polar
- SKU: DA997
- Dimensions: 870(H) x 1230(W) x 700(D) mm
- Capacity: 6 x 1/1GN
- Power: 500W, 230V (Standard 13A Plug)
- Temperature Range (Fridge): -2°C to 10°C
- Temperature Range (Freezer): -10°C to -20°C
- Max Ambient Temperature: 16°C to 32°C
- Refrigerant: R290
- Weight: 131kg
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Colour: Silver
- Cooling Type: Fan Assisted
Expert Review and Insights
The Polar DA997 isn't just another under-counter unit; it's a seriously clever bit of kit. The ability to switch the entire unit from a full-spec freezer to a high-performance fridge is what really sets it apart. For kitchens where the menu changes seasonally or space is at a premium, this adaptability is a massive operational advantage, effectively giving you two appliances in one.
Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →
Pro: The Flexdrawer fridge/freezer function offers unrivalled versatility for dynamic kitchen environments.
Consideration: Its 32°C maximum ambient temperature is robust but may be challenged in exceptionally hot kitchens.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Quayside Kitchen, a popular harbourside bistro in Whitby, was struggling with a cramped prep area. They needed separate chilled and frozen storage on their main line but simply didn't have the floor space for two different units.
"The Polar Flexdrawer was the perfect solution. We use it as a freezer for our chips and scampi during the busy tourist season, then switch it to a fridge for fresh veg and sauces in the quieter months. It’s given us the flexibility we desperately needed without a costly kitchen refit."
Mark Riley – Head Chef
The change allowed them to streamline their workflow, resulting in a measurable 20% reduction in order fulfilment time during peak lunch service.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Position the unit on a flat, level surface to ensure the drawers seal correctly and the motor runs quietly.
- Leave at least a 20cm gap around the unit, especially at the back, for essential ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Once in position, lock the castors to keep it securely in place.
- After plugging in, allow the unit to reach its target temperature before loading it with food.
Keeping It Going
- Wipe down the stainless steel interior and exterior daily with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
- Regularly check the drawer gaskets (seals) for any splits or damage to ensure cold air isn't escaping.
- Keep the condenser coils free from dust and debris – a quick brush every month helps maintain efficiency.
- Avoid overloading the drawers beyond their 60kg capacity to ensure smooth operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I set one drawer as a fridge and the other as a freezer simultaneously?
A: No, the entire unit operates in one mode at a time—either as a fridge or a freezer. However, you can independently control the temperature of each drawer within the selected mode's range (e.g., set one freezer drawer to -18°C and the other to -15°C).
Q: What is the Gastronorm (GN) capacity?
A: The unit can hold a total of six 1/1 GN pans, with a maximum capacity of three pans per drawer.
Q: Is it difficult to move for cleaning?
A: Not at all. It's fitted with sturdy, lockable castors, so you can easily wheel it out for cleaning and then securely lock it back into place.
Q: How much weight can the drawers hold?
A: Each heavy-duty drawer has a maximum loading capacity of 60kg.
Q: What kind of plug does it need?
A: It runs on a standard 230V mains supply and comes with a 13-amp plug, so you can plug it into any standard UK socket.
Q: Does the Polar DA997 defrost automatically?
A: Yes, it features an automatic defrost cycle which keeps the unit running efficiently and saves you the time and effort of manual defrosting.
Q: What is R290 refrigerant?
A: R290 (Propane) is a natural, non-toxic refrigerant that is highly energy-efficient and has a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP), making it a much greener choice than older refrigerants.
Q: Can this unit handle the heat of a busy commercial kitchen?
A: Yes, it is designed to operate effectively in ambient temperatures up to 32°C, making it suitable for most professional kitchen environments.
The Polar Advantage: Built for the Demands of the British Kitchen
Choosing Polar refrigeration is about more than just hitting temperature targets; it's an investment in consistency and peace of mind. With over 50 years of experience, we know that commercial kitchens are unforgiving environments. That’s why units like the DA997 are engineered not just to perform, but to endure. The real-world value of this double drawer refrigerated counter lies in its adaptability. As your menu evolves, this unit evolves with you, saving you from purchasing new equipment down the line. Its robust stainless steel construction, coupled with smart features like automatic defrost and fan-assisted cooling, translates to fewer breakdowns, less staff time spent on maintenance, and ultimately, lower long-term running costs. It’s a reliable partner on the prep line, built to withstand the daily pressures of service and deliver consistent results, day in and day out.
Explore more from PolarWhy Fan-Assisted Cooling is a Must-Have
Ever opened a standard fridge and found that items at the back are far colder than those at the front? That's what fan-assisted cooling prevents. Think of it like a gentle, cold breeze that constantly circulates inside the drawers. This fan ensures the temperature is perfectly even from corner to corner, eliminating warm spots. More importantly, when you open a drawer during a hectic service, the fan kicks in to rapidly pull the temperature back down to the set level once closed. This means your ingredients stay safer, fresher, and at their absolute best, no matter how many times you reach for them.
Who Should Buy This?
- Dynamic Restaurants: Keep prepped ingredients perfectly chilled or frozen right on the line, speeding up service immensely.
- Seasonal Cafés: Switch from storing summer salads and drinks to frozen winter soups and pastries without buying new gear.
- Dark & Ghost Kitchens: Maximise every inch of limited space with a unit that's both prep counter and adaptable storage.
- Creative Pubs & Bars: Store fresh garnishes one week and frozen cocktail ingredients the next, all under the counter.
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