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Polar
In Stock
Commercial 2 Drawer Counter Fridge | Undercounter Refrigerator | 228 Litre Capacity | Polar GD873
£2,138.29
/ exc vat
£2,565.95/ inc vat
- Forced Air Cooling
- Two Large Drawers
- GN 1/1 Compatible
- Digital Controls
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Product Overview
Thinking about streamlining your kitchen prep? Say hello to the Polar GD873, a fantastic commercial 2 drawer counter fridge that’s about to become your new best mate. It’s not just a fridge; it’s a smart, space-saving workstation that keeps your most-used ingredients perfectly chilled and right where you need them. The generous drawers pull out smoothly, giving you instant access without you having to rummage around in the back of a dark cabinet.
This double drawer fridge for restaurant kitchens is an absolute lifesaver for busy chefs in cafés, pubs, and takeaways. Designed by Polar, a brand trusted by professionals across the UK, it combines a tough stainless steel worktop with a reliable, high-performance undercounter refrigerator. It’s built to handle the heat of a professional kitchen, keeping its cool when the pressure is on and ensuring your food stays safe and fresh.
Featuring powerful forced air cooling for rapid temperature recovery, user-friendly digital controls, and sturdy lockable castors for easy cleaning, this unit is all about making your life easier. Stop juggling trips to the walk-in and start building a more efficient prep line. The Polar GD873 is the smart upgrade your kitchen has been crying out for, ready to work as hard as you do.
Key Features and Benefits
- Forced Air Cooling: Keeps temperature consistent, chilling new ingredients super fast.
- Two Large Drawers: Grab what you need in seconds, no more bending down.
- GN 1/1 Compatible: Your existing gastronorm pans will fit perfectly inside.
- Digital Controls: Set and monitor the temperature with complete accuracy.
- Stainless Steel Construction: It's tough, durable, and incredibly easy to wipe clean.
- Lockable Castors: Easily move it for cleaning, then lock it securely in place.
- Automatic Defrost: The unit takes care of itself, preventing ice build-up.
- Heavy-Duty Design: Built to thrive in ambient temperatures up to 43°C.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Polar
- SKU: GD873
- Dimensions: 850(H) x 1360(W) x 700(D) mm
- Power: 350W, 230V, 13 amp plug fitted
- Gross Capacity: 282 Ltr
- Net Usable Capacity: 171 Ltr
- Temperature Range: -2°C to +8°C
- Refrigerant: R600a
- Energy Rating: B
- Energy Consumption: 2.02 kWh/24hr
- Weight: 123 kg
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Climate Class: 5 (Heavy Duty, for ambients up to 43°C)
- Noise Level: 43.2 dB(A)
Expert Review and Insights
The Polar GD873 is a real workhorse. It’s clear it was designed with the chaos of a busy service in mind. The build quality is solid, and the combination of a stainless steel work surface with easily accessible drawer refrigeration is a genuinely practical solution for kitchens tight on space but big on demand.
Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →
- Pros: The forced air cooling is excellent for rapid temperature recovery during service.
- Cons: At 123kg, it’s quite hefty, so you'll need two people for installation.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Copper Kettle in Keswick, a popular Lake District café, needed to improve the speed of their lunch service. Their old, single-door undercounter fridge was causing bottlenecks at the sandwich prep station.
"The Polar GD873 has completely streamlined our prep line. The drawers mean we can organise our fillings perfectly, and we’re no longer wasting time searching for ingredients. It's robust, reliable, and the worktop space is a massive bonus."
Susan Miller – Owner
The café was able to increase their sandwich output during the peak 12-2 pm lunch rush by over 30%, leading to shorter queues and happier customers.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Ensure you leave at least 20cm of space around the unit for proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Use the sturdy lockable castors to position the fridge, then lock them to keep it firmly in place.
- Once in position, let the fridge stand for at least 4 hours before plugging it in to allow the refrigerant to settle.
- Wipe down all interior and exterior surfaces with a food-safe cleaner before you start loading it with stock.
Keeping It Going
- Wipe down the door seals (gaskets) weekly with a damp cloth to ensure they remain clean and effective.
- Regularly check that the ventilation grills are not blocked by boxes or other equipment.
- The automatic defrost handles ice, but it’s good practice to check the drainage outlet is clear once a month.
- Clean the stainless steel exterior with a dedicated stainless steel cleaner to maintain its professional finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the exact temperature range of this fridge?
A: The Polar GD873 has a temperature range of -2°C to +8°C, making it versatile enough for most chilled ingredients.
Q: Does it come on wheels?
A: Yes, it's fitted with sturdy, lockable castors, so you can easily move it for cleaning and then lock it securely in position.
Q: What size gastronorm pans can I use in the drawers?
A: The drawers are designed to hold 2 x 1/1 GN pans up to 150mm deep, perfect for holding prepped ingredients.
Q: What kind of plug does it have?
A: It comes fitted with a standard 13 amp plug, so you can plug it straight into a normal socket without needing an electrician.
Q: Is this undercounter refrigerator 2 drawers model suitable for a very hot kitchen?
A: Absolutely. It has a Climate Class 5 rating, meaning it's designed as a heavy-duty appliance that can operate effectively in ambient temperatures up to 43°C.
Q: How do I clean the stainless steel?
A: For best results, use a soft cloth and a dedicated stainless steel cleaner or a mild solution of soap and water. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
Q: Does it have an automatic defrost system?
A: Yes, it features an automatic defrost function which runs periodically to prevent ice from building up and ensure efficient operation.
Q: What is the usable capacity?
A: While the gross capacity is 282 litres, the Net Usable Capacity, which is the actual space you can use, is a very generous 171 litres.
The Polar Advantage: Reliability When the Pressure's On
When you invest in a Polar appliance, you're buying more than just a set of technical specifications; you're investing in peace of mind. Polar has built its reputation across the UK's most demanding kitchens by creating equipment that is, above all, reliable. The Polar GD873 commercial 2 drawer counter fridge is a perfect example of this philosophy. Its 'Heavy Duty' classification isn't just a label; it's a promise that this unit won't falter during a frantic Saturday night service or a summer heatwave. This long-term durability translates directly into business value: less risk of costly emergency repairs, fewer instances of spoiled stock, and consistent compliance with food safety standards. It’s this focus on real-world resilience that makes Polar a trusted partner for professionals who need their equipment to simply work, day in, day out.
Explore more from PolarHow Forced Air Cooling Keeps Your Ingredients Fresher, Longer
Ever noticed how a fan oven cooks more evenly than a regular one? Forced air cooling in a fridge works on a very similar principle. Instead of just letting cold air sit there, a small, powerful fan actively circulates it around every corner of the cabinet. This means no more warmer spots near the door or half-frozen items at the back.
When you open a drawer to grab some cheese or salad and then close it, warm air gets in. This system kicks in immediately, rapidly bringing the temperature back down to the safe, set level. It’s this quick recovery that is vital in a busy kitchen, protecting your food from temperature fluctuations, keeping it fresher for longer, and ensuring you always meet food safety standards.
Who Should Buy This?
- Bustling Cafés: Perfect for keeping milk, fillings, and cakes cool under the coffee machine or sandwich prep area.
- Gastro Pubs: Ideal for the grill or starter station, giving chefs instant access to prepped meats and garnishes.
- Busy Takeaways: Speeds up order assembly by keeping popular ingredients like cheese, salads, and sauces within arm's reach.
- Hotel Kitchens: Excellent for specific zones like the pastry or larder sections, ensuring organisation and efficiency.
Find equipment tailored to your type of business:
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