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Polar
Out of Stock
Commercial Gastronorm Counter Fridge | Refrigerated Prep Counter | Eight Drawer | Polar U-Series DA549
£3,804.32
/ exc vat
£4,565.18/ inc vat
Out of Stock, but not for long
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- 8 x 1/1 GN Drawers
- Forced Air Cooling
- Stainless Steel Construction
- Durable Countertop
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Product Overview
Thinking about a serious upgrade for your kitchen's prep area? Say hello to the Polar U-Series DA549 Eight Drawer Refrigerated Prep Counter. This isn't just a fridge; it's the heart of an efficient kitchen, combining a massive, durable worktop with eight easy-access gastronorm drawers. It’s designed from the ground up to keep your most-used ingredients perfectly chilled and right where you need them, saving you precious seconds on every single order.
Perfectly suited for the hustle and bustle of high-turnover restaurants, large hotel kitchens, and busy canteens, this unit is for professionals who can't afford bottlenecks. If your team is constantly running back and forth to the walk-in, this machine brings the cold storage to them. The spacious drawers are ideal for holding everything from prepped salads and sandwich fillings to meats and sauces, all organised and at a food-safe temperature.
Featuring powerful forced air cooling for rapid temperature recovery and a robust, easy-to-clean stainless steel build, this commercial gastronorm counter fridge is a true workhorse. It’s built to withstand the pressures of a non-stop service while making your kitchen flow smoother than ever. Ready to transform your prep line from chaotic to calm? This is your answer.
Key Features and Benefits
- 8 x 1/1 GN Drawers: Keeps a huge variety of ingredients organised and accessible.
- Forced Air Cooling: Recovers temperature quickly after drawers are opened, ensuring food safety.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Makes it incredibly durable and fantastically easy to clean down.
- Durable Countertop: Provides a massive, valuable extra workspace for all your prep.
- Lockable Castors: Allows you to easily move the unit for deep cleaning.
- Digital Temperature Controls: Gives you precise and simple control over the internal temperature.
- Off-Cycle Defrost: Improves efficiency and performance without any manual effort from you.
- Generous 211Ltr Capacity: Offers plenty of chilled storage to get you through service.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Polar
- SKU: DA549
- Dimensions: 860(H) x 2230(W) x 700(D) mm
- Power: 300W, 230V, 1.8A (13 Amp Plug)
- Temperature Range: -2°C to 8°C
- Capacity: 8 x 1/1 GN
- Usable Capacity: 211 Litres
- Weight: 213 kg
- Refrigerant: R600a
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Colour: Silver
- Defrost Type: Off-Cycle
Expert Review and Insights
The Polar U-Series is their premier line, and it shows. This isn't a starter unit; it's a serious piece of kit for kitchens where performance is non-negotiable. The forced air cooling is exceptionally effective, especially in hot, busy environments where drawers are constantly being opened. It’s a robust, reliable machine that’s clearly built to last through years of demanding service.
Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration View Profile →
- Pros: The temperature recovery is outstanding, keeping food safe during the busiest rushes.
- Cons: Its significant size and weight mean it’s not suitable for smaller kitchens.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Quayside Bistro in Padstow, Cornwall, was struggling with a cramped and inefficient prep area. Their existing under-counter fridges created a constant bottleneck during the busy summer tourist season, forcing chefs to make multiple trips to the main walk-in chiller.
"The Polar DA549 has completely reorganised our kitchen's flow. Having eight drawers of perfectly chilled ingredients right at the prep station means we can get plates out faster and with less stress. It’s incredibly robust and the workspace on top is a godsend."
Jessica Moore – Head Chef
The bistro successfully reduced average ticket times by over 3 minutes during peak hours, a significant improvement in customer turnover and staff satisfaction.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Ensure you leave at least 20cm of space around the unit for ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Once in position, let the unit stand for at least 4 hours before plugging it in to allow the refrigerant to settle.
- Position on a flat, level surface and use the lockable castors to secure it firmly in place.
- Before first use, clean the interior and drawers with a food-safe sanitiser.
Keeping It Going
- Wipe down the stainless steel exterior and interior daily with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
- Regularly check that the drawer seals are clean and intact to ensure an airtight closure.
- Gently brush any dust or debris from the condenser coils every few months to maintain efficiency.
- Ensure the internal drainage channel is clear and not blocked by food debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does '1/1 GN compatible' mean?
A: It means the drawers are designed to perfectly fit standard 'Gastronorm' containers, size 1/1 (530 x 325mm), which are the industry-standard food pans used in most commercial kitchens.
Q: Can I place heavy equipment on top of this counter?
A: Yes, the stainless steel countertop is designed to be a durable work surface and can handle typical prep tasks and countertop equipment like mixers or vacuum packers, within reason.
Q: How easy is it to move for cleaning?
A: It's equipped with heavy-duty lockable castors, so you can unlock it, roll it out for a deep clean underneath, and then lock it back securely in place.
Q: What's the main benefit of drawers over doors on a prep counter?
A: Drawers allow for better organisation of ingredients in separate GN pans and provide faster, easier access without you having to bend down and reach into the back of a shelf.
Q: How does the 'off-cycle' defrost work?
A: The unit automatically defrosts during the compressor's natural off-cycles. It's a simple, energy-efficient way to prevent ice build-up without needing a separate heating element.
Q: Is the temperature display easy to read?
A: Yes, it features a clear, user-friendly digital temperature control panel and display, so you can check the internal temperature at a glance.
Q: What is the maximum ambient temperature this unit can operate in?
A: As a Polar U-Series 'heavy-duty' appliance, this unit is designed to perform effectively in ambient temperatures up to 43°C, making it ideal for hot and demanding kitchens.
Q: Does it require any special installation?
A: No, it runs off a standard 13-amp plug. Just ensure it's positioned with adequate ventilation and on a level surface before plugging it in.
The Polar U-Series Edge: Reliability When It Matters Most
When you invest in a piece from the Polar U-Series, you're buying more than just its specifications; you're investing in operational peace of mind. This range represents Polar's top-tier, heavy-duty engineering, specifically designed for the most demanding commercial environments where equipment failure simply isn't an option. The DA549 is built with superior components and a more robust chassis than standard models, translating to exceptional durability and a longer operational life with fewer service calls. Its ability to maintain precise temperatures even in kitchens hitting 43°C ensures you remain compliant with food safety regulations during the most intense heatwaves or services. This isn't just a commercial prep counter fridge with drawers; it's a long-term asset that underpins the consistency and reliability of your entire culinary operation.
Explore more from PolarHow Forced Air Cooling Keeps Your Kitchen Running Smoothly
Ever wondered what 'forced air cooling' actually does for you? Think of it like a convection oven, but for keeping things cold. A small fan inside the unit constantly circulates the chilled air, making sure every corner of every drawer stays at the exact same, safe temperature. There are no surprise warm spots where food could spoil.
The real magic happens during a busy service. Every time you open a drawer to grab ingredients, warm air gets in. With a standard fridge, it can take ages to cool back down. But with forced air cooling, the temperature plummets back to its set point almost instantly. This is absolutely vital for maintaining food safety standards and ensuring the quality and freshness of your ingredients, from the first order of the day to the last.
Who Should Buy This?
- High-Volume Restaurants: Perfect for streamlining the assembly line for starters, mains, and desserts during a hectic service.
- Hotel Kitchens: Ideal for large-scale breakfast prep or as a central station for room service orders.
- Large Delis & Sandwich Bars: Keeps all your fresh fillings perfectly chilled and organised for rapid sandwich making.
- School & University Canteens: Drastically speeds up lunch service by having all salad and sandwich components ready to go.
Find equipment tailored to your type of business:
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