Energy Efficiency in Commercial Kitchens: How Much Could You Save?
Energy costs are a significant ongoing expense for commercial kitchens, and with rising energy prices, many operators are looking at ways to reduce their bills. One area that often gets overlooked is refrigeration efficiency, but it could be where you’re missing out on real savings.
Understanding Your Refrigeration Costs
Commercial refrigeration runs around the clock, making it a significant energy user in your kitchen. While you might not think much about the hum of your under-counter fridges, they could be quietly adding more to your energy bills than necessary.
The Numbers That Matter
Here’s a real comparison using similar-sized commercial refrigerated drawers currently available:
- Other commercial refrigerated drawers on the market: Can use 738-1570 kWh per year depending on efficiency rating
- Adande A+ rated units: Use just 239 kWh annually (HCS R2 V1)
- Potential annual savings: £150-400 per unit (using £0.30/kWh for example calculations)
A Real Example: The Difference in Practice
Whitbread Plc Oxford Beefeater, Oxford Tech Park This major restaurant chain chose Adande units throughout their kitchen and saw remarkable results.
The Results: “Using all Adande, at various stations in the kitchen, we are saving on average 46% energy use. In essence our energy use has basically halved… The saving is huge.”
- Kitchen Platforms Manager, Michael Jessop, Whitbread Plc Oxford Beefeater, Oxford Tech Park
Real-world results like this demonstrate the significant impact that efficient refrigeration can have on your energy bills.
What Makes Some Refrigeration More Efficient?
Adande’s A+ rated units achieve their efficiency through their design features:
Better Insulation The patented “hold the cold” container design keeps temperatures stable with less energy, reducing how hard the compressor needs to work.
Improved Seals Magnetic heated seals create better air-tight barriers compared to traditional rubber seals, preventing energy-wasting cold air loss.
Smart Design Protected condensers stay cleaner and more efficient, while robust construction means consistent performance over time.
Estimating Your Potential Savings
Here’s a simple way to work out what you might save (using £0.30/kWh for example calculations):
(Your current unit’s kWh – 239 kWh) × Number of units × Your energy rate = Annual savings
Example with a C-rated commercial drawer:
- Current drawer: 738 kWh per year
- Adande A+ unit: 239 kWh per year
- Difference: 499 kWh
- Per unit annual saving at £0.30/kWh: 499 × £0.30 = £150
Even compared to more efficient alternatives, the savings are significant, and with lower-rated equipment, they can be even higher.
The Additional Benefits
Energy savings are just the start. More efficient refrigeration often means:
- Better food quality through consistent temperatures
- More reliable performance – Adande units are built robustly and we’ve got our customers covered with a comprehensive warranty
- Improved kitchen workflow with dependable equipment
- Environmental benefits from reduced energy consumption
Our warranty coverage includes 5 years on all major parts (compressor, evaporator coil, lid assembly, condenser coil, controller, condenser fan, slides/runners and mains leads), 2 years on seals and digital controllers, plus 2 years guaranteed labour.
Ready to Start Saving?
Energy-efficient refrigeration isn’t just about being environmentally friendly; it’s a practical way to reduce your ongoing costs while often improving the performance and reliability of your kitchen equipment.
Adande’s A+ energy-rated drawer units, consuming just 239 kWh annually, represent a straightforward way to start reducing your energy bills. Whether you’re looking to replace aging equipment or simply want to cut costs, efficient refrigeration could be the answer.
Discover our energy-efficient drawers today. Contact our team or visit our product page to learn more.