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Refrigeration Systems: Key Considerations...

Writer's picture: David SilverbergDavid Silverberg

Updated: Nov 26, 2024

Today's blog addresses a critical aspect of running a successful food truck business: keeping your food cold. This article delves into this incredibly crucial aspect of managing your mobile kitchen business.



In the past, ice boxes were the norm, but with the rising costs of electricity and water, relying on ice has become increasingly expensive, which has in turn led to a surge in the prices of ice, making it imperative to explore alternative solutions, such as refrigeration systems.


Let's delve into what a refrigeration system entails without diving too deeply into technical jargon. Essentially, a commercial refrigeration system comprises two main components: the condenser system and the evaporation system. The condenser system includes the compressor and condensing coil, while the evaporation system consists of a coil and fans that distribute cold air into the refrigerator.


The condenser system, consisting of the compressor and the condensing coil, can be mounted internally or externally. Mounting the condenser system externally offers several advantages:



1. It saves space within the refrigerator, providing more room for food storage.

2. It allows easier access for maintenance.

3. It prevents the release of heat generated by the condenser system inside the truck.

4. It ensures the compressor remains cooler, thereby prolonging its lifespan due to better airflow.



When it comes to choosing a refrigerator for your commercial kitchen, you can opt for either an off-the-shelf refrigerator or a custom-made one designed specifically for trucks. While high-grade commercial refrigerators are available, they're typically designed for environments where temperatures rarely exceed 90°F.


In contrast, food trucks often face

much higher ambient temperatures, reaching up to 110°F or even higher during summer putting excessive strain on the compressor. This increased workload significantly shortens the lifespan of standard refrigeration systems.


Therefore, investing in a custom refrigerator capable of handling temperatures up to 120°F while still maintaining food temperatures between 37-38°F is crucial to ensure longevity and compliance with health regulations. In markets like New York, where inspections are rigorous, spontaneous and fines hefty, maintaining proper refrigeration temperatures is a non-negotiable.


If you'd like to schedule a free consultation to discuss your truck's refrigeration system, drop us an email or give us a call.


Below is a comparison chart to consider:

Lektra Refrigerator versus the Best Commercial Refrigerators:

Feature

Lektra Refrigerator

Best Commercial Refrigerators

Materials and Components

Designed using the highest quality materials to maintain optimal temperature. All metal is Type 304 Stainless Steel.

Uses a combination of Type 430 Stainless Steel, aluminum inside liner, and coated ordinary steel back.

Structure Design

Full profile tubed structure. Stands up to the rigors of road travel.

Made of bent materials with no internal skeleton. Not designed for road travel.

Compressor

1/3 HP compressor with custom condenser and evaporator.

1/4 HP standard compressor, condenser, and evaporator.

Refrigeration Range

Balanced refrigeration system covering 120°F ambient temperature down to 33–38°F.

Balanced refrigeration system covering 85°F ambient temperature down to 33–38°F.

Performance in Hot Weather

Performs well at up to 110°F, common in food trucks during summer.

Requires supplemental ice in high heat, especially in summer. Ice is expensive and reduces overall cost savings.

Insulation

Uses top-quality ultra-high-density polyurethane insulation.

Uses spray polyurethane insulation.

Compressor Placement

Compressor and condenser are mounted under the truck for easy servicing. Heat and noise are dissipated outside.

Compressor is located at the back of the unit, requiring the unit to be moved for servicing. Heat and noise are released into the truck.

Space Efficiency

No refrigeration space is lost to the compressor or condenser.

Compressor and condenser occupy 1.5–2 cubic feet of storage space. Ice supplements also reduce available space.

Warranty

1-year warranty on the compressor, 5-year warranty on materials and workmanship.

No warranty when used in mobile applications.

As always, we value your feedback on our blog topics, particularly if there are any unanswered questions or topics you'd like to see covered in future posts. Your input helps us tailor our content to better serve your needs.

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Can't thank you enough...

We just took delivery of the 4th truck you've made us and couldn't be happier with your services. The quality of your appliances is so far above the store-bought brands. We were tired of the equipment in our older trucks breaking apart all the time from the potholes.

Simone Woods

We plan on adding several more trucks to our fleet and we will come straight back in Lektra to build them for us. We cannot thank you enough!!!!!!!!!!

Nicole Yang

Your 3D rendering of our truck just hit the spot. And then all the patience you had to suffer through our never-ending changes. In the end the truck was exactly what we arrived at on the drawing. The finish of the truck made it look like it came from a large factory. The attention to detail is truly admirable. There is no doubt that we will come to Lektra for our next truck and all thereafter.

Suzanne Levis

We were venturing into our first food truck and your guidance pulled us through with flying colors. The time you spent with us so carefully laying out the truck could not have been appreciated more. The quality of the equipment and finish of every part of the truck are not matched by any other truck manufacturer that we visited, and I think we visited all of them in NYC.

Calvin Smith

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718-255-6907 (Office)

917-446-7189 (Mobile)

3601 36th Avenue, Astoria, NY, 11106

Design Office (2nd Floor)

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