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Polar
In Stock
Commercial Countertop Prep Fridge | 4x GN 1/3 | 1x GN 1/2 | G-Series Refrigerated Prep Station | Polar GH261
£865.81
/ exc vat
£1,038.97/ inc vat
- Generous GN Capacity
- Stainless Steel Build
- Glass Sneeze Guard
- Digital Temperature Display
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Product Overview
Looking for a way to speed up your service without compromising on quality? This Commercial Countertop Prep Fridge from Polar's reliable G-Series is a fantastic bit of kit for any kitchen where speed and freshness are king. It's designed to sit right on your worktop, putting all your essential chilled ingredients within easy reach, all neatly organised in Gastronorm pans. This isn't just a fridge; it's a streamlined production line for your salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more.
It’s built for the hustle and bustle of professional kitchens, from bustling sandwich bars in city centres to creative pizzerias and vibrant salad bars. With space for four 1/3 GN pans and one 1/2 GN pan, you've got plenty of room to keep your best-selling ingredients perfectly chilled and ready to go. The stainless steel construction and handy glass sneeze screen mean it’s not only tough and easy to clean, but it also keeps everything hygienic and looking professional.
Featuring user-friendly digital controls and a clear temperature display, the Polar GH261 prep fridge takes the guesswork out of food safety. It’s a smart, space-saving solution that keeps your workflow smooth and your customers happy. If you're ready to make your prep station more efficient and organised, this is the unit you've been waiting for.
Key Features and Benefits
- Generous GN Capacity: Holds multiple pans to keep all your key ingredients chilled and organised.
- Stainless Steel Build: Makes it tough, durable, and incredibly simple to wipe down after a busy shift.
- Glass Sneeze Guard: Keeps ingredients hygienic while keeping them perfectly visible to your staff.
- Digital Temperature Display: Allows you to check temperatures are safe with just a quick, easy glance.
- User-Friendly Controls: No complicated menus, just simple settings for precise and reliable cooling.
- Continual Evaporator: Cleverly prevents messy water build-up, meaning a cleaner, drier workspace.
- Sturdy Feet: Provides stable and secure placement on any countertop, preventing slips and wobbles.
- Compact Footprint: Offers brilliant refrigerated prep capacity without taking up your entire work surface.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Polar
- SKU: GH261
- Dimensions: 234(H) x 1400(W) x 395(D)mm
- Capacity: Fits 4x 1/3GN & 1x 1/2GN (up to 150mm deep)
- Temperature Range: 2°C to 8°C
- Power: 110W
- Voltage: 220-240V (Standard 13A Plug)
- Refrigerant: R600a
- Global Warming Potential (GWP): 3
- Material: Stainless Steel & Glass
- Defrost Type: Manual
Expert Review and Insights
The Polar G-Series is a real workhorse in the countertop refrigeration world. It’s not about flashy gimmicks; it's about practical, robust design that makes sense in a busy kitchen environment. The build quality is solid, and the inclusion of a continual evaporator is a smart touch that tackles the common annoyance of condensation build-up. It's a reliable choice for businesses that need consistent performance, day in and day out.
Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →
- Pro: The wide temperature range (2°C to 8°C) makes it versatile for various ingredients.
- Con: It relies on manual defrost, which requires some planned downtime for maintenance.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
"The Urban Wrap Co." in Leeds was struggling with a cramped and inefficient prep area, causing bottlenecks during peak hours. They upgraded to the Polar GH261 to organise their wrap fillings and speed up their production line.
"It’s honestly made such a difference. Everything is right there, perfectly chilled, and easy for staff to access. Our queue moves much faster now, and the kitchen just feels more organised and less chaotic. The sneeze guard is a bonus for our open kitchen setup."
Ben Carter – Owner, The Urban Wrap Co.
After installation, they reported a 20% increase in the number of orders they could fulfil during their busiest lunch service.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Find a sturdy, level countertop away from direct heat sources like grills or fryers.
- Ensure you leave at least 20cm of space around the unit for proper air circulation.
- Once in position, plug it in and allow the unit to reach its operating temperature before loading it with GN pans.
- Gently place the glass sneeze screen into its designated slots, ensuring it's secure.
Keeping It Going
- Wipe down all stainless steel surfaces and the glass screen daily with a soft cloth and food-safe cleaner.
- Periodically check and clear the ventilation vents to prevent dust build-up, which can affect performance.
- Carry out a manual defrost when ice build-up becomes noticeable (around 3mm thick) to maintain efficiency.
- Regularly inspect the door seals (if applicable on other models) and the stability of the unit's feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do the Gastronorm (GN) pans come with the unit?
A: No, the GN pans are sold separately. This allows you to choose the depths and types that best suit your specific needs.
Q: What is the ideal temperature to set this for a salad bar?
A: The unit's range is 2°C to 8°C. For fresh salad ingredients, a setting between 3°C and 5°C is generally recommended to keep them crisp and safe.
Q: Is the glass sneeze guard difficult to clean?
A: Not at all. The glass surround is designed for easy access and can be wiped down with a food-safe glass cleaner as part of your daily cleaning routine.
Q: How do I perform a manual defrost?
A: To manually defrost the unit, you'll need to empty it of all food, turn it off, and allow the ice to melt naturally. Ensure you have cloths ready to wipe away the water.
Q: Can I place this unit right next to my griddle?
A: It's strongly advised to keep refrigeration units away from direct heat sources. Placing it next to a hot griddle will make it work harder, use more energy, and may affect its cooling performance.
Q: What is R600a refrigerant?
A: R600a is a natural, energy-efficient refrigerant with a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP), making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to older refrigerants.
Q: How loud is the unit when it's running?
A: As a commercial G-Series unit, it's designed for a professional kitchen environment. While not silent, its operational noise is well within the expected range for this type of equipment.
Q: Is the stainless steel construction resistant to rust?
A: Yes, the commercial-grade stainless steel offers excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, provided it is cleaned and maintained correctly.
The Polar G-Series Edge: Reliability on Your Countertop
When you invest in a piece of Polar G-Series equipment, you're buying more than just its technical specifications; you're investing in operational peace of mind. Polar has built a strong reputation in the UK for creating no-nonsense, dependable workhorses for demanding commercial kitchens. This G-Series counter prep chiller is a prime example. It's engineered for the rigours of constant, daily use—the doors opening and closing, the ambient heat of a busy service. This focus on durability means fewer surprise breakdowns and more consistent service for your customers. Furthermore, the use of R600a refrigerant isn't just an environmental tick-box; it translates to lower energy consumption, which helps manage your overheads over the long term. It’s a smart, practical investment in the smooth, day-to-day running of your business.
Explore more from PolarHow a Continual Evaporator Keeps Your Counter Clean
Ever noticed little puddles of water forming inside or under a fridge? That's condensation, and it's a common hassle. The Polar GH261's continual evaporator is designed to stop that from happening. Think of it like a tiny, silent dehumidifier built right into your prep station. Instead of letting moisture from the cooling process drip down and collect, it automatically turns that water into vapour and harmlessly dissipates it into the air. This means less time spent mopping up water, no risk of puddles on your work surface, and an all-around cleaner, more hygienic environment for your food prep.
Who Should Buy This?
- Sandwich Bars & Delis: Keep fillings perfectly fresh and accessible for rapid assembly during the hectic lunch rush.
- Pizzeria Kitchens: An essential refrigerated prep station for organising toppings like cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables right on the line.
- Salad Bars & Health Cafés: Display a vibrant, chilled, and hygienic selection of fresh ingredients for popular build-your-own bowls.
- Mexican & Taco Restaurants: Ideal for holding salsas, guacamole, sour cream, and other fresh toppings for tacos, burritos, and nachos.
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