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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Commercial Countertop Prep Fridge | Refrigerated Prep Unit | 10x 1/4GN Containers with Lid | Polar G-Series FA857. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

Jarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535

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Polar In Stock

Commercial Countertop Prep Fridge | Refrigerated Prep Unit | 10x 1/4GN Containers with Lid | Polar G-Series FA857

SKU: FA857
£1,101.94 / exc vat
£1,322.33/ inc vat
  • Large 10x 1/4GN Capacity
  • Digital Temperature Controls
  • Stainless Steel Construction
  • Hinged Steel Lid

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Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Ever feel like your food prep is a frantic race against the clock? The commercial countertop prep fridge Polar G-Series FA857 is here to bring a bit of calm to the kitchen chaos. Designed to sit neatly on your existing work surfaces, it puts all your essential chilled ingredients right where you need them, exactly when you need them. No more dashing back and  forth to the main fridge – just smooth, efficient service.

This refrigerated prep unit is an absolute godsend for businesses that thrive on speed and  freshness. Think bustling sandwich shops, authentic pizzerias, vibrant salad bars, and  busy delis. With a massive capacity for ten 1/4 size Gastronorm pans, you can keep everything from sliced meats and  cheeses to fresh veggies and  sauces perfectly organised and  chilled, ready for action.

Built from tough, easy-to-clean stainless steel and  featuring simple digital controls, the Polar FA857 is all about practical, everyday performance. It’s the reliable sidekick that will streamline your workflow, improve your food hygiene, and  help you serve your customers faster. Ready to make your prep station the most efficient spot in your kitchen?

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Large 10x 1/4GN Capacity: Keeps all your fresh ingredients perfectly organised and  accessible.
  • Digital Temperature Controls: Easily set the ideal temperature to keep food safe.
  • Stainless Steel Construction: Incredibly durable and  makes cleaning up an absolute doddle.
  • Hinged Steel Lid: Protects ingredients from contaminants, boosting your kitchen's hygiene.
  • Compact Countertop Design: Fits neatly on existing work surfaces, saving precious space.
  • Sturdy Feet: Provides a stable, wobble-free base during a busy service.
  • User-Friendly Display: See the temperature at a glance, ensuring complete control.
  • Simple Manual Defrost: Straightforward maintenance to keep the unit running efficiently for years.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Polar
  • SKU: FA857
  • Dimensions: 274(H) x 2000(W) x 335(D) mm
  • Height (Lid Open): 551 mm
  • Capacity: 10 x 1/4 Gastronorm Pans (up to 150mm deep)
  • Temperature Range: 2°C to 8°C
  • Power: 230V / 122W (13A Plug)
  • Refrigerant: R600a
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 53kg
  • Defrost Type: Manual

Expert Review and  Insights

The Polar G-Series is a real workhorse in the commercial refrigeration world, and  this countertop prep unit is no exception. It’s built for the hustle and  bustle of a proper commercial kitchen, prioritising easy access and  consistent cooling over fancy bells and  whistles. A solid, reliable choice for any busy food business.

Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →

  • Pros: Excellent capacity for its footprint, keeping many ingredients chilled and  ready.
  • Cons: Manual defrost requires a bit of planned downtime for regular maintenance.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The team at 'The Bristol Grinder', a popular city-centre sandwich bar in Bristol, found their cramped prep area was causing bottlenecks during peak hours. They needed a way to keep more ingredients chilled and  organised on the main counter.

"Our old setup was just a mess of containers and  ice packs. This refrigerated prep unit keeps everything organised and  at the perfect, safe temperature, even when we're flat out. It has completely smoothed out our workflow."

Aisha Patel – Owner

The upgrade resulted in a measurable outcome: they slashed their average sandwich prep time by over 35%, significantly improving customer turnaround.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Place the unit on a flat, stable surface that can easily support its weight.
  • To allow the refrigerant to settle, let the unit stand for at least 4 hours before plugging it in.
  • Ensure there's at least 20cm of space around the unit for proper air circulation – don't block the vents!
  • Before adding any food, give the interior a thorough clean with a food-safe sanitiser.

Keeping It Going

  • Wipe down the interior and  exterior daily with a soft cloth and  food-safe cleaner.
  • Defrost the unit regularly. When you see ice build-up of about 5mm, it's time for a manual defrost.
  • Regularly check that the lid seals are clean and  making a tight connection to keep the cold air in.
  • Gently brush or vacuum the condenser coils every few months to remove dust and  maintain efficiency.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Refrigerated Prep Counter

Not sure which prep counter is the perfect fit for your kitchen? Let's break down the key things to consider.

Measure Twice, Buy Once

Before you fall in love with a unit's capacity, measure your counter space carefully. Ensure you have enough room for the unit itself, plus the essential ventilation space around it.

What Are You Chilling?

Consider the ingredients you use most. Do you need deep 150mm pans for sauces and  prepped veg, or would shallower pans for sliced meats and  cheeses work better for your menu?

The Hygiene Factor

A hinged lid, like the one on this Polar FA857, is fantastic for keeping ingredients protected from airborne contaminants during quieter periods, which is a big plus for food safety.

Give It Room to Breathe

All refrigeration needs good airflow to work properly. Placing a unit in a cramped, hot spot will make it work harder, use more energy, and  shorten its life.

Consider the Clean-Up

Stainless steel construction makes daily wipe-downs quick and  easy. Also, factor in how a manual defrost schedule will fit into your kitchen's cleaning routine.

See all Refrigerated Topping Units

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size Gastronorm (GN) pans does this unit take?

A: It's designed to hold up to ten 1/4 size (1/4GN) pans. It can accommodate pans with a maximum depth of 150mm.

Q: Are the GN pans included with the fridge?

A: No, the GN pans are sold separately. This allows you to customise your setup with the pan depths that best suit your menu.

Q: What is the operating temperature range?

A: You can set the temperature anywhere between 2°C and  8°C, which is the ideal range for keeping most fresh food prep ingredients safe and  fresh.

Q: Is it easy to clean?

A: Absolutely. The full stainless steel construction and  simple design make it very easy to wipe down and  keep hygienic.

Q: What kind of plug does it have?

A: It comes fitted with a standard UK 3-pin, 13-amp plug, so you can plug it into a normal socket without needing an electrician.

Q: How do I defrost the unit?

A: This is a manual defrost model. To defrost, you'll need to turn the unit off, remove the contents, and  allow any ice to melt naturally before wiping it dry.

Q: Can I place it right up against a wall?

A: It's strongly recommended to leave at least 20cm of space around the sides and  back for ventilation. This helps the fridge run efficiently and  prevents overheating.

Q: What are the exact external dimensions?

A: The unit measures 274mm high, 2000mm wide, and  335mm deep.

What Customers Are Saying

"Absolutely brilliant piece of kit. A must-have for any sandwich bar. Keeps everything perfectly chilled and  easy to grab, making our lunch service so much quicker."

David L. – Café Owner, Manchester

"Solid and  reliable. The 2-metre length is fantastic for our busy service. Just remember to factor in cleaning time for the manual defrost."

Anika P. – Deli Manager, Birmingham

"Fits perfectly on our counter and  the capacity is huge. Our salad station is so much more efficient now, and  everything stays wonderfully fresh."

Sarah Jones – The Fresh Leaf, London

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Built for the Daily Grind: The Polar G-Series Advantage

With any piece of commercial kitchen kit, what really matters is how it performs day in, day out. The Polar G-Series is renowned for its straightforward reliability. This commercial countertop prep fridge is engineered for medium-duty use, meaning it's more than capable of handling the constant demands of a busy café, deli, or takeaway without faltering. This focus on dependable, consistent cooling translates directly into better food safety, less ingredient waste, and  crucial peace of mind for you as an operator. Its simple digital controls and  robust stainless steel build mean there are fewer things to go wrong and  staff training is a breeze. The true value of the Polar G-Series lies not in flashy, complex features, but in its promise of unwavering performance that supports your business when you need it most.

Explore more from Polar

Why R600a Refrigerant is a Smarter, Greener Choice

Seeing 'R600a' in the specs might seem like technical jargon, but it's a really important feature for a modern kitchen. Essentially, R600a (also known as isobutane) is a type of natural, hydrocarbon refrigerant. Think of it like choosing a cleaner, more efficient fuel for your car. While older refrigerants did the job, they often had a much bigger impact on the environment.

R600a is not only far more eco-friendly with a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP), but it's also incredibly efficient. This means this refrigerated prep unit can get down to its target temperature and  stay there using less energy. So, you're getting a fridge that's better for the planet and  can be a little kinder on your electricity bills, too. It’s a win-win.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Sandwich Shops & Cafés: Keep all your fillings perfectly chilled and  within arm's reach for rapid sandwich making during the lunch rush.
  • Pizzerias: Organise your toppings station for faster, more consistent pizza building, from pepperoni to peppers.
  • Salad Bars & Delis: Display a wide variety of fresh ingredients beautifully, ensuring they stay crisp and  safe to eat.
  • Mobile Caterers & Food Trucks: A robust and  compact solution for keeping ingredients fresh in a space-conscious kitchen on wheels.
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Get your prep station organised and  efficient. Order the commercial countertop prep fridge Polar G-Series FA857 today for fast UK delivery!

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