A Guide to the Best Refrigerated Table Tops Under $2,000
If you’re in the market for a refrigerated table top that costs less than $2,000, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re running a small café, a catering business, or just need a good cooling solution for your kitchen, a refrigerated table top can be incredibly helpful. It keeps food and drinks at the right temperature while also giving you an extra surface to work on. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options available, what features to look for, and how to pick the one that best suits your needs—all in simple terms.
What Is a Refrigerated Table Top?
Let’s start by understanding what a refrigerated table top is. Imagine a small refrigerator that is also a work table. It helps keep food cold, just like a regular fridge, but has a flat surface on top where you can chop vegetables, prepare sandwiches, or even set up your cooking tools. These units are particularly popular in restaurants and food businesses because they combine cooling with a workspace, saving room and making the kitchen more efficient.
Why Would You Want a Refrigerated Table Top?
A refrigerated table top is a great choice for several reasons:
- Space Saving: If you don’t have enough room for a big fridge and a workbench, a refrigerated table top gives you both in one compact design.
- Convenience: It keeps ingredients nearby while you work, so you don’t have to keep running to a separate refrigerator to grab what you need.
- Temperature Control: These units maintain a steady temperature to make sure your food stays fresh for longer periods.
Things to Consider When Buying a Refrigerated Table Top
Before you start shopping, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. This will help you choose a product that meets your needs and gives you the best value for your money.
1. Size and Dimensions
Think about how much space you have in your kitchen or workspace. Refrigerated table tops come in different sizes, so you need to make sure the one you buy will fit where you plan to place it. Measure your space and compare it to the product dimensions. You’ll also want to consider the size of the refrigerated compartment—how much storage you need for your ingredients or drinks.
2. Temperature Range
Temperature control is essential for keeping your food safe. Most refrigerated table tops will have a temperature range between 32°F (0°C) and 50°F (10°C), which is perfect for keeping fresh ingredients like vegetables, dairy, and even raw meat at the right temperature. Make sure the unit you choose allows you to easily adjust the temperature based on what you’re storing.
3. Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient unit can save you money on electricity bills. Look for models that have an “Energy Star” rating or mention energy-saving features. These units are better for the environment and cost less to operate in the long run.
4. Build Quality and Materials
You want your refrigerated table top to last. Look for models made from durable materials, like stainless steel. Stainless steel is rust-resistant, easy to clean, and can handle the demands of a busy kitchen.
5. Price and Warranty
Since we are looking for refrigerated table tops under $2,000, it’s also important to consider the warranty. A good warranty will give you peace of mind in case the unit has any issues after you buy it. Look for products with a one-year warranty or more.
Top Refrigerated Table Tops Under $2,000
Below, we’ll explore some of the best options on the market that fit within your budget.
1. KoolMore 48-Inch Refrigerated Countertop Prep Table
Price: Around $1,800
Key Features:
- Size: 48 inches wide, perfect for small to medium kitchens.
- Capacity: It has a good amount of storage to keep your vegetables, cheese, and deli meats cool.
- Adjustable Shelves: The shelves inside can be moved around to fit larger items.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Built from stainless steel, which makes it strong and easy to clean.
Why It’s Great: This model is ideal for those who need a reliable refrigerated table with a reasonable amount of workspace. It has easy-to-use temperature controls and comes with adjustable shelves, allowing you to organize ingredients as needed.
2. Atosa MGF8402 27-Inch Refrigerated Worktop Table
Price: Around $1,500
Key Features:
- Size: 27 inches wide, suitable for smaller kitchens or businesses with limited space.
- Temperature Range: It maintains temperatures between 33°F and 40°F, keeping your food fresh and safe.
- Casters (Wheels): It comes with wheels, making it easy to move around if you need to clean or rearrange your space.
- Stainless Steel: Both the interior and exterior are made of stainless steel for long-lasting use.
Why It’s Great: The Atosa MGF8402 is a great pick for those looking for a smaller unit without sacrificing quality. Its wheels make it convenient to move, which is great for cleaning or repositioning in a busy kitchen.
3. Arctic Air AUC27R Undercounter Refrigerator
Price: Around $1,200
Key Features:
- Size: 27 inches, making it compact and suitable for tight spaces.
- Adjustable Temperature Control: The digital temperature display lets you easily set and monitor the temperature.
- Self-Closing Door: The door closes automatically if you leave it open, which is great for keeping the temperature steady and saving energy.
- Heavy-Duty Casters: Like the Atosa model, this unit also has wheels for easy movement.
Why It’s Great: This model is affordable, compact, and easy to use. It has a self-closing door feature, which is useful for conserving energy and keeping the items inside at a consistent temperature.
4. Avantco APT-48 Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table
Price: Around $1,950
Key Features:
- Size: 48 inches, providing a spacious area to prepare sandwiches or salads.
- Storage Space: Comes with multiple compartments for storing a variety of ingredients, from meats to vegetables.
- Cutting Board Included: It includes a cutting board that sits on top of the table, giving you a ready-made prep station.
- Stainless Steel Design: Durable and easy to maintain.
Why It’s Great: If you run a sandwich shop or need a large prep area, the Avantco APT-48 is a fantastic option. It provides a large workspace, and the included cutting board is an added bonus for easy food prep.
Price and models of various refrigerated table top under $2000
Below is a table that lists various refrigerated table tops under $2,000, along with their key features and approximate prices. This will help you compare and decide which option might be best for your needs.
| Model | Price (Approx.) | Width | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| KoolMore 48-Inch Refrigerated Countertop Prep Table | $1,800 | 48 inches | Stainless steel, adjustable shelves, ample workspace |
| Atosa MGF8402 27-Inch Refrigerated Worktop Table | $1,500 | 27 inches | Compact size, stainless steel, wheels for mobility |
| Arctic Air AUC27R Undercounter Refrigerator | $1,200 | 27 inches | Digital temperature control, self-closing door, wheels |
| Avantco APT-48 Refrigerated Sandwich Prep Table | $1,950 | 48 inches | Includes cutting board, multiple compartments, stainless steel |
| Migali C-SP27-8-HC 27-Inch Sandwich Prep Table | $1,400 | 27 inches | Energy-efficient, polyethylene cutting board, compact storage |
| Turbo Air TST-28SD 28-Inch Prep Table | $1,700 | 28 inches | Stainless steel, high-density insulation, easy temperature control |
This table should give you a clear view of what each model offers and help you choose one based on your budget and kitchen requirements.
Tips for Maintaining Your Refrigerated Table Top
Once you’ve picked the right refrigerated table top, it’s important to take care of it to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Here are some simple tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean both the interior and exterior regularly. Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to prevent buildup of dirt or food particles.
- Check Temperature Settings: Make sure the temperature is set correctly based on what you’re storing. Keeping it too cold can waste energy, while setting it too warm may spoil the food.
- Defrost if Necessary: Some models need manual defrosting to prevent ice buildup. Make sure to check the user manual for instructions on how to do this properly.
- Keep the Condenser Clean: The condenser helps keep the unit cool, and it can collect dust over time. Clean it every few months to keep your unit running efficiently.
Final Thoughts
A refrigerated table top can make your kitchen more organized, efficient, and convenient. If you’re looking for a reliable unit under $2,000, there are some great options available, each with different features to suit your needs. Whether you need a compact unit like the Atosa MGF8402 or a spacious prep area like the Avantco APT-48, there is a refrigerated table top out there for you.
Remember to consider the size, temperature range, energy efficiency, and build quality when making your choice. And don’t forget to maintain your unit properly to keep it running smoothly for years to come.
With the information in this article, you should feel more confident about finding the perfect refrigerated table top for your kitchen or business without breaking the bank.