Looking for more workspace in your commercial kitchen? Or do you want to combine a practical worktop with refrigerated or frozen storage? Maxima offers several options, including Stainless Steel Tables, Counter Fridges, Counter Freezers and Pizza Prep Fridges.
Each option gives you practical space for preparing food, but their functions are different. A Stainless Steel Table gives you extra preparation space , while a Counter Fridge or Counter Freezer combines a worktop with storage underneath. A Pizza Prep Fridge is specially designed for preparing pizzas and keeping ingredients close at hand.
The right choice depends on your available space, workflow and the products you prepare. In this buying guide, we compare the different options and explain what to consider when choosing the right model for your commercial kitchen.
What are the different options?
Before choosing a model, think about what you need during a normal working day. Do you mainly need more preparation space ? Do you want chilled ingredients close to your preparation area? Or do you need frozen storage underneath your worktop?
Here are the main differences:
| Skill | Stainless Steel Table | Counter Fridge | Counter Freezer | Pizza Prep Fridge |
| Main function | extra preparation space | preparation and refrigerated storage | preparation and frozen storage | preparing pizzas and storing ingredients |
| Cooling | no | yes | yes, for frozen products | yes |
| Storage | lower shelf on selected models | refrigerated storage | freezer storage | refrigerated storage, depending on the model |
| Worktop | stainless steel | stainless steel | stainless steel | granite |
| Suitable for | general food preparation | chilled ingredients | frozen products | pizza dough and toppings |
The exact specifications depend on the model. Always check the individual product specifications before making your choice.
Stainless Steel Table
A Stainless Steel Table is a practical choice when you mainly need additional preparation space . You can use it to cut ingredients, prepare dishes or plate food.
in different sizes. Current models include widths from 60 to 200cm and depths of 60 or 70cm. Models are also available with a backsplash.
Many models include a lower shelf. This gives you extra space for containers, pans, utensils and other kitchen equipment. The legs are also adjustable in height, so you can position the table securely. Wheels are also available for selected configurations, making it easier to move the table when needed. A Stainless Steel Table is a good option when you want a simple, sturdy preparation area without integrated refrigeration.
Counter Fridge
combines a worktop with refrigerated storage underneath. This makes it easy to prepare food while keeping chilled ingredients close at hand. During busy service periods, this can make your workflow more efficient. Instead of walking to a separate refrigerator each time you need an ingredient, you can store frequently used products directly underneath your preparation area.
Maxima offers Counter Fridges in different sizes and layouts. Depending on the model, you can choose solid or glass doors. Selected models can also be fitted with drawers. Maxima Counter Fridges are available with space for different GN container sizes, depending on the model.
A Counter Fridge is particularly useful in restaurants, hotels, cafes, lunchrooms and other commercial kitchens where chilled ingredients are used throughout the day.
Counter Freezer
combines a practical worktop with freezer storage underneath. It’s useful when you regularly work with frozen products and want to keep them close to your preparation area. Instead of using separate floor space for a preparation table and freezer, you can combine both functions in one appliance.
When choosing a Counter Freezer, think about how much frozen storage you need, how much preparation space is available and where you want to position the appliance.
Always check the temperature range, capacity, dimensions and maximum ambient temperature of the individual model before making your choice.
Pizza Prep Fridge
A Pizza Prep Fridge is designed for preparing pizzas while keeping ingredients close at hand. Maxima’s Pizza Prep Fridges have a stainless steel body and granite worktop. The granite gives you a sturdy surface for preparing and rolling out pizza dough.
Selected models include a refrigerated display case for GN containers. This allows you to keep ingredients such as cheese and vegetables chilled and within easy reach while preparing pizzas.
in different sizes, including models with two or three refrigerated compartments. There is also a model with two doors and seven drawers for proving dough. The dough drawers are not refrigerated.
Although these appliances are designed with pizza preparation in mind, they can also provide a practical preparation area for other dishes that use fresh ingredients.
What is a Counter Fridge and what can you use it for?
A Counter Fridge gives you refrigerated storage and a worktop in one appliance. You can prepare food on top while keeping chilled ingredients directly underneath. This is especially useful during mise-en-place and busy service periods. You can cut vegetables, prepare meat or fish and plate dishes without repeatedly walking to a separate refrigerator.
A Counter Fridge can also help you use the available space efficiently. Instead of having a separate refrigerator and preparation table, you combine both functions in one area. Depending on the model, Maxima Counter Fridges can have solid or glass doors. Glass doors make it easy to see the contents without opening the door first. Selected models also allow you to replace doors with drawers.
What should you consider when choosing a Counter Fridge?
The right Counter Fridge depends on your kitchen, workflow and storage requirements. Think about the available space, worktop size e, capacity, layout, temperature range, ventilation and energy consumption.
Dimensions and available space
Start by measuring the space where you want to place the Counter Fridge. Check the external dimensions of the model and make sure there is enough room to use it comfortably.
Doors and drawers should be able to open fully. Staff f should also have enough room to move around the appliance. Remember to consider ventilation. Always follow the installation requirements in the manual for the model you choose.
Worktop
Think about how much preparation space you need. A wider Counter Fridge gives you more room to work, but it also takes up more floor space.
Think about how many people will use the worktop at the same time. For example, Maxima currently offers a Counter Fridge with four doors a width of 223cm.
Storage capacity
Think about what you want to store inside the Counter Fridge and how much capacity you need. A smaller model can be a practical choice when space is limited. A larger Counter Fridge gives you more refrigerated storage and a larger worktop .
Look beyond the number of doors. Check the net capacity, internal dimensions and layout to find the model that matches your needs.
Doors or drawers
Think about how you want to organise your ingredients. Doors give you access to larger refrigerated compartments. This can be useful for
, larger packages and other ingredients. Drawers provide quick access to smaller products and portions.
Selected Maxima Counter Fridges allow you to replace doors with drawers. This gives you more flexibility when organising the appliance.
Glass or solid doors
Maxima offers Counter Fridges with both solid and glass doors. Glass doors let you see what is inside before opening the fridge. This can help you find ingredients quickly and check your stock more easily. Choose the option that best matches your daily workflow.
Temperature range
Always check whether the temperature range is suitable for the products you want to store. Temperature ranges differ between models. For example, selected Maxima Counter Fridges have a temperature range between minus 2°C and 10°C. Check the specifications of the individual model before choosing your Counter Fridge.
Ambient temperature and ventilation
The temperature of your kitchen can affect the performance of refrigeration equipment. A fridge needs to work harder in a warmer environment.
Check the maximum ambient temperature in the product specifications. Some Maxima Counter Fridges, for example, are suitable for a maximum ambient temperature of 43°C. Make sure the appliance has enough ventilation and keep the ventilation openings clean.
Energy consumption
A Counter Fridge or Counter Freezer is usually switched on for long periods. Energy consumption can therefore affect your running costs.
Compare the energy information for the models you are considering. This gives you a clearer idea of the running costs over time.
Cleaning and maintenance
Regular cleaning helps you keep your kitchen hygienic and your equipment in good condition. Clean the worktop after use and regularly clean the inside of your Counter Fridge or Counter Freezer. Keep the ventilation openings free from dust and dirt and check the door seals regularly.
Stainless steel surfaces are smooth and easy to clean, making them practical for intensive use in a commercial kitchen.
Which option suits your commercial kitchen?
Your daily workflow is a useful starting point when choosing your equipment.
| What do you need? | Consider |
| extra preparation space | Stainless Steel Table |
| worktop with refrigerated storage | Counter Fridge |
| worktop with frozen storage | Counter Freezer |
| easy view of chilled products | Counter Fridge with glass doors |
| quick access to smaller portions | Counter Fridge with drawers |
| worktop for preparing pizza | Pizza Prep Fridge |
| space for pizza toppings | Pizza Prep Fridge with refrigerated display |
After deciding which category fits your needs, compare individual models based on their dimensions, capacity, layout and other specifications.
Why choose the worktops from Maxima?
Maxima has more than 50 years of experience in professional catering equipment. The range includes equipment for different types and sizes of commercial kitchens.
Whether you need a Stainless Steel Table for extra preparation space, a Counter Fridge for chilled ingredients, a Counter Freezer for frozen products or a Pizza Prep Fridge for preparing pizzas, you can compare different models to find the right fit for your kitchen.
Start by looking at your available space and daily workflow. Then compare the capacity, dimensions and features of the models that meet your requirements.
Frequently asked questions about worktops
What is the difference between a Counter Fridge and a Refrigerator?
A Refrigerator is mainly used for refrigerated storage. A Counter Fridge combines refrigerated storage with a worktop. This means you can prepare food and keep chilled ingredients in the same area.
How many doors do I need on a Counter Fridge?
This depends on your available space and the amount of refrigerated storage you need. More doors generally gives you more storage space and a wider worktop. Always check the external dimensions and net capacity as well as the number of doors.
Can I use GN containers in a Counter Fridge?
This depends on the model. Selected Maxima Counter Fridges are suitable for different GN container sizes. For example, current models are available that support 1/1 GN, 1/2 GN, 1/3 GN and 2/3 GN containers.
Always check the specifications of your chosen model to see which GN sizes are suitable.
What is the difference between a Counter Fridge and a Pizza Prep Fridge?
Both provide refrigerated storage and a worktop , but they are designed for different types of food preparation.
A Counter Fridge has a stainless steel worktop and is suitable for general food preparation. A Pizza Prep Fridge has a granite worktop designed for preparing pizza dough. Selected Pizza Prep Fridges also have a refrigerated display that keeps toppings within easy reach.
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Find the right equipment for your kitchen
The right choice depends on what you prepare, how much space you have and what type of storage you need. Choose a Stainless Steel Table when you mainly need additional preparation space. Choose a Counter Fridge when you want to combine a worktop with refrigerated storage. A Counter Freezer gives you a worktop with frozen storage, while a Pizza Prep Fridge provides a practical setup for preparing pizzas and keeping ingredients close at hand.
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Explore Maxima’s Stainless Steel Tables, Counter Fridges, Counter Freezers and Pizza Prep Fridges and find the model that suits your commercial kitchen.