When selecting reach-in refrigeration for your restaurant, café, or commercial kitchen, one key decision is choosing between top-mount and bottom-mount compressor units. This applies to both reach-in refrigerators and freezers, and your choice can impact everything from workflow and energy efficiency to long-term maintenance.
At Advanced Culinary, we carry a wide range of top-mount and bottom-mount commercial refrigerators and freezers to suit any kitchen layout, ambient condition, or performance need.
What’s the Difference?
The difference lies in where the compressor—the component that powers the cooling system—is located.
Top-mount refrigeration places the compressor above the storage cabinet
Bottom-mount refrigeration places it underneath the cabinet
This affects not only how the unit performs in different environments but also its ease of access and long-term reliability.
✅ Top-Mount Reach-In Refrigerators & Freezers
In top-mount systems, the compressor is positioned above the refrigerated or frozen compartment.
Ideal For:
Hot kitchens or areas near cooking equipment
Environments where flour, grease, or dust collect near the floor
Long shifts with consistent heavy-duty use
Advantages:
Better performance in high-heat environments
Less exposure to dust and debris, extending compressor life
Heat from the compressor stays further from the food zone
Considerations:
Needs additional vertical clearance
May require a ladder or step for service or filter cleaning
✅ Bottom-Mount Reach-In Refrigerators & Freezers
In bottom-mount units, the compressor is located beneath the cabinet, closer to floor level.
Ideal For:
Kitchens with limited ceiling height
Environments with stable, cooler ambient temperatures
Staff frequently reaching for lower-shelf items
Advantages:
Easier access to interior storage and compressor for maintenance
Slightly more ergonomic for frequent product access
Often better energy efficiency in cooler kitchen spaces
Considerations:
Pulls in more debris and grease from the floor
Less efficient in high-heat or high-grease environments
How to Choose the Right Unit
Both top-mount and bottom-mount reach-in refrigeration systems are excellent options when matched with the right environment:
Top-Mount is ideal for hot kitchens, bakeries, or grill lines
Bottom-Mount works great in cooler prep areas, tight spaces, or front-of-house setups
Whether you need a single-door reach-in freezer for a tight prep kitchen or a high-capacity double-door refrigerator for daily line service, Advanced Culinary has both configurations available from trusted brands, ready to ship.
Refrigeration That Works for You — Nationwide
As a leading supplier of commercial restaurant equipment, Advanced Culinary serves foodservice professionals nationwide—from restaurants and bakeries to food trucks, hotels, and ghost kitchens.
Every order includes:
✅ Free shipping on all equipment
✅ Liftgate delivery at no extra charge
✅ Call-ahead service to coordinate convenient delivery
Our team is here to make purchasing refrigeration simple, with expert support and fast, reliable fulfillment.
Explore Top-Mount and Bottom-Mount Reach-In Refrigerators & Freezers
Ready to upgrade or expand your cold storage? Browse our full line of reach-in refrigeration today and find the right fit for your space—with unbeatable convenience, free delivery, and Advanced Culinary’s trusted service behind every order.
