We were delighted to be in Sweden, and specifically in Stockholm, for our participation in the exhibition of our partner, NS Gastro, which took place at FFCR Mässan Stockholm on January 28 and 29.

Our presence at the exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to showcase our product range to the Swedish market and to connect directly with industry professionals, presenting our solutions and philosophy firsthand. Through meaningful interactions and engaging discussions, we strengthened our presence in this dynamic market and opened new avenues for collaboration.

We leave inspired and energized, continuing to invest in our international presence and strategic partnerships.

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November 15 – National Clean Out your Refrigerator Day

Cleanliness is a key pillar of safety, efficiency, and responsibility in every professional environment.

Proper care and organization of your refrigerator not only ensure optimal performance of the equipment, but also help reduce food waste, promoting a more sustainable and mindful operation for your business. 🤝

A few key reminders for your professional equipment:
✔️ Clean the interior shelves and walls at least once a week.
✔️ Check the door gaskets for residues and wear.
✔️ Organize your products according to their expiration dates to minimize food waste.

At Inomak, we build refrigerators that are made to perform and built to last, so you can keep your food safe, fresh, and stored with respect for the environment. 🌍🌱

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Nowadays, the market is flooded by endless propositions, while all manufacturers are trying to secure their position in a very competitive market, successfully or not.
In general, a “refrigerator” is destined to meet a range of very basic human needs with survival and safety through nutrition, standing out from these. For this reason, in INOMAK Refrigerators, we approach the refrigerator with a simple, basic philosophy, focusing on the essence and satisfaction of the aforementioned needs, with the performance of the device as point of reference.
According to the latest studies and the conditions of the market, as we observe it through our daily contact with our customers, Refrigerators with glass doors, are becoming a favorite in the Catering Professionals’ circles.
There are many reasons why the products in this category stand out. Whether these reasons are functional or aesthetic, what ultimately matters is that glass doors in refrigerators are essential to the modern professional.
These products begin to rightfully earn their place amongst their most traditional and popular “relatives” with sturdy stainless doors and surely there is no “smoke without a fire!”

Refrigerators with Glass Door: An Expense or an investment?

To start with, let us clarify the following, before proceeding:
Each refrigerator has its use and its place in a Professional kitchen. Glass doors are not needed everywhere.
2. The good quality refrigerator with glass doors is by default more expensive than a conventional refrigerator.

So, why would anyone prefer them to the cheaper refrigerators with stainless steel doors?
This question is a reasonable one. Let us see, however, when and under what conditions, are they superior and how they ultimately create value for the business that will invest in them?

“Nothing is hidden under the sun!”

… Says the well-known saying and it finds its full application, every time there is one Refrigerator with Glass Door inside a kitchen!

Tidiness, an important value in catering, automatically gains points with the presence of glass doors, because everyone now is extra motivated to be neat & tidy! There are two sides in the “coin” of motivation, and with a glass door appliance, they are both fully satisfied: It either offers satisfaction for the result of the work of those, who are motivated by achieving things, or it does not allow space for the carelessness of those, who need to avoid bad outcomes, in this case, the lack of tidiness.

In modern management it is proven that performance improvement is rapid in teams that have transparency in operation and where everyone is in direct contact with the outcome of their work!

Refrigerators with Glass Doors: A Marketing Tool!

In cases where the kitchen is open or can be visited by the customers, there isn’t a more effective tool in marketing, than tidiness! Imagine a refrigerator full of desirable meats with vivid color, arranged nicely according to their type, stored in the proper containers. Next to it another refrigerator with colorful fruit and vegetables, placed with love and care and then another one with deli meats hung side by side and lastly all drinks neatly arranged in a professional refrigerator that guarantees the proper temperature, without the glass door blurring and filled with ice.
The above situation shows quality, passion, love for work, and respect for the customer and eventually becomes a pole of attraction and a competitive advantage for every business! The truth is that a refrigerator with stainless steel doors, regardless of how important tools they are, they are not attractive as their glass door “relatives” with beautiful and neatly placed materials inside!

Especially in the field of food, hygiene cleanness and tidiness, are strong indicators of safety and health. Food continues to be a basic need for survival irrespective of catering’s more recreational character. Customers trust a professional not only with their own health and safety but with the health and safety of their families and loved ones as well. In order to be persuaded, a serious effort and consistency is needed.
It is a common secret that reputation built via word-of-mouth, is better and less expensive than any other marketing channel. Moreover, a dissatisfied customer will affect on average 20 people, while a happy one only 5!

Behind closed doors: Inspecting the contents!

Glass doors, allow for more effective control and management of some materials, whether critical or not. Literally at a glance, someone can immediately get informed about his inventory and its current condition, so that the kitchen, will not run out of anything and as usual, in the worst possible moment, according to our favorite Mr. Murphy and his famous law!

Furthermore, if a refrigerator has glass doors, the frequent phenomenon of someone opening all doors to find what they are looking for, is avoided! In a refrigerator, each door opening is equivalent to energy loss and energy translate to money lost. The result of this becomes evident in the electricity bill!

Energy Consumption and energy saving are two subjects of great concern in recent years. According to today’s legislation, all stainless steel professional refrigerators should be certified by special laboratories for their energy class to be able to be sold legally, within the European Union. For the moment, products with glass doors are excluded from this obligation.

The Energy Classification of a refrigerator is only one of the links of the chain of events that lead to “energy saving”. Energy saving also depends on how the refrigerator is used on the day-to-day operations and actually it depends on that to such a great extent that improper use, can drastically tip the balance of the scale towards energy waste. For example, a car, as economic as it may be in fuel consumption, if its driver has his foot stuck on the accelerator pedal, the actual consumption will be significantly higher than the theoretical one.

Using a Refrigerator with Glass Doors, you can find everything you need, easily, quickly and economically, by opening only one door… the one that you really need!

Redefining a classic!

Upon listening to the phrase “a Refrigerator with Glass Doors”, most of the people would think about low-priced and even lower-in-quality refrigerators for soft drinks that have flooded the market for decades. As soon as the temperature of the environment rises, these refrigerators may even be dangerous for public health.
The proposal of INOMAK Refrigerators is a product of industrial aesthetics and performance, which preserves the products stored in it, consistently, effectively & efficiently.

Our suggestions for the modern professional!

Our proposal for a refrigerator with glass doors includes 4 Upright Models and 12 Refrigerated Counters models, covering the vast majority of the needs of a Catering Business!

From Upright Refrigerators’ those that stand out are the Freezer models which are equipped with an anti-fog film on the glass, eliminating thus the need for a heater in order to keep the glass clear! Also, the shelves of our Glass Door Refrigerators, are specifically designed to allow the vertical storage of bottles, featuring a denser wire structure!

Refrigerated Counters with glass doors are available in 2 Series with a depth of700mm & 600mm respectively, Here, the very interesting point is the, ”Remote Unit & Multi”, family of products. These are designed to function with a remote refrigerating unit, individually or collectively. The energy savings from these arrangements (especially the Multi-Unit arrangement) can be significant, provided that the calculation and the installation of the refrigerant unit is carried out by a skilled professional. In this way, a business spends less for maintenance, increases the useful space in the kitchen and keeps the room temperature lower, thus helping the other appliances and the employees to be more efficient.

Summing up… and closing this article’s (glass) door!

The refrigerator, as an appliance, covers some of the most basic human needs with consistency, respect and efficiency. Despite the basic nature of the needs they cover, new elements need to be introduced, for the purpose of improvement.

In modern times, details and expertise make the difference. Using a refrigerator with glass doors at selected locations of the production chain of a catering business, is one of the points that will make your business stand out!

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“One of the trends that stand out globally, for obvious reasons, is effective resources management.”

Even in times of abundance, where a less than optimum, management might have been easier forgiven, savings on resources, was a value that made some companies stand out and flourish.
Nowadays, saving has become a “core” value, literally and metaphorically, for any professional who wants to have a sustainable business. The market conditions currently, leave less room for mistakes and every detail counts and contributes, to the end result.
A business can save resources in many ways and on multiple levels. Moreover, while investing time into this, new ways will surely surface! The financial operation of a catering related business and how refrigerators contribute into it, is an issue that our Blog will be dealing with extensively from now on, since we have been focusing on Energy Consumption and other resources saving for a long time and we intend to continue on this path!
We believe that, the refrigerator, apart from covering the basic human needs of both survival and health, may also contribute to the efficient operation of a company, if it is approached as a management tool, rather than just a plain storage appliance.
This article focuses on refrigerators with centralized or remote refrigerating units or Multi & Remote Unit Refrigerators ,as we call them, respectively.
But what do these “exotic” terms mean?

Multi & Remote Unit Refrigerators: Centralized operation for multi-ple profit!

In simple terms, the aforementioned “exotic” terms refer to refrigerators, Uprights or counters, without a built-in cooling unit. Instead they are prepared to be connected to a centralized refrigeration unit, powerful enough, to ensure the correct operation of all connected appliances.

There are two main ways in which these products can be used:

1.Each device has its own refrigerating unit

2. Two or more refrigerators are connected to a centralized refrigerating unit

Let’s see in more detail, the operation of these two arrangements and the advantages of choosing them, as compared to a traditional refrigerator with a built-in refrigerating unit.

Remote Unit Arrangement

The most typical example of such an arrangement is the classic Air-conditioning Units present in almost every house! There is a terminal unit inside the area and the corresponding cooling unit is mounted outside of the building. In this arrangement, each refrigerator is powered by a dedicated refrigeration unit.

The main advantages of this arrangement are:

The heat emission on the environment is considerably reduced and thus neighboring devices function more effortlessly & economically.
The atmosphere is kept cleaner due to the reduction in the number of cooling units. These cooling units stir the air & the dust, continuously with their fans.
Low temperatures and cleaner atmosphere make the employees more efficient.
The noise is considerably reduced, which has also a positive effect on the employee performance.
Refrigerated counters feature a shorter length, compared to the built-in unit version, increasing  thus, the refrigerated space in the kitchen.
Maintenance and cleaning of the refrigerating units are easier, because of their placement outside of the building.
The refrigerators allow for more fine-tuning which ensures a smoother operation. This allows for a more efficient functioning of the appliance.

The following figure is very characteristic:

Multi Unit Arrangement

In the second case, as illustrated in the figure below, two or more devices are connected to a central refrigerating unit. The centralized management, as an idea and a way of operation, is a common issue wherever resources’ saving is discussed.

A typical example for this case, which most of us have in our house, is the radiator, where a central boiler drives numerous radiators or several flats with numerous radiators.

Likewise, a central refrigerating unit is used to power refrigerators that have the same function e.g. a network of chillers or a network of freezers.

In addition to the advantages of the Remote Unit installation described in the previous section, in the case of the Multi arrangement, there are also less maintenance costs and  time, since there is a single cooling unit.

“Why should I prefer this solution over a traditional refrigerator?”

Before proceeding, something very important needs to be mentioned. All the available solutions that exist in the market,do so for one reason: They meet specific unique needs. The same applies to the refrigerators with a built-in unit. These have their own advantages and can also be economic in their operation if they certified for their Energy Class according to current legislation, as all our refrigerators.

Besides, taking into consideration some small but important details, which will be analyzed shortly in a next article of our Blog on the operating conditions of a conventional refrigerator, their advantages are also important.

So if you want to have the most refrigerated capacity, with a low temperature dust-free working environment. this is the product you should go for, as simple as that!

Summing up: “What makes the Multi & Remote Unit Refrigerators stand out?”

Summarizing everything mentioned above, the values that govern this family of products are functionality, customization and economy.

Besides the obvious advantages related to the remotely placed refrigerating unit, the most important value for us, lays in the most important resource of every business: the people.

By creating a friendlier working environment for the kitchen staff, a better mood and the resulting increase in performance, will be visible to all inside & outside of your business. And we can guarantee that your customers will notice it for sure!

If the intended use and your premises allow for it, the option of installing a network of refrigerators with a remote unit, will contribute to a beneficial environment for your Catering Business on multiple levels, making to stand out from the competition!

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Other than professionalism, the loading of a cooling area is definitive for the proper operation of the refrigerator and for its longevity, as well as for the hygiene of the food that is stored in the appliance.

How should we load a refrigerator?

Problem-free air circulation within the refrigerator is important for the proper cooling of a refrigerator’s interior. Much depends on this. Thus, it is of vital importance that air is not obstructed by boxes, utensils, etc.

A refrigerator is loaded efficiently when:

• The products are placed in special containers.
• The products should not exceed the maximum storage level.
• The products are always placed on the shelves.
• The products are placed within the surface defined by the shelves.
• The products do not touch the appliance walls.
• Air-flow from the evaporator’s ventilator is unobstructed.

The refrigerator is not loaded efficiently when:

• The products are placed without protection.
• The products exceed the maximum storage level.
• The products protrude from the surface of the shelves.
• The products touch the appliance’s walls and floor.
• Air-flow from the evaporator’s ventilator is obstructed.

The following schematic diagram depicts efficient storage (left) and inefficient storage (right):

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The refrigerator is an appliance which is frequently neglected in the professional kitchen and this is because of its supporting and “noise-free” nature compared to the other appliances that steal the show.

In this article, we will give you 7 tips on how to maintain your refrigerator in good condition for many years to come, which will benefit your business in many ways.

The refrigerator is a regulating factor in a professional kitchen. It is the link in the chain that is concerned with the hygiene of ingredients that are used to prepare the food. From this alone, it is obvious that it significantly contributes in maintaining the quality of a catering business’ food.

However, on many occasions its importance is downgraded resulting in a shorter than expected lifespan.

Below we present 7 tips on how to dramatically improve the life-cycle of your refrigerator, while saving your business money:

Market research

The longevity of a refrigerator starts from its choice. The appliance’s quality features will initially determine its life-cycle. Choose appliances with features that focus on the use of superior quality 18/8-10 AISI type 304 stainless steel, the antibacterial & anticorrosive protection of the evaporators and the problem-free function of the appliances in room temperatures of +43οC, as these indicate a quality product with more chances of lasting longer.

Proper placement of the appliance in the area

When placing the appliance, the cooling mechanism’s ventilation must be unobstructed. Make sure that there is enough room for air circulation maintaining a distance of 25 cm from the ceiling, particularly in the case of cooling chambers. In the case of bench refrigerators, ensure that there are no obstacles in front of the cooling mechanism’s ventilation vents.

Efficient storing of the cooling area

The refrigerator will function properly when air freely circulates in its interior. Attention must be paid to the following 3 points.

1. Place the containers on the racks and not on the floor.
2. Place the stored ingredients on the surface of the racks alone.
3. Do not exceed the maximum level marking.

Food storage method

A significant source of the problem is the food itself, especially acidic food. Store food in appropriate containers and place them covered in the refrigerator. Acidic food, such as lemon, vinegar, wine and the like must be sealed in air tight containers.

Cleaning

The appliance’s regular cleaning, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, not only ensures the food’s hygiene, but also extends its life-cycle. The leading causes of problems are the cleaning agents and instruments used.

CAUTION! Chlorine-based cleaning agents are prohibited because they may significantly corrode the stainless steel. Similarly, the use of harsh cloths and steel brushes may irreversibly damage the material. Instead, opt for warm soapy water and clean, soft cloths to protect surfaces from abrasions. The cleaning frequency depends on the use and the orderliness of those that use the appliance.

Periodic Maintenance

As you might expect, refrigerators need to be periodically serviced. The frequency depends on the conditions in the operating area and the use of the refrigerator. Delegate the maintenance frequency & performance to an expert. On average, the recommended frequency is every 12 months.

Staff training

The last, but possibly most important tip is to train the people that use the appliances. Dedicate the time that is required by your business’ team, so that they comprehend the benefits of all the above for the business and how these will be eventually returned to them.

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“What are the advantages of protecting the evaporator in a refrigerator?”

This is one of the most common questions we are asked from those looking to use our refrigerators. Before we move onto the response, let us talk about the evaporator and how it works in a refrigerator.

The evaporator could rightfully be called the refrigerator’s lung. It is the accessory by which energy between two liquids is exchanged and in the case of a refrigerator, the result is the maintenance of the desired temperature in the appliance’s cooling area.

For its optimal operation, sensitive materials such as aluminium and copper are used in its construction making it susceptible to corrosion thus, it is frequently described as the cooling mechanism’s weak link. If acidic substances, which are stored on occasion in

the cooling area, are added then its susceptibility is increased and its protection becomes imperative.

Refrigerant leakages as well as the existence of corrosion of an accessory inside the food area not only raise a health and safety issue, but significantly influence the refrigerator’s energy consumption. A study that has been carried out by the manufacturer of the protective coating that we use on our refrigerators’ evaporators, showed that evaporator corrosion is the major reason for reduced performance and that its protection may contribute to savings of up to 30% on the appliance’s annual energy consumption.

Protecting the evaporator is beyond necessary. It is an essential choice that is immediately evident in how your appliance works and in your business’ finances.

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