Polar Refrigeration G-Series 600W Upright Double Door Fridge review

Have you been looking for a powerful, reliable upright fridge that can actually keep up with a busy commercial kitchen?

What Is the Polar Refrigeration G-Series 600W Upright Double Door Fridge?

You’re looking at a heavy-duty, double-door commercial fridge designed for demanding professional use. The Polar G-Series 600W Upright Double Door Fridge (model G594) is built for high-capacity chilled storage, reliable performance, and efficient operation in kitchens that never slow down.

This is not a small back-of-house fridge. It is a large 1200-litre cabinet with a generous 770-litre usable capacity, stainless steel inside and out, and a temperature range of -2°C to 5°C that’s perfect for chilled goods in hospitality and catering environments.

Who Is This Fridge Best For?

You will benefit most from this fridge if you run a busy operation where storage, speed, and reliability really matter. It is clearly made for commercial use rather than domestic kitchens, and everything about it reflects that purpose.

Typical users who would get strong value from this model include:

• Restaurant kitchens needing fast access to large quantities of chilled ingredients
• Hotels with high-volume food service and banqueting operations
• Cafés and bakeries that need dependable chilled storage for dairy, pastries, and prepared items
• Catering businesses that bulk-prep and need stable chilling for GN-pan storage
• School, hospital, or care-home kitchens where food safety and capacity are crucial

If your environment regularly runs up to around 32°C, this fridge is designed to cope, which is important in hot, busy kitchens where cheaper fridges struggle.

Key Specifications at a Glance

You might find it easier to understand what you are getting when you see the main features laid out clearly. Here is a simple breakdown of important specs and features.

Core Product Data

You want to know the basics: size, capacity, temperature range, and construction. This table gives you a quick view of what this model actually offers.

You can already see that this is a large-capacity, professional-grade fridge, not a light-duty unit. Everything about it is built around performance and reliability in real-world commercial conditions.

Capacity and Internal Layout

You care about how much you can actually store and how easy it is to arrange everything. Capacity is not just about litres on a spec sheet; it is about usable space that works for your menu and workflow.

770 Litre Usable Capacity

The official gross capacity is 1200 litres, but Polar gives you a realistic usable capacity of 770 litres. That figure reflects what you can physically load without blocking airflow or overfilling.

You can comfortably store high volumes of meats, dairy, sauces, prepared ingredients, and prepped dishes. If you are running a busy service, this capacity means fewer overloaded fridges and fewer compromises on what you keep chilled and ready.

Six Adjustable Shelves and Two Floor Protectors

Your storage layout has to match your menu and your prep style, so the shelving flexibility matters. This fridge comes with:

• 6 adjustable shelves
• 2 floor protectors

You can raise or lower the shelves to suit taller GN pans, stacked containers, or bulk items like large tubs and boxes. The floor protectors help prevent damage at the base where heavier containers or crates often get stored.

GN Pan Compatibility for Efficient Service

If you are using GN pans throughout your kitchen, you will appreciate that this unit is designed to work with them. That means:

• Faster filling and stocking
• Straightforward organisation that matches your existing systems
• Easier access to key ingredients during peak service

You can pull GN pans directly from the fridge to the prep bench or hotline, keeping your workflow smooth and efficient.

Temperature Performance and Cooling

You need consistent, reliable temperature control to protect food safety and maintain quality. The Polar G-Series fridge focuses heavily on delivering stable temperatures, even when your kitchen is running full tilt.

Temperature Range: -2°C to 5°C

You are getting a working temperature range of -2°C to 5°C. This is ideal for chilled storage of meats, fish, dairy, fresh produce, and prepared dishes.

Being able to go down to -2°C gives you a bit of extra margin when your kitchen is under pressure or your ambient temperature is at the higher end, helping to keep everything safely chilled.

Fan-Assisted Cooling for Faster Recovery

In a busy kitchen, your fridge doors are opened constantly. You want the interior temperature to recover quickly after each opening to avoid risking food safety and taste.

This fridge uses fan-assisted cooling, which helps:

• Circulate cold air evenly across the cabinet
• Reduce hot spots and temperature fluctuations
• Speed up the return to set temperature after door openings

If you are used to older or low-power fridges that struggle to recover, you will notice the difference in consistency with this sort of cooling system.

Fast Temperature Recovery in Busy Service

Temperature recovery is more than a technical claim; it directly affects how safe your ingredients are over the course of the day. With staff going in and out all the time, you want to know your fridge can cope.

Here, the combination of fan-assisted cooling, powerful compressors, and thick insulation helps ensure:

• Less temperature drift during service
• Stable conditions for sensitive ingredients
• Improved food safety margins during long shifts

You can set a temperature and trust that the fridge is actually staying close to it, rather than drifting several degrees every time the doors open.

Insulation, Efficiency, and Running Costs

Energy matters to you both for cost and for reliability. An efficient fridge is not just cheaper to run; it also tends to hold temperature more reliably.

60mm Insulation for Efficiency

The Polar G-Series fridge uses advanced 60mm insulation, which is relatively thick for a cabinet in this category. That thickness helps by:

• Reducing heat transfer from the hot kitchen into the chilled cabinet
• Keeping the interior temperature more stable and consistent
• Reducing workload on the compressors, which can extend their life

Thicker insulation is a big factor in how well the fridge copes when your kitchen temperature rises toward 32°C during a lunch or dinner rush.

Energy Rating C and What It Means for You

You are getting an energy rating of C. That is a mid-range rating in commercial refrigeration, considering the size and power of this unit.

For you, that generally means:

• Strong performance and reliability in professional conditions
• Sensible running costs for a fridge of this size and capacity
• A good balance between power and efficiency

It is not an ultra-low-energy cabinet, but in return you are getting robust performance, thick insulation, and heavy-duty components.

R290 Refrigerant: More Environmentally Conscious

The refrigerant used is R290, a hydrocarbon refrigerant that is more environmentally friendly compared with older gases.

Using R290 means:

• Lower global warming potential than many legacy refrigerants
• Compliance with modern refrigeration standards and regulations
• Future-proofing for environmental requirements in many regions

You benefit from a fridge that is more aligned with current environmental expectations while still delivering strong cooling power.

Controls and Ease of Use

You want to be able to set temperatures confidently, check at a glance that your fridge is performing correctly, and avoid complicated controls that staff struggle to use.

Digital Temperature Controls and Display

You get user-friendly digital controls with a clear temperature display. This gives you:

• Easy, precise adjustment of your target temperature
• Quick visual confirmation of the current internal temperature
• Better compliance with food safety checks and logging

Your team can see right away if the fridge is at the right temperature, which is very important for HACCP records and audits.

Simple Automatic Defrosting

You do not want to constantly worry about defrosting or ice build-up. This unit uses automatic defrosting to handle that for you.

That means:

• Less manual intervention and downtime
• More stable cooling as coils stay clearer of ice
• Easier maintenance and fewer temperature spikes from manual defrosting

You can focus on running your kitchen rather than scheduling and managing frequent defrost cycles.

Build Quality and Durability

In a commercial environment, your fridge will be opened dozens or even hundreds of times a day, cleaned frequently, and moved occasionally for deep cleaning. You need something that can stand up to that level of use.

Stainless Steel Construction Inside and Out

Stainless steel is the standard for professional kitchens for good reason, and this fridge uses it extensively.

For you, that means:

• A smart, professional appearance that matches other stainless units
• Surfaces that are easier to clean and sanitise
• Better resistance to corrosion, stains, and general wear and tear

If your fridge will be visible to customers (for example in an open kitchen), stainless steel also creates a more premium look.

High-Performance Compressors

Compressors are the heart of any fridge. Here, the focus is on high performance and durability suitable for demanding environments.

Benefits for you include:

• Reliable temperature control even under heavy use
• Longer lifespan in hot, busy kitchens
• Reduced risk of breakdowns compared to lighter-duty units

If y ou have ever had a fridge fail on a busy summer weekend, you will appreciate knowing the internal components are built with demanding service in mind.

Lockable Castors for Mobility

You may need to move your fridge for cleaning, maintenance, or kitchen reconfiguration. This unit comes on castors, making that much easier.

You get:

• Smooth mobility, even with a large cabinet
• Lockable wheels so you can secure the fridge in the right position
• Easier access to clean behind and beneath the unit

In real kitchens, this kind of mobility can save you time and help you maintain better hygiene standards.

Space, Dimensions, and Installation

You need to know whether this fridge will actually fit your available space and whether it can be positioned in a workable spot in your kitchen.

Overall Dimensions and Door Clearance

The fridge measures 2000(H) x 1340(W) x 815(D) mm. This is a substantial unit, so you need to measure your space carefully.

Before you buy, you should consider:

• Ceiling height: at least 2 metres plus a bit of clearance is ideal
• Doorways and corridors: you need to get a 1340 mm wide cabinet into the building
• Depth in your kitchen: 815 mm depth plus room to open doors fully

You want to ensure that the doors can open wide enough for staff to access shelves easily and for you to load GN pans or larger containers without obstruction.

Positioning in a Hot Kitchen

This fridge is designed to operate effectively in ambient temperatures up to about 32°C. That gives you flexibility in where you place it, but you still want to avoid extreme heat sources where possible.

You should consider:

• Keeping some clearance behind and to the sides for ventilation
• Avoiding direct placement next to powerful ovens or grills if you can
• Ensuring airflow is not blocked by walls or other units

Setting it up thoughtfully helps maintain efficiency, reduce running costs, and extend the lifespan of internal components.

Usability in Daily Service

You are not just buying a box that keeps things cold; you are buying something that has to fit seamlessly into your existing prep and service routine.

Easy Access During Busy Periods

With full-height double doors, you can access a large portion of your stock quickly. Staff do not need to open multiple small doors to find what they are looking for.

For your team, that translates to:

• Faster grab-and-go access to ingredients
• Easier visibility across shelves to see what is running low
• Less time with doors held open while staff search around

This matters because faster access means less temperature loss and smoother service.

Organisation and Stock Rotation

With six adjustable shelves and GN compatibility, it is easier for you to set up a clear system for stock rotation and organisation.

You can:

• Assign shelves or zones to specific stations (grill, pastry, prep, etc.)
• Keep raw and ready-to-eat items well separated
• Use clear labelling and box systems to streamline checks and restocking

A well-organised fridge can seriously reduce waste and speed up daily prep.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Hygiene is a non-negotiable for you, and the easier it is to clean your fridge properly, the better.

Stainless Steel Surfaces for Easy Cleaning

Stainless steel interior and exterior surfaces mean:

• Quick wipe-downs with standard kitchen cleaning products
• Easier removal of spills and splashes
• Better resistance to staining compared with plastic interiors

You can maintain a high standard of hygiene with less effort and fewer specialist cleaning products.

Automatic Defrost to Reduce Ice Build-Up

Because defrosting is automatic, you do not have to schedule frequent manual defrosts that take the fridge out of service.

You benefit from:

• Fewer interruptions to normal operation
• Less ice build-up inside the cabinet
• More consistent air circulation and temperature

That means both cleanliness and performance are easier to maintain.

Food Safety and Compliance

You have to meet food safety regulations, and your refrigeration choices are central to that. This fridge supports your compliance in several ways.

Stable Chilling for High-Risk Foods

The -2°C to 5°C range and strong cooling system give you a safe environment for:

• Raw and cooked meats
• Dairy products and desserts
• Prepared sauces, stocks, and mise en place
• Ready-to-eat chilled dishes

Consistent chilling reduces bacterial growth and helps you keep products within safe temperature limits more reliably.

Digital Display for Temperature Checks

Because the unit has a clear digital display, your staff can quickly confirm that the fridge is operating within the correct range.

This makes it easier for you to:

• Carry out regular temperature checks
• Record temperatures for HACCP documentation
• Detect problems early if the fridge strays outside acceptable limits

You can integrate this unit into your food safety procedures without adding extra steps or complexity.

Pros and Cons Overview

You probably want a balanced view of what you are getting. No fridge is perfect, and it helps to understand both the strengths and the potential drawbacks for your specific situation.

Main Advantages for You

You get several clear benefits with this fridge:

• Large usable capacity (770 L) – plenty of space for busy kitchens
• Flexible interior layout – 6 adjustable shelves and floor protectors to match your menu and storage needs
• Fast temperature recovery – fan-assisted cooling and strong compressors for frequent door openings
• Good insulation (60mm) – stable temperatures and better efficiency in hot kitchens
• Stainless steel construction – durable, hygienic, and professional-looking
• Automatic defrost and digital controls – easier daily operation and food safety checks
• R290 refrigerant – more environmentally friendly than older refrigerants
• Castors with locks – easier to reposition and clean around the fridge

If you rely on your fridge as a workhorse in your kitchen, these features add up to a strong case for choosing this model.

Possible Drawbacks to Consider

You should also factor in a few trade-offs:

• Size and footprint – at 2000 x 1340 x 815 mm, it takes up significant space, so you must plan carefully
• Energy rating C – reasonable for its category, but not the most energy-efficient possible; running costs reflect its power and size
• Commercial design – it is overkill for domestic or very small operations, so you may be paying for capacity and performance you do not fully use
• Requires proper ventilation – like all powerful fridges, it performs best when placed in a well-ventilated spot away from extreme heat sources

If you understand these points and they fit your situation, they are more practical considerations than serious flaws.

Practical Use Cases

You may find it helpful to picture how you could use this fridge in real scenarios. Here are a few ways it typically fits into different types of operations.

Busy Restaurant or Bistro

If you run a restaurant, you could use this fridge as your main back-of-house chilled storage for:

• Bulk meats and fish deliveries
• Prepped vegetables and garnishes
• Sauces and stocks
• Desserts and dairy ingredients

The GN compatibility lets you hold fully prepped pans for service, then move them straight to the line.

Hotel or Banqueting Kitchen

In a hotel or banqueting venue, this fridge could become your core storage for:

• Banqueting mise en place
• Cold starters and salad components
• Breakfast service chilled items (dairy, meats, fruits)

Large capacity and fast recovery make a difference when you are serving large numbers in a short window.

Bakery or Café

In a bakery or café, you could rely on this fridge for:

• Creams, custards, and fillings
• Butter, dairy, and egg products
• Prepared cakes and pastries waiting for display
• Sandwich fillings and salad components

The stable temperatures help keep delicate products in ideal condition for longer.

How This Fridge Supports Your Workflow

You are not just buying capacity; you are also buying a way to simplify and strengthen your workflow. This model supports that in several key ways.

Matching Prep and Service Rhythms

The combination of capacity, GN compatibility, and fast recovery makes it easy for you to:

• Batch-prep ingredients earlier in the day
• Keep everything organised and chilled until needed
• Pull full GN pans or trays straight from fridge to service

You spend more time cooking and less time hunting for space or juggling half-filled fridges.

Reducing Wasted Time and Energy

Because the layout is flexible and the doors are full height, you can:

• Organise ingredients logically by station or type
• Reduce how long doors stay open while staff search for items
• Make inventory checks faster and more accurate

Every shift you run becomes slightly smoother when your main fridge actually supports how you work.

Long-Term Value for Your Business

You care about cost, but you also care about what you get back in return over years of service. This fridge is designed to be a long-term asset rather than a short-term quick fix.

Reliability Over Time

With strong compressors, thick insulation, and a robust stainless build, you are getting a fridge that is meant to handle:

• Long shifts
• High door-open frequency
• Warm kitchen environments
• Constant loading and reloading

If you treat it properly—keep it clean, maintain ventilation, and follow basic care—it is more likely to give you consistent performance for years.

Balancing Price, Performance, and Efficiency

Energy rating C and heavy-duty performance show that this fridge is built for capability more than minimal energy use. You trade a bit of efficiency for robust cooling and rapid recovery.

If you are running a busy kitchen, that trade-off often makes sense, because:

• Poor cooling can cost more in waste and food safety issues
• Breakdowns during service can be extremely expensive in lost trade
• A reliable fridge lets you batch prep and store more, which saves labour and time

In the long run, the overall package of performance and durability can easily outweigh the upfront and running costs.

Is the Polar G-Series 600W Upright Double Door Fridge Right for You?

You now have a clear picture of what this fridge offers and how it is built to support a commercial kitchen. Deciding if it is right for you comes down to a few key questions.

Ask yourself:

• Do you need serious capacity (around 770 litres usable) in a single upright cabinet?
• Is your kitchen busy enough that fast temperature recovery and strong cooling are essential?
• Do you care about stainless steel durability and easy-clean surfaces for hygiene and appearance?
• Can you accommodate the size and ventilation needs of a 2000 x 1340 x 815 mm double-door fridge?
• Does an energy rating of C align with your expectations for performance versus running costs?

If your answer to most of these is yes, the Polar Refrigeration G-Series 600W Upright Double Door Fridge (G594) is very likely to be a strong match for your needs.

You end up with a large, powerful, stainless steel double-door fridge that supports your workflow, respects your need for food safety and reliability, and fits naturally into a modern professional kitchen.

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