Polar U-Series Double Drawer Counter Fridge Freezer DA996 review

Have you ever wished your undercounter fridge could magically switch between fridge and freezer mode, exactly when you need it?

What Is the Polar U-Series Double Drawer Dual Temperature Counter Fridge Freezer DA996?

You’re looking at a heavy-duty, dual-temperature counter unit designed specifically for demanding commercial kitchens. The Polar U-Series Double Drawer Dual Temperature Counter Fridge Freezer 4xGN (DA996) gives you two independently controlled drawers that can each operate as either a fridge or a freezer.

Instead of being locked into a single temperature function, you can configure each drawer based on your menu and service needs. That flexibility can make your prep area more efficient, your workflow smoother, and your food quality more consistent.

Key Features at a Glance

You might not have time to read every detail straight away, so here’s a quick, user-friendly summary of what this unit offers.

These features come together to create a piece of kit that supports both speed and organisation in your kitchen, especially during busy services.

Build Quality and Design

You expect your refrigeration to handle heat, spills, knocks, and constant use. This unit is built with that in mind, focusing on both durability and practicality.

Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Construction

The main body and drawers are made from heavy-duty stainless steel, which is crucial in a commercial environment. You benefit from a surface that resists corrosion, handles regular cleaning chemicals, and stands up to intensive daily use.

Stainless steel also helps you maintain a more hygienic setup. It’s easier to wipe down, it doesn’t easily harbour stains or odours, and it fits seamlessly with other professional kitchen equipment for a clean, cohesive look.

Professional, Space-Saving Undercounter Layout

This Polar U-Series model is designed as an undercounter counter fridge freezer. In other words, you not only get refrigerated storage but also an additional work surface on top. You can use that top as a prep area, plating station, or a base for other light equipment.

By placing refrigeration under the counter, you reduce travel distance between storage and prep. You pull ingredients straight from the drawers, work above them, and put items back with minimal steps. That can noticeably speed up service in tight or busy kitchens.

Versatile Dual Temperature Function

One of the standout reasons to choose this unit is its dual temperature flexibility. Instead of buying a separate fridge and freezer, you get two drawers that adapt to your daily needs.

Independent Fridge or Freezer Settings for Each Drawer

You can set each drawer independently to function as either:

• A refrigerator for chilled ingredients
• A freezer for long-term or bulk frozen storage

That means you could configure the unit in several ways:

• Both drawers as fridges (for fresh prep items)
• Both drawers as freezers (for backups and frozen goods)
• Top drawer as fridge, bottom drawer as freezer
• Top drawer as freezer, bottom drawer as fridge

This flexibility is especially useful if your menu changes seasonally or if you adjust your storage approach for different services, events, or periods of the week.

Adapting to Changing Menu and Service Needs

You might start with more freezer space to hold bulk frozen stocks, pastries, or pre-portioned items. As your operation grows or your menu shifts toward fresher, made-to-order dishes, you can switch one or both drawers to refrigerating mode.

You avoid having equipment that’s locked into a single role, which can save you from buying extra units or reorganising your layout later. This is particularly helpful in:

• Smaller kitchens where space is limited
• Multi-purpose sites (cafés by day, restaurant by night)
• Catering operations that frequently change their offering

Capacity and Storage Layout

Capacity matters, especially when you need to keep a lot of ingredients close to your prep area. This unit is built around the industry-standard GN format, which makes your life easier.

4 x 1/1GN Capacity for Efficient Organisation

Each drawer is designed to hold up to 2 x 1/1GN pans, giving you a total of 4 x 1/1GN capacity across both drawers. You can use full-size 1/1GN pans or a combination of smaller sizes, as long as the total footprint fits.

This GN compatibility lets you:

• Transfer pans directly from cold storage to the prep station, oven, or service counter
• Keep ingredients in the same container throughout the day to minimise handling
• Quickly identify what’s in each pan with standardised labels and lids

It also allows you to divide drawers by ingredient type (for example, meats in one GN pan, vegetables in another), so you stay organised and efficient.

Ideal for Busy, High-Turnover Kitchens

In a high-volume environment, you want your most frequently used ingredients right where you work. With this capacity you can:

• Keep high-use chilled items (like garnishes, sauces, or mise en place) in the top drawer
• Store bulk frozen backup items (such as portioned proteins or desserts) in the bottom drawer

Because the drawers are deep and GN based, you can rotate stock properly (first in, first out) and maintain good visibility of what you have on hand. That can help reduce waste and avoid last-minute shortages.

Cooling Performance and Food Safety

Performance is about more than just cold air. You need reliable, stable temperatures that recover quickly after constant opening and closing.

Fan-Assisted Cooling for Rapid Temperature Recovery

Fan-assisted cooling helps circulate chilled air more evenly throughout each drawer. Instead of relying on static cooling, fans push cold air around, reducing hot spots and speeding up temperature pull-down.

You benefit in a few important ways:

• Faster recovery when drawers are frequently opened during service
• More consistent temperatures throughout each GN pan
• Better overall food safety and quality preservation

If your team opens drawers constantly for prep and service, fan-assisted systems are much more reliable at keeping food at safe temperatures.

Automatic Defrost to Maintain Consistency

Defrosting is often a hassle with conventional freezers and fridges, but this unit includes automatic defrost. That means it manages frost build-up on its own, reducing manual intervention.

With automatic defrost you can:

• Spend less time shutting down equipment for manual defrost cycles
• Maintain more consistent cooling performance
• Protect fan and evaporator performance from ice build-up

This keeps the interior working efficiently and helps ensure you stay closer to your set temperatures over long periods.

Digital Controls and Ease of Use

You want simple, reliable control over your temperatures. This Polar U-Series unit gives you digital controls that are intuitive and precise.

Clear Digital Temperature Settings

Digital controls let you set exact temperatures for each drawer and monitor them at a glance. You are not guessing with analogue dials or arbitrary settings; you see an actual temperature reading.

That precision helps you:

• Match storage conditions to your specific ingredients
• React quickly if you see unusual temperature fluctuations
• Keep records more easily if you need to show compliance with food safety checks

Because each drawer is independently controlled, you can tailor temperatures for different food categories without compromise.

Intuitive Operation for Busy Teams

In a busy kitchen, usability matters. Your team may not have time for complex settings or confusing interfaces, so the digital controls are designed to be straightforward.

You get:

• Simple buttons for adjusting temperatures
• A clear digital display that’s easy to read, even at a glance
• Familiar controls that staff can pick up quickly with minimal training

This means less chance of staff setting incorrect temperatures and more consistent day-to-day operation.

Mobility and Cleaning Convenience

Commercial kitchens need equipment that’s easy to clean around and reposition when layouts change or deep cleaning is due.

Lockable Castors for Easy Movement

This unit is fitted with castors, and that alone is a big plus in many kitchens. Even better, those castors are lockable, so you can:

• Roll the unit out to clean behind and underneath
• Shift the counter to new positions when you change your line setup
• Lock the wheels in place once you have it exactly where you want it

By making it easier to move, you help maintain higher hygiene standards and create a more flexible layout that can adapt as your needs change.

Simplifying Deep Cleaning and Maintenance

Being able to move the unit easily is only half the story. Stainless steel surfaces and a more accessible footprint make cleaning more manageable.

With this design you can:

• Quickly wipe surfaces between services
• Access hard-to-reach areas that often get ignored with static units
• Perform maintenance checks or repairs without dismantling your entire line

Over time, good cleanability reduces the risk of odours, pest issues, and the general wear-and-tear that comes from hidden dirt and debris.

Energy Use and Operational Efficiency

While the exact energy rating can vary by region and specification, the design elements of this unit are geared towards efficiency in commercial conditions.

Consistent Performance in Demanding Environments

Fan-assisted cooling and automatic defrost are not just about temperature; they also contribute to overall efficiency. A system that runs without thick layers of ice or blocked airflow can cool more effectively with less effort.

You can typically expect:

• More stable energy consumption over time
• Fewer issues caused by ice build-up and poor airflow
• Better temperature reliability when the doors are opened often

Although this is a performance-focused commercial unit rather than an ultra-low-energy domestic appliance, it is designed to operate efficiently under heavy use.

Reducing Food Waste Through Temperature Stability

Efficiency is also about protecting your inventory. By keeping food at safe, consistent temperatures, you are less likely to lose stock to spoilage.

Stable cooling helps you:

• Extend shelf life within safe limits
• Maintain product quality, texture, and appearance
• Meet food safety guidelines with confidence

Over weeks and months, those benefits can translate into meaningful savings and fewer complaints or returns due to compromised food quality.

Who Is This Unit Best Suited For?

Choosing the right piece of refrigeration is all about matching it to your operation. This counter fridge freezer is particularly well-suited for several kinds of users.

Ideal for Busy Restaurants and Hotels

If you run a restaurant, hotel kitchen, or brasserie with a high volume of orders, you will appreciate the combination of:

• Fast access storage under the counter
• Dual temperature flexibility
• Durable, robust construction

You can store prep ingredients right under your main prep line, keeping your chefs efficient and reducing unnecessary movement during peak periods.

Suitable for Cafés, Bistros, and Pubs

Smaller operations often struggle with limited floor space. In a café, bistro, or pub, an undercounter dual-temperature unit gives you both refrigeration and workspace in one footprint.

You might use it to:

• Hold fresh ingredients for sandwiches, salads, or breakfast service
• Store frozen back-up stock or desserts in one of the drawers
• Adapt one drawer based on the time of year or menu specials

That flexibility means your refrigeration adapts with your business, rather than forcing your menu to fit around a fixed setup.

Helpful for Catering and Event Operations

If you handle events, functions, or outside catering, this unit can play a key role in your central production kitchen. You can quickly switch drawers to suit the type of event you are preparing for.

For example:

• Use both drawers as freezers when preparing large volumes of frozen canapés in advance
• Shift one drawer to fridge mode when you need fresh garnish and sauces near your prep area
• Rely on GN compatibility to transfer ingredients seamlessly between cold storage and transport containers

The adaptability helps you respond to varied event requirements with minimal hassle.

Advantages of the Polar U-Series DA996

To help you weigh up your options, it’s useful to identify clear advantages. This unit brings several strong benefits to your kitchen.

Flexible, Dual-Mode Storage

The single biggest advantage is flexibility. Instead of committing to either a fridge or a freezer, you get the benefit of both options in the same footprint.

This gives you:

• The ability to reconfigure your storage as your menu or business evolves
• More control over how you use your limited undercounter space
• Less need to buy separate units for chilled and frozen storage

That makes it a particularly attractive choice for kitchens where space is tight or menu variety is high.

Strong GN Compatibility and Organisation

The 4 x 1/1GN capacity lets you standardise your storage. Rather than juggling mismatched containers, you can work with a consistent GN system throughout your kitchen.

This brings you:

• Easier labelling and rotation
• Smoother transfers between storage, prep, and service
• Faster organisation and retrieval during busy periods

When everything fits into GN pans, your whole operation becomes more modular and streamlined.

Robust Enough for Commercial Use

Because it is built with heavy-duty stainless steel and designed for professional environments, you can rely on it to cope with constant opening, closing, and loading.

You benefit from:

• A more stable, long-term investment
• Surfaces that withstand cleaning, spills, and knocks
• A professional look that fits a modern commercial kitchen

Durability is especially important if your kit is used by a large team and runs almost non-stop throughout the day.

Potential Limitations to Consider

No piece of equipment is perfect for every user. It is wise to consider any potential limitations before committing.

Requires Adequate Ventilation and Space

Like most commercial refrigeration units, this counter fridge freezer will need proper ventilation to operate efficiently. You should ensure:

• Sufficient space around vents and intakes
• No blocking with other equipment or walls too close to key airflow points
• A location away from excessive heat sources where possible

If your kitchen is extremely cramped or overcrowded, you will need to plan your layout carefully to make the most of its performance.

Not a Replacement for All Bulk Storage

Even with 4 x 1/1GN capacity, this is still an undercounter unit. It is meant for high-turnover, frequently accessed ingredients, not for all of your long-term frozen or chilled storage.

You will likely still need:

• A walk-in fridge or freezer for bulk goods
• Additional upright units for backup stock, depending on your volume

This Polar U-Series model should be seen as a performance-enhancing unit at the line, rather than your sole refrigeration solution.

How This Unit Supports Kitchen Workflow

You are not just buying cold storage; you are investing in smoother service. The way this unit integrates into your workflow is a major part of its value.

Faster Access to Critical Ingredients

With drawers just below your counter, you minimise the time spent walking back and forth to distant fridges or freezers.

You can:

• Keep mise en place within arm’s reach of the chef
• Store frequently used garnishes, sauces, or proteins close to where dishes are assembled
• Reduce bottlenecks during peak times when several staff need the same ingredients

The GN layout further supports efficient organisation so you always know where things are.

Better Station Design and Line Efficiency

Because the unit acts as both storage and a work surface, you can build your stations around it. You might use it:

• As the base for your main hot line, with pans, grills, or induction units on top
• As a dedicated cold prep station with chopping boards and salad prep on the counter
• In a pastry corner, holding frozen pastries or ice cream components below a finishing area

When your station flows logically, your team works more smoothly, and you can deliver consistent quality at speed.

Practical Tips for Getting the Most from This Unit

To ensure you get full value from your Polar U-Series DA996, it helps to think ahead about setup, use, and maintenance.

Plan Your GN Layout by Station

Before you start using the unit, plan which ingredients will go in which GN pans and where each one will sit.

Consider:

• Grouping by dish or section (e.g., all burger garnishes together)
• Keeping raw and ready-to-eat items clearly separated in different pans
• Labelling GN pans clearly with product, date, and section

By setting up a clear, logical system, you reduce confusion and keep your service running smoothly.

Use the Dual Temperature Function Strategically

Think about how your menu changes through the day, week, or season, and adjust each drawer’s temperature accordingly.

For example, you might:

• Use one freezer drawer for dessert components during evening service, but switch it to fridge mode for brunch prep on weekends
• Keep both drawers as fridges during peak fresh produce season, then change one to a freezer when you need more frozen backup in winter

By treating the dual temperature function as a dynamic tool, you stay flexible and responsive to your actual needs.

Keep Up with Basic Maintenance

Even with automatic defrost, you still benefit from a simple routine:

• Wipe down internal and external surfaces regularly
• Check door seals for signs of wear and ensure they close properly
• Avoid overloading drawers so airflow remains unobstructed

These simple steps help maintain performance, extend the life of the equipment, and keep food safe.

Comparison: Why Choose This Over a Fixed-Function Unit?

You might be weighing this Polar U-Series model against a conventional undercounter fridge or freezer. It helps to compare them in simple terms.

If your operation is stable and you know you will always need only refrigerated storage at that point, a standard undercounter fridge might suffice. If you want the ability to adjust and grow without replacing equipment, this dual temperature model becomes very attractive.

Long-Term Value for Your Kitchen

It’s worth thinking beyond the initial purchase price to how this unit fits into your long-term plans.

Supporting Growth and Menu Changes

As your business evolves, the way you use cold storage will change. Instead of buying completely new units whenever your focus shifts, the dual temperature drawers let you adapt with minimal disruption.

You can:

• Add new menu items that require different storage without major refits
• Handle seasonal peaks in either fresh or frozen items more smoothly
• Rebalance your cold storage across the kitchen as new equipment is added

That kind of flexibility can help you grow more confidently and cost-effectively.

Enhancing Professional Standards

Using professional-grade, stainless steel, GN-compatible refrigeration sends a clear message about your standards. It supports:

• Consistent food safety practices
• A tidy, organised mise en place setup
• A modern, professional look that fits open or semi-open kitchens

When staff members work with reliable, well-designed equipment, it also reinforces good habits and a sense of pride in their workspace.

Is the Polar U-Series DA996 Right for You?

To decide if this unit fits your kitchen, ask yourself a few key questions:

• Do you need both chilled and frozen storage within arm’s reach of your prep or service area?
• Is your menu likely to change over time, demanding different storage setups?
• Are you working with limited space but want maximum functionality from each piece of equipment?
• Do you rely heavily on GN pans and want to keep your storage fully compatible?

If you answered yes to several of these points, the Polar U-Series Double Drawer Dual Temperature Counter Fridge Freezer 4xGN – Automatic Defrost, Fan Assisted, Digital Controls DA996 offers a strong mix of flexibility, performance, and durability.

By giving you two independent drawers that can each act as either a fridge or a freezer, plus fan-assisted cooling, automatic defrost, digital controls, GN capacity, and lockable castors, it is designed to help you run a tighter, more efficient, and more adaptable kitchen.

You end up with more than just cold storage. You gain a multi-role, workstation-friendly unit that can evolve alongside your business and support the way you actually work, day in and day out.

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