Cooling equipment generally falls into two categories: commercial and industrial. But what’s the real difference between them? Which one suits your needs better? Can a commercial refrigerator be used in place of an industrial freezer? This article provides a detailed breakdown.

What is a commercial refrigerator？

Commercial refrigerators are designed to keep perishable food items fresh in retail or food service environments. Common beverage vending machines and ice cream display cabinets are commercial refrigerators. They come in various shapes, including horizontal freezers, vertical display cabinets, and back cabinets. Commercial refrigerators have large volumes and beautiful designs, making them very suitable for displaying goods.

What is an industrial freezer?

Industrial freezers are often used in industrial production and scientific research experiments. They are suitable for long-term storage of temperature-sensitive materials, samples, and small equipment. Industrial freezers are commonly used to freeze components like bearings and to store temperature-sensitive items such as vaccines and blood. They are widely used in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and research industries.

Learn why you need to freeze bearings.

The difference between commercial refrigerators and industrial freezers

Capacity

Commercial refrigerators are designed for frequent access, with goods constantly being taken out and restocked, so their capacity must meet daily use needs. It is generally designed to be between 100L and 1000L. Common single-door freezers are about 200L, and double-door display cabinets are about 400L or more. Most commercial refrigerators use standardized sizes for easy placement, parallel installation, or transportation.To facilitate inventory visibility and access, commercial units often feature multiple adjustable shelves, drawers, and sliding rails, maximizing internal space utilization.
 
The capacity range of industrial freezers is wider, with small desktop devices of dozens of liters and vertical or horizontal industrial boxes of thousands of liters. The items placed in the freezer are generally whole pieces of equipment or materials, so their capacity is customized according to the volume of the stored items. The internal design will also vary according to the capacity.

Kühlleistung

Commercial refrigerators are mainly used for low-temperature preservation. Users have low requirements for its cooling rate. It can meet the use requirements by reaching the set temperature within a few hours. Therefore, its cooling rate is slow, the temperature control accuracy is generally around±2℃, and there is no temperature gradient control function. Most commercial refrigerators use indirect cooling air circulation or direct cooling plate structure, and the temperature control range is within -18℃.
 
Applications that require industrial freezers have high requirements for cooling speed and temperature control accuracy. Therefore, it must achieve accurate and rapid cooling. Industrial freezers are categorized into low-temperature models (around-40℃) and ultra-low-temperature models (as low as -120℃). Its cooling speed is very fast. Most equipment only needs dozens of minutes to drop from room temperature to -80℃, and some high-performance equipment can achieve it within 1 minute.
 
It also performs better in temperature control accuracy, up to ±0.1℃~± 0.5℃. It generally uses forced air circulation, multi-point Pt100 sensors, and PID control, and the temperature in the entire box is very uniform.

Material

Commercial freezer’ exterior is usually made of powder-coated steel, while the inner lining is plastic or coated aluminum. The insulation layer is typically polyurethane foam. Most doors are glass or double-pane tempered glass for product visibility. Its structure is lighter, but its corrosion resistance and chemical resistance are weaker.
 
The outer shell and inner liner of the industrial freezer are made of SUS304 or SUS316 stainless steel, which is more corrosion-resistant. Its insulation layer is generally high-density polyurethane and multi-layer sealing, which has better insulation performance. The internal structure will be reinforced to ensure its load-bearing and earthquake-resistant capabilities. All components are industrial-grade standards to meet long-term, high-load operations.

Anmeldung

Commercial refrigerators are generally used in restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores to store beverages, ice cream, frozen foods, and meat.
 
Industrial freezers are commonly used for temperature cycling tests, low-temperature stress tests, and storage of temperature-sensitive substances in industries like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.

Energy consumption

Commercial refrigerators have small refrigeration capacity and low compressor power, so the energy consumption is low, generally 0.8kW ~ 1.8kW.
 
The energy consumption of industrial freezers varies greatly according to the temperature range, cooling capacity, cooling rate, etc., and is commonly 2kW~10kW or more. Many high-performance industrial freezers incorporate multi-stage compression systems and frequency-controlled compressors to reduce energy waste while maintaining performance.

Price

Commercial refrigerators are typically priced between $500 and $1,500, depending on their size, design, and energy efficiency rating. They are usually built for a lifespan of 3–5 years.
 
The price of an industrial freezer is generally $3000 ~ $30000+, and suppliers set prices based on temperature range, capacity, and other functions. It has a large initial investment, but the life cycle is generally about 10 years.
 
Learn the factors affecting the price of chillers.

Wartung

The commercial freezer has a simple structure and is easy to maintain. Its main maintenance items are cleaning dust, defrosting, and checking seals. Its main vulnerable parts are fans, power boards, light strips, and thermostats. Since they lack fault alarms or diagnostic features, maintenance often relies on manual inspection and visual checks. Although it is easy to maintain, its service life is short.
 
The structure of the industrial freezer is relatively complex and requires professional personnel to maintain. Most freezers have functions such as automatic alarm, fault prompt, and historical log export, which can help shorten maintenance time.

How LNEYA Industrial Cooling System Can Help

With more than 15 years of experience in designing and manufacturing industrial refrigeration equipment, LNEYA’s products have been exported to more than 30 countries and regions around the world. We focus on high-precision, customized, and sustainable cooling solutions. Whether it is scientific research experiments, industrial testing, or large-scale manufacturing, we can tailor a suitable system for you.
 
Our chiller experts have designed cooling systems for almost every industry, and they can provide you with free selection guidance. All products enjoy free installation, commissioning, a one-year warranty, and free consultation at any time.
 
Contact us now to get free selection advice and customized solutions.

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Bearings are critical components that allow machinery to rotate smoothly. They are widely used in automobiles, household appliances, and industrial equipment.

To facilitate easier installation, bearings are often pre-frozen before assembly. But why? In this article, we’ll uncover the little-known reasons behind this practice.

Why freeze bearings？

When temperature changes, the volume of most materials changes as well—a concept known as thermal expansion and contraction. Metals also exhibit this behavior, though the change in size is usually tiny and not visible to the naked eye.  

For example, a 60°C drop in temperature may only cause a shrinkage of a few microns. While this may seem negligible, such tiny differences can significantly impact precision mechanical assemblies. At room temperature, the inner diameter of a bearing is slightly smaller than the shaft it’s mounted on. This creates a tight interference fit, which prevents the bearing from slipping during operation.  

However, this tight fit can make installation difficult. To solve this, engineers take advantage of the metal’s contraction at low temperatures. By freezing the bearing, its inner diameter increases just enough to allow easier mounting without forcing or damaging it.

Since most bearings are made of steel or alloy with relatively stable thermal expansion coefficients, the effect of freezing can be accurately controlled. Once installed, the bearing warms back to room temperature and regains its original size—creating a tight and secure fit on the shaft.

How to freeze bearings？

To freeze a bearing, you need suitable refrigeration equipment.  The most commonly used tool is an industrial freezer, which can lower the temperature to between -30°C and -80°C. Some specialized models can even reach -180°C.Make sure the freezer is large enough to accommodate the size of your bearing.  

The bearing should be clean and free of oil or moisture—otherwise, it could be damaged during freezing.  Not all bearings are suitable for freezing. You should set the appropriate temperature and freezing time based on the bearing’s material and size.

Once placed in the freezer, close the door tightly and start the machine. Avoid opening the door frequently, as it may cause ice buildup and temperature fluctuations. Typically, bearings are frozen for 1 to 4 hours, depending on the size. After freezing, assemble the bearing as soon as possible before it warms up.During operation, always wear gloves and monitor temperature conditions to ensure safety and proper handling.

Which bearings can be frozen？

Not all bearings need to be frozen, but the following types benefit the most from this treatment:
 
• Large Bearings  
Typically used in wind turbines, mining equipment, and other heavy machinery. These bearings often exceed several hundred millimeters in diameter.
 
• Heavy-Load Bearings  
Designed to withstand extreme pressure and stress, such as those in ship propulsion systems and steel rolling mills.
 
• High-Speed Precision Bearings  
Common in aerospace systems and machine tool spindles where precise alignment is critical.
 
• Bearings Made of Special Materials  
Such as high-alloy or custom steel components that require exact interference fits.

How to select bearing freezing equipment？

When selecting a bearing freezing system, consider the following factors:
 
• Temperature Range  
Different bearing types require different freezing temperatures. Most industrial bearings need freezing temperatures between 30°C and 80°C.
 
• Freezer Size & Capacity  
Ensure the chamber is large enough to accommodate your bearings with space for proper airflow.  If you need to freeze multiple bearings simultaneously, choose a model with high capacity.
 
• Temperature Control Accuracy & Uniformity  
Precise temperature control prevents uneven freezing, which could affect the final fit and damage the bearing.
 
• Cooling Speed  
Faster cooling improves productivity but may increase power consumption. Match cooling speed to your production schedule.
 
• Safety Features  
Look for systems with automatic alarms, overcooling protection, and thermal monitoring to ensure safe operation.
 
• Level of Automation  
Automated control systems reduce manual labor, improve safety, and make processes easier to manage.
 
• Manufacturer Reputation  
Choose a manufacturer with proven expertise in industrial refrigeration. Experienced suppliers offer better support and long-term reliability.

Schlussfolgerung

Freezing bearings makes installation easier, more precise, and safer—especially for large or heavy duty components. If you’re facing difficulties during bearing assembly, investing in a dedicated industrial freezer might be the solution.

At LNEYA, we offer a wide range of industrial freezers and custom refrigeration solutions.  Our experts are ready to help you select the right model based on your application needs.[Click here] to simplify your bearing freezing pro

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Ultra-low temperature freezer/refrigerators

for bearing cold assembly GD -150℃~-110℃

• Storage Capacity 1100L
• Temperature fluctuation±0.5℃
• RefrigeratentR404A R23/Mixed refrigerant
• Place of OriginChina

contact support

• Microcomputer control, cascade temperature controller, digital temperature display, the regulation of unit 0.1℃, inside the temperature range -20 ℃ ~ -125 ℃ adjustable.
• Multi-safety protection, more reliable operation.
• France TECUMSEH compressor, Germany DANFOSS compressor, EMERSON compressor, automatic cascade refrigeration technology.
• With self-diagnosis function, freezer overload protection, high-pressure switches, overload relays, thermal protection device and other security functions, and fully guarantee the use of safety.
• Drei versiegelte Formisolierschichten, extra dicke hochdichte Polyurethanschaum-Isolierschicht für eine gute Isolierung; Inline-Vakuumisolierplatten;
• Human design, more convenient and flexible.
• Suitable for mechanical producing plant use.

Modell	GD-1100-B2-GYZ GD-1100-B2-GYZW	GD-1100-C1-GYZ GD-1100-C1-GYZW	GD-1100-C2-GYZ GD-1100-C2-GYZW	GD-1100-D1-GYZ GD-1100-D1-GYZW	GD-1100-E1-GYZ GD-1100-E1-GYZW
Effektives Volumen	1100L	1100L	1100L	1100L	1100L
Größe des Innenbehälters cm	90*100*125	90*100*125	90*100*125	90*100*125	90*100*125
Temperaturbereich	-65℃～-35℃	-80℃～-50℃	-100℃～-70℃	-120℃～-90℃	-150℃～-110℃
Kontrolle der Genauigkeit	Within the controllable temperature range of ± 0.5 ℃
Tragfähigkeit	350kg Andere Tragfähigkeiten können individuell angepasst werden
Kühlleistung	Ohne Last, etwa 1 Stunde lang bei Raumtemperatur auf 25 Grad Celsius abkühlen (Mindesttemperatureinstellung+10 ℃)
Gleichmäßigkeit der Temperatur	Innerhalb ± 2 ℃

Offener Modus	Seitlich öffnende Tür, doppelschichtiges Design der Innen- und Außentür, Öffnen der Außentür schließt automatisch den Umluftventilator
Verdampfer	Elektrophoretisches Kupferrohr mit Aluminiumrippen
Kompressor	Emerson Valley Radvortex-Kompressor, Carlisle halbgekapselter Kolbenkompressor
Controller	Programmierbare PLC-Steuerung, 7-Zoll-Touchscreen
Schutz der Sicherheit	Selbstdiagnosefunktion; Überlastungsschutz des Kühlschranks; mehrere Sicherheitsfunktionen wie Hoch- und Niedrigwasserschutz Drucksensoren, Überlastrelais und thermische Schutzvorrichtungen; die druckausgeglichene Konstruktion gewährleistet eine reibungslose Türöffnung
Datensatz	Temperaturkurvenaufzeichnung, USB-Datenexport im Excel-Format, Fehleraufzeichnung
Abtaufunktion	Zeitgesteuerte Abtaufunktion einstellbar
Isolierschicht	150mm	150mm	150mm	200mm	200mm
	Polyurethanschaum Sekundärschäumung+FIR-Platte
Kältemittel	R404A R23	R404A R23	Gemischtes Kältemittel 1	Gemischtes Kältemittel 2	Gemischtes Kältemittel 3
Qualität des Materials	Innenbehälter SUS304, kaltgewalztes Blech, spritzlackiert mit RAL7035
Kältetechnik Komponenten	Bekannte Marken werden für Kondensator, Plattenwärmetauscher, Ölabscheider, Drucksensor und Temperatursensor verwendet, Trocknungsfilter, elektronisches Expansionsventil, Gas-Flüssigkeitsabscheider, Schauglas, Frequenzumrichter usw.
Dimension	120*235*170	120*235*170	120*235*170	130*250*180	130*250*180
Stromversorgung	400V 50HZ

Andere Größen und Tragfähigkeiten können angepasst werden

Hauptsächlich verwendet in der industriellen Kältebehandlung, für das Kaltschrumpfen von Kupferhülsen, Lagern, feinmechanischer Montage und Tiefsttemperaturtests. ...

Einzelheiten

Color touch screen 7-inch/10-inch

The large-size color touch screen can clearly display all information and display the real-time temperature changes of the process in the form of a curve.

Methode der Kühlung

Air cooling, with water cooling assistance, rapid cooling. It is recommended to choose water cooling in dusty environments and ambient temperatures greater than 37 degrees.

Die industriellen Kühler/Heizgeräte von LNEYA werden weltweit verkauft: in Singapur, Malaysia, Japan, Südkorea, Katar, den Ländern des Nahen Ostens, Australien, verschiedenen europäischen Ländern wie den Niederlanden, Spanien und den Vereinigten Staaten sowie in anderen Regionen.

Anfrage senden an sales@cnzlj.com

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