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POINTS TO CONSIDER

l Fan-assisted air circulation ensures consistent temperature spread within cabinets.

l refrigeration units contained within an easily removable "cassette" are simpler to fix; the entire unit can be pulled out and repaired or exchanged with minimal disruption.

l Digital LED read-outs keep staff informed of temperatures and malfunction. Full electronic control offers on-site programming and self-diagnostics.

l Cabinet interiors must be easy to keep clean and free of dirt traps. Look for coved corners, clip-in rather than screwed fitments, easily removable shelving and interior furniture, and coved corners. Strong one-piece interiors in ABS also help resist dirt. Castor bases make it easy to pull cabinets out for cleaning underneath and behind.

l For general interior and exterior cladding, stainless steel and less expensive aluminium offer durability and cleanliness. Stoved enamel mild steel is lower in cost but ultimately more vulnerable to scratches which quickly lead to corrosion.

l On regular cabinets, insulation should be at least 50 mm thick. If kitchen conditions tend to get very hot, it is advisable to specify a "high ambient" or "tropicalised" cabinet able to operate in conditions of 43 C; regular cabinets are only designed to operate in ambient temperatures up to 32 C.

l Automatic defrost is now standard on most regular cabinets; the ice on the evaporator plate melts and drains away periodically by means of a hot gas system or an electric heater; the latter requires higher energy cost.

l Features which make it easier for staff to use cabinets include foot-opening and 90 degree "dwell" to ensure that doors stay open when loading/unloading.

l Operating problems frequently result from the air surrounding the cabinet being too hot, causing the compressor to over-work. "High ambient" or "tropicalised" specification (rated for ambient conditions as high as 43 C) may be advisable.

l Materials which rust because of scratching or denting influence longevity of equipment. Stoved enamel mild steel saves money initially but is more vulnerable to damage than stainless steel or aluminium. Damage-prone brittle plastic fittings inside cabinets should also be avoided.

l HACCP demands make it increasingly important to monitor all cabinet usage with batch quantities and times logged. Computer controlled cabinets automate the storage of such data, which can be passed to a printer.