Polar GP897-A Chest Freezer 378L Stainless Steel Lid | Commercial Bench

The Polar GP897-A G-Series Commercial Chest Freezer with Stainless Steel Lid (378 Litre Capacity) is a heavy-duty, high-capacity bulk freezing station engineered specifically for Australian restaurants, takeaways, cafes, catering companies, pub bistros, and commercial preparation kitchens. Measuring 970 mm High x 1435 mm Wide x 730 mm Deep, this large-format commercial chest freezer combines a generous 378-litre internal storage capacity with a solid food-grade stainless steel lid that doubles as a durable, hygienic preparation workbench to maximise back-of-house floor space. Powered by an eco-friendly R600a hydrocarbon refrigeration system with thick 90 mm cyclopentane thermal insulation, the GP897-A operates with whisper-quiet static cooling (approx. 40 dB) and reliably holds sub-zero holding temperatures between -18°C and -25°C in working ambient conditions up to 32°C. Outfitted with an always-on digital LED temperature display, two removable wire storage baskets, robust painted steel exterior panelling, an easy-clean aluminium interior liner, an accessible manual defrost drain, and heavy-duty castors for effortless mobility during end-of-shift kitchen washdowns, this unit runs on a standard Australian single-phase 10A plug-and-play circuit.

Why Australian commercial kitchens and hospitality operations choose the Polar GP897-A:

• Dual-purpose stainless steel worktop lid — the reinforced commercial food-grade stainless steel top serves as a heavy-duty food preparation surface or ingredient staging counter, maximising usable bench space in compact commercial kitchens.

• Massive 378-litre bulk storage volume — provides ample frozen holding space for bulk boxes of poultry, portion-cut steaks, frozen chips, bagged seafood, sauces, and gelato pans to maintain menu continuity during peak service trade.

• Sub-zero thermal range (-18°C to -25°C) — precision temperature regulation maintains an optimum storage baseline of -18°C to prevent freezer burn, dehydration, and ice crystal degradation, complying with Australian commercial food holding standards.

• Ultra-thick 90mm thermal insulation — dense 90 mm cyclopentane insulation locks in freezing temperatures, dramatically reducing compressor run cycles, lowering commercial electricity bills, and keeping stock frozen during power interruptions.

• Whisper-quiet static cooling (40 dB) — low-decibel static refrigeration circulation maintains a peaceful kitchen work environment without the loud mechanical whirring of standard industrial evaporators.

• Eco-friendly R600a hydrocarbon refrigerant — utilizes natural, zero-ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and ultra-low GWP (Global Warming Potential = 3) R600a refrigerant, enhancing thermodynamic efficiency while reducing operating carbon footprint.

• Intuitive digital temperature controller with LED display — front-facing always-on digital display provides clear, at-a-glance temperature verification without needing to lift the lid and lose internal cold air.

• Twin modular wire baskets included — supplied with two removable, powder-coated wire organisation baskets to suspend high-turnover prep items, ice bags, or quick-grab ingredients directly above bulk stock.

• Durable commercial materials — features a scratch-resistant white painted steel exterior and a seamless, high-conductivity aluminium interior liner engineered for thermal transfer and fast wiping down.

• Pre-fitted heavy-duty swivel castors — heavy-duty mobility castors allow kitchen staff to roll the unit smoothly away from walls for thorough sanitisation, vacuuming condenser vents, and flexible kitchen reconfigurations.

• Plug-and-play 10A Australian power — operates on standard 220–240V single-phase electrical supply via a standard 10 Amp 3-pin plug, requiring zero expensive three-phase or 15A electrical alterations.

Technical Specifications

Daily Care, Maintenance & End-of-Shift Sanitisation

To preserve thermal efficiency, extend compressor life, and adhere to strict commercial food hygiene:

1. Stainless Steel Lid Cleaning & Sanitisation: Because the stainless steel lid serves as an active food preparation counter, sanitise the surface frequently throughout the shift using warm water and a neutral food-safe sanitiser. Never leave acidic marinades, raw meat fluids, or high-salinity brines sitting on the stainless steel, as prolonged contact can cause surface pitting and tea-staining.

2. Periodic Manual Defrosting: As moisture enters the chest freezer during daily opening and closing, a natural layer of frost will accumulate along the internal aluminium cold walls. When frost thickness exceeds 5 mm to 8 mm, plan a defrost cycle. Transfer stock to an alternate commercial freezer, unplug the unit, open the interior drain plug and front runoff port, and position a shallow drip tray beneath. Allow frost to melt naturally—never use metal knives, scrapers, or heat guns, as puncturing the internal aluminium wall will breach the sealed refrigerant lines.

3. Interior Basin Sanitisation: Once defrosted, clean the smooth aluminium interior liner using a soft microfibre cloth dampened with a mild solution of warm water and sodium bicarbonate or neutral detergent. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel before reconnecting the power and reloading stock to prevent immediate frost build-up.

4. Condenser & Grille Vacuuming: Inspect the ventilation louvres located near the bottom compressor compartment every 4 to 6 weeks. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment or soft nylon brush to clear away loose kitchen dust, flour, and grease lint to ensure unrestricted airflow across the condensing coil and prevent thermal trip-outs.

5. Door Gasket Maintenance: Inspect and wipe down the rubber perimeter lid gasket monthly using a soft cloth and warm water. Keeping the magnetic seal supple and free from dried sauce drops ensures an airtight barrier that prevents ice build up and cuts power consumption.

Commercial Placement & Kitchen Installation Guidelines

The Polar GP897-A is built for straightforward deployment in commercial catering facilities:

1. Electrical Infrastructure: Supplied complete with a factory-fitted standard Australian 10 Amp plug and lead. Connect directly to an independent, dedicated 240V 10A commercial wall socket. Avoid running the commercial freezer on domestic multi-boards or lightweight extension cords, which can cause voltage drop and premature compressor fatigue.

2. Ventilation Clearances: Maintain a minimum perimeter clearance of at least 100 mm at the rear and compressor sides to allow heat expelled by the refrigeration circuit to escape freely.

3. Overhead Clearance: Ensure a minimum vertical clearance of at least 1750 mm above the unit to allow the counterbalanced stainless steel lid to hinge fully open without hitting over-shelf shelving, exhaust ducts, or pass-through gantries.

4. Separation from Heat Equipment: Position the freezer away from direct sunlight, commercial dishwashers, combi ovens, fryers, and open gas chargrills. Keeping the unit in a well-ventilated ambient room environment (within its rated 32°C envelope) ensures optimum thermodynamic performance and lower operating costs.

Freight, Packaging & Delivery Notice

Standard commercial road freight delivery is available Australia-wide to commercial business addresses with level ground access or loading docks. Due to the unit's substantial 1435 mm width, crated bulk dimensions, and palletised transit format, deliveries to residential or non-commercial addresses require a customised tail-lift freight quote. Please contact our friendly commercial sales team prior to placing your order to verify doorway clearances (minimum 750 mm clear door opening recommended) or to coordinate specific site unloading requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operational advantages of a stainless steel lid over a standard painted or glass lid?

A solid stainless steel lid turns the chest freezer into a dual-purpose commercial prep bench. In commercial kitchens where bench space is limited, the stainless steel lid provides a sturdy, food-grade surface for slicing, plating, assembling mise en place, or resting dry storage tubs. Furthermore, solid stainless steel provides superior insulation and durability compared to sliding glass lids, preventing cold loss and eliminating the risk of cracked glass in busy back-of-house corridors.

How does the 90mm insulation benefit commercial operators?

Standard light-duty or domestic chest freezers typically feature 50 mm to 60 mm of cabinet insulation. The Polar GP897-A features extra-thick 90 mm cyclopentane foamed insulation. This dense thermal barrier locks in sub-zero temperatures, drastically cuts the frequency of compressor starts, lowers annual energy consumption, and provides thermal holding in the event of an unexpected kitchen blackout.

Does the Polar GP897-A require a 15 Amp power point?

No. The unit runs on standard Australian 220–240V single-phase electrical supply and comes fitted with a standard Australian 10 Amp plug. It can be plugged directly into any standard commercial 10A power outlet without requiring costly three-phase or 15A electrical alterations.

What is the advantage of whisper-quiet static cooling (40 dB)?

Fan-forced commercial freezers create continuous high-velocity air movement that can produce noticeable background fan noise and cause un-bagged frozen ingredients to dry out. The static cold-wall cooling system in the GP897-A cools silently at approximately 40 dB (equivalent to a quiet library), creating a more comfortable kitchen workspace while maintaining steady temperature stratification across the entire 378-litre tank.

How do the included baskets help with kitchen workflow?

The two powder-coated wire baskets hang from the upper interior rim of the chest freezer, keeping smaller, frequently accessed items—such as open bags of frozen vegetables, pre-portioned burger patties, or dessert garnishes—at arm's reach. Bulk stock, whole cuts of meat, and sealed carton boxes remain stored in the cavernous lower basin, preventing staff from having to dig through deep stock during busy dinner service.

N.B Images are for illustrative purposes only. Specifications are subject to change without notice.