Practical answers for distributors, importers and brand owners — how to choose a self-contained R290 display fridge, what certifications you need in the EU and Australia, and how buying direct from the factory works (OEM / ODM / private label).
Request a quote See the comparisonStart with four checks: (1) refrigerant — pick R290 (GWP 3) for EU compliance from 2025 and strong thermodynamic efficiency; (2) climate class — specify T4 (up to 38 °C) for Spain and other hot markets so the compressor does not over-run in summer; (3) type — a self-contained plug-in unit needs no on-site pipework, just a standard socket (EU 230 V / 50 Hz); (4) certifications — confirm CE (LVD + EMC + ErP), RoHS and the EU energy label are supplied. Match the format to the use: glass-door upright for drinks, back-bar for service, countertop for impulse, chest freezer for frozen. Our buyer guide has the full checklist.
A plug-in (self-contained) unit has the compressor and condenser built in — you place it and plug it into a mains socket, with no refrigerant pipework on site. That keeps install simple and cost low, and it is the format we specialise in. A remote unit puts the condensing unit away from the cabinet (often on the roof or a plant room) to reduce in-room heat and noise; it needs a refrigeration installer to run pipework and charge the line. For most HORECA and convenience buyers, plug-in R290 is the faster, lower-cost route.
R290 (propane) has strong thermodynamic properties, so plug-in R290 units usually run with lower energy use than older HFC models at the same cooling load. Efficiency also depends on climate class, door gaskets, LED lighting and the controller. We supply the EU energy label and model-specific consumption so you can compare like for like before purchase.
Chest freezers hold temperature better during power cuts and use less energy because cold air does not spill out when opened; they suit back-of-house frozen storage. Upright freezers give faster product access and a smaller footprint at the point of sale. Both are available from us as self-contained R290 units. Pick chest for storage volume, upright for display and grab-and-go.
In Australia, commercial refrigeration must meet MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) under the GEMS program — without a registered model it cannot be sold. The RCM mark shows the product meets electrical safety and EMC requirements. We register models for the Australian market and supply RCM-marked, tropical-rated (T4 / up to 38 °C) units for 240 V / 50 Hz. Pure R290 hydrocarbon units also sit outside the HFC equipment-licensing (EQPL) scope, which can simplify import.
Yes. Self-contained commercial fridges fall under the EU energy labelling framework, so the class and label must be shown on the product and in the documentation we supply. The label is part of the CE / ErP compliance package for the EU market.
Yes. Buying direct from the factory removes distributor margins and shortens the spec-to-quote loop. We are a lean manufacturer (OBM) of self-contained R290 display fridges and plug-in coolers, building to the same specification as tier-one brands at a significantly below tier-one list price. We reply within one business day and support OEM/ODM with fast tooling and low MOQ.
Yes. We support OEM (your brand, our build) and ODM (co-developed models) for R290 glass-door display fridges, back-bar fridges, countertop units and chest freezers. Typical work includes logo, packaging, controller tuning and climate-class settings for your market. Tooling is fast and MOQ is low compared with tier-one suppliers.
Yes. Private label (your brand on our R290 units) is a core service — we handle build, compliance documentation (CE / RCM / CBAM-ready where applicable) and packaging, while you own the brand and the customer relationship. This lets distributors and brand owners launch a compliant R290 range without running their own factory.
Yes. We build self-contained R290 display fridges to the same specification as tier-one global brands, at a significantly below tier-one list price, with faster R290 iteration and more flexible OEM/ODM. The point to weigh is brand recall: tier-one names are pre-known to buyers, while we win on cost, lead time and customisation. Many distributors list both — tier-one for name recognition, our range for margin.
Our MOQ is low compared with tier-one suppliers, which lets distributors and brand owners test a market or a model without a large first order. Exact MOQ depends on model and customization (standard units vs OEM/ODM). Tell us the models and volumes you have in mind and we will quote.
