Recent research by Foster Refrigerator into the refrigeration needs of a variety of pubs found that nearly half made use of domestic cabinets. Such cost skimping is short-sighted and dangerous, in the view of Foster sales director John Savage. "Commercial equipment is a necessity , not a luxury," he says, pointing out that potential fines for inadequate food storage can run to thousands of pounds or even imprisonment.
Shortcomings of domestic cabinets cited by Savage include inability to cope with high ambient temperatures or to recover temperature adequately because of the constant opening of fridge doors in commercial environments. Domestic cabinets also have less durable external and internal finish, greater potential for harbouring grime and bacteria and proneness to more frequent breakdowns.