In a commercial kitchen, refrigeration has to do more than keep food cold, it has to stand up to daily use, moisture, cleaning, and constant loading and unloading. One of the biggest factors in how well a unit performs over time is its finish.
Most Continental Refrigerator units come standard with a stainless steel front, aluminum end panels, and an aluminum interior, a balanced combination of durability, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. From there, operators can choose upgraded finishes based on how and where their refrigeration is used.
Here's a breakdown of Continental's most popular finish options and how to decide which is right for your space.
Understanding Continental's Finish Options
Aluminum
- Back-of-house storage
- Low-impact environments
- Operators looking for durability at a lower cost
Aluminum Exterior with Stainless Steel Interior
- Prep kitchens and high-use storage
- Moisture- or acid-heavy food storage
- Operators who want durability inside without full stainless pricing
Stainless Steel Interior & Exterior
- High-volume operations
- Institutional and healthcare kitchens
- Customer-facing or open kitchens
Custom & Modified Finish Options
How to Choose the Right Commercial Refrigerator Finish
The best finish depends on how your kitchen actually operates. Consider:
- How often the unit is opened
- Whether it's in a high-traffic area
- Exposure to moisture, acids, and heavy pans
- Whether the unit is visible to customers
From cost-effective aluminum to full stainless and custom finishes, Continental gives operators the flexibility to match their refrigeration to their workflow, not the other way around.
Continental Refrigerator gives operators the flexibility to choose finishes that match how their kitchen really works. Whether you need lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum for back-of-house storage, rugged stainless steel for high-volume prep, or custom finishes for a branded front-of-house look, the right materials help extend equipment life, simplify cleaning, and support a smoother daily workflow.
Explore Continental Refrigerator's full lineup of refrigeration solutions, contact your Sam Tell rep to find the right finish, configuration, and performance level for your operation.









