Turbo Air

Refrigeration is the backbone of any commercial kitchen, yet it faces constant challenges. High energy consumption, excessive frost buildup, and temperature inconsistencies are common issues resulting from outdated or poorly maintained systems. These problems hinder efficiency and lead to food spoilage, increased costs, and operational disruptions.

For restaurant owners, unexpected equipment failures can bring the entire kitchen to a standstill, while preventive maintenance consumes valuable time and resources.

Turbo Air, the inventor of the self-cleaning condenser for commercial refrigeration, is addressing these problems at their core. Initially focused on commercial refrigeration, the company has expanded to design, manufacture, and distribute energy-efficient solutions, including refrigerators, open-air coolers, pharmaceutical coolers, lab equipment, cold chain transport systems, and unattended payment coolers. These solutions help businesses maintain efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure smooth operations.

Its groundbreaking self-cleaning condenser system, energy-saving fan controllers for refrigerators, and built-in high-temperature alarms for glass-door merchandisers and upright units are engineered to enhance efficiency and reliability for end users.

“Our product range spans multiple categories, offering tiered options within each—distinguished by price, features, finishes, and, in some cases, lifetime warranties for specific components. With a diverse selection and flexible pricing, we cater to every need and budget,” says Charles Kim, director of national accounts.

Self-Cleaning Condenser

Without proper maintenance, refrigerator condenser coils accumulate dust, significantly increasing energy consumption over time. This forces the compressor to run longer, extending the time required to lower product temperatures. Eventually, this can lead to premature compressor failure and an inability to maintain the desired temperature.

“Our patented self-cleaning condenser has helped many clients by automatically cleaning the condenser coils several times a day, allowing them to focus on running their business,” says Kim.

The self-cleaning condenser uses a fine mesh filter to capture dust, while a rotating brush moves up and down two to three times daily to remove excess buildup. This prevents accumulation, ensures peak efficiency, and reduces the risk of premature system failure.

Additionally, the energy savings gained from improved fan controls can be negated if the condenser is not clean. A clean condenser and a smart fan won’t make much difference if the door is left open for extended periods or if the unit malfunctions and requires repairs. Turbo Air’s products include an audible alarm when the door is left open and display error codes when issues arise. These enhancements collectively improve energy efficiency and reliability for customers.

Pursuit of Flawless Equipment

For restaurants, equipment reliability is non-negotiable. The impact of equipment failure on daily operations can be devastating, halting service and eroding customer trust. Turbo Air understands this reality and has committed to a bold mission: A Race to 0 Percent. This initiative aims for an unprecedented defect ratio of zero percent, ensuring every unit performs flawlessly from the start.

In contrast, the industry average defect ratio hovers between 7 and 10 percent, meaning 7 to 10 out of every 100 units fail within their first year of use. Turbo Air sets itself apart with a defect ratio of three percent or lower, depending on the product category. This remarkable achievement is the result of relentless reinvestment in product improvement. With every innovation, the company moves closer to its ultimate goal of zero percent.

The Speed of Service

Delivery delays and freight damage are persistent challenges in the commercial refrigeration industry. Waiting weeks— or even months—for a replacement, only to have it arrive damaged, is a frustrating setback no one can afford. Turbo Air addresses these issues with 13 privately owned warehouses strategically located across the U.S. This network enables the company to deliver products within one to three business days, reducing transit distances and minimizing freight damage.

“Our network of factory-trained technicians spans the U.S., each equipped with vans stocked with replacement parts. This ensures most repairs are completed on the first visit, eliminating follow-ups, minimizing downtime, and maximizing customer satisfaction,” says Kim.

Innovation in Action

Amazon was just beginning to roll out its innovative "Just Walk Out" program, an unattended payment solution designed to revolutionize the shopping experience. This technology allows customers to enter a secure space, use their credit card to access the area, pick up food, beverages, and essentials, and leave without ever interacting with a cashier. At the time, Amazon's system required seamless integration of their sensors and wiring into the refrigerators themselves. Turbo Air worked hand-in-hand with Amazon's engineering team to incorporate these components into its Open Air Merchandisers and Island Coolers. This collaboration played a pivotal role in launching the first unattended kiosk at Dallas Love Field Airport, in partnership with the Hudson Group (now Avolta). This project highlighted Turbo Air’s expertise in refrigeration as well as in understanding and adapting to the technologies driving innovation in other industries, creating a sophisticated and functional system that bridged the gap between cutting-edge tech and reliable refrigeration.

Thoughtful Designs

Turbo Air’s commitment to innovation is evident in every aspect of its product design, driven by a deep understanding of customer needs. Features like rounded corners minimize the risk of injury in busy kitchen environments. LED lighting inside under-counter refrigeration units ensures operators can easily see and access items. Pressure relief valves, standard in Turbo Air products, address an often-overlooked issue: vacuum formation when refrigerator doors are opened or closed rapidly. These valves ensure doors open smoothly, even in high-traffic kitchens.

Turbo Air’s solutions are also informed by extensive market research. Serving customers in 68 countries, the company tailors products to meet unique regional needs, from varying regulations and price points to size and design preferences. Its modular engineering approach ensures adaptability and responsiveness to market demands.

Additionally, Turbo Air’s dedication to quality is unmatched. Unlike the industry standard, where only 5 to 10 percent of units are randomly tested, Turbo Air conducts full diagnostic tests on 100 percent of its units before packaging. This drastically reduces the chances of units being dead on arrival (DOA). The company also routinely tests supplier components and provides feedback to improve quality.

Its design philosophy emphasizes that both form and function are crucial to a truly great product. In a world of stainless squares and white rectangles, Turbo Air incorporates beautifully rounded curves, bold geometric lines, and futuristic materials such as mirrored finishes and space gray coatings. The company aims to inspire a sense of distinction in its products, driving its commitment to not only enhancing functionality but also continuously refining designs and refreshing visual aesthetics every few years.

Turbo Air's Self-Cleaning Condenser Pays for Itself

Turbo Air partnered with Frontier Energy, a consulting firm specializing in energy efficiency, to validate the energy-saving claims of its self-cleaning condenser. Tests with control and experimental units showed that the self-cleaning condenser effectively removed dust buildup and restored energy consumption to near-new levels. When dust clogged the condenser, the compressor ran 66 percent longer to reach the refrigerator's set temperature.

This breakthrough technology, combined with the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly refrigerants, reinforces its dedication to sustainability. Turbo Air’s products deliver both cost savings and a positive environmental impact, leading the way in energy-efficient solutions for commercial refrigeration.

Targeting New Markets and Seizing New Opportunities

Turbo Air has recently strengthened its presence in Mexico and South America by establishing dedicated sales and service teams in Cancun. Building on this momentum, the company is now planning further expansion into Mexico City and Ecuador, recognizing the growing demand in these markets for dependable products at competitive prices—areas where Turbo Air excels.

When it comes to functional innovations, Turbo Air is excited to announce its venture into new product categories beyond refrigeration, which will be showcased at its booth this year at NAFEM. By thinking outside the conventional box and looking ahead to the technologies of the future, the company has been working on several groundbreaking advancements. These include remote monitoring solutions, multifunctional equipment, unattended refrigerated kiosks, rapid cooldown technologies, alternate refrigerants, and a stronger focus on incorporating sustainable materials and practices into its products.

Additionally, Turbo Air is in the early stages of exploring a strategic partnership with manufacturing and distribution collaborators in Europe. Europe, with its diverse markets and strong focus on design and energy efficiency, aligns seamlessly with Turbo Air’s innovative and aesthetically driven solutions. The company is confident that its cutting-edge approach will resonate strongly with European consumers.