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Frigibar LLC

Letter From Shuly Oletzky: Frigibar is Back in Fort Lauderdale with New Ownership and Opportunities

Late last year when I announced that Frigibar Industries Inc. would cease operations, I received an overwhelming amount of support from customers, partners, and friends. From letters thanking us for a cockpit freezer that is still working 30 years after it was delivered to brand partners calling to express their appreciation, every word meant the world to me.

47 years after my father, Sheldon Oletzky, started the brand that we are today, the closing of the business was bittersweet. I was proud of our accomplishments and the legacy we left behind, but disappointed that we no longer would serve the yacht owners, captains, and crews we know and love.

I am very pleased to announce that Frigibar is back in business with many exciting changes to announce and unveil over the next several months.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Frigibar, we build handcrafted, custom-built freezer/refrigerator units, fiberglass cockpit freezers, dock boxes, insulated fish boxes, ice chests, and more. Our products are available online at Frigibar.com and now, in a brand new showroom in Fort Lauderdale.

Frigibar was recently acquired by marine industry entrepreneur Seann Pavlik, who has been a loyal customer, supporter and friend of Frigibar for decades. Seann has built a reputation for providing boat owners with exceptional products through is companies; Misters Unlimited, Innovative Products, and IceFree. Frigibar has now joined his family of brands as Frigibar, LLC.

The Frigibar brand has always stood for quality and delivering exceptional value in customer service to boat owners, captains, and crews worldwide. Finding this fit with Seann and his family of companies is a dream come true for Frigibar. Frigibar is now located in Fort Lauderdale.

Our new headquarters and showroom is located at 1632 NE 12th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale, and the showroom will be available weekdays 10 AM – 4 PM and alternative times are available by appointment. Frigibar units, including cockpit freezers are currently on display and available for purchase.

Shuly Oletzky

I want to thank you all for your support over the years. I will remain a part of Frigibar and support the vision Seann has for the future. I am very much looking forward to new product lines and a lot of exciting changes that are on the horizon for the near future. We plan to resume our boat show schedule this year and will be announcing our participation for 2018 shows soon.

Please feel free to contact us at info@frigibar.com, call at 305-757-7697, and visit Frigibar.com for additional information.

Sincerely,

—  Shuly Oletzky, Frigibar, LLC

Frigibar at FLIBS

FLIBS 2017: Come Out and Join Frigibar at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Over 1,000 exhibitors, including Frigibar, and more than 1,500 boats will be on display at the 58th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The show will take place November 1-5 in the Yachting Capital of the World.

Schedule Ahead to Meet with Frigibar

FLIBS Boat Show

Frigibar will once again be exhibiting at the show and will be available to meet with you one-on-one during the show. Schedule a time to meet with Frigibar during the show by emailing us at info@frigibar.com or calling us at 305-757-7697. Whether you’re considering a marine refrigerator or freezer for your boat or just want to say hi to the Frigibar team, feel free to stop on by booth 541.

A Whole New Show

In March, it was announced that Informa’s Global Exhibitions division acquired Yachting Promotions Inc., which included the acquisition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). It didn’t take long for Informa to make changes to the show, and we think for the better. For the first time, this year’s FLIBS will run from Wednesday until Sunday, instead of ending on a Monday which had been a slower day for the show.

The show will feature runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, extraordinary superyachts, and of course, the best in marine refrigeration (Frigibar!).

We hope to see you there! For tickets, visit FLIBS.com here. Follow Frigibar on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to join in on the fun and get live updates from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Boat Shows

How are Frigibar Cockpit Freezers DIfferent from Other Marine Refrigeration Units?

Appliances play an important role in our lives. However, we rarely look through catalogs and learn about types of appliances before needing to replace one that’s going bad. This creates a small learning curve, meaning the buyer has to quickly learn the difference between what’s available and which unit will fit their exact needs and preferences.

Explore Your Options: Marine Refrigeration Options for Boats and Yachts: What’s Available?

When looking for an additional or replacement yacht freezer, there are significant differences between a Frigibar and other freezer/refrigerators on the market, but they aren’t always obvious. We asked Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky “What makes Frigibar Cockpit Freezers different from other marine refrigeration units?” Here’s what she had to say about the Frigibar Cockpit Freezers, which are the leading product in Frigibar’s product catalog:

“One of the most interesting things about Frigibar Cockpit Freezers is that they are designed to be outside on your vessel. This is unlike the majority of refrigeration options available for the galley or under a cabinet.

The Frigibar Cockpit Freezer line is designed to be part of the deck of the boat, giving you significantly more cold storage that might be hard to find in other sizes that are available. They are also pretty versatile in addition to the extra space that you will gain. You can put them on the sundeck and use them for additional seating if you decide on a bench seat.  

We provide options for a 3-inch or 1.5-inch cushion depending on the model that you’re interested in. These units blend in very nicely and enhance and expand the seating area.”

Learn more about Frigibar’s Cockpit Freezers and reserve yours today here!

How Does a Condensing Unit Work in a Marine Refrigeration System?

Freezers are made for different environments and purposes. In marine refrigeration, units have to be able to perform in a tropical climate, be environment resistant and even rustproof, and be crafted to meet the needs and preferences of the owner, captain, and crew. One of those needs is being able to freeze items solid at an extremely low temperature.

A condensing unit, along with a well-insulated box, thermostat, and properly functioning freezer, can accomplish temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

One of the questions I get when discussing our freezer/refrigerators is, “How does a condensing unit work?”

A function of a condenser is defined as; “In systems involving heat transfer, a condenser is a device or unit used to condense a substance from its gaseous to its liquid state, by cooling it.”

A condensing unit is comprised of all the components required for a refrigeration system to remove heat from the interior of the freezer or refrigerator by putting gas through a meter and into an evaporator. The gas is returned to the condenser which cools the gas, turning it back into a liquid before it is then returned to the compressor to start the process all over again.

Once the temperature inside the box reaches the programmed temperature of the thermostat, the unit stops, and when the temperature returns back above the programmed amount it turns the system back on again. This is the refrigeration system’s cycle.

To simplify, a condensing unit is the heart which makes your freezer or refrigerator work, keeping your food, drinks, or bait cold and fresh so you can enjoy your weekend outing or fishing trip.

Having manufactured handcrafted marine refrigeration systems over forty-five years, we take pride in having informed customers. To help captains, crews, and owners understand their systems better, we provide content on specific aspects of marine refrigeration. What would you like to know more about? Email us your questions at info@frigibar.com.

Freezing on a Boat: 9 Marine Refrigeration Articles Worth Reading

Marine refrigeration is an important aspect of being able to enjoy time on your boat or yacht. When it comes time to take a trip or entertain on your vessel, the last thing you want to worry about is if your refrigerator will keep drinks cold or if your freezer will last the week you’ll be traveling.

Is your freezer up to the challenge of a long trip? Do you have the right unit for your adventures? Have you customized your refrigerator or freezer to better serve your needs? We’ve compiled our recent articles on marine refrigeration and the best content from our friends in the industry to help answer these questions and others.

Why Is a Freezer an Important Appliance for Your Boat or Yacht?

Fiberglass Freezer

Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky answers the question “Why is a freezer an important appliance for your boat or yacht?”

“Freezers are important appliances anywhere. If you want to keep anything frozen, you need a freezer! If you’re considering whether or not it is important enough to take up space on your deck for a freezer, the considerations that you may go through are…”

Read the article and listen to the audio here!

15 Easy Steps to Defrost a Boat Freezer in Paradise

In 15 steps, with step #15 being “Make a gin and tonic with the bag of partially thawed ice cubes. Waste not want not,” this fun step-by-step guide covers how to painlessly defrost a freezer while out on the water. It also details the author’s previously daunting process of defrosting their marine refrigeration unit.

Read the full article here!

8 Ways a Boat Freezer Can Be Customized: Yacht Marine Refrigeration Customization

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Booth Frigibar

Not all freezers are created equal, nor do they all have to look the same. There are various ways you can customize your boat’s freezer, from mounting options to finishes to other bells and whistles (not literally).

Read the full article here!

Troubleshooting Marine Refrigeration

While we always recommend you work with a refrigeration technician to be safe and to avoid causing damage to your unit, this guide published by YachtWork.com covers ways to troubleshoot marine air and marine refrigeration.

Read the full article here!

Marine Refrigeration Fit: How to Determine What Size Freezer or Refrigerator is Right for Your Boat or Yacht

One of the hardest parts of finding the right freezer for your boat or yacht is determining the size of the unit you can fit in the space you have available. Frigibar, with help from President Shuly Oletzky, created the Marine Refrigeration Fit guide to help you navigate fitting the best freezer for your boat or yacht on it.

Read the full article here!

Trip Necessities: 5 Things to Keep in Your Boat’s Freezer on a Long Trip

Boat SHow Picture

Planning for a long trip or just curious as to what you should have in your boat’s freezer if you decide to stay out on the water a few days longer? Here are five things you should keep in your freezer during those long adventures.

Read the full article here!

Taking Care of Your Marine Refrigeration Systems

Frigibar Freezer

Frigibar Captain Freezer

Maintenance of your marine refrigeration systems, just like your boat, is important to maintain its appearance and proper function. Published by our friends at Yachting-Pages.com, here’s a guide along with quick tips for crews on how to perform maintenance on your marine refrigeration systems.

Read the full article here!

When Power Goes Out: Refrigerator and Freezer Food Safety Tips for Boating Trips

Having access to power on our boats is something we often take for granted. But what about when power isn’t available and you have food items in your freezer and refrigerator? Check out these tips on how to safely go about saving and consuming your food items when power’s not available.

Read the full article here!

How Dual Control for Refrigerators and Freezers Works

Not every freezer is just a freezer. Thanks to “Dual Control,” some marine refrigeration units can be utilized as either a freezer or refrigerator. Here’s how it works:

Read the full article here!

Looking for more? Check out the Boat Freezers and Marine Refrigeration Playlist on YouTubeHave an article you feel would be perfect to add to this list? Email info@frigibar.com.

Frigibar Featured in Superyacht Business Magazine HVAC Special Report

The February edition of the Superyacht Business Magazine featured a special HVAC report written by Terry Jones. The report covers different HVAC considerations for boat owners and crews, manufacturers, and unique products in the industry. The report, in addition to heating and air conditioning, also covers refrigeration and freezing, and features a comment from Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky.

Superyacht Business Magazine

Superyacht Business Magazine: 

“Frigibar – which specialises in auxiliary ‘on-deck units’ – told SYB: “These units may be exposed to extremely harsh marine elements, and must therefore be specially designed. In the spirit of simplicity, we build our freezers and refrigerators with limited electronics or moving parts to maximize the unit’s lifetime performance and minimize the inconvenience of a needed repair”.”

You can purchase your full copy of the issue here on Magzter.com, and to learn more about what Frigibar provides, visit Frigibar.com.

Revisit the 2017 Miami International Boat Show with Frigibar Through Pictures

The 2017 Miami International Boat Show marked the 51st time Frigibar has exhibited at the show. This year’s show, the second in a row held at Miami Marine Stadium, featured over 1,300 boats and welcomed over 100,000 visitors to the five-day event. If you follow Frigibar on social media (we’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest), you’ve probably seen some of our pictures from the event.

Frigibar and Brownies Yacht Diver at Miami International Boat Show

Whether you saw what we were up to or not, we’d love to share this year’s adventure with you through the pictures we’ve uploaded to our 2017 Miami International Boat Show Pinterest board here. From new vessels to fabulous views, to pictures with friends, we tried to capture a wide variety of what happened at the show.

Frigibar’s Shuly Oletzky Talks Miami Boat Show on Entertaining Business Podcast Episode #176

In a packed show that includes Valentine’s Day tips, stories, and news, Nora and Jesse welcome Shuly Oletzky of Frigibar Industries to discuss the upcoming Miami International Boat Show. This year’s show will take place February 16 and runs through Monday, February 20, and for the second year, will be in Virginia Key at the Miami Marine Stadium.

Over 1,300 boats will be displayed at the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, which is one of the largest boat shows in the world with over 100,000 attendees. Many of the thousands of visitors will be boat and yacht owners and crews, but the event is not just for owners. Asked about who should attend the Miami Boat Show, Oletzky said, “Anybody that likes to fish, kayak, or boat. There are 1100 exhibitors and there is something for everybody.”

Despite the large crowd attending the event, there will be water taxis, buses, and many ways for visitors to attend and get around to the different areas of the show. Visit MiamiBoatShow.com for more information and to get your tickets.

Come and see Shuly Oletzky and the quality marine refrigeration units, dock boxes from Frigibar, and a special creation from Pull Coolers in Tent C at Booth C554 throughout the show. For more information on Frigibar, visit Frigibar.com. Listen to the full episode of Entertaining Business here:

What’s the best way to keep things cool? Icicle Plates now available!

After decades of inventions and technological advances, we’re still faced with many of the same questions we’ve had all our lives. What’s actually in a hot dog? How long are you supposed to wait after eating to jump in the water? What’s the best way to keep a beer cold?

For at least one of those questions, we may be closer to the answer.

Food and drinks don’t stay cool for long on a hot day on the beach or out on the water on a boat. We have plenty of options for trying to solve the same problem of how best to keep something cool, from koozies to coolers to bags of ice to a Beersicle. Introducing Icicle Plates, one of the newest, and possibly the best, way of keeping cold things colder for longer.

Icicle Plates are made to be frozen at 0° Fahrenheit. Because they are filled with a food-safe 4% saline solution, they freeze at a lower temperature, and are more effective at staying colder for longer. This means your food and drinks will be kept safely chilled for everyone to enjoy. When using several Icicle Plates, it’s possible to keep pre-chilled products cold (under 40 degrees) for up to 24 hours in an insulated box or enclosed cooler. Icicle Plates can also be used as a supplement in a freezer on-board a boat by leaving the Icicle Plate in the freezer at all times.

Icicle Plates don’t require electricity and can be placed in large coolers. The plates, made of durable plastic, measure 24-1/2”L x 14-1/2”W x 1”H. They are completely reusable and can be refrozen again and again. Also, they have a handle molded into one of the ends so you won’t freeze your hands while getting them from the freezer to the cooler.

There are just three steps for using Icicle Plates for a better day in the sun:

  1. Freeze until solid, preferably in a freezer at 0° Fahrenheit
  2. Put the plate and cold food or drinks into your cooler or insulated box
  3. Enjoy the rest of the day on the water!

This is the first time these innovative plates are being offered to the marine industry.

At an introductory price of $150.00 for a set of two, one Icicle Plate is less than the cost of a new cooler and will turn any enclosed, insulated box into a more effective solution for your day-long adventure. Icicle Plates have been proven to perform better than ice, and they provide a cold, clean, safe and drier environment for food and drinks. So stop buying 10 bags of ice, hoping they will last an entire day and pack Icicle Plates instead. Contact Info@Frigibar.com to order your Icicle Plates.

6 Freezing Tips to Help You Use Your Freezer Like a Pro

sw5-mibs-2012

Cooking, baking, refrigerating, and freezing — on the surface, they all seem like extremely simple actions. In reality, there are tips, secrets, and right and wrong ways to approach each. Unlike cooking and baking, you won’t find many online courses, schools, or reality television shows dedicated to freezing or refrigerating items, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. Freezing properly will extend the life of your freezer and your food, and ensure food safety.

At Frigibar, freezing is our business. We’ve been manufacturing quality marine refrigeration products for over 45 years. To help you utilize your freezer like a pro, here are six freezing tips you can start using today.

Rotate and Organize:

A big, thick steak that’s currently at room temperature is going to take more effort from your freezer to freeze than a bag of frozen vegetables. When loading non-frozen items into your freezer, rotate the contents in your unit to efficiently freeze what you’re putting in. For units that are not designed to recirculate the cold air, items closest to the evaporator coils will cool or freeze more quickly.

If the items against the evaporator or walls of the freezer freeze first, this could insulate the items in the middle. Think of an igloo — cold blocks of ice on the outside and a protected area in the middle. By rotating the contents from the middle to the walls or against the evaporator and the solid frozen items from the walls nearest the evaporator to the middle, you will be sure to completely freeze all items in the unit.

Let It Cool First: Freezer systems are designed to remove warm air from the box. If placing hot food into your freezer, not only will your unit have to work much harder to cool and freeze the item, the temperature in your unit will temporarily increase, which could impact other items in the freezer.

Don’t risk the safety of your frozen food or overwork your freezer by putting hot items into it too soon. There are freezer systems designed specifically for cooling hot food. If you don’t have one of these systems, consider letting the food cool or even pop it into the refrigerator for a bit before transferring it to the freezer.

Create Space Between Food:

Overcrowding, like having an HVAC vent that’s closed, can prevent the cooling of what’s in your freezer. By creating space between food items, cold air can properly circulate around items in your freezer.

Tip: For a few dollars apiece, you can purchase plastic bins with holes to create space in between items and organize your food.

Don’t Freeze It!: Not every food item should be frozen. Travel and Cook has the following list of what you shouldn’t be freezing:

  • Raw eggs still in the shell (they will expand and may crack)
  • Hard-boiled eggs go rubbery
  • Vegetables with a high water content, such as lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts and radishes, go limp and mushy
  • Soft herbs, like parsley, basil, and chives, go brown
  • Egg-based sauces, such as mayonnaise, will separate and curdle
  • Plain yogurt, low-fat cream cheese, single cream and cottage cheese go watery

Additional Tip: Carbonated beverages should not be frozen or placed inside your freezer due to the risk of the cans or bottles exploding.

Keep It Running and Occupied: Freezer systems want to run, constantly. Keeping your freezer plugged in and running will keep the system functioning at its best. An empty freezer will have to work harder, so if you pull all the contents out, leave a couple of jugs of water inside and turn the temperature to a warmer setting.

While it won’t hurt the system to turn it off for a season, a system that runs constantly will have a longer life. If you do decide to shut it down while not in use, prop the lid or door open to avoid mold and mildew growth inside the unit. If you have to leave the door or lid closed, look into placing something like a jar of Tea Tree Power Gel, that naturally eliminates mold, mildew and odors inside to keep you the interior of your freezer unit fresh for your return.

Defrost Ice Build-Up: It is inevitable to get some frost build-up in your freezer. This frost is created from moisture that gets into the box and is most commonly due to a poor seal or just from normal use of opening and closing the unit letting warm air in, which turns into water vapor. Having a huge block of ice on your evaporator or walls of your freezer will make it run less efficiently.

Depending on your freezer system, there are a few ways to defrost your system safely and properly. Some freezers come with a build-in automatic defrost. If you have an auto-defrost system you’re in luck, and you don’t have to do anything since the system will care for itself. If you have significant frost build up in a “frost-free” freezer, you may want to have a technician look at it as it could be a symptom of an issue. If your system doesn’t defrost automatically, here are three of the most common defrost options:

  1. Remove all the items in the freezer, turn it off and let the ice melt. Make sure to place some towels to catch the water so it doesn’t wind up on the floor.
  2. Wet a sponge with warm water and melt the ice as it is applied.
  3. If you have a chest or bench-style unit, like a Frigibar, with a drain in the bottom, running or pouring water over the ice build up to melt it will do the trick.

With any of the methods, make sure to wipe the freezer walls and evaporator coil dry before turning the system on.

Additional Tip: If you have a freezer system that uses an exposed evaporator plate, never, ever, ever (we can’t stress this enough) use an ice pick, knife, or other object that may puncture the evaporator plate. One small puncture will render your system useless and repairs or replacements are often costly.

Take good care of your freezer system and it will take care of you for a long time to come!

whats-in-your-cockpitUse the best in marine refrigeration – order your Frigibar marine refrigeration system today on Frigibar.com. Have questions? We are happy to help! Call 305-757-7697 to speak with one of our experts today.