While it is not accurate to say that all European hotels and restaurants lack refrigerators or freezers, it is true that the provision of such appliances in European hospitality establishments can differ from what you might find in some other regions like North America. Several factors contribute to this variation:
Cultural Differences: European dining culture often emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and meals are frequently prepared from scratch. As a result, there may be less need for large refrigerators or freezers to store pre-prepared or frozen items.
Storage Space: Many European hotels and restaurants, especially those in older buildings or city centers, might have limited space available. In such cases, prioritizing storage space for fresh produce and essential ingredients might take precedence over dedicating space to large refrigerators or freezers.
Frequent Shopping: European culinary practices often involve more frequent trips to local markets and shops to purchase fresh ingredients as needed. Unlike some cultures where bulk shopping and freezing meals are common, Europeans may shop for groceries more frequently.
Historical Norms: Historically, commercial refrigeration might not have been as widely available or used in European establishments as it has been in some other parts of the world.
Energy Efficiency: European countries tend to place a high value on energy efficiency and sustainability. Large refrigerators and freezers can consume significant amounts of energy, so some establishments may opt for smaller, more energy-efficient models or choose not to have them at all.
Different Menu Styles: European cuisine often focuses on seasonal and regional dishes that do not require long-term storage, making the need for large refrigeration units less critical.
While some European hotels and restaurants may have smaller refrigerators or cooling units in certain areas, the absence of large refrigerators or freezers is not uncommon and generally aligns with their culinary traditions and operational practices. However, it's worth noting that practices can vary widely across different countries and regions within Europe, and some modern or larger establishments may indeed have more extensive refrigeration facilities.