Santoprene vs. PVC Gaskets: Material Differences & Best-Use Applications for Commercial Refrigeration

When it comes to your commercial refrigeration, do you know the differences between Santoprene^TM and PVC gaskets? Door gaskets are primarily made of two materials: Santoprene^TM or PVC. By understanding gasket material types, you can get the most out of your appliance and investment.

From durability strength to best-use applications, below is a comparison guide on Santoprene^TM and PVC gaskets so you can choose the right material for your business’s needs.

SHOP STOCK DOOR GASKETS CUSTOM ORDER DOOR GASKETS

Santoprene^TM vs. PVC Gaskets: What is the Difference?

When deciding between Santoprene^TM or PVC gaskets for your commercial refrigeration, it is crucial to understand their material differences and the pros and cons of each. It ensures you maintain the correct interior temperature and preserve the appliance’s lifespan.

Whether you are a business owner or a key decision maker, here is what you should know about the differences between Santoprene^TM and PVC gaskets, including operating temperatures, costs, installation, and more.

What is Santoprene^TM (TPV)?

What are Santoprene^TM gaskets made of? A Santoprene^TM gasket is manufactured with thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) and is a subcategory of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). The gasket has vulcanized rubber particles distributed throughout a plastic base. Santoprene^TM is the most popular gasket brand name and the most commonly used TPV gasket material.

Since Santoprene^TM has a wider climate tolerance. It can be used in refrigerators, freezers, and other low-temperature commercial appliances. They’re also applicable to warmers and hot food boxes at foodservice facilities.

Santoprene^TM gaskets have a temperature range from -40°F to 260°F, making them ideal for commercial applications with hotter and freezing environments. Its stronger resistance to breakdown from long-term exposure of grease, citrus, and other chemical-based cleaners makes it a practical option.

Foodservice sectors where these types of cleaning products are often used can benefit greatly from this gasket material. However, since Santoprene^TM is a complex blend of materials, its average price points are higher than standard PVC costs.

What is PVC (Vinyl)?

PVC vinyl gaskets are made of polyvinyl chloride. It is one of the most popular door gasket materials available due to its lower cost and higher profile accessibility. For these reasons, custom gaskets will most likely only be required if your appliance is outdated or custom-manufactured.

Due to its strong usage performance and impact protection, industry applications for PVC gasket material typically include all types of commercial refrigeration equipment. However, PVC has a relatively narrow temperature range of -15°F to 160°F, making it less ideal for extreme temperatures, like freezer rooms or heated cabinets.

PVC’s weaker breakdown resistance from grease, citrus, and chemical cleaning exposure means a shorter life span if these products are used. PVC is less expensive but less durable if not cleaned regularly with a soap and water solution. Chemical cleaners should be avoided.

Santoprene^TM or PVC Gaskets: Which is Best for Your Commercial Refrigeration?

There are advantages and disadvantages to all refrigeration equipment and materials, depending on your commercial application. There are environments where Santoprene^TM is the better option for commercial refrigeration and others where PVC may be more practical.

Santoprene^TM Gasket Material Advantages & Disadvantages

If your commercial refrigeration equipment is in areas with large amounts of oil, grease, and harsh chemicals, Santoprene^TM should be your gasket choice due to its durability and stain resistance. If you have a smaller budget, Santoprene^TM may not be best due to its higher costs.

Advantages of using Santoprene^TM TPV for commercial refrigeration gaskets include:

• Wider operating temperature range
• Durable and heat-aging-resistant
• Longer average lifespan
• Resistance to breakdown due to the use of chemical or citrus-based cleaners

Disadvantages include:

• Higher material cost
• Limited profiles available (although more are becoming regularly available)

Now that you know the pros and cons of Santoprene^TM, below we will explain its best-use applications.

Best Use Applications for Santoprene^TM Door Gaskets

Santoprene^TM is ideal for refrigeration equipment requiring wider operating temperatures and stronger resistance to chemical/citrus cleaners. Industries, such as restaurants and industrial laundromats benefit more from this gasket material type.

Best-use applications for Santoprene^TM include galley cook lines, warming cabinets, and blast chillers due to its wider temperature range of -40 to 260°F compared to PVC. Due to this fact, it is important to point out that most foodservice OEMs are moving from PVC to Santoprene for the majority of their products.

PVC Gasket Material Advantages & Disadvantages

PVC is the more cost-effective gasket material due to its lower price points. However, it is less durable when compared to Santoprene^TM.

Advantages of using PVC gasket material for commercial refrigeration include:

• Relatively affordable
• Flexible structure for diverse applications
• More profiles available

Disadvantages include:

• Less durable
• Narrower operating temperature range
• Less resistance to chemical or citrus-based cleaners

Now that you know the pros and cons of PVC, below are its best-use applications.

Best Use Applications for PVC Door Gaskets

PVC gaskets are commonly used for standard refrigeration doors and drawers in most foodservice applications.

Shop Santoprene^TM & PVC Gaskets at Breakaway Enterprises

Now that you understand the differences between Santoprene^TM vs. PVC gaskets, ensure you purchase these parts from a reputable supplier. At Breakaway Enterprises, we are a distributor and manufacturer of commercial refrigeration gaskets with over 60+ years of combined staff experience.

We sell a variety of gaskets in different profiles and sizes to fit any commercial refrigeration equipment in both Santoprene^TM and PVC materials.

If you do not see the commercial refrigeration gasket you are looking for, we offer custom gasket fabrication that can be applied to most OEM doors and drawers on the market. We can provide custom gaskets for popular OEM brand names, such as True Manufacturing, Anthony, Hussmann, Silver King, Delfield, and many more.

Our slogan is: If we don’t stock it, we’ll make it.

Shop Santoprene^TM and PVC gaskets or contact us for help deciding between Santoprene^TM and PVC materials today!

SHOP STOCK DOOR GASKETS CUSTOM ORDER DOOR GASKETS