A commercial display fridge is an essential investment for businesses in the food and beverage industry. Whether you run a café, restaurant, bakery, or convenience store, choosing the right display fridge can enhance product visibility, improve efficiency, and reduce energy costs. However, with various options available, selecting the best one requires careful consideration. This display refrigeration buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision when buying a commercial display fridge.
What is a Display Fridge?
A display fridge keeps food and drinks cold while showcasing them to customers. It has glass doors or an open front, allowing people to see the products inside without opening the fridge. These fridges are common in shops, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants. Display fridges store items like bottled drinks, dairy products, desserts, and ready-to-eat meals.
The core purpose of a display fridge is to keep products fresh while making them easy to browse and purchase.
Types of Display Fridges:
There are different types of display fridges, each for specific business needs. Understanding the various options can help businesses choose the right one to enhance operations and improve customer experience.
Upright Display Fridges-
Upright display fridges are tall, standing refrigerators with glass doors. They resemble home fridges but they are bigger and suitable for commercial use. These fridges are ideal for supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, and petrol stations to store and display cold drinks, dairy products, and packaged foods.
They are beneficial because they save floor space while providing spacious storage, keep products visible and easily accessible, and include interior lighting that enhances product appeal.
Undercounter Display Fridges-
Undercounter display fridges are compact units that fit under a counter or bar. They are commonly used in bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and commercial kitchens for quick access to chilled drinks and small food items. These fridges are perfect because they save space, keep essential ingredients within reach, and often come with glass doors for easy visibility.
Countertop Display Fridges-
Countertop display fridges are small units placed on countertops to showcase fresh food and beverages like cakes, sandwiches, and bottled drinks. They are commonly found in bakeries, cafes, delis, and convenience stores.
Their main advantages include being small and easy to place, perfect for displaying fresh food at checkout counters. The curved glass fronts make products look more attractive.
Serve-Over Counters-
Serve-over counters are large, horizontal fridges with a glass display on top. They allow your staff to serve customers from behind the counter. They are ideal for bakeries, and butcher shops, where fresh food such as meats, cheeses, and salads are sold by weight.
These fridges provide a large display area, keep food cold and fresh while allowing direct customer service, and often include extra storage space underneath.
Multideck display fridges-
Multideck display fridges are large, open-front fridges with multiple shelves. They are commonly used in supermarkets, convenience stores, and petrol stations for dairy products, drinks, and ready-made meals. Their open-front design allows customers to grab products, and their multiple shelves enable large displays. Some models also come with glass doors for energy efficiency.
Impulse coolers-
Impulse coolers are small, colorful fridges near checkout areas to encourage last-minute purchases. These coolers are commonly found in convenience stores and petrol stations, storing energy drinks, water, chocolates, and small snacks. They are beneficial because they attract customers at checkout, are easy to place near counters, and feature bright lighting and eye-catching designs that increase sales.
Commercial beer fridges-
Commercial beer fridges, also known as back bar coolers, are glass-door fridges designed for bars, pubs, and nightclubs to store bottled and canned beverages. They are built for frequent use and keep drinks at the perfect serving temperature.
These fridges are valuable because they have strong cooling systems that maintain cold temperatures despite frequent door openings, have glass doors for quick drink selection, and feature attractive lighting that enhances the display.
Commercial wine coolers-
Commercial wine coolers are designed specifically for storing wine at optimal temperatures. They often have multiple temperature zones to accommodate different types of wine, such as red, white, and sparkling.
These fridges are commonly used in restaurants, wine bars, and retail stores. They are ideal because they maintain precise temperature control to preserve wine quality, some models include humidity control to prevent cork damage, and they securely hold wine bottles without shaking.
Each type of display fridge serves a unique purpose, and selecting the right one can benefit businesses by improving storage, accessibility, and product presentation.
Why Commercial Display Refrigeration is a Smart Investment for Your Business?
Commercial display refrigeration provides several advantages that help businesses in the food and beverage industry improve sales, efficiency, and food safety. Below is a simple explanation of the key benefits,
Better Product Visibility and More Sales:
Display fridges have glass doors and built-in lighting that make products easy to see. When your customers can see cold drinks, desserts, or other food items, they are more likely to buy them. This can increase impulse purchases, where customers decide to buy something on the spot. Businesses can also place these fridges in strategic locations, such as near the checkout counter or entrance, to attract attention to products or promotions.
Keeps Food Fresh and Safe:
Commercial display fridges maintain a stable, cold temperature. Both are crucial for keeping food fresh and safe. It helps prevent spoilage and reduces food waste, saving businesses money. Additionally, proper refrigeration ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.
Better Organization and Faster Service:
Since the products inside a display fridge are easy to see, staff can quickly check inventory and restock items before they run out. Well-organized displays also allow employees to serve customers faster. It is helpful during busy periods. When everything is in place, operations run smoothly, and customers experience shorter wait times.
Boosts Marketing and Business Image:
These fridges don’t just store products—they also act as a marketing tool. Businesses can use them to highlight new arrivals, special promotions, or best-selling items. A well-lit, stylish display fridge can make a shop, café, or restaurant look more modern and appealing, improving the overall atmosphere for customers.
Saves Energy and Lowers Costs:
Newer commercial display fridges have energy-saving features, such as efficient cooling systems and self-closing doors. Businesses can lower electricity bills while reducing the impact on the environment.
Easy to Clean and Maintain:
Many display fridges have glass doors and stainless-steel surfaces, making them simple to clean and sanitize. Keeping them clean is essential for food safety and an attractive presentation. Regular maintenance ensures good working conditions for years.
Investing in a commercial display fridge is a smart choice for businesses looking to enhance product presentation, improve food quality, and streamline operations. Whether in a café, supermarket, or restaurant, these fridges contribute to a better customer experience while helping businesses run more efficiently.
What to Consider When Buying a Commercial Display Fridge?
Choosing the right commercial display fridge is crucial for businesses in the food and beverage industry. With various types and models available, selecting the best one requires careful consideration of factors like product type, size, energy efficiency, maintenance, and features. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the right choice.
- What Kind of Stock Are You Displaying?
The type of products you plan to store and showcase will determine which display fridge is best for your business.
- Refrigerated food items (dairy products, meats, drinks, fresh fruits, and packaged meals) are best stored in upright display fridges. These allow for easy product visibility and accessibility.
- Frozen goods (like ice bags, frozen fruits and vegetables, pre-packaged frozen meals, and ice cream) require an upright display freezer, which keeps products at freezing temperatures.
- Cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and baked goods should be stored in a cake display fridge. These fridges have curved or straight glass fronts to provide a clear view while maintaining freshness.
- Bars, pubs, and clubs serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages should use a bar display fridge for easy access and quick cooling.
Selecting the correct fridge type ensures that products are stored at the right temperature while remaining visually appealing to customers.
- Size and Location
Once you know the type of display fridge you need, the next step is choosing the right size and where you will place it.
Larger businesses with high customer traffic (such as supermarkets or busy cafés) may require a three-door glass display fridge to accommodate many products. A larger fridge allows for a more impressive display and reduces the need for constant restocking.
Smaller businesses or tight spaces may benefit from a single-door upright fridge that fits neatly in a corner or near a checkout counter, offering convenience for customers who want to grab a drink or snack quickly.
Always measure the available space before purchasing to ensure the fridge fits well. Keep it where both customers and staff can easily access it. Avoid blocking walkways or placing them in an inconvenient location.
- Energy Efficiency
Since a commercial display fridge operates 24/7, choosing an energy-efficient model can help reduce electricity costs and environmental impact.
In Australia, we use the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) to measure the efficiency of refrigerated cabinets. Look for fridges that meet EEI requirements to ensure they consume less power. Features like LED lighting, well-insulated doors, and temperature control systems help minimize energy waste.
Fridges with self-closing doors prevent cold air from escaping, reducing the workload on the cooling system and saving energy. Investing in an energy-efficient fridge might cost more upfront but it saves money in the long run by lowering electricity bills.
- Transport and Placement
Before purchasing a display fridge, consider how it will be transported and positioned in your business.
Some fridges come with castors or wheels, making them easy to move around if needed. This is particularly useful for businesses that frequently rearrange their store layout. When the fridge arrives, make sure doorways, pathways, and storage areas are clear.
- Doors and Security
The type and quality of the fridge doors can impact security, convenience, and energy efficiency.
Glass doors allow customers to see products without opening the fridge, which helps maintain the cold temperature. Lockable doors provide security for businesses that close overnight, ensuring that products are safe from theft or tampering. Door gaskets should form a tight seal to prevent cold air from escaping, which helps maintain consistent cooling and reduces energy consumption.
- Temperature Control
A high-quality display fridge should have an easy-to-read thermometer and temperature display.
The temperature gauge should be located on the outside of the fridge for quick monitoring without having to open the door. A good commercial fridge should have a maximum ambient temperature rating of at least 43°C, meaning it can function efficiently even in hot environments.
Digital temperature controls allow for precise adjustments, ensuring products are stored at the correct temperature for freshness and food safety.
- Defrost System
Over time, ice buildup can affect the cooling efficiency of a fridge. Modern commercial display fridges come with automatic defrost systems to prevent this problem.
Temperature-controlled or pressure-controlled defrost systems help remove ice buildup on the evaporator coil without requiring manual defrosting. Automatic defrosting improves energy efficiency and prevents temperature fluctuations that could spoil perishable goods.
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene and keep the fridge looking presentable.
Glass door refrigerators require frequent cleaning to remove fingerprints and keep products visible. Use mild cleaning solutions (avoid harsh chemicals) to prevent damage to the fridge’s surfaces. Choose a model with replaceable parts in case repairs are needed. Having a service technician available for regular maintenance can help keep the fridge running efficiently.
- Warranty and Brand Reputation
When buying a commercial display fridge, check the warranty and brand reputation to ensure quality and reliability.
- A minimum 12-month warranty covering parts and labor is recommended. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties for added protection.
- Buying from a trusted brand ensures better product durability and after-sales service.
- Before purchasing, check customer reviews and ratings on platforms like Google Reviews and product websites to get an idea of performance and reliability.
Selecting the right commercial display fridge requires careful consideration of the products you’ll store, the available space, energy efficiency, and additional features like security, temperature control, and maintenance.
Investing in a high-quality, well-designed fridge can improve product presentation, reduce energy costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of your business. Whether you’re running a café, restaurant, bakery, or convenience store, choosing the right display fridge is an essential step in maintaining product freshness and attracting customers.
0 Comments