How to Choose the Right Display Fridge for Your Store
Introduction
A display fridge is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any food retail or catering business. Whether you run a café, convenience store, deli, or butcher shop, the right display fridge will keep your products fresh, attract customers, and increase sales. But with so many types of display fridges available, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider.
Types of Display Fridges
Display fridges come in several different styles, each designed for specific types of products and businesses. The main types are upright glass door chillers, multideck open fridges, serve-over counters, and back bar coolers.
Upright glass door chillers are tall, vertical fridges with transparent glass doors. They are ideal for drinks, dairy products, and grab-and-go meals. Customers can see the products clearly, and the doors help maintain a consistent internal temperature. These fridges are commonly used in convenience stores, petrol stations, and cafés.
Multideck open fridges are the type you see in supermarkets, with multiple shelves that customers can access directly without opening a door. They are perfect for high-turnover products like fresh produce, sandwiches, and chilled ready meals. The open design encourages impulse purchases, but it also means the fridge uses more energy to maintain temperature.
Serve-over counters are used in butcher shops, delis, and bakeries where staff serve customers directly. These fridges have a glass front that allows customers to see the products while keeping them at the correct temperature. They are essential for businesses selling fresh meat, cheese, or cakes.
Back bar coolers are compact fridges designed to fit under counters in pubs, bars, and restaurants. They are used to store bottled drinks at arm’s reach for quick service. These fridges typically have sliding glass doors and internal lighting.
Size and Capacity
The size of the display fridge you need depends on the volume of stock you need to store and the available space in your shop. Measure the space where the fridge will be placed and allow for ventilation clearance at the back and sides — most fridges need at least 50mm of clearance to operate efficiently.
Consider not just the external dimensions but also the internal capacity. A fridge with thick insulation will have less internal space than one with thinner walls, even if the external size is the same. Check the number of shelves and the shelf spacing to make sure they can accommodate your products.
Temperature Range and Control
Different products require different storage temperatures. Fresh meat and fish must be stored between 0°C and 4°C, while dairy products and sandwiches can be stored at 4°C to 8°C. Make sure the display fridge you choose can reach and maintain the correct temperature for your products.
Look for fridges with digital temperature controls and LED displays. These make it easy to monitor and adjust the temperature, and they are more accurate than old-style dial controls. Some models also have alarms that alert you if the temperature rises above the safe range, which can prevent stock loss.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial display fridges run 24 hours a day, so energy efficiency is a major consideration. A fridge with a poor energy rating can cost hundreds of pounds per year more to run than an energy-efficient model. Look for fridges with an A+ or A++ energy rating, LED lighting, and high-quality insulation.
Remote fridges, where the compressor is located outside the main unit, are more energy-efficient than integral fridges because they do not generate heat inside the shop. This also reduces the load on your air conditioning system, saving even more on energy costs.
Build Quality and Reliability
A display fridge is a long-term investment, so build quality matters. Look for fridges made from stainless steel or high-grade plastic, with sturdy shelves and hinges. Cheap fridges with flimsy construction will not last and will cost you more in repairs and replacements over time.
Check the warranty and after-sales support offered by the supplier. A good supplier will provide a minimum 12-month warranty and have access to spare parts and qualified engineers. At Cool Racks, all our display fridges come with full manufacturer warranties and UK-based support.
Conclusion
Choosing the right display fridge for your store is about understanding your product range, space requirements, and budget. Whether you need an upright glass door chiller, a multideck display, or a serve-over counter, Cool Racks has a wide range of options at competitive trade prices. Our team can help you find the perfect fridge for your business and arrange fast UK delivery.
Browse our full display fridge range or contact us today for expert advice
