Walk into any supermarket, convenience store, or gas station, and you will see them everywhere. Glass door merchandisers line the beverage aisle. Open-air display cases sit at the front of the store, inviting customers to grab a cold drink on their way to the register.
But choosing the right refrigerated display case is not always straightforward. With so many types, sizes, and configurations available, store owners need to understand what they are buying and why.
In this guide, we break down the different types of refrigerated merchandisers, what to look for when purchasing, and how to keep them running efficiently.
1. What Is a Refrigerated Display Case?
A refrigerated display case is a commercial refrigeration unit designed to both store and showcase products at safe temperatures. Unlike a standard reach-in cooler or walk-in freezer, a display case is built with transparency in mind. Glass doors, bright LED lighting, and open shelving all work together to make products visible and accessible to customers.
These units are commonly found in supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. They are used for beverages, dairy products, deli meats, prepared foods, and frozen items. The goal is simple: keep products cold while encouraging customers to buy.
2. Types of Refrigerated Display Cases
There are three main types of refrigerated merchandisers, each suited to different store layouts and product categories.
(1) Glass Door Merchandisers
Glass door merchandisers are the most common type of display case in convenience stores and supermarkets. They feature transparent glass doors that allow customers to see the products inside while keeping the cold air trapped.
There are two door styles to consider
Swing doors open outward. They provide a better seal, which improves energy efficiency and keeps products colder. However, they require more aisle space. If your store has wide aisles, swing doors are often the better choice.
Slide doors open sideways. They take up less space and work well in narrow aisles. The downside is that customers may not close them properly, which can lead to cold air leakage and higher energy costs.
Glass door merchandisers are ideal for beverages, dairy, and other grab-and-go items. They offer good visibility and strong insulation, making them one of the most energy-efficient options available.
(2) Open-Air Merchandisers
Open-air merchandisers, also known as air curtain display cases, have no doors. Instead, they use a downward flow of cold air to create an invisible barrier that separates the cold interior from the warmer store environment.
The biggest advantage is accessibility. Customers can reach in and grab a product without opening a door. This removes a barrier to purchase and can significantly increase impulse sales. Studies show that open-air merchandisers can boost sales by making products feel more accessible
However, there is a trade-off. Open-air units are less energy-efficient than glass door models because cold air continuously escapes. They also need to be placed carefully. If positioned near an air conditioning vent or in direct sunlight, the air curtain can be disrupted, reducing cooling performance.
(3) Combination Merchandisers
Combination merchandisers offer flexibility. These units can switch between refrigerated and frozen modes, allowing store owners to change the product mix based on seasonality or promotions.
For example, a store might use the unit as a frozen food display in summer and switch to refrigerated beverages in winter. This versatility makes combination merchandisers a cost-effective solution for stores with limited space or changing inventory needs.
3. How to Choose the Right Display Case
Selecting the right refrigerated display case requires careful consideration of several factors.
(1) Determine Your Primary Use
Start by asking a basic question: is this unit for storage or display? If the primary purpose is to keep backup stock cold, a simple reach-in cooler may suffice. But if the goal is to drive sales through product visibility, a display case is the right choice.
(2) Match Space and Traffic Flow
Measure your available floor space carefully. Display cases come in widths ranging from under 27 inches to over 78 inches. Consider not just the footprint of the unit, but also the space needed for customers to stand and browse. A unit that is too large can block aisles and frustrate shoppers. A unit that is too small may not hold enough inventory to meet demand.
(3) Consider Capacity
Capacity is measured in cubic feet. Smaller units may hold 10 to 20 cubic feet, suitable for coffee shops or small convenience stores. Larger units can exceed 50 cubic feet, designed for high-volume supermarkets. Think about your average inventory levels and how often you restock. A unit with too little capacity will require frequent refilling. One with too much capacity wastes energy and floor space.
(4) Evaluate Door Type
As mentioned earlier, swing doors offer better energy efficiency but require more aisle space. Slide doors save space but may be less efficient if not closed properly. Consider your store layout and customer traffic patterns when making this decision.
(5) Look for Adjustable Shelving
Products come in different shapes and sizes. Adjustable shelving allows you to reconfigure the interior to accommodate tall bottles, short cans, or bulky containers. This flexibility is essential for stores that rotate their product mix regularly.
(6) Prioritize LED Lighting
Good lighting makes products look more appealing. LED lighting is now standard on most commercial display cases. It is energy-efficient, produces less heat than traditional lighting, and provides bright, even illumination that highlights product colors and branding.
4. How to Maintain You Refrigeration Display Case?
Once you have chosen the right display case, proper maintenance is essential to keep it running efficiently.
Clean the Condenser Coils. Dust and dirt buildup on condenser coils forces the compressor to work harder, increasing energy consumption and shortening the unit’s lifespan. Clean the coils regularly. In dusty or greasy environments, monthly cleaning is recommended.
Check Door Seals. Worn or damaged door gaskets allow cold air to escape, making the unit work harder to maintain temperature. Inspect the seals periodically and replace them when they show signs of wear.
Monitor Temperature. The safe temperature range for refrigerated display cases is typically 33°F to 41°F (0.5°C to 5°C). Use a reliable thermometer and check temperatures daily. A sudden temperature spike could indicate a problem with the compressor, refrigerant, or door seal.
Keep the Area Clear. Ensure that the unit has adequate clearance for airflow. Blocked vents can cause overheating and reduce efficiency. Do not stack boxes or other items on top of or directly against the display case.
5. FlyCheng’s Refrigerated Display Solutions
FlyCheng Cooling Technology (Qingdao) Co., Ltd., established in 2010, has been a trusted name in commercial refrigeration for over a decade. While many know FlyCheng for its industrial ice making equipment—including cube ice makers, flake ice machines, tube ice makers, block ice machines, and cold room—the company also manufactures high-quality refrigerated display cases for supermarkets, convenience stores, and food service businesses.
FlyCheng’s display cases are built with the same attention to quality and durability that defines the company’s entire product line. Key features include:
Glass door and open-air configurations to suit different store layouts and product categories
Energy-efficient compressors that maintain consistent temperatures while keeping operating costs low
- Food-grade stainless steel construction for durability and easy cleaning
- Adjustable shelving to accommodate a wide range of product sizes
- LED lighting that enhances product visibility and appeal
- CE, RoHS, and ISO certifications ensuring international quality and safety standards
Whether you operate a small convenience store or a large supermarket chain, FlyCheng offers display cases designed to meet your specific needs. The company’s export experience includes regular shipments to the United States and other markets, demonstrating its ability to deliver reliable equipment on time and to specification.
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