The application will determine which type of cold merchandiser is best for an operation.
Cold merchandisers are available in both open and closed models for a variety of food display types. These units can be used in full- and quick-service restaurants; institutional facilities such as schools and prisons; and foodservice operations in hospitals, stadiums, office buildings, hotels and supermarkets.
For merchandising, open-air display cases offer advantages for grab-and-go use as there is no barrier between the customer and product. Self-service displays have been shown to increase sales because these units provide quick and easy access to food, which stimulates impulse purchases.
Closed refrigerated merchandisers can range from small, refrigerated pie cases that mount to a wall to larger grab-and-go merchandisers to more ornate curved glass display cases. These units offer one, two or three solid or glass doors.
Refrigerated merchandisers are designed solely for holding already chilled product at safe temperatures between 33 degrees F and 41 degrees F. Operators should not use refrigerated merchandisers to attempt to cool hot product.
Sizes vary, but typically, glass-door cases and open-air cases are 27, 30, 52 or 78 inches wide; bakery/deli cases are 50, 59 or 77 inches wide; and countertop displays measure 24 inches wide.
In terms of construction materials, most cold merchandisers for commercial use have a stainless-steel exterior with either stainless or ABS interior finishes. Shelves are made of either stainless steel or glass.
Open-air, glass-door, countertop bakery and deli merchandisers are available with either remote or self-contained refrigeration systems, depending on the unit. Configurations include a top-mounted condensing unit and evaporator coil, a top-mounted condensing unit with an interior evaporator coil, and a bottom-mounted condensing unit with an interior evaporator coil.
Depending on the model, utility requirements for refrigerated merchandisers range from 115V, 1 phase, 15 amp to 208-230V, 3 phase, 30 amp. Temperature monitoring is key and is accomplished with standard electronic controllers for reliability, defrost timers, thermometers and alarms for high-temperature alerts.
Standard components on most cold merchandisers include interior lighting; shelving, legs or casters; an external thermometer; foamed-in-place urethane insulation; automatic condensation evaporation; and self-closing doors with lift-off hinges.
Many options are available, including half-solid or half-glass doors; pan racks; extra shelving; LED, fluorescent or incandescent lights; pass-through configurations; and leg kits to replace casters. Some models offer security covers, which increase the refrigeration system’s efficiency. These lock open-front displays during non-operational hours and close off the unit.
If energy use is a factor, Energy Star-rated units and technologically advanced electronic controls are available, in addition to compressors and fan motors that provide higher-efficiency operation.
