All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier

About open refrigerated display cases

Types of open refrigerated display cases

Open refrigerated display cases are designed and manufactured in various forms, mainly to meet the different needs of the retail environment. However, some of the most common types include:

Vertical open refrigerated display cases

A vertical open refrigerated display case, primarily used and found in supermarkets and convenience stores, is a vertical-type structure with an open front and glass or wire rear to provide product visibility. The format helps to promote beverages, dairy, meat, and ready-made meals for a specific purpose since the climate preserves and displays products in an accessible and eye-catching manner.

Horizontal open refrigerated display cases

These are typically used for storing larger, flat products such as bulk meats, cheeses, and baked goods. Unlike vertical cases, the flat design offers a top service style with an open face that provides easy access to items. Most of these are used in delis, bakeries, and meat counters, where the customer needs direct access to the product for quick purchases.

Multideck open refrigerated display cases

They are large-scale units that display several products on shelves, offering an open front for self-service. These are commonly found in grocery stores and beverage retailers since the case design caters for high-volume storage and enables efficient product marketing. The multideck cases are ideal for stocking drinks, dairy products, and ready-to-eat foods.

Specialty open refrigerated display cases

Specialty cases are designed for specific product types, such as wines, pastries, or fresh produce. These can be either vertical or horizontal but create a controlled environment optimally suited to the products stored inside, ensuring they remain fresh.

Durability and materials of open refrigerated display cases

Still, to effectively choose an open refrigerated display case, it is very important to know its durability and quality. Both are crucial not only for providing quality service but also for saving a lot of money from needless cases.

Exterior materials and durability

The outer casing of an open display case is made from steel, painted or stainless, or other corrosion-resistant materials because of the constant moisture and low temperature. Stainless steel, though expensive, is preferred because it does not rust and helps promote the unit's hygienic look. Another cheaper option is carbon steel, coated with vinyl or paint, which offers fair protection but is not as sturdy as the stainless steel one.

Interior materials

Presently, the interior construction of open cases is critical because of the need to store and handle perishable items. Most cases are made of metals like galvanized or stainless steel to avoid rust and easy cleaning. Plastics such as acrylic or polycarbonate are commonly used for product shelves or dividers due to their lightness and breakage resistance.

Insulation and energy efficiency

Open refrigerated cases use the most energy. They maintain temperatures through thick insulation, usually polyurethane foam. High-quality cases have thicker insulation for better energy efficiency and temperature retention.

Commercial use cases of open refrigerated display cases

The open refrigerated display cases are used to accomplish the following functions:

Supermarkets and grocery stores

They are commonly used to hold beverages, dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals in a wide grocery store. The open front of the multideck case allows shoppers to make quick selections while merchandise organizes the items in a visually appealing manner. These increase impulse buying by keeping items in the consumer's direct view and easy reach. According to the management, these are crucial for high-volume sales and efficient stock turnover.

Bakeries and pastry shops

Beautifully made and presented horizontal or vertical open cases hold and display pastries, cakes, and other baked goods in bakeries and pastry shops. The enclimate keeps the products fresh while the customers easily select the products through the transparent sides. This is crucial for maintaining the quality of the goods and helping in their marketing.

Convenience stores

Most convenience stores use open cases to hold drinks, sandwiches, and other snacks. The quick and easy access makes it unnecessary for shoppers to open the refrigerators' doors before picking the items. This encourages impulse purchasing, crucial for convenience stores with limited space.

Pharmacies

The open refrigerated display cases are commonly employed in pharmacies to store and display vaccines, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive medications. Here, vertical cases are usually used since they ensure that all dart medications remain viable and users easily locate and access them. These aid pharmacists in efficiently managing stock and ensuring premium product safety.

Specialty retailers

Other retailers that use these cases include liquor stores, where they hold wine and champagne, and seafood markets that use them for fish and shellfish. For liquor stores, an open vertical case is normally used to hold wines and several wines. This allows the buyers to easily pick the bottles they want while displaying the item. On the other hand, seafood markets ensure freshness through an open case specially designed to store fish and shellfish, maintaining the best conditions for optimal storage.

How To Choose open refrigerated display cases

The following factors will help in selecting the best open refrigerated display cases:

Case layout

Consideration of the layout, as well as the size of the available open case, matters a lot, especially in a retail space where the store's traffic flow is directed. For high-traffic areas, multideck cases may be better, featuring an open front that allows users to access products from all sides. On the other hand, horizontal cases are ideal for smaller spaces since they can fit in almost anywhere. Also, whether a bottom-mounted or top-mounted refrigeration system is important for the convenience of maintenance and usage within the existing store is another consideration.

Temperature control settings

Different models open refrigerated display cases have temperature range settings for items requiring different cooling levels. Therefore, if the user will store products requiring different temperature settings, such as dairy and seafood, it would be better to choose an all-encompassing case with a flexible temperature control system. More importantly, opt for energy-efficient models that come with better insulation to reduce power costs.

Display and lighting options

Even though the case's main function is to preserve products, its aesthetic value significantly contributes to marketing. LED lighting is usually embedded in higher-end models to better illuminate the products and improve their outlook. This is so if it is placed strategically in the store to enhance its appearance and increase sales. Therefore, select a display case with a sleek design that easily integrates into the store theme and makes the products more appealing.

Ease of cleaning

Remember that the open case will store perishable products, so hygiene is very important. For this reason, a good and easy-to-clean open case is needed, particularly if the user operates in a busy environment. Look for models having removable shelves and a self-defrosting feature. The model should have an easy cleaning system, preferably from its front, so the managers can keep it clean without any hindrance in the operations.

Q&A

Q1: What are open cases suitable for?

A1: These open cases are ideal for holding temperature-sensitive foods and beverages such as dairy products, meats, bananas, prepared meals, drinks, salads, and sandwiches.

Q2: What is the most hygienic open display case?

A2: Vertical open refrigerated display cases are more hygienic than horizontal cases because they have a glass front that protects food from external contamination.

Q3: Do open refrigerated display cases save energy?

A3: Open cases do not save energy. They are the most energy-consuming cases due to their design. However, some manufacturers have solutions that reduce air infiltration.

Q4: How to maintain an open refrigerated display case?

A4: Daily cleaning, including washing shelves, removing spills, and disinfecting the interior, is important. Also, ensure regular maintenance of cooling systems.

Q5: What temperature is recommended for an open refrigerated display case?

A5: The temperature is generally set between 0°C and 7°C, with 3°C being an optimal temperature for keeping products fresh and safe for consumption.