Display, Bar & Merchandiser Refrigeration

Display and bar refrigeration covers any cabinet designed to keep product cold — or hot — while showing it to customers. That includes open multideck units, curved and flat glass display fridges, serve-over counters, back-bar bottle coolers, heated deck cabinets and refrigerated deli cases. Unlike a standard cool room or underbench fridge, these units are built to merchandise product as well as preserve it.

The range covers multideck display fridges, curved glass display cabinets, open serve-over counters, refrigerated fish and seafood displays, drop-in refrigerated wells, back-bar and bottle coolers, heated hot deck cabinets and upright glass-door merchandisers. Brands include SKOPE, Williams, Cossiga, Bromic, Polar, Hussmann, Atosa, Criocabin, Turbo Air and True Refrigeration.

Open multidecks give customers easy access and tend to lift impulse sales, but they work harder to hold temperature in warm or busy kitchens. Closed glass-door units are more energy-efficient and suit slower-moving product or back-of-house storage. For a busy cafe counter or deli, an open serve-over or curved glass display often earns its keep. For a bar or bottle shop, a back-bar unit with solid or glass doors is usually the better fit.

Measure your floor or counter run first, then match it to the cabinet's external footprint — not just the internal capacity. Most heated hot deck cabinets in this range span from around 1,000 mm to over 2,000 mm wide. Curved glass deli counters vary similarly. Allow clearance at the rear and sides for airflow, and check the door swing or lid opening against nearby fixtures before you order.

The range suits both. Compact curved glass fridges sit comfortably on a counter or in a tight cafe fit-out, while larger multiplexable serve-over runs are built for high-volume delis and supermarkets. Units like the Polar 235L curved glass fridge or the Cossiga drop-in refrigerated well are practical choices for smaller operations that still want a polished, customer-facing display.

Most self-contained units in this range run on standard single-phase power, but always confirm the voltage and amperage on the product datasheet before ordering. Remote condensing units require a licensed refrigeration mechanic for installation. Drop-in wells need a cutout in your counter to the manufacturer's specified dimensions. Check ventilation clearances too — blocking the condenser on a self-contained cabinet shortens its life.

Wipe down internal surfaces with a food-safe, non-abrasive cleaner daily. Clean condenser coils regularly — a dusty condenser is the single most common cause of poor cooling performance. Defrost drain trays and drain lines should be flushed periodically to prevent blockages. For heated cabinets, check heating elements and thermostats as part of your routine service. A simple cleaning schedule keeps the unit running efficiently and extends its service life.

Most display cabinets in this range are rated for indoor use only. Outdoor or semi-outdoor environments expose units to humidity, temperature swings and direct sunlight that push condensing units beyond their design limits. If your venue has an alfresco bar or outdoor service area, check the product specifications carefully and speak to the manufacturer about ambient temperature ratings before committing to a unit.

Pricing across the range varies widely depending on cabinet type, capacity and brand. Compact countertop units and small curved glass fridges sit at the lower end, while large multiplexable serve-over counters and premium brands like Criocabin or True Refrigeration are a more significant investment. Chefs Depot members save off RRP across the full range — create a free account before you check out to access trade pricing.