DSF refers to selling directly cooled food products at specific temperatures to ensure food safety. These include a range of refrigeration cabinets, display units and coolers, which help stores keep goods fresh and safe for consumers, enabling customers to see what they’re buying as well as the ability to help themselves.
To accurately measure the energy efficiency of commercial refrigeration with a direct sales function, manufacturers must test their equipment in different conditions depending on its intended purpose.
For example, a piece of equipment tested under refrigeration with direct sales function conditions will typically receive another energy rating than if the same equipment was tested under beverage displays or cooler conditions.
When looking at the energy rating of your commercial refrigeration, it is essential to ensure that you are using the equipment for the correct purpose in order to benefit from the awarded energy rating. What may have an energy rating for one use will not offer the same rating if used to store something other than intended. Not observing the intended use could result in an inaccurate energy rating and lead to higher running costs or poor performance.
How Are Commercial Refrigeration Energy Ratings Set?
When determining the energy ratings of commercial refrigeration, energy experts divide all units into three categories.
The first is professional refrigeration; these include large-scale cold storage and other industrial chillers.
See more refrigeration in this category:
Secondly, there’s refrigeration with a direct sales function; this includes cabinet refrigeration like serve-overs, cake displays and counters.
Shop more refrigeration with a direct sales function:
Lastly, there are beverage displays and coolers; these include bottle coolers, beer dumps and juice dispensers etc.
Buy drink and beverage coolers and displays including:
Each category is tested according to its own set of criteria and thresholds for energy efficiency.
Refrigeration Categories For Energy Rating Testing
Refrigeration with a direct sales function is designed to keep products like packaged food and drink at the right temperature for display in retail outlets. This type of equipment has been designed to impact customer experience directly and help businesses maintain maximum product availability.
These units are tested on several factors collectively referred to as MEPS or Minimum Energy Performance Standards, such as the appliance's condition, refrigeration capacity, and energy used to maintain the temperature. The resulting rating is then assigned a star rating on an A to G scale, with A being the most efficient.
Understanding how commercial refrigeration and how refrigeration with a direct sales function is rated can help businesses make informed decisions when choosing equipment. It’s not only essential for energy efficiency but also for making sure the correct type of equipment is used.
Why Does Correct Categorisation Matter When Setting Energy Ratings?
Using the correct type of equipment for its intended purpose is essential to get an accurate energy rating and ensure you’re using the most efficient units. For example, using a drinks cabinet to store food products would give a different energy rating than when solely used for beverages, as it wouldn’t be tested under the same criteria.
Equipment should only be used for the intended purpose specified by the manufacturer, meaning drinks fridges should only be used for drinks and not food; make sure to check the manual or speak to one of our experts if you’re unsure.
Examples of Refrigerators With Direct Sales Function Sold at FFD
A great example of direct sales equipment is the True-GDM-23-HC~TSL01 – ideal for storing food and drinks at the perfect temperature. This appliance has a stainless steel and aluminium exterior, white coated aluminium interior with built-in LED lighting, natural refrigerant and a massive 5 year warranty. With its B rating, this model also offers excellent energy efficiency.
Foster FMSLIM NG Multideck Display is another excellent option for displaying packaged food and drink products. Its adjustable shelves and temperature control make it a great addition to any shop or catering business. Plus, with energy-saving LED lighting, this unit offers excellent energy efficiency and is available with 24 months interest-free credit.
Understanding the differences between commercial refrigeration categories and how they are rated is essential to ensure you make an informed decision when buying equipment. Not only will this help save your budget in the long run, but it will also ensure you get the best performance out of your appliances.
At FFD we have a wide range of direct sales appliances, all highly rated for energy efficiency. Plus, with our 24 months of interest-free credit (on selected brands), you can be sure you’re getting great value for your money.
If you have any questions about our DSF products or need help finding something specific, contact us today!
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