Commercial Display Freezers

A. A display freezer is a commercial unit typically seen in customer facing or retail settings. Freezers have glass doors or lids, keeping contents at optimum temperatures for frozen storage while still being clearly visible to customers for merchandising. Available as undercounter models, commercial stand up freezers, chest freezers and island freezers, there's plenty of choice to suit every setting.

A. The glass doors make display freezers a great choice for retail settings, as products can be presented to customers while still being stored at recommended temperatures. Some display freezers can be used in commercial kitchens where ambient temperatures are generally higher. This can speed up service during busy periods as chefs and kitchen staff to locate ingredients quickly. Always make sure that the climate class and ambient operating temperature is appropriate if you want a glass door freezer for use in a catering kitchen.

A. The term 'display freezer' is used to describe any equipment that allows food to be stored at sub zero temperatures while still being visible without opening the door. This includes undercounter models, single, double and triple door upright cabinets, wall site freezers (glass door wall freezer cabinets which typically have a display chest freezer or island freezer beneath) and multideck freezers with doors. Island freezers may also be included in this section. The chest freezer design with glass lid combines the energy efficiency and large storage capacity of a chest freezer with the promotional benefits of glass door shop freezers. Other equipment within this category could include compact countertop display freezers and ice cream display freezers.

A. The temperature that you set your shop display freezer or supermarket freezer to depends on what you intend to put in it. As display freezer are typically used for general purpose they should be set to temperatures to around -18C to prevent bacterial growth. For more specialised contents such as soft scoop ice cream or gelato this may vary. Display freezers for shop use and those for use in catering kitchens generally operate within a maximum temperature range of -10C to -25C, so are more than capable of dealing with a full range of frozen produce.

A. Cleaning and maintenance is vital for any equipment designed to chill or freeze food or drink. Failing to correctly clean components can lead to reduced performance and ultimately equipment breakdowns. There are a number of issues that can and should be addressed on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis depending on the conditions of the premises. For example, if floors get dusty quickly or excessive fluff collects, more frequent cleaning will be required. Some issues can only be checked by certified engineers, such as refrigerant levels. Any units should be serviced annually to ensure effective and efficient performance. Maintenance checklists for commercial refrigeration are ideal for keeping track of routine cleaning and maintenance tasks.

A. The majority of freezers will have heated seals to prevent doors from freezing shut. Some models may also have heated glass to prevent condensation from building within the unit and obscuring visibility of contents.

A. You can arrange your frozen food display however you like to maximise sales, however there are a few rules that must be followed to optimise performance, efficiency and longevity of equipment. Only put frozen goods into a freezer, never chilled produce. Display freezers are designed to hold frozen stock, not pull down temperatures of cold goods. Also, never overfill your freezer. This includes loading stock past the end of shelves or past load lines. Overstocking will impede airflow and make your equipment work harder to achieve the required temperature.

A. The canopy, also called a merchandising canopy or light box, at the top of some display units can be used for branding or to display any promotions. As it is illuminated, it draws the eye of the customer, attracting and notifying them to what is available in the freezer.

A. Although they may look the same, there are differences. Both have glass doors in an upright cabinet design and feature multiple shelves to maximise display capacity however multidecks will always have undermounted refrigeration systems while display freezers may also be rear mounted. Multideck freezers will generally offer greater storage and display capacity and are available in greater widths than standard display units are.

A. Frozen display cabinets will have double glazed doors to improve insulation leading to better performance and efficiency. Some premium brands may even have triple glazed doors.

A. While the temperature shown on the display is a good indicator of the temperature inside the cabinet, it isn't precise. The temperature of many freezer displays doesn't show the internal temperature of the actual cabinet but the temperature of the gas refrigerant as it passes over a sensor. If, for example, during defrost the temperature display shows a rise in degrees, this doesn't necessarily mean that the interior of the cabinet is warmer. If the freezer was holding a consistent temperature of -18C before the unit begins it's defrost cycle, it will continue to hold that temperature for at least a few hours, as long as the doors remain closed, even though temperatures appear to be rising on the display. Aways allow for a degree or two fluctuation either way from the temperature display.

A. No. These are classed as perishable items and are subject to general wear and tear which will not be covered under refrigeration warranties. Light bulbs and castors/wheels are also included in this bracket of exempt items. During regular cleaning and maintenance processes, you should always check these areas for damage. This is especially the case with door seals, as perished seals will not hold cold air effectively resulting in a loss of efficiency and the unit having to work harder to pull down the equipment to lower temperatures. This rule is applicable to all commercial refrigerated appliances, not only freezers with glass doors. Understand your commercial warranty more with Warranty Quick Facts.

A. Display fridges and freezers should never be plugged into an extension lead or trailing socket - only a main power point. When refrigeration is switched on, larger equipment and especially commercial stand up freezers, may cause large power spikes and surges which will overpower the socket.