The Complete Cake Display Fridge Buying Guide

Everyone likes to indulge in a pastry or cake and this craving can mean big business for cafes, bakeries and shops that offer fresh treats daily. To guarantee that you are able to maximise your profits and keep customers coming back for more it is vital to invest in a quality cake fridge and patisserie display that is able to perform to the highest standards.

Understanding how to go about deciding on the best refrigerated cake display cabinet for your business and which features are relevant to performance can be confusing if you are new to the dessert and patisserie game. This is why we have put together a helpful buying guide to explain key areas to consider and point you in the right direction.

Patisserie display fridges (or cake display fridges) are generally used for any form of cakes or pastries. The not only provide an attractive display of what is on offer but also preserve freshness ready for service. Operating at slightly higher temperatures than other display refrigeration counters, dessert fridges and patisserie counters are capable of maintaining pastries, sponges, meringues and chocolates without any compromise to the quality, taste and appearance.

Cake fridges are fundamentally similar to any display refrigeration. Many countertop display fridges and merchandisers and serve over counter displays can be used for cakes and desserts as well as general food and drink. The main difference between typical display fridges and cake display chillers is the amount of glass. Whereas standard display refrigeration features a solid cabinet with a glass door, cake fridges often have at least three glass sides - some even within a total glass surround for full 360° visibility of the contents.

• Cake Display Fridges; Floor standing upright cake cabinets in various designs including circular units, square displays and open front counters with shelves. The majority of cake display are refrigerated, however cake freezers are also available to display your frozen desserts.

• Countertop Cake Fridges;  Designed for placement on shop counters. The perfect option for shops and cafes that want to showcase fresh cakes but have limited space.

• Serve Over Cake Fridges; A counter design with large display deck (or bed) that typically has open rear access or rear doors to allow staff to literally serve over the counter.

Top Tip: As with all commercial refrigeration, sufficient airflow around the exterior of the display is vital to performance. This is applicable for serve over, countertop and cake cabinet layouts. The front of your display will obviously be clear, open and unobstructed in order for customers to see what you have to offer, this is why refrigeration vents are typically positioned at the front of the unit. Likewise, the rear will be easily accessible to retrieve and stock the display. It is also recommended, however, that the rest of the display be given at least 5 cm of airflow to prevent the unit from overheating. 

We also advise against overstocking the interior of the patisserie display fridge. This allows cold air to circulate effectively within the cabinet and ensures customers see an organised, attactive presentation of product.

Cake displays are available in a full range of sizes – the larger the external dimensions the greater capacity. Quite simply, the more cakes you want to showcase, the larger the cabinet you'll need. With countertop, floor standing cabinets and counters, external dimensions can range anywhere from 600-2000mm high, 400-2200mm wide and 300-1100mm deep. Internal capacity will correlate with internal capacity. 

Be sure to accurately measure the space you have available to ensure that the unit you purchase is suitable and will fit into the area you have available. Remember that all refrigeration needs to breath to perform to optimum levels. This requires a good airflow circulating around equipment. Good interior airflow also plays a big part in maintaining the freshness of cakes, so having ample room for display is vital. Over filling your display can restrict movement of chilled air and have an adverse effect on conditions.

Additionally it is vital to consider the access point at which the equipment will be brought into the building. Also take note of any narrow corridors or tight corners that need to be navigated to get the unit into position.

Should you discover once you have receipt of the item that it does not fit, you will incur additional costs in returning the product. Take a look at common questions asked by our customers in our Delivery & Return FAQs. 

Your display needs to be as attractive as possible and yet still remain in keeping with existing décor. Luckily there is a wide range of styles and designs to choose from when looking for the perfect cake fridge display. Whether looking for clean, straight edges or flowing curves, there's plenty to choose from.

It is essential to purchase a model that complements your individual service style and the surrounding environment. With free-standing counters for self service or assisted service and counter top display fridges available, all business sizes and models are catered for.

Many cake fridges are available with either curved or flat glass options to suit every preference. Popular designs include tall upright cabinets with full 360°C visibility, slim line models with open front and closed corner units with rear access for service, guaranteeing there is something for every business.

Your dessert display fridge should complement the surroundings and remain in keeping with existing décor. With multiple colours to choose from, there is something for all designs and layouts. With black, white, silver, stainless steel and wood effect cake chillers, choosing a unit that blends seamlessly with your style is simple.

The types of product you offer will dictate the storage and display temperature range and cooling method you require. For example, if chocolate is stored in low temperatures it may discolour resulting in a product that just looks ‘off’, and lacklustre. For businesses that need a combination of storage environments there are displays which are chilled but also have ambient shelving suitable for multi-purpose use.

As a general rule, cakes, patisserie and bakery products should be displayed within a temperature range of 2°C to 8°C. This will however, vary depending on the ingredients and recipe of the contents of the cake fridge display. Products with high dairy content may need different temperatures to sponge based products. Chocolate display fridges should operate somewhere between 14°C and 18°C to maintain the taste, texture and aesthetic quality. 

A static cooled cakes fridge is ideal for shops, cafes and bakeries that specialise in cream cakes or desserts with a high dairy content. Refrigerated air flows naturally around the display for a gentle method of chilling that is perfect for delicate product. Be aware that as air circulates naturally, hot or warm spots may be experienced.

A cake fridge display with ventilated cooling is generally best suited to sponge or dough based products. Ventilated or forced air (fan assisted) units will evenly distribute air however may dry out delicate cakes.

Refrigerated cake displays are available with static or ventilated cooling options, meaning the perfect temperature can be achieved to ensure that your products, whatever they are, remain in top condition.

Cake chillers will feature differing numbers of shelves. The number of cake display shelves will obviously depend on the overall dimensions, layout and configuration of the unit. More shelves can increase potential display capacity and allow clear organisation of what you have to offer.

While some counters feature static shelves, there are rotating variations available that enhance presentation of your baked goods and create a truly eye-catching display. Some units may offer pull out shelves that are especially useful for loading cakes and pastries etc. and cleaning the cabinet ensuring consistently good levels of hygiene. If this is a necessity be sure to fully evaluate specifications.

Having been through the above points you should have a good base knowledge of the product you want and the main design points that work for you. Once this has been ascertained it's time to search a little deeper and address other features that will guarantee that your display performs exactly as you need it to.

• Ease of use; work out how you want the equipment to work for you. Rear access units are perfect for easy loading and retrieval of items for staff during serving. Some units will feature a front hinged panel which allows easy access for cleaning or restocking. Rotating or open front designs work well for self service businesses. 
• Illumination; many units will feature internal lighting in order to create a more appealing setting. Attracting customers and showcasing your delicious produce will inevitably see your profits soar.
• Under storage; some serve over cake counters may feature additional under storage supplying extra space to house essentials. This storage may be refrigerated or ambient so also be sure to read all specifications carefully.
• Manufacturer; with many big name manufacturers lending their expertise to the choice of patisserie displays you will have plenty of choice. Whether you are replacing ‘like for like’ equipment or simply have a preferred brand, there is a full range to browse through. If this is the first display you are purchasing always research potential manufacturers to discover what they can offer. Sometimes, although the price may be higher, the benefits of efficiency and longevity are worth the extra spending.
• Humidity controls; humidity can have a detrimental effect on delicate cakes and pastries. Similarly an environment that is too dry can also have a negative impact on the end result. Some units may feature humidity controls which allow the user to set the perfect conditions ensuring optimum freshness.
• Misting, fogging and condensation; this can be an issue when moisture levels are high. Condensation is a natural occurence in display refrigeration and is typically caused when warm product is placed in the fridge cabinet. When warm meets cold, condensation, misting or fogging can occur reducing visibility. REad more about how to beat condensation in display refrigeration.
• Efficiency; efficiency is a big factor for any business to optimise performance while reducing energy costs. Closed counters and displays will generally be more efficient than open front units as they minimise escape of chilled air. Also look out for features such as LED lighting to further improve efficiency.

Although this is the first thought for many buyers, it shouldn’t be used as the sole deciding factor. It is important to purchase a unit that can cater for all requirements. Scrimping on cost can result in a poor performance, short lifespan and increased running costs that will lose you money in the future. If you find that your budget just won't stretch to fund your perfect equipment, commercial refrigeration leasing is available on all orders of £1000 plus VAT allowing you to enjoy the best equipment for your business whilst spreading the cost.

The pressure of choosing the perfect piece of equipment first time can be great however if you have any doubts always seek a second opinion. If you know others in the same industry ask which unit they would recommend and why. Remember that their suggestions will be based on their own unique and individual requirements and so may not be right for your business. Alternatively contact the FFD sales team for impartial advice.