Beat Condensation in Display Refrigeration

Does your business suffer from condensation on your display refrigeration? This article is here to help. Here we not only discuss the pros and cons of glass door fridges and freezers but also the main reasons condensation may occur and how to prevent it from ruining your chilled displays.

Display refrigeration is a great way to showcase and store food products in commercial settings. Equipment classed in this category will typically include glass door display fridges and display freezers, bottle coolers, island freezers, multidecks, serve over counters and other open front fridges, so customers can easily check out items on display. It's commonly used in supermarkets, convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants.

Display refrigeration grabs customers' attention with appealing displays. Plus, advanced cooling systems keep optimal temperatures and preserve the quality and freshness of perishable goods.

Display fridges also enhance the aesthetics of a store. Sleek designs and well-organised displays create an inviting atmosphere and encourage impulse purchases.

Display refrigeration comes in many forms including upright display fridges, glass lid chest freezers and undercounter display refrigeration. This ensures that whatever the size of the business or unique requirements, the ideal equipment is available.

Commercial display fridges and freezers can be advantageous for businesses. They allow products to be shown attractively, encouraging customers to buy. Plus, they offer easy access for staff to restock. With single door display fridges for smaller needs, double door display fridges for moderate to large sized displays and triple door display fridges for large capacity chilled displays, there's plenty of options to choose from making the perfect shop refrigeration available for any business.

These fridges and freezers make sure food is safe by maintaining optimal temperatures. With adjustable settings and cooling systems, businesses comply with health and safety regulations.

The units are designed with visibility in mind. The glass doors and interior lighting provide customers with a clear view of the products, enticing impulse buying. They can browse without needing assistance. Doors are often double glazed for added insulation and increased energy efficiency.

Commercial glass door display refrigeration can be used as marketing tools too, thanks to a canopy typically being present which can be used to push specific branding. Businesses can highlight seasonal items or promotions, or draw attention to big-selling brands, creating excitement among customers.

Pro Tip: Keep the glass doors clean and arrange the products strategically to create a captivating display that stands out from other offerings.

Glass door fridges and freezers have a few drawbacks that can affect performance and effectiveness, but only if you don't know the practices to steer clear of. 

The location of display fridges can cause a potential issue. As a visual sales tactic, glass door refrigeration needs to be perfectly placed for customers to see and shop the display. You should avoid, however, positioning equipment in direct sunlight. It should also be away from frequently opened external doors and not grouped together with lots of other pieces of commercial refrigeration. All of these scenarios may generate fluctuations in the ambient temperatures surrounding the unit, which can ultimately reduce performance and efficiency.  

Another major concern for businesses is condensation. Warm air from outside hits the cold glass, creating moisture that obstructs visibility and affects temperature. This can obscure product visibility and prevent customers from seeing product displays.

While some glass door freezers, such as the Tefcold UFSC371GCP Display Freezer with canopy or UFSC371G Black Glass Door Freezer without canopy, offer a useful heated glass feature to prevent condensation, this is not something often seen on display fridges. There are other techniques and considerations that can be implemented that can help to prevent condensation from ruining your cold display.

Condensation in commercial display fridges is a common problem. To address it, one must understand what causes it. Poor insulation, high humidity, frequent door openings, faulty seals, improper ventilation, and temperature fluctuations can all lead to condensation. Other factors like proper product placement, regular cooling system maintenance, and environmental conditions should also be considered.

1. Check frequently for damaged or dirty door gaskets which could be preventing a tight seal from being created.
2. Reduce how often doors are opened as much as possible. When warmer external air hits cold air inside the cabinet, condensation will be caused.
3. Never place hot or warm stock in the fridge or freezer. Not only will it cause condensation, but it also puts added strain on refrigeration systems when they are trying to pull the cabinet down to the correct temperature.
4. Measure the ambient temperature surrounding the unit. Too warm and condensation could become an issue, as could temperature fluctuations of the equipment.
5. Don't overfill the fridge. Allow sufficient airflow around the contents inside the cabinet. Adequate airflow should also be permitted around the exterior of the unit.
6. Make sure that you're using the display fridge or freezer for the correct purpose. For example, don't use drinks fridges for food.

By doing so, businesses can effectively combat condensation and improve display refrigeration's appearance and functionality.

Q: Why is condensation forming on my display fridge door?

A: Condensation in display refrigeration can be caused by a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the refrigeration, high humidity levels, or a faulty seal on the door. Properly sealing the cabinet and adjusting the temperature can help reduce condensation.

Q: How can I prevent condensation on the glass doors of my display refrigeration?

A: To prevent condensation on glass doors, you can increase the airflow around the cabinet and ensure that warm products are not being put into the equipment. Also monitor and control the surrounding environment, humidity levels and ambient temperatures.

Q: What maintenance can I do to stop condensation in my glass door fridge?

A: Yes, regular maintenance tasks can help prevent condensation. These include cleaning the door gaskets, checking and replacing faulty door seals, cleaning the condenser coils, and ensuring adequate airflow.

Q: Does the type of food stored in the display refrigeration affect condensation?

A: Yes, some types of food release moisture, which can contribute to condensation inside the fridge. It is important to store food items properly, avoid placing hot or warm products in the fridge and ensure that the display refrigeration you have is suitable for the products you're putting in it.

Q: When should I get professional help for condensation in my glass door display fridge?

A: If you have tried the recommended preventive measures and condensation issues persist, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Call your display refrigeration supplier who will be able to arrange for a qualified engineer to attend site to inspect for any underlying issues, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, that may be causing excessive condensation.