Open Front or Glass Door Multidecks - Which Should You Buy?

In the dynamic world of food retail and hospitality, the way you present your products can be just as crucial as their quality. Multidecks are an essential part of this presentation, providing both a practical refrigeration solution and an attractive display. But the question remains: should you invest in an open front or a glass door multideck? This guide delves into the specifics of each to help you decide which is the best fit for your business.

Multidecks are open or enclosed refrigerated display shelves commonly used to store and display perishable goods. The older open front models, while convenient, were known for their inefficiency, as they allowed precious cold air to escape, leading to higher energy consumption and costs. However, technology has leaped forward, and today's multidecks, including open front models, have vastly improved. They are engineered to be more energy-efficient, with some models boasting advanced features that exceed others in terms of energy conservation.

Open fronted multidecks are a staple in businesses where speed is of the essence. These units are all about convenience, grab and go purchases and efficiency for the customer:

• Accessibility: They allow customers to access products directly, without the need to open a door, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.
• Product Visibility: The open display encourages browsing and can lead to increased impulse purchases as customers are tempted by the visible array of products.
• Storage Maximisation: Many open front multidecks are designed to hold a large volume of stock, reducing the need for frequent restocking.
• Customer Experience: The grab-and-go nature enhances the customer experience, making it quick and hassle-free, which is particularly beneficial during peak hours.

Open front fridges are available as slimline multidecks for businesses that have limited space or small access doorways to get equipment into the building, low height multidecks with a height that's generally less than 1500mm, stainless steel multidecks, fresh meat multidecks and general purpose multidecks.

In contrast, glass door multidecks bring a different set of advantages, primarily centered around energy conservation and cost-efficiency:

• Temperature Control: Glass doors keep the cold air sealed inside, maintaining consistent temperatures and reducing the strain on the refrigeration system.
• Energy Savings: The insulation provided by double-glazed glass doors leads to significant energy savings, which is increasingly important with rising energy prices.
• Visibility with Insulation: While they provide the insulation benefits of an enclosed space, the glass ensures that products remain fully visible to customers.
• Modern Aesthetics: Glass door multidecks can offer a sleek look to your store, with the added benefit of reduced condensation on the glass, keeping the view unobstructed.

If you prefer the idea of an open multideck chiller but want a little more efficiency where possible, lockable multidecks are a great alternative. Able to remain open during store opening hours, these multidecks have a lockable shutter which can be pulled down when the shop shuts to prevent escape of cold air. Alternatively many open multidecks are supplied with a soft night blind which can also offer some coverage.

Despite their traditional popularity, open front models are being closely evaluated against glass door variants, especially in times when energy efficiency is a top priority for businesses.

So which should you choose for your business? Ultimately it comes down to what you're looking for, how your business operates, what your priorities are when buying, and how you anticipate your customers interacting with equipment.

The Tefcold Galaxy+ series represents the fusion of elegance and efficiency. Available in chic black, crisp white, or professional stainless steel finishes, these multidecks can complement any store aesthetic. With a variety of widths to choose from, they offer:

• Versatility: Flat or angled shelves provide flexibility in how products are displayed, catering to specific merchandising strategies.
• Enhanced Display Features: Equipped with solid end walls for structural integrity, adjustable shelves for customised display, EPOS ticket strips for clear pricing, and shelf risers to prevent products from slipping off.
• Optimal Temperature Range: With a temperature range ideal for a variety of products, including fresh meat and dairy.
• Climate Class 3: Rated for use in environments with temperatures up to 25°C and 60% relative humidity.
• Energy Efficiency: Rated A/B  depending on size for energy efficiency, helping keep operational costs down.

The starting prices from 2912.78 exc. VAT which increase with the size of the unit and the level of warranty cover selected, reflect the quality and advanced features of these multidecks, making them a sound investment for businesses looking to balance aesthetics with energy conservation. Open front models are also available within this range.

The Adande Bora Integral Grab & Go Multideck is a testament to innovation in open front multidecks. Utilising Aircell technology, it significantly curtails energy expenses without compromising the open display's accessibility:

• Innovative Air Curtain: Aircell technology creates a barrier, reducing cold air spillage and maintaining more consistent temperatures.
• Energy Efficiency: With an efficiency rating of B, it's a leader in its class for energy conservation among open front units.
• Customisable Shelving: Offers flexibility with five to six shelf configurations to suit product dimensions and maximise display space.
• Climate Class 3: Capable of operating in a 25°C environment at 60% relative humidity, ensuring reliability and performance.

With its cutting-edge technology, the Adande Bora is an attractive option for businesses looking to save on energy without compromising on the convenience of an open front.

The choice between an open front and a glass door multideck will largely depend on the specific needs of your business, including the type of products you sell, the importance of customer convenience, and your energy efficiency goals. Both types have their merits, and with the right selection, you can enhance your product display while keeping operational costs in check.

*Please note that all prices are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.