Multideck Display Fridges

A. Multidecks have multiple tiers creating a large space to display products. Many multidecks are open, although increasingly more businesses are opting for more energy efficient models with clear doors to give easy access and shopping convenience for customers, ultimately thought to boost grab and go purchases. The wide range of widths makes refrigerated multidecks a staple of any shop or supermarket chilled display.

A. Multidecks and display fridges are both designed to cool products while displaying them attractively to customers. A stereotypical multideck allows customers to reach in and grab what they want with easy, unobstructed access. Display refrigerators have doors made of full glass to trap cold air within the equipment making them more energy efficient. Increasingly, multidecks are now being purchased with transparent doors, combining the larger display capacity, multi-level shelving and greater size options of a multideck with the efficiency of a display fridge.

A. Multideck energy efficiency is dependent on a number of factors including the type of multideck it is, positioning of the equipment, the ambient environment and proximity to any air conditioning units. As technology and the understanding of energy curtains and directing airflow through design has progressed, multidecks are now more efficient than they once were, however are not as energy efficient as other types of commercial refrigeration. To increase the efficiency of traditional displays by approximately 30% (although some claim this can be up to as much as 40 or 50%), multidecks with doors combine the display, presentation and functionality of a multideck with the efficiency of a sealed unit. Read more about open front or glass door multidecks - which should you buy?

A. Multidecks can be used to display a wide variety of foods and drink. The key factor is to ensure that the temperature range of the unit is suitable for what you wish to cool and display e.g. for general purpose use, standard multidecks are suitable however, meat products will require a specific temperature range.

A. The temperature of your multideck fridge depends on the type of produce you want to display. For general purpose use including dairy, fruit and veg, packaged sandwiches and drinks etc. temperatures should be between 1C and 10C, ideally between 1C and 7C. Where meat is being displayed, lower temperatures approximately 0C to 2C are required.

A. Yes, glass doors can be retrofitted to the majority of fridge multideck displays. Models with fixed doors can increase the efficiency of equipment without compromising display or ease of access.

A. Multideck displays use a continuous circulation of chilled air to keep produce chilled. The refrigeration system circulates cold air up the back of the unit and across the top of products, before being directed out and down the front of the unit to create an 'air curtain'. Air then returns through the bottom grill, back into the equipment to begin the cycle again.

A. Multidecks are designed to operate in ambient temperatures of around 25C and require consistent temperatures in order to perform at their best. This means that if equipment is placed in direct sunlight, near air conditioning units or in direct line of constantly opening shop doors, ambient temperatures will fluctuate and disturbances. Frequently opened doors and air conditioning units close to multidecks will also cause fluctuations in the surrounding air, which will disturb the flow of the 'air curtain' meaning the unit can't operate as efficiently. This is mainly applicable with integral multi deck displays where the refrigeration system is housed within the unit itself. Remote multidecks are less susceptible to ambient temperature change as the motor is housed separately from the cabinet, typically on an external wall. Read more about buying getting to grips with grab and go fridges including more information on integral or remote multi decks. 

A. Multideck chillers are designed to direct cold air down over produce. Cold air blown from the top of the unit sinks, falling down over the front of the display shelves. This is sometimes called an 'air curtain'. If a multideck fridge display is positioned close to an air conditioning unit, the air blown out from the air conditioner can disrupt the flow of air or 'air curtain' that improves the efficiency of the multideck, resulting in equipment having to work harder to achieve required temperatures.

A. Multideck displays are available in a wide range of sizes to suit any business demand. Standard heights average from 1.8 to 2.2 metres, with low height multidecks offering a height between 1.3 and 1.5 metres. Standard depths are around 740mm however, again, slimmer models are available with a reduced depth approximately 660 - 680mm to facilitate any access issues or restricted spaces. Widths vary greatly and, if you can't find the width you're looking for, units can be multiplexed (multiple units situated together with remote cooling systems) if you need something bigger than market standard. It is essential to take into account that the larger the equipment the heavier it will be, which can cause issues when manoeuvring and tilting multidecks to gain access to buildings and positioning units.

A. Tilted or angled shelves are often used for fruit and vegetable displays in supermarkets or greengrocers. The cantilever system allows displays to tilt forward to make produce more visible and aesthetically pleasing. When tilting displays, always ensure that shelf risers (the small lip at the edge of shelves) are secure to prevent stock from rolling off.

A. Nightblinds are soft flexible curtains that can be raised to reveal the display area or pulled down to provide a temporary cover. Nightblinds are often closed during out of hours periods to hold in and contain cold air to increase efficiency. Nightblinds can also be used to cover alcohol or restricted products during opening hours that aren't permitted for sale under licensing terms.

A. Many multi decks will come with a night blind as standard, and in some cases a lockable shutter, however not all. If you're looking for a multideck with nightblind always be sure to check specifications before placing your order.

A. Yes, many manufacturers offer a 2 man unpack and position service where flat, level access is available, for an additional charge. This means that the delivery men will bring your multideck inside. As multideck fridges are large pieces of equipment, getting units into a premises can be tricky, so an unpack and position service means that you can leave it to the professionals. Always make sure that the equipment will fit through external and internal doorways and through any corridors or tight turns that might be on route to the final destination.