Commercial display refrigerators are, without doubt, the best commercial refrigerators for retail stores. Since retail stores rely on customers being able to see their products, display refrigerators work best because they come with glass doors that allow full product visibility, and even features like LED lights that increase the appeal of the products and stimulate impulse buying.
However, there are many types of commercial glass door refrigerators, and not all of them are equally suitable for different kinds of retail stores that may be selling different things.
So, to choose a refrigerator for a retail store, you have to consider what the retail store deals in, its size, and other practical considerations like space available and plans for future expansion.
3. Best Refrigerators for Retail Stores
Three main types of refrigerators work best for retail stores: open-air merchandisers, glass-door display fridges, and countertop refrigerators. These all feature glass doors and are designed to optimize product visibility, but are best for storing different types of products.
1. Open-air merchandisers
Open-air merchandisers are also known as retail beverage refrigerators, and they are best for retail stores that mainly sell drinks, beverages, and bottled items like milk, yogurt, fruit juice, etc. The shelves are designed for optimal organization and display of large, medium-sized, and small cans.
For a small retail store, you can choose a 24" Vertical Air Curtain Merchandiser with an 8cu. ft capacity or a larger unit with about 12 cu.ft capacity.
2. Glass-door display refrigerators
Glass-door display refrigerators are best for retail stores that sell a variety of items of different shapes and sizes, like cereal, etc. They have larger shelf spaces and usually operate within a temperature range that is optimal for such a wide variety of products.
Commercial single-door display refrigerators are common for small-sized retail stores, while bigger retailers go for larger two-door models.
3. Countertop Display Refrigerator
Countertop display refrigerators are best for retail stores that also offer ready-to-eat foods, either as a major or minor part of their business. They are designed for items like cakes and other forms of pastries, which the retail store owner may want to highlight by placing them separately from the drinks and other items.
4. Commercial Display Freezers
Best for storing items that need to be frozen, but also displayed. Commercial display freezers feature glass doors, which makes them essential for retail stores that deal in items such as meat, poultry, that need to be frozen even while on display.
So, the best refrigerators for retail stores would be open-air merchandisers (beverage coolers), glass-door display refrigerators, countertop display refrigerators, and commercial display freezers.
These are all glass door fridges and refrigerators, and every retail store needs at least one of these (depending on its size), and most usually go for a combination of all three types.
Choosing a Refrigerator for a Retail Store
There are four key factors to consider when selecting a refrigerator for retail stores: the type of retail store (i.e., its primary product), visibility features, the size of the retail store, and energy efficiency.
Other factors like durability, ease of cleaning also come in, but these are the main four. The objective should always be to strike a balance between visibility, efficiency, capacity, and reliability that matches your retail store’s needs.
1. Type of Retail Store
There are four main types of retail stores, and each type has different display, storage, and refrigeration needs depending on what they sell. Here’s a simple table matching common retail store types with the most suitable types of retail refrigeration:
| Retail Refrigerator Type | Retail Store Type | Uses |
| Grocery stores | Beverage refrigerator | Common for drinks |
| Glass Door Display Refrigerators |
For dairy, grab-and-go foods |
|
| Display Freezers | Frozen foods and ice cream | |
| Convenience Stores | Beverage Refrigerators | Main fridge type |
| Glass Door Display Refrigerators | For snacks and chilled foods | |
| Countertop Display Refrigerators | High-impulse items | |
| Display Freezers | Frozen novelties | |
| Specialty food stores (butcher, deli, bakery) | Glass Door Display Refrigerators | Fresh and prepared foods |
| Countertop Display Refrigerators | Desserts and small items | |
| Beverage Refrigerators | Secondary Use | |
| Cafés and bakeries | Glass Door Display Refrigerators | Grab-and-go meals |
| Countertop Display Refrigerators |
Cakes and pastries |
|
| Pharmacies | Glass Door Display Refrigerators | OTC meds and chilled items |
| Beverage Refrigerators | Energy drinks and water | |
| Discount/dollar stores | Beverage Refrigerators | High volume products |
| Glass door refrigerators | Prepackaged foods | |
| Display Freezers | Frozen bargains | |
| Foodservice and take-out shops | Glass Door Display Refrigerators | Prepared food |
| Countertop Display Refrigerators | Desserts and sides | |
| Display Freezers | Frozen ingredients |
2. The Size of The Store
The size of the commercial refrigerator must match the amount of space available at the retail shop. A large refrigerator in a small store can block aisles, create safety hazards, or look crowded.
| Store size | Recommended fridge type/size | Why It Is Best |
| Small corner store/convenience store | 1–2 reach-in units (1–2 doors, 20–30 cu ft) | Enough space for key drinks/snacks without overcrowding |
| Medium grocery/specialty store | 2–4 reach-in units (2–3 doors, 30–50 cu ft) or under-counter display units | Handles moderate inventory and customer demand |
| Supermarket / big-box store | Multiple 3–4 door reach-ins, walk-in units, or large open-air merchandisers | Supports high-volume inventory and continuous replenishment |
Choosing a commercial refrigerator is not just about what fits your stock; it’s about balancing space, energy use, and customer experience. The size of your store directly influences which type and capacity of refrigerator will optimize both operations and sales.
3. Visibility Features
Good visibility helps customers find, browse, and choose products faster, which in turn boosts impulse purchases and overall sales. Look for the following features:
- Glass doors, double or triple pane, low-E, tampered and well-insulated
- Bright, interior lighting, preferably LED
- Adjustable shelves and sufficient labelling space
In retail settings, visibility isn’t just a nice extra: it’s a selling tool. These features are essential for boosting sales, lowering energy loss, and providing an overall better customer experience.
4. Energy Efficiency
Retail fridges run 24/7, so getting a unit that is energy efficient can save hundreds to thousands per year in power. Look for the following features:
- Energy Star Certification
- Highly efficient compressor
- Thick, good-quality insulation
And keep in mind that tight, well-sealed, and self-closing doors with good gaskets
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Commercial Refrigerator for Retail Stores
When selecting a commercial refrigerator for a retail store, visibility is just as important as size, efficiency, and durability. Clear, well-lit glass doors and even LED lighting ensure customers can easily see your products, encouraging impulse purchases and reducing the need for door openings that waste energy.
Consider your retail store type, available floor space, and the visibility features that best highlight your merchandise, and you can select a refrigeration setup that not only preserves your products but also supports sales and improves the overall shopping experience.
Explore 3 door vs 2 door refrigerators, and why they work well for larger retail stores.
