4 Common Types of Commercial Soda Refrigerators
1. Upright Glass Door Merchandisers
Upright glass door merchandiser fridges are the classic soda fridge you see everywhere, usually displaying bottled and canned sodas, and branded beverages like Coke, Pepsi, Cola, energy drinks, etc.
What makes these glass door display refrigerators perfect for soda is that they are designed to maximize visibility, encourage impulse purchases, and withstand frequent opening and closing without losing much air.
A glass door should be at the top of your list of commercial soda refrigerators, especially if you are buying for a convenience store, gas station, small grocery stoe or even a takeout restaurant.
Consider Wilprep's UL-certified glass door merchandisers, like the 52.4" Two Swing Door display refrigerator for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a spacious, effective volume of 40 cu. ft. and an adjustable temp. range of 32-50℉, perfect for displaying soda cans, yogurt, packaged salad, and fruit cups in bars, offices, convenience stores, and more!
2. Open-Air Merchandiser (Air Curtain Fridge)
An open-air merchandiser is another great option for a commercial soda fridge, especially for grab-and-go canned sodas and single-serve drinks. It offers customers the fastest possible access (there is no door), and because it is specially designed to encourage impulsive purchases, it is ideal for a high-traffic environment.
That convenience often increases sales, even if it’s slightly less energy-efficient. Consider an open-air merchandiser if you are looking for a commercial soda refrigerator for a cafeteria, quick service restaurant, an airport, or a food court.
Wilprep's open-air merchandisers showcase your products front and center, while offering effortless access that encourages quick, on-the-go purchases. Consider the 27" Vertical Open Air Merchandiser Refrigerator, which offers 6.7 cu. ft. storage capacity, 2 height and tilt adjustable shelves to hold canned soda, bottled water, beer, yogurt, or pre-packaged sandwiches. The built-in LED lighting helps your products sell themselves.
3. Undercounter Soda Refrigerator
If you are looking for a soda refrigerator for a bar, coffee shop, or sandwich shop, an undercounter refrigerator can be a great option. It sits below your counter, often behind the service area, and it is used for keeping backup stock within arm’s reach, especially during rushes. In a bar, for example, it is best for
- Bottles and cans used by staff (not customer-facing)
- Overflow inventory
Your staff can restock or grab drinks without leaving their station.
4. Back Bar Cooler (Glass Door, Horizontal)
Back bar coolers are also great commercial soda fridges. These are the low, wide fridges behind bars that are usually used for keeping mixers (soda, tonic, sparkling water) cold and accessible.
They are best for bottled soda, mixers for cocktails, and are extremely popular in bars, restaurants, lounges, and even some liquor stores because they combine visibility for staff with compact design, making them perfect for tight spaces.
Soda Refrigerator Combinations: Why Businesses Use More Than One Type
At some point, most businesses realize that one soda fridge can’t do everything well. You might have a soda fridge that’s great for display, but not for storage. Or one that’s fast for access, but not ideal for showcasing products. That’s where combining different types of soda refrigerators comes in.
Instead of forcing one unit to do it all, businesses pair two (or more) fridges, each with a specific role. The result is better workflow, better product visibility, and ultimately, more sales.
Common Soda Refrigerator Combinations
- Glass-door merchandiser + undercounter fridge: The merchandiser is optimized for selling, while the undercounter fridge is optimized for speed and restocking. Best for coffee shops, sandwich shops, and small restaurants.
- Glass-door merchandiser + open-air merchandiser: The glass door unit acts as the main storage and backup, while the open-air unit acts as the high-speed access point.Best for food courts, cafeterias, and food courts.
- Upright merchandiser + back bar cooler: The upright merchandiser is customer-facing, and the back bar cooler is staff-facing behind the counter. Best for bars, casual dining restaurants, and lounges.
- Multiple glass door merchandisers (Side-by-Side): This combination provides more display space and clear organization.
If your soda sales are growing, or your workflow feels clunky, it’s usually a sign that you’ve outgrown a single fridge setup. Adding a second, complementary unit isn’t just about capacity; it’s about making your entire system smoother and more intentional.
What’s the Best Commercial Soda Fridge?
If you could only buy one commercial soda refrigerator, the safest and most effective choice is an upright glass door merchandiser. It balances everything you need: visibility (boosts sales), capacity (holds a wide variety of drinks), and accessibility (easy for customers and staff). It is the most versatile option across almost every type of business.
What Features Should You Focus On?
- Strong, even cooling capacity. Look for fan-assisted cooling and fast temperature recovery, which ensures every soda is cold, not just the ones near the vents.
- Adjustable shelving: You’ll likely carry cans, small bottles, and large bottles. Flexible shelving lets you adapt your layout as your inventory changes.
- Bright LED lighting: This isn’t just aesthetic, it’s functional. Good lighting makes products stand out, improves visibility in dim stores, and encourages impulse buys.
- Energy efficiency: Commercial soda refrigerators have to run 24/7. Look for energy-efficient compressors, good door seals, and double-pane glass. This saves money long-term.
- A durable door design: Your fridge door will be opened hundreds of times a day. You want self-closing doors, strong hinges, and easy-to-clean glass.
Why Wilprep's Display Refrigerators?
Wilprep's display refrigerators feature a 360° air circulation that spreads the chill evenly across every shelf. The shelves are adjustable, each capable of holding up to 88 lbs. The double-layer Low-E tempered glass keeps every drink in full, and the customizable top LED panel shows off your brand or specials, making your commercial fridge impossible to miss.
Also, they are built with food-safe materials and UL-certified. Our display refrigerators with glass doors meet the top safety and sanitation standards. From cafes, bars, and restaurants to convenience stores, it keeps drinks cold and your mind at ease.
Final Thoughts on Soda Fridges
A commercial soda refrigerator isn’t just storage; it’s a sales tool. The right unit keeps drinks perfectly cold, makes your products visible and appealing, and supports fast, efficient service.
If you’re running any kind of food or beverage business, investing in the right soda fridge isn’t optional; it’s one of those decisions that quietly pays you back every single day. And if you’re unsure where to start? Stick with a solid glass door merchandiser, focus on reliability and visibility, and build from there.
You might also want to explore the benefits of a merchandiser refrigerator, and why this matters when choosing a soda fridge.
