Picking the best commercial display refrigerator (shop fridge) for your business becomes quite easy once you understand that shop fridges come in different types and each type best suits a particular kind of business.
Therefore, once you identify what kind of display refrigerator you need, the job is halfway done: then you can turn your focus to specific features like the size, energy efficiency, number of shelves, etc.
We will go over the main types of shop fridges, how to choose based on your shop type, and what factors to consider before buying.
Step#1: Understand The Main Types of Shop Fridges
There are about six different types of commercial display fridges, and each is built for different storage/ display needs. Some types of commercial display refrigerators prioritize display, others prioritize storage, and some focus on accessibility. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Upright Display Fridges
Upright display refrigerators are the most common types of commercial display refrigerators: they are typically tall with glass doors and are mainly used to cool and display beverages, dairy, or grab-and-go snacks. Their vertical design allows businesses to save space while effectively showing products to customers.
Upright display refrigerators are classified based on storage capacity ( in cubic ft) and number of doors, with the smallest models being single-door refrigerators, and the biggest being three-door display refrigerators (up to 60 cu.ft +)
2. Countertop Fridges
Counter-top display fridges are compact and stylish types of display refrigerators that are designed to sit on counters. They are ideal for small items like desserts, bottled drinks, or sandwiches. They are most commonly used in cafés and bakeries where space is limited.
Deli cases are arguably the most common types of countertop display refrigerators, and they are particularly prevalent in convenience store chains such as Family Mart and 7-Eleven.
3. Under-Counter Fridges
Undercounter shop fridges are designed to fit neatly beneath worktops, keeping items close at hand without taking up extra space. They are most common in bars or kitchens where staff need quick access.
4. Open-Air Refrigerators
Open-air display refrigerators are a specific type of display refrigerator that has no doors. They are mostly used in high-traffic areas or convenience stores, and they excel when it comes to encouraging impulse buying. They are designed to allow customers to grab items quickly.
5. Chest/Display Freezers
Commercial display freezers are used for frozen goods like ice cream or pre-packed frozen foods. Their horizontal design makes them efficient for storage and easy customer browsing.
Each of these designs serves a specific purpose depending on your store layout, product type, and how you want customers to interact with your goods.
Step#2: Match the Shop Fridge Type to Your Business
The best shop fridge for your store is one to matches the fridge type to the demands of your store. Your store setup and product range determine which type of fridge works best. Here’s how to match them:
Best Shop Fridge for Small Café or Bakery
A café or bakery often deals with pastries, drinks, and ready-to-go meals: products that rely on good visibility and easy access. Choose a countertop display fridge or single-door upright fridge to showcase items while saving space.
This 21.2-inch Commercial Merchandiser Refrigerator from Wilprep has a total capacity of 8.5 cu. ft. capacity, and can easily display up to 240 standard 12 oz. cans.
The shelves are both adjustable and removable, giving you flexible and convenient storage solutions. This model, as well as four other single door models (12.8 cu. ft to 22.4 cu. ft), are currently on sale!
Best Shop Fridge for a Convenience Store or Deli
For a convenience store or deli, go for multi-door upright display fridges or open-air coolers. Glass doors keep energy use manageable, while open-front models make it faster for customers to grab items.
High customer traffic and a wide product mix mean you need both capacity and quick access.
Wilprep’s 52.4" Merchandiser Refrigerator has a total capacity of up to 37 cu. ft., and comes with two sliding doors for space efficiency. It has 8 adjustable and removable shelves, an interior lightbox (customizable), and a suitable temperature range for soda, yogurt, packaged salad, etc.
Best Shop Fridge for Supermarket or Large Retail Store
Supermarkets require a mix of temperature zones and product visibility. For a supermarket or large retail store, it is most effective to go for multi-deck open-air display units for beverages and ready meals, and large glass-door merchandisers for dairy, meat, and chilled goods.
Consider this 78.1" Merchandiser Refrigerator with three doors: it offers a spacious, effective volume of 72.4 cu. ft. and an adjustable temp. range of 32-50℉.
With 12 adjustable and removable shelves and a customizable lightbox, you can easily adjust the height of the shelves for optimal product display while putting up an attractive show to bring in more customers.
Bar or Back-of-House Storage
Here, display isn’t as important as functionality and reliability.
Choose under-counter fridges or solid-door upright models for storage efficiency and durability.
Step #3. Examine Specific Considerations For Buying a Shop Fridge.
Even the best fridge type can fall short if it doesn’t fit your shop’s daily needs. Here’s what to think through before buying:
- Size and Capacity: Measure your available space carefully and match it to your expected product load. Make sure you have enough shelving and depth for your inventory.
- Door Type and Accessibility: Decide between swing or sliding doors, or whether you need open-air access. Space constraints and traffic flow will guide this choice.
- Temperature Control and Cooling Performance: A reliable cooling system ensures consistent temperatures and prevents hot spots, keeping all items fresh.
- Energy Efficiency: Since shop fridges run continuously, energy efficiency is crucial. Look for LED lighting, tight insulation, and ENERGY STAR–rated models to save on electricity costs.
- Build Quality and Features: A strong frame, easy-to-clean shelves, and self-closing doors extend lifespan and reduce maintenance headaches.
- Installation and Electrical Requirements: Confirm doorways, space clearance, and power outlets before delivery to avoid costly surprises.
- Warranty and Compliance: Always check that the unit meets local standards (NSF, ETL, or similar) and that the warranty covers both parts and labor.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best shop fridge isn’t just about picking the biggest or cheapest unit: it’s about finding the right balance between space, visibility, energy efficiency, and functionality. Think about your store layout, what you’re selling, and how customers interact with your products.
You may also be interested in how to organize a commercial refrigerator.
