Are you looking to upgrade your refrigerated display case but unsure whether to go with an open display case or a traditional glass-door unit?
The choice between open-air merchandisers and traditional reach-in glass door units significantly affects cold air retention, access, and energy efficiency. Whether you operate a coffee shop, grocery store, or convenience store, the right merchandiser cooler impacts energy costs, food safety, and the customer experience in your store.
This article compares the two styles, covering performance, space requirements, and maintenance. You’ll also learn why LED interior features, durable materials, and smart refrigeration design are essential for stocking beverages, salads, and wine bottles.
By the end, you’ll know which unit works best for your store and how to equip your commercial kitchen or retail business with efficient equipment that supports operations.
Comparing Open-Air Merchandisers and Traditional Coolers
Choosing the right refrigerated merchandiser is crucial for food service and retail businesses. Open-air merchandisers have an open front for grab-and-go access, while traditional coolers provide closed, insulated storage.
Both types keep products chilled but differ in energy usage, costs, cooling consistency, maintenance needs, product visibility, and ease of customer access. Below is a side-by-side comparison of key criteria to help determine which type best suits your space, customer needs, and budget.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
| Criteria | Open Air Merchandiser (Air Curtain Cooler) | Traditional Cooler (Glass-Door Merchandiser) |
| Energy Use | Higher energy consumption due to continuous cold air escape. Some models include energy-saving features, but overall usage is about ~30% more than doored units. | More energy-efficient due to sealed doors, reducing cold-air loss and lowering electricity bills. |
| Cooling Performance (Temperature Control) | Maintains temperature of pre-chilled products but is more susceptible to ambient conditions, causing slight temperature fluctuations. Best for quick-selling items. | It provides consistent cooling and can pull down product temperatures. It is ideal for sensitive perishables needing strict temperature control. |
| Maintenance & Serviceability | Fewer components mean lower maintenance costs. Regular upkeep involves cleaning coils and drains. | It’d be great if you could care for door seals and hinges. Generally reliable with features like auto-defrost. |
| Product Visibility | Maximum visibility with open-front design, enhanced by glass side panels and LED lighting. | High visibility through transparent doors, though there is a physical barrier. LED lighting keeps contents visible. |
| Ease of Customer Access | Grab-and-go convenience with no doors, boosting impulse sales. Ideal for high-traffic areas. | Controlled access requires opening doors, which can slightly slow the shopping experience. |
| Typical Use Cases | High-traffic, self-serve environments like convenience stores and cafés. Best for pre-packaged, sealed products with quick turnover. | Suitable for supermarkets and kitchens where stable cooling is needed. It is ideal for items requiring strict temperature control or overnight storage. |
| Construction & Durability | Built for heavy use with sturdy materials. Fewer mechanical parts contribute to longevity. | Engineered for durability with heavy-duty frames and double-pane glass. Doors introduce parts that can break over time. |
Choosing the Right Merchandiser for Your Business
Each open or enclosed model offers clear benefits, but your selection should reflect how your operation runs.
Running a high-traffic coffee shop, bakery, or convenience store? An open display case gives your customers the visibility and speed they expect. Products like bottled beverages, packaged snacks, or cold sandwiches stay front and center, boosting sales with minimal effort. These units are a must-have for retailers who want to view their offerings without barriers easily.
Do you need to store wine bottles, deli meats, or prepped salads overnight? A glass-door unit maintains tighter temperature control and is better at preserving food quality. It’s a good choice for grocery stores and more extensive commercial kitchen operations where cold air containment and energy efficiency matter.
Modern commercial refrigeration products, including those offered by Celco, are designed to withstand the demands of daily service. From refrigerated displays to vertical reach-in refrigerators, every unit supports durability, streamlined maintenance, and flexible interior storage with adjustable shelves and LED interior lighting.
You can use your store layout, menu, and product types to guide your decision. Both styles can increase sales, reduce energy waste, and improve how you stock and serve.
Find the Right Cooler for Your Business
Choosing the proper refrigerated display depends on how your customers shop, your team moves through the space, and how long your stock needs to stay cold.
Celcook’s merchandiser lineup is built for performance and practicality. With low-maintenance systems, efficient LED lighting, and options tailored to different business types, you’ll find equipment that fits your goals and simplifies daily work.
Please contact our team today to explore options and select a fridge that helps you serve faster, store smarter, and preserve product freshness without compromising quality or efficiency.