What You Read In This Article:
Open merchandiser refrigerators—also called air-curtain merchandisers or open-front coolers—boost impulse sales by letting shoppers grab products without opening a door. They are ideal for bottled beverages, pre-packed salads, sandwiches, dairy, and grab-and-go meals, delivering high visibility with quick access.
How Open Merchandisers Work
An open merchandiser creates a controlled “curtain” of cold air that flows across the front opening. This air barrier minimizes heat gain while maintaining safe holding temperatures for pre-chilled, packaged products. These units are for sealed items only; do not store open or raw foods.
Open Merchandiser vs. Glass-Door Merchandiser vs. Reach-In
| Feature | Open Merchandiser (Air-Curtain) |
Glass-Door Merchandiser | Reach-In Refrigerator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access & Speed | Fast, no doors → highest grab-and-go | Door opens; good shopper flow | Back-of-house; not for display |
| Energy Efficiency | Lower than door units; use night curtains | Higher efficiency (door seal) | High efficiency; closed cabinet |
| Allowed Products | Packaged & sealed items only | Packaged & sealed items only | Open & closed food (food-zone compliant) |
| Best Use | Front-of-house, impulse sales | Front-of-house display with higher efficiency | Kitchen/prep storage |
| Temperature Stability | Good if placed correctly & fully stocked | Very good (door barrier) | Excellent (closed cabinet) |
| Compliance | Not for open/raw foods | Not for open/raw foods | Food-zone interiors support open food |
Sizing, Formats & Refrigeration Systems
- Formats: Vertical multidecks, low gondolas, horizontal wells.
- Widths: Typically 900–2500 mm; height usually 2000–2250 mm (vertical models).
- Refrigeration: Self-contained (plug-in, often R290) or remote (central/condensing unit) for lower heat & noise in store.
- Controls: Electronic controllers with defrost scheduling and temperature alarms.
Placement Best Practices (Critical for Open Cases)
- Ambient < 24 °C / 75 °F, < 55% RH; avoid direct sun.
- Keep clear of HVAC vents and exterior door drafts that disrupt the air curtain.
- Pre-chill all products; open merchandisers are holding units, not chillers.
- Maintain full, even stocking for stable temperatures and better merchandising.
- Use night curtains after hours to reduce energy use and temperature creep.
Key Features & Options
- LED lighting: Bright, uniform, low heat and energy.
- Shelves: Adjustable angle shelves with pricing rails; planogram-friendly.
- Ends & branding: Glass ends for visibility; custom header branding.
- Efficiency: EC fans, inverter compressors (plug-in), smart controllers.
- Hygiene: Removable grills & pans; easy-clean coil access.
FAQ: Open Merchandiser Refrigerators
What products can I display in an open merchandiser?
Pre-packed, sealed foods and beverages. Not suitable for open or raw items.
Can open merchandisers chill warm products?
No. They are designed to hold pre-chilled items at temperature, not pull down warm items.
How do I keep temperatures stable in hot climates?
Control ambient heat/humidity, avoid drafts, keep stock levels high, and use night curtains after hours. Consider remote refrigeration to remove heat from the sales floor.
Are open cases less efficient than glass-door models?
Yes, generally. Glass-door units seal better. Open cases offset this with merchandising benefits—use night curtains and proper placement to reduce energy use.
Plug-in (R290) vs. remote—what should I choose?
Plug-in is fast to install and flexible. Remote reduces noise/heat on the floor and can be more efficient in multi-case layouts.
