Countertop Refrigerators & Freezers

Countertop Glass Door Refrigerators: What You Need to Know

Understanding where you'll install your countertop refrigerator and what kinds of items you want to keep in it is the first step in deciding which one is right for your business. If you'll be putting it in a checkout lane, you'll need a different model than you would in a serving line. Some countertop refrigerated merchandisers are used for storing bottled drinks and packaged snacks at a checkout line or C-store drink station. Pass-thru models with remote or built-in refrigeration can be used as permanent fixtures in buffet lines or at a restaurant to display fresh desserts.

A countertop display fridge can help you draw attention to the items you want to sell while providing additional cold storage. While they have smaller storage capacities, these countertop display refrigerators require much less space than larger merchandisers while having similar benefits. A countertop beverage cooler brings convenience both to operators and customers, depending on how you use it. A solid-door countertop beverage cooler can be good for storing items not intended for merchandising, such as employees' drinks. Whatever style of countertop display refrigerator you need, you'll find it here.

Common Questions About Countertop Display Refrigerators

What countertop refrigerated merchandiser access types are available?

Front-accessed countertop display refrigerators are the most common type. They have a sliding or swinging door on the front and are usually used to hold bottled and canned drinks, as well as packaged snacks. These are common in retail environments and are essentially miniature glass door merchandisers.

For retail applications that serve customers in two register lines, pass-thru countertop refrigerators have doors on the front and back of the unit, which enables one cooler to serve both lines. These can also be restocked from the back door by staff with items such as baked goods, sandwiches, produce, and snacks without getting in the way of customers. To maximize their visual appeal, the compressors will usually be mounted on the side of the unit or under the counter for drop-in units. Some have glass on four sides to show off items such as pies and cakes to customers.

Are drop-in countertop refrigerated merchandisers available?

A drop-in countertop refrigerator has external refrigeration components that are dropped into the counter beneath the cabinet so that the entire case can be devoted to storing merchandise. If you have space underneath the counter for the refrigeration unit and are willing to cut out the necessary hole, this can be a clever permanent solution for merchandising cold products.

What door types are available for countertop display refrigerators?

You can get a small glass door refrigerator with swinging or sliding doors. Either option has advantages that may make more sense for your establishment.

• Swinging doors are mounted on hinges and swing outward. Because these doors are self-closing, they're less likely to be left open than sliding doors. They also form a tight, positive seal that helps retain cool air inside the cabinet. Swinging door models tend to have better energy efficiency.
• Sliding doors are mounted on rails and slide left and right, which can conserve space in narrow or busy areas compared to a door that swings out. However, these are more likely to be inadvertently left open by customers, and the rails will need to be cleaned occasionally as they collect dust and debris. Also, as the unit ages, the seals on the door rails can become worn and won't close as tightly, increasing energy usage. One thing to remember about sliding doors is that they're only available on models that have at least two doors.

What specialty options are available?

• Some small countertop glass door refrigerators include a lit signage area that can hold interchangeable signs, either provided by the manufacturer or custom made to support your brand.
• LED lighting is a brighter, more energy-efficient alternative to fluorescent or incandescent lighting. It comes standard on some countertop refrigerators and is available on many others for an upcharge. Some manufacturers offer a longer warranty on these more long-lasting lights.
• As an alternative to bolted-on handles, which may stick out into the aisle, recessed handles are built inside the door, flush with the cabinet. These can save a little space in close quarters and won't snag clothes or carts as people come and go.