Sushi Display Cases Buyers' Guide

Bright colors and contrasting textures are part of sushi's appeal. High-tier sushi must be visually attractive on top of being delicious, and a sushi display case can help operators accentuate this facet of their carefully prepared food. Sushi display cases, made specifically to showcase the popular food, protect your product from being contaminated and ensure it stays fresh and appetizing. Refrigeration, lighting, and contamination protection enable operators to store sushi in a way that simultaneously generates interest and drives sales.

Many foodservice establishments utilize merchandisers to showcase the products in the best possible light, and sushi is no different. Sushi display cases, however, have several features that set them apart from other merchandisers. Most are long and low as sushi does not need as much vertical space as other foods. Sushi display cases are intended to be placed on a countertop, which means these units are much smaller than many other merchandisers.

Choosing the right unit can make a real difference in how much return you get on your investment. Although each sushi case serves the same purpose, there are a few factors to consider when deciding which is right for your restaurant or commercial operation.

Table of Contents

• Choosing a Size
• Condenser Location
• Drains
• Lighting and Glass
• Additional Considerations

Choosing a Sushi Display Case Size

As with everything you might place in a restaurant, a sushi display case needs to provide enough value to offset the space it's taking. Sushi cases typically sit on a countertop and advertise your best dishes to anyone who walks past. The size of your display case should match that of the countertop you plan on pairing with it, but you must also consider what else you could do with the available space.

Display cases range from 48 to 83 inches wide, so you need to know how much space is available as you shop. If you're filling an existing space, it's important to make sure the display case you order will fit within those specific parameters. If you're building with the relative freedom a custom space provides, consider how much sushi you will be making and displaying each day. As with any piece of equipment, a certain amount of space in the model will be taken up by the mechanical components that refrigerate the contents. The exact dimensions can be found on the product specifications page.

Condensing Unit

Most of the sushi display cases available from KaTom have self-contained refrigeration systems, which means you won't need to add a remote condensing system to the machine. This is convenient because you only need to place these models and plug them in for operation. You'll still need to think about where the built-in condensing unit is located – either on the right or left of the case. The condensing unit will require space to vent warm air, so you'll need to ensure you provide enough open space on the side of the unit that houses the condenser. The exact space required will be listed in the individual display case's product specifications page.

The location of the condenser will alter how you position your display case. Since half the value of the case comes from the way it markets your products, you'll want to maximize the visual appeal. If a customer will be viewing the case from one side instead of exclusively from the front, try to find a unit with glass on that side. The condenser will be located on the other side out of necessity.

We do carry a few remote compressor sushi cases, which require a compressor to be purchased separately. However, these units do not have a compressor system taking up valuable counter space or producing noise and heat on the retail floor.

Display Case Drains

Every sushi display case needs a drain somewhere in the display cabinet. Moisture will penetrate the case, either from condensation from the refrigeration machinery, the contents of the food itself, or the cleaning you'll need to do, and a drain gives that moisture somewhere to go. The drains on these units are regulated by the operator, so they won't discharge liquid onto the floor or countertop, instead they will hold the runoff until you're ready to dispose of it.

Lighting and Glass Styles

To aid in catching customers' eyes, many sushi display cases have interior lighting, which highlights the vibrant colors of your food. If your establishment is already well lit, you may not need to expend extra resources on lighting your sushi case. Still, in the same way a spotlight can draw attention to a stage, interior lighting can help ensure everyone notices the best items you have to offer.

All merchandisers have glass protecting and displaying the sushi, but some are curved and some aren’t. Curved glass helps ensure the colors of your dishes shine through at any angle, but this may not be a concern, depending on how high your sushi case is off the floor.

Additional Considerations