Display Refrigeration for Cafés (AU): Glass‑Door Merchandisers vs Open Multidecks
Fast grab‑and‑go sales demand visibility, but electricity prices and food‑safety compliance demand control. This guide compares open multideck display fridges with glass‑door merchandisers for Australian sites, covering FSANZ cold‑holding (≤5 °C), GEMS/MEPS & EEI, climate classes, planograms that convert, and running‑cost math you can act on.
TL;DR — the short answer (70–100 words)
Choose open multidecks when checkout speed and zero‑friction access are the top priority near POS. Expect higher energy use; fit night blinds and avoid drafts. Choose glass‑door merchandisers (closed multidecks/uprights) when stability, lower running cost and overnight holding matter most. For potentially hazardous foods (PHF), hold at ≤5 °C and select a cabinet with the right climate class (e.g., 3M1) for your ambient conditions. Compare models by kWh/24 h (and EEI, where provided) to project annual electricity cost.
Quick chooser: which cabinet fits your job?
| Use case | Best cabinet | Why it wins | Energy profile | Compliance cue | Fast link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queue‑line, impulse near POS | Open multideck | Frictionless grab; top visibility | Higher vs closed; use night blinds | Ensure PHF ≤5 °C; match climate class & siting | Open Display Fridges |
| Drinks + snacks with longer holds | Glass‑door merchandiser | Better temperature stability; less shrink | Lower than open; low‑E glazing helps | Clear kWh/24 h or EEI on spec; easy to keep ≤5 °C | Glass‑Door Fridges |
| Supermarket‑style category blocks | Retail display fridge (doors) | Multideck capacity + reduced loss | Often the most efficient per litre | Ideal for dairy/RTD coffee; door‑open alarms optional | Retail Display Fridges |
What “display refrigeration” means in Australia (standards in plain English)
FSANZ: cold holding & the danger zone
- Keep potentially hazardous foods (PHF) at ≤5 °C (or hot ≥60 °C). The 5–60 °C band is the danger zone.
- The 2‑/4‑hour rule can apply to controlled room‑temperature display windows; time is cumulative.
- Use a probe thermometer placed in a food‑equivalent location; don’t rely only on the air sensor.
GEMS/MEPS & Energy Rating
In Australia, many commercial refrigerated display and storage cabinets are covered by the GEMS framework, which sets minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and test methods. You’ll often see energy information listed as kWh/24 h and, for some categories, an Energy Efficiency Index (EEI). Use these to make like‑for‑like comparisons.
Climate classes (ISO‑style notation)
Climate classes describe the ambient and humidity used in testing. A common mark for chilled display is 3M1 (tested around 25 °C/60% RH). For hotter sites—or cabinets placed under lighting or near doors—look for models with higher ambient capability (many AU‑market cabinets indicate up to 43 °C ambient on the spec sheet).
Open multideck vs glass‑door merchandiser (what actually changes)
The quick scorecard
| Dimension | Open multideck | Glass‑door merchandiser / closed multideck |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion & speed | Best for grab‑and‑go; zero door friction | Slight friction (door), strong presentation; better for planned purchases |
| Energy use | Higher due to air‑curtain losses; fit night blinds after hours | Lower; low‑E double glazing reduces heat gain |
| Temperature stability | Sensitive to drafts and customer traffic | Tighter control; easier to hold PHF ≤5 °C |
| Shrink/waste | Higher risk if doors nearby or sun exposure | Lower risk thanks to doors and alarms on some models |
| Noise at front‑of‑house | More noticeable airflow | Generally quieter in customer areas |
| Cleaning & maintenance | Check curtain nozzles/returns; keep airflow paths clean | Inspect gaskets; heated edges if required for anti‑condensation |
| Total cost of ownership | Higher electricity; compelling for pure sales velocity | Lower running cost; strong for longer displays and overnight holding |
When open multidecks still win
- High‑footfall convenience and queue lines where the goal is speed.
- Short dwell beverages and packaged items that aren’t PHF.
- Spaces where staff reliably pull night blinds after hours and avoid cross‑drafts.
When doors win
- Energy‑sensitive sites and longer holding times (e.g., dairy, ready‑to‑eat sandwiches).
- Locations with sunlight, entrance drafts or HVAC cross‑flows.
- Overnight display without restocking to back‑of‑house.
How to read EEI & energy data (and estimate running cost)
Checklist on the spec sheet
- kWh/24 h — base figure for cost comparison.
- EEI — lower is more efficient (where provided).
- Climate/test class — e.g., 3M1; ensures like‑for‑like comparisons.
- Refrigerant — R290 is widely used for efficiency & low GWP.
- Ambient rating — e.g., up to 43 °C; crucial in hot stores.
Running‑cost calculator
Planograms that sell (and stay at ≤5 °C)
“Eye‑level is buy‑level” shelf map
- Eye level: your best sellers and high‑margin SKUs.
- Mid shelves: water and mainstream soft drinks.
- Top shelf: lightweight cartons and energy drinks.
- Bottom shelf: bulk packs and value tiers.
Golden rules (snippet‑friendly checklist)
- Block by brand and package size; keep 1–2 facings minimum for velocity.
- Maintain a clean ticket rail; align SKUs with price strips.
- FIFO rotation; refill on a cadence that avoids warm stacking.
- Mind airflow: do not push packs hard against back walls; leave space under shelves for return air.
- If open multideck: deploy night blinds after hours.
Placement & installation (stop waste before it starts)
Do this
- Keep cabinets away from cross‑drafts (shop doors, HVAC blasts).
- Respect rear/side clearance for condenser airflow; provide service access.
- Avoid direct sunlight; level the unit so doors self‑close correctly.
- Train staff to use night blinds on open cabinets after hours.
- Clean condensers regularly; check door gaskets and heated edges (where fitted).
Avoid this
- Placing open multidecks opposite entry doors or under strong ceiling diffusers.
- Over‑merchandising that blocks airflow slots.
- Ignoring ambient limits; pick cabinets with suitable climate class or ambient rating.
- Leaving doors propped open during fills; work in short bursts and let temperature recover.
Operator tip — “Set a refill timer on busy weekends. Shorter, more frequent fills protect temperature and keep the display looking full.”
FAQs
Which uses more energy: open multideck or glass‑door merchandiser?
Open multidecks typically use more energy because they rely on an air curtain. Glass‑door models reduce heat gain and usually consume less for the same display capacity. Always compare kWh/24 h on the spec sheet.
What does 3M1 mean?
It’s a common climate/test class for chilled display, referring to testing conducted around 25 °C/60% RH with M1 product temperature limits. It helps you compare models on a like‑for‑like basis.
Can open multidecks hold dairy and sandwiches?
Yes, provided the cabinet can consistently maintain ≤5 °C at your site conditions. Door‑equipped models make this easier and cheaper to achieve over long periods or overnight.
Why choose low‑E glass?
Low‑emissivity (low‑E) glass reduces condensation and heat transfer, keeping product visible and reducing energy use in glass‑door merchandisers.
What are night blinds for?
On open multidecks, night blinds reduce after‑hours energy loss and help cabinets recover temperature faster for the morning trade.
How do I estimate annual running cost?
Multiply the cabinet’s kWh/24 h by 365 to get annual kWh, then multiply by your electricity tariff. Use the calculator above for a quick estimate.
Need help matching display style to your planogram and power bill?
Share your menu, peak footfall and store layout. Our specialists will shortlist two or three models that fit your climate class, energy target and merchandising goals.
