Top 5 Mistakes When Buying a Display Fridge – How to Make the Right Choice
Purchasing a display fridge is a significant investment for any business in the HoReCa, food retail or production sector. Even so, many entrepreneurs make costly mistakes during the selection process – mistakes that later translate into high operating costs, frequent repairs or, in the worst case, spoiled products and unhappy customers.
With more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing display fridges, the MODACO team in Găești, Dâmbovița, has identified the most common errors buyers make. In this article, we present these mistakes and offer practical solutions to avoid them.
1. Choosing the wrong size
One of the most common mistakes is purchasing a display fridge whose dimensions do not suit the available space or the real needs of the business.
Too small – means you won't be able to display enough products, you lose sales opportunities and you are forced to restock constantly.
Too large – generates unjustified energy costs, takes up valuable space and can look half-empty, projecting an unprofessional image to customers.
The solution: Before ordering, measure the available space precisely and estimate the volume of products you want to display. At MODACO, we offer free advice on correct sizing, and MODACO display fridges can be custom-built to the exact dimensions you need.
2. Ignoring the climate class and ambient conditions
Every display fridge is designed to perform optimally within a certain ambient temperature range, known as the climate class. Many buyers overlook this essential aspect.
If you place a unit with a normal climate class (N) in an unventilated space, exposed to sunlight or near heat sources, the refrigeration unit will be overworked. The result? Increased energy consumption, premature compressor wear and unstable interior temperatures.
The solution: Assess the actual conditions at the installation site and choose a display fridge with the appropriate climate class. MODACO display fridges are available in several climate classes, suited both to air-conditioned shops and to covered markets or spaces with higher temperatures.
3. Focusing solely on price, not on total cost of ownership
This mistake is perhaps the most expensive in the long run. Many entrepreneurs choose the cheapest display fridge on the market without calculating the total cost of ownership (TCO).
A cheap unit can consume 30-50% more energy than a quality one. On top of that, servicing costs, hard-to-find spare parts and a shorter service life turn the initial "bargain" into a financial black hole.
The solution: Compare energy consumption, the warranty offered, spare parts availability and the manufacturer's reputation. MODACO display fridges are made in Romania, which means immediately available spare parts, fast servicing and an honest quality-to-price ratio, with no middlemen.
4. Neglecting the type of cooling
There are two main types of cooling: static (direct) and ventilated. Each has advantages and drawbacks, and the wrong choice can affect the quality of the products on display.
Static cooling is ideal for products that must not dry out (cold cuts, cheeses, fresh prepared foods). It preserves natural moisture, but temperature distribution can be less uniform.
Ventilated cooling ensures a uniform temperature throughout the interior of the unit, making it suitable for drinks or packaged products. However, it can dry out unpackaged goods.
The solution: Consider what type of products you will mainly display and choose the cooling system accordingly. MODACO specialists can guide you to the optimal solution for your particular business.
5. Overlooking aesthetic and functional aspects
A display fridge is not just storage equipment – it is a sales tool. A unit with an outdated design, poor lighting or limited product visibility will significantly reduce the appeal of the goods on display.
In addition, details such as sliding doors, adjustable shelves, LED lighting or ease of cleaning make all the difference in day-to-day operation.
The solution: Choose a display fridge that showcases your products and is easy to maintain. The MODACO range of display fridges combines modern design with practical functionality, offering energy-efficient LED lighting, glass with maximum visibility and durable finishes in stainless steel or painted in the colours of your choice.
A smart investment starts with being well informed
Buying a display fridge should not be a rushed decision. By considering the correct size, climate class, total cost of ownership, type of cooling and aesthetics, you will make a choice that will serve your business for many years to come.
Since 1992, MODACO has been manufacturing display fridges at its factory in Găești, Dâmbovița, for hundreds of customers throughout Romania. The experience gained over more than three decades allows us to offer not only quality equipment, but also genuine advice tailored to each customer's needs.