Open vs. Closed Display Fridges – Energy Consumption and Customer Comfort
Open vs. Closed Display Fridges – Which Is the Right Choice for Your Business?
One of the most common dilemmas facing grocery store owners, supermarkets, and HoReCa operators is choosing between open and closed display fridges. Both types have clear advantages, but the right decision depends on the nature of your business, customer traffic volume, and, not least, long-term operating costs.
Open Display Fridges – Maximum Convenience for Shoppers
Doorless display fridges are extremely popular in supermarkets and convenience stores. Their primary advantage is quick, unobstructed access to products for customers. Retail studies show that products displayed in open fridges have a significantly higher impulse purchase rate compared to those placed in closed units.
These units are ideal for:
- Soft drinks and dairy products with high stock turnover
- High-footfall stores
- Promotional areas and self-service shelving
That said, open display fridges have a considerably higher energy consumption than closed units. Cold air continuously escapes into the surrounding environment, meaning the refrigeration unit works harder to maintain the set temperature. Depending on the size and the ambient room temperature, the difference in consumption can reach 40–50% compared to a closed display fridge.
Closed Display Fridges – Energy Efficiency and Real Savings
Glass-door display fridges are the preferred solution when reducing energy consumption is a priority. The doors effectively insulate the interior, maintaining a stable temperature with far less effort from the compressor. The result is a significantly lower monthly electricity bill.
The main advantages of closed display fridges include:
- Energy consumption reduced by up to 40–50% compared to open models
- Better cold chain integrity, essential for temperature-sensitive products
- Fast return on investment through electricity savings
- Quieter operation and reduced wear on components
The drawback? Customers must open the door to access products, which may slightly reduce impulse purchases. However, for many retail formats – including pharmacies, convenience stores, and HoReCa outlets – this is not a significant obstacle.
What Really Matters: Thermal Comfort in the Store
One frequently overlooked aspect is the impact of open display fridges on the microclimate of the retail space. An open display fridge continuously releases cold air into the store, which can create discomfort for staff and customers, particularly during the colder months. In addition, the HVAC system must compensate for this heat loss, generating additional costs.
Closed display fridges, by contrast, do not disturb the ambient temperature, contributing to a more pleasant environment and overall savings on space conditioning.
Modaco Solutions for Every Type of Business
At Modaco, with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing commercial refrigeration equipment, we offer a complete range of display fridges tailored to the real needs of businesses across Romania. Whether you need an open display fridge with an air curtain for a high-traffic supermarket, or a unit with hinged or sliding doors for a convenience store, our team can recommend the optimal solution.
Modaco display fridges are manufactured in Găești, Dâmbovița, using quality materials and reliable components, ensuring long-term durability and energy efficiency. We understand that every retail space is different and that purchasing decisions must be supported by concrete data, not generalities.
How to Choose the Right Type of Display Fridge?
Here are a few practical questions to help you make the right decision:
- What is your customer footfall? – High traffic favours open display fridges; medium or low traffic favours closed units.
- What products are you displaying? – High-turnover products work well in open fridges; longer shelf-life products are better suited to closed units.
- What are your energy costs? – If your electricity bill is a concern, glass-door units are the smart choice.
- How important is staff thermal comfort? – Closed display fridges are far more friendly to the indoor environment.
Contact Modaco and Choose the Right Refrigeration Equipment
There is no universal answer to the question "open or closed?" – there is only the right solution for your business. Modaco's specialists are ready to advise you free of charge, assess your retail space, and recommend the refrigeration equipment that best combines energy efficiency with a great shopping experience for your customers.
Call us now on 0727.324.787 and discover the full range of Modaco display fridges – made in Romania, for businesses that mean business.