Your ultimate guide to buying a multideck display cooler

The refrigeration system pumps cold air through the unit, but instead of keeping it sealed inside, multidecks create what’s called an ‘air curtain’. This invisible barrier of cold air flows down the front of the unit, keeping your products chilled. The air then gets pulled back into the system at the bottom, cooled again, and sent round for another go. It’s a continuous cycle that maintains consistent temperatures across all your shelves.

What are the different types of multideck?

When you’re shopping for a multideck, you’ll come across three main types.

Open-front models are the most popular. You’ll see them everywhere, from corner shops to motorway services, usually stocked with sandwiches, salads and soft drinks. They’re brilliant for grab-and-go items, because there’s nothing between your products and your customers.

Glass-door multidecks give you better temperature control and use less energy, though your customers have to open the door to get what they want. They work well for products that need extra protection or when you want to reduce your running costs.

Then there are shuttered multidecks, which have roll-down shutters you can close after hours. These are particularly handy if your shop has varying opening times, or if you want to switch off certain sections during quieter periods.

You might wonder why you’d choose a multideck over other commercial fridges. Well, they offer something unique, maximum visibility with easy access. Unlike chest freezers, where products get buried, or solid-door cabinets where nothing’s on show, multidecks put everything on display at eye level. Your customers can see exactly what’s available, compare options and make quick decisions. That visibility drives sales in a way that other refrigeration can’t match. Plus, with adjustable shelving and flexible layouts, you can configure them to suit whatever you’re selling, from single bottles to family-sized ready meals.

Gas station forecourts have really embraced multidecks over the past few years. If you’ve stopped for fuel recently, you’ve probably noticed how these shops have transformed into proper food destinations. Their multidecks work overtime, keeping everything from breakfast pastries to late-night snacks at the perfect temperature.

The beauty is that drivers can pop in, see immediately what’s on offer through the open fronts, and be back on the road in minutes. For forecourt retailers, that speed of service makes all the difference during busy periods.

Farm shops and delicatessens use multidecks somewhat differently. Here, it’s about showcasing quality local produce and artisan foods. You might find locally made pâtés, handmade quiches or fresh pasta dishes displayed at their best. These businesses often choose multidecks with better lighting and glass shelves to really show off their premium products. The open access lets customers get a proper look at what they’re buying, which matters when you’re selling something special.

Cafés and food-to-go outlets have also discovered that multidecks can transform their business. Instead of keeping everything behind the counter, they can display fresh sandwiches, salads and drinks where customers can help themselves while waiting for their coffee. It speeds up service, reduces queuing and often leads to those profitable add-on sales when someone spots something tempting that they hadn’t planned to buy.

When you’re measuring up, don’t just check the width of your chosen spot. You need to account for the depth of the unit plus enough room for customers to stand and browse comfortably. Most people need space to look at products without feeling cramped. You’ll want to add a little leeway if it’s a busy thoroughfare where people need to pass each other. 

Don’t forget to measure the height too. Some multidecks are surprisingly tall, and you might have beams, air conditioning units or signage to work around.

Your multideck also needs breathing room. The refrigeration system pulls in air from various points and needs proper clearance to work efficiently. Squashing a unit tight against a wall or blocking its vents will make it work harder, use more energy and potentially shorten its life. Most manufacturers specify minimum clearances, usually at least 10cm at the back and 5cm on the sides. You’ll also need to check that your floor can handle the weight, especially if you’re planning to install several units side by side.

Getting your new multideck into position requires some planning. These units don’t come in flat-pack boxes. They’re delivered fully assembled and can be awkward to manoeuvre. So, measure every doorway, corridor and turn between your delivery point and the final position. Consider whether you’ll need to remove any door frames temporarily or if there’s an alternative route through a loading bay.

Professional installation isn’t always essential, but it’s worth considering if access is tight or you’re not confident about the electrical connections.

For chilled drinks, you’re looking at a different setup. Bottles and cans are heavy, especially when you’re stocking in bulk. So, you need robust shelving with proper weight ratings. Many retailers find that angled shelves work best for drinks. The products roll forward automatically as your customers take items from the front, keeping your display looking full without needing constant attention from your staff.

You might also want deeper shelves at the bottom for multipacks and larger bottles, with shallower ones at eye level for individual drinks that customers grab on impulse.

Pre-packed sandwiches, wraps and salads tend to sell best when your customers can clearly see the labels and fillings. So, you want shelves that display the products at a slight angle. The shelf lips need to be just high enough to stop items sliding off, but low enough that the labels remain visible.

Since these products have a short shelf life, you’ll appreciate shelves that make rotating stock easy. There’s nothing worse than finding out-of-date sandwiches hiding at the back.

Fresh produce and grab-and-go items often need the most flexibility. Your morning trade might be all about fresh fruit salads and dairy products, while lunchtime brings a rush for sandwiches and sushi. Adjustable shelving is your friend here. You can reconfigure your displays as needed without calling in an engineer. Some retailers even change their layout between breakfast and lunch, maximising sales by putting the right products at eye level when customers want them most.

Don’t forget about seasonal trends and swings in what you sell. Come summer, you might need twice the space for cold drinks and ice creams, while winter sees more demand for ready meals and soups. The best multidecks let you adjust shelf heights and positions quickly, so you’re not stuck with a configuration that only works for part of the year. 

Think about whether you’ll need special fittings, too, like clips, dividers or special holders for awkward items like fresh juice bottles.

Your budget and running costs

When you’re looking at multideck prices, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option that fits your space. But that sticker price is just the beginning of what you’ll actually spend.

A bargain unit that guzzles electricity will cost you far more over its lifetime (Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)) than a pricier model that sips power efficiently.

Think of it like buying a car. You wouldn’t just consider the purchase price without thinking about fuel consumption, would you?

Energy efficiency ratings tell you how much electricity your multideck will use. The differences are bigger than you might expect. An A-rated unit might cost a bit more than a C-rated one. But it could save you a few hundred pounds a year in electricity bills. Over a typical ten-year lifespan, the payback through those savings can be significant. Plus, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment.

The latest models with LED lighting and intelligent defrost systems use remarkably little power compared to older units.

Then there’s maintenance and servicing to factor in. Every multideck needs regular attention to keep running efficiently. Filters need cleaning, door seals need checking, and refrigerant levels need monitoring. So, don’t forget to budget for routine servicing, though the amount you might pay will vary depending on your unit’s size and model.

Think about the typical repair costs, too. A cheap unit that needs expensive parts shipped from overseas might not be such a bargain after all.

Regulatory compliance

Before you buy any multideck, you need to know it meets all the relevant regulations. There are quite a few to think about. UK and EU regulations for commercial refrigeration have become stricter in recent years, particularly around energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Your new unit must comply with Ecodesign requirements, which set minimum energy performance standards in the EU.

Whilst reputable suppliers, such as TEFCOLD, will only sell compliant models, it’s always worth checking the documentation to be sure.

Food safety temperatures are non-negotiable. Your multideck must keep chilled foods between 0°C and 5°C consistently, and you’ll need to prove this with regular temperature monitoring.

Environmental Health Officers will check this during inspections, so choose a unit with reliable temperature control and clear digital displays. Many modern multidecks come with temperature logging features that automatically record readings, making your HACCP (Regulation EC 852/2004) compliance much easier.

The type of refrigerant in your multideck matters more than you might think. Older models using high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants are being phased out under the EU’s F-Gas regulations.

New units typically use natural refrigerants like propane (R290) or lower-GWP alternatives like R449A. Natural refrigerants are better for the environment and are often more energy-efficient, although units using them might cost slightly more upfront. 

Make sure whoever services your multideck is qualified to work with your chosen refrigerant type. Not all engineers have the proper certificates for every gas.

Temperature control and consistency

Getting temperature control right isn’t just about setting a dial and forgetting about it. Your multideck needs to maintain consistent temperatures across all its shelves, even when it’s being constantly opened or when the weather outside hits 30°C.

The best units create distinct temperature zones. Slightly cooler at the top for dairy. Perfect in the middle for sandwiches. A touch warmer at the bottom where drinks live. This might sound fussy, but it can help keep each product type in optimal condition.

Digital controls have pretty much replaced mechanical thermostats, and for good reason. You get precise temperature settings, easy-to-read displays, and the ability to adjust things without pulling the unit apart. 

Energy efficiency

Those energy rating labels might look like alphabet soup, but they’re actually pretty straightforward once you understand them. The scale runs from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), with most commercial multidecks falling somewhere between B and E. The difference between ratings is significant. A C-rated unit will use significantly more energy than a B-rated one of the same size. 

When you’re running a multideck 24/7, those percentages can translate into serious savings (or costs).

LED lighting in multideck displays uses around 70% less electricity than fluorescent tubes. LEDs also produce less heat, meaning your refrigeration system doesn’t have to work as hard.

They last years longer, too. You might need to change them once in the unit’s lifetime, rather than every couple of years. The quality of light is better as well, making your products look fresher and more appealing. Some systems even let you adjust the colour and brightness to make different products look their best.

Automatic defrosting

Smart defrost systems are clever bits of kit that save energy and protect your stock. Instead of defrosting on a fixed timer (whether it’s needed or not), they monitor ice build-up and run only when necessary. This means fewer temperature fluctuations, less energy waste and products that stay in better condition. During quiet winter days, your unit might defrost once instead of three times, while busy summer periods get the extra defrost cycles they need.

Build quality

The quality of insulation in your multideck affects everything from energy bills to product shelf life. Better insulated units maintain temperature more consistently, use less energy and cope better in warmer ambient conditions. So, check the thickness of insulation in the walls and base. Premium units often have 60mm or more of high-density foam, while budget models might scrimp with just 40mm. That extra insulation will pay for itself through lower running costs.

When it comes to construction materials, stainless steel costs more but lasts forever. It won’t rust. It’s easy to clean. And it still looks professional after years of hard use.

Powder-coated steel is perfectly adequate for many situations and costs less. But check the quality of the coating. Cheap powder coating can chip and peel, especially in busy retail environments. The back and sides don’t need to be stainless if they’re not visible, so you can save money there.

The quality of the glass in your multideck matters more than you’d think. In high-footfall environments, you want toughened safety glass that can handle the occasional knock from a trolley or delivery cage. Single glazing tends to fog up constantly. Double glazing is better. But the best units use special low-emissivity (low-E) glass with heated edges. It stays crystal clear, even in humid conditions, and provides excellent insulation. 

Shelving and display options

Adjustable shelving gives you the flexibility to accommodate different product sizes and seasonal changes. You want to be able to change your layout quickly during quiet periods, not spend hours with allen keys and instruction manuals. Wire shelves allow better air circulation, while solid shelves with price rails look neater and stop small items from falling through.

Check the load capacity carefully. A shelf that bends under the weight of multipacks of cans or bottles isn’t much use. Most standard shelves can handle 40kg-60kg per metre, but you might need heavy-duty options rated for 80kg or more if you’re displaying lots of bottled drinks. The shelf edging is essential, too. Rolled edges are safer for staff and won’t damage packaging, while integrated price rails save you from having to buy separate ticket strips.

Don’t underestimate how much these details matter. Transparent pricing and good point-of-sale can increase your sales significantly.

Creating consistency across all your refrigeration will make your store look more organized and professional. When all your multidecks match, same color, style and lighting, the whole shop will feel more cohesive. Your customers might not consciously notice, but that consistency will help create an impression of quality and attention to detail. It’s particularly effective if you’re refurbishing or opening a new store, though you can also retrofit your existing units with new panels to achieve a similar effect without replacing everything.

Installation and setup

Getting your shop ready before the multideck arrives will help save time and prevent any nasty surprises on delivery day.

First, check that your electrical supply meets the unit’s requirements. Most multidecks need a dedicated circuit with the correct amperage. Your electrician should install an isolator switch within easy reach for emergencies and cleaning. Some units need a three-phase supply, which could mean significant electrical work if you don’t already have it.

The floor where your multideck will sit needs to be level and strong enough to support a fully-loaded unit, which could be 500kg or more. Even a slight slope can affect how its doors close or cause water to pool during defrosting. If your floor is uneven, adjustable feet can compensate for minor variations. But anything more than 10mm usually needs proper levelling work.

Professional installation is worth every penny, especially for your first unit. Yes, you might save a few hundred pounds doing it yourself, but installers know all the tricks. They know how to manoeuvre units through tight spaces, set up drainage correctly and calibrate the temperature controls for optimal performance. Most installation services include removing packaging, positioning the unit, connecting electrics (if pre-wired), setting up initial temperatures and checking everything works correctly. They’ll also take away all the packaging, which is surprisingly bulky.

During commissioning, your multideck needs time to stabilise before you load it with stock. Run it empty for at least four hours, checking temperatures reach the correct range across all shelves. Only then should you start loading products, beginning with the back and working forward.

Don’t overload the shelves or block the air vents. Proper air circulation is essential.

Make sure all your staff know how to check temperatures, adjust shelves and spot potential problems before they become serious.

Common issues and troubleshooting

Temperature fluctuations are usually the first sign that something’s not right with your multideck. If temperatures keep rising and falling, check the obvious things first. 

• Is the unit overloaded, blocking air circulation?
• Are staff leaving doors open while restocking?
• Is it positioned too close to a heat source, like a coffee machine or sunny window? 

Sometimes, just moving your products back from the air outlets or adjusting your loading pattern solves the problem.

Condensation can appear in various, frustrating ways.

Water pooling at the front usually means blocked drain holes. A quick poke with a pipe cleaner often sorts it.

Condensation on glass doors suggests the heated glass elements have failed or the door seals are damaged. If you’re seeing frost build-up on the evaporator when you shouldn’t, your defrost system might be playing up. These issues won’t fix themselves and will only get worse, increasing your running costs and potentially damaging your stock.

You should call for professional help immediately if the temperatures don’t stay in the safe range, even after checking the basics.

Strange noises like grinding, squealing or loud humming indicate mechanical problems that need urgent attention.

And if you smell anything unusual, particularly a chemical smell that might be refrigerant, switch off the unit and call an engineer straight away.

Water leaking onto your shop floor is another red flag, as is any electrical issue like flickering lights or tripping circuits. Don’t wait until Monday if something serious happens over the weekend.

Emergency callout charges are nothing compared to losing your entire chilled stock. Or, worse, giving a customer food poisoning because you’ve sold them a spoiled product.

Think about where your business might be in three years’ time. If you’re planning to extend your food-to-go offering, you’ll need more capacity than you have today. If you’re considering longer opening hours, energy efficiency is even more important. Buying a slightly larger or more efficient unit now could save you from replacing it in eighteen months when your business outgrows it.

Seeing a multideck in action beats looking at any brochure or website. Visit a showroom, if possible, but also ask to see the unit in an actual retail setting. Watch how the customers interact with different models, how easy it is for staff to restock and whether they still look good after months of use.

During your visit, open and close the doors repeatedly to check they feel solid. Look inside for clues about the build quality. Neat welding, tidy wiring and attention to detail suggest a well-made product.