Open Air Merchandisers

Common Types and Configurations

• Horizontal open air merchandiser: Counter-height format with product loaded from the top. The most common style of grab and go merchandiser for sandwich and beverage display. Widths from 28 to 80 inches.
• Vertical open air merchandiser: Standing format with 3 to 5 shelves visible across the front. Built as an open air cooler for convenience store beverage walls, dairy cases, and high-volume grab and go service.
• Island open air merchandiser: Double-sided unit for placement in the middle of a sales floor. Customers shop both sides of the case. Used in supermarkets, large delis, and produce departments.
• Open air curtain merchandiser: Standard term for these units in foodservice. The downward air curtain is the cooling mechanism that keeps product cold without doors blocking access.
• Width options: 28, 36, 46, 60, 72, and 80 inches across the catalog. Pick the width that fits the available run on your line or aisle.
• Black or stainless steel exterior: Match the store interior or kitchen finish. Black is common for grocery aisles; stainless for foodservice operations.
• LED interior lighting: Standard on most modern open air merchandisers. Highlights packaging and labels for browse-and-grab purchasing.

What to Look at Before You Buy

• Available floor or counter space: Measure the run before ordering. Horizontal units fit on a 28 to 80 inch counter; vertical and island units need dedicated floor space plus clearance for restocking from the rear.
• Product type and packaging: Bottled drinks, sandwiches, salads, packaged produce, and dairy all work in open air merchandisers. Loose or unpackaged items need a different format with doors or a sneeze guard.
• Daily volume: Open air units are built for steady traffic. Match shelf depth and overall capacity to your peak-day inventory turn.
• Air curtain performance: Higher-quality units maintain colder, tighter air curtains. This matters in hot or drafty store environments where ambient air can warm the product.
• Voltage: Most commercial open air merchandisers run on 115V single-phase. Larger vertical and island units may need 208V or 230V service. Check the spec sheet before ordering.
• Refrigerant type: Newer units use R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant for energy efficiency and updated EPA compliance. Older R134a units are still on the market but check local code requirements.
• Self-contained vs remote condenser: Self-contained is simpler to install and most common. Remote condensers move heat outside the store but require refrigeration line installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an open air merchandiser keep product cold without doors?

An open air merchandiser uses a downward air curtain. Cold air flows from a vent at the top of the case, falls across the open front, and returns through a vent at the bottom. The moving air column creates an invisible barrier that holds cold air inside the case while leaving the product fully accessible to customers. The unit works best in stable indoor environments without strong drafts or direct sunlight.

What is the difference between an open air merchandiser and a glass door merchandiser?

An open air merchandiser has no doors and uses an air curtain to hold cold air in the case. Customers grab product directly without opening anything. A glass door merchandiser has hinged or sliding glass doors and works like a standard refrigerator. Open air units sell more product per visit because of zero friction at the case but use more energy because they cannot fully seal cold air in. Glass door units use less energy but slow down high-volume grab and go service.

What kinds of stores and operations use open air merchandisers?

Convenience stores use them for cold drinks and grab and go food. Grocery stores use them for packaged produce, dairy, and prepared meals. Delis and sandwich shops use them for ready-made sandwiches and salads. Cafeterias and food halls use them for self-serve meals and beverages. Anywhere customers self-serve cold packaged product, an open air merchandiser fits the format.

Related Categories

• Merchandising Refrigeration
• Glass Door Merchandiser Refrigerators
• Bakery Display Cases
• Reach-In Refrigerators

Shop by Brand

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