Refrigerated display cases sell with their looks, but they are harder to keep cold than a closed reach-in. Big panes of glass, open fronts on some models, bright lighting and constant customer attention all add heat. When a deli case, bakery case or grab-and-go cooler drifts warm, the product and your health inspection are both at risk. Here is a practical troubleshooting path.
Measure Correctly
Use a probe thermometer in the food, not just the display reading. Check product at the front, back and top of the case, since temperature often varies. Cold holding should be 41F or below. If only the front row is warm, the issue is likely airflow or loading. If the entire case is warm, look at the refrigeration and controls.
Respect the Load Line
Many display cases, especially open-air models, have a marked load line. Product stacked above it sits outside the curtain of cold air and warms up. Keep product below the line and do not block air grilles at the front or back of the deck. Leave space between trays so air can move.
Pre-Chill Product
Display cases hold cold food. They are not designed to cool warm product. Chill items to 41F or below before they go into the case. Loading a tray of warm sandwiches or freshly baked items can push the whole case over temperature.
Check Doors, Curtains and Glass
On service cases with rear doors, make sure staff close them after every pull. Check door gaskets and sliding door tracks. On open-air cases, use night covers when the store is closed. Check that front glass is fully closed on curved glass deli cases.
Watch the Environment
Cases near entrances, windows with direct sun, heating vents or ovens struggle. Air conditioning drafts blowing across an open case can break its air curtain. Move the case, redirect vents or add shading if possible. Humid rooms add frost and load.
Clean the Condenser and Coils
With power off, brush and vacuum the condenser coil. Keep the area around the case clear so it can reject heat. Also check for ice on the evaporator coil. If iced, defrost fully with power off and product removed, then restart.
Check Lighting
Older lighting can add heat inside the case. If your case has lights inside the display area, consider whether they can be switched off during closed hours to reduce load.
Clean Drains
Display cases produce defrost water. A clogged drain can overflow into the deck, create ice and disrupt airflow. Clean drain openings regularly and flush with warm water.
When to Call a Technician
If the case cannot hold temperature with correct loading, clean coils and good door seals, or if the evaporator repeatedly ices, call a licensed refrigeration technician. Refrigerant, controls and electrical work must be done by a qualified professional.
Next Steps
If your case is undersized for your volume or near the end of its life, compare models in our deli display cases and refrigerated displays categories. Options include the Migali C-DC-4 4 ft refrigerated deli display case, curved glass, the Migali C-DS-6 6 ft refrigerated deli display case, straight glass, and the Coldline AOC-36-B 36″ black open air refrigerated display. See each product page for specs.
Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Migali C-DC-4 4 ft Refrigerated Deli Display Case, Curved Glass (model C-DC-4)
- Brand: Migali
- 4 ft floor model refrigerated display case with curved glass and two glass doors.
- Forced-air refrigeration with digital temperature control, R290 natural refrigerant, and lit interior merchandising.
- Rear-access doors for restocking without disturbing the display.
Migali C-DS-6 6 ft Refrigerated Deli Display Case, Straight Glass (model C-DS-6)
- Brand: Migali
- 6 ft floor model refrigerated display case with straight glass and two glass doors.
- Forced-air refrigeration with digital temperature control, R290 natural refrigerant, and lit interior merchandising.
- Rear-access doors for restocking without disturbing the display.
Coldline AOC-36-B 36″ Black Open Air Refrigerated Display (model AOC-36-B)
- Brand: Coldline
- Eco-Friendly R290 Refrigerant: Uses natural, green hydrocarbon refrigerant to deliver optimal cooling power with a low global warming impact.
- Adjustable Steel Shelving: Features 4 heavy-duty, adjustable coated-steel shelves with a load capacity of up to 88 lbs per shelf.
- Vivid LED Shelf Lighting: Dedicated LED lighting bars on every shelf level to enhance product presentation and visibility.
- Warranty: 5-Year Compressor / 1-Year Parts & Labor
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.