A fish or sushi display case keeps raw seafood cold while showing it to customers. Seafood markets, grocery counters, sushi bars and poke shops depend on these cases to sell product and keep it safe. Fish cases and sushi cases look similar but serve different jobs. This guide explains the differences and how to choose.
Fish Cases vs Sushi Cases
A fish display case is a larger, usually floor standing case that holds whole fish and fillets on a bed of ice. It often has an ice bin and a drain, because melting ice has to go somewhere. A sushi case is a smaller countertop case that sits on the sushi bar between the chef and the guest. It holds trays of cut fish at close range for the chef to work from.
Coldline SDC48-F 48 inch refrigerated fish display case with ice bin and drain
Coldline SDC72-F 72 inch refrigerated fish display case with ice bin and drain
Coldline SDC98-F 102 inch refrigerated fish display case with ice bin and drain
Coldline LDC48-F 48 inch flat straight glass fish display case with ice bin and drain
Sizing a Fish Case
Lay out the products you sell on paper: how many species, whole fish or fillets, and how much of each at peak. Fish cases are sized by length. A small market may start with a 48 inch case. A full service counter may need 72 inches or more. Leave room behind the case for staff to work, and in front for customers to line up.
Drains and Plumbing
Ice melts constantly. A case with an ice bin needs a drain, and that drain typically runs to an indirect waste receptor such as a floor sink. Plan the drain location before the case arrives. A licensed plumber should confirm how the drain must connect under your local code.
Sizing a Sushi Case
Measure the length of your sushi bar and how many chefs work it. Each chef usually needs their own section of case in front of their board. Sushi cases often hold a set number of pans or trays, so count the fish you keep out during service. Browse options in the sushi case category.
Temperature and Food Safety
Raw seafood must be held at 41F or below under the FDA Food Code, and many operators aim colder. Check case temperature at the start of each shift and log it. Keep fish on ice or in pans, not on bare glass. Separate raw fish from ready-to-eat items. Fish intended to be eaten raw may have extra rules for sourcing and handling, so talk to your local health department.
Glass Style
Curved glass gives an open look and a clear view from the side. Flat or straight glass gives a modern look and can fit tighter spaces. Choose what fits your counter and the view angle of your customers.
Cleaning
Empty ice and product at close. Clean and sanitize the ice bed, pans and drain daily. Wipe glass inside and out. Check drain lines for clogs weekly.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Am I selling whole fish at a counter or working from a sushi bar?
- How long is my counter?
- Where will the drain go?
- What voltage is available?
- Curved or straight glass?
Next Steps
Compare all fish and sushi display cases and other refrigerated displays. 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.
Coldline SDC48-F 48″ Refrigerated Fish Display Case (model SDC48-F)
- Brand: Coldline
- ✅ Compact Design : Ideal for smaller seafood counters while providing a large display area.
- ✅ Chilled with Ice : Keeps your seafood fresh and ready for customers.
- ✅ Efficient and Clean : Built-in ice bin with drain allows for easy maintenance and hygiene.
- Warranty: 5-Year Compressor / 1-Year Parts & Labor
Coldline SDC72-F 72″ Refrigerated Fish Display Case (model SDC72-F)
- Brand: Coldline
- ✅ Large Display Area : The 72″ case provides ample room for showcasing large quantities of seafood.
- ✅ Chilled with Ice : Integrated ice bin ensures your seafood stays at the right temperature.
- ✅ Effortless Maintenance : Built-in drain system simplifies cleaning and ensures hygiene.
- Warranty: 5-Year Compressor / 1-Year Parts & Labor
Coldline SDC98-F 102″ Refrigerated Fish Display Case with Ice Bin & Drain (model sdc98-f)
- Brand: Coldline
- ✅ Large Display Area : The 102″ case provides a spacious display area for seafood of all types.
- ✅ Chilled with Ice : Keeps your seafood fresh and ready to serve with the built-in ice bin.
- ✅ Efficient Cleaning : The drain system makes maintenance and cleaning quick and easy.
- Warranty: 5-Year Compressor / 1-Year Parts & Labor
Coldline LDC48-F 48″ Refrigerated Flat Straight Glass Fish (model LDC48-F)
- Brand: Coldline
- Optimal Product Visibility: Crystal-clear straight glass front for an unobstructed view of your fresh inventory.
- Integrated Ice Bin & Drain: Specifically engineered for seafood, allowing you to use ice for presentation while managing runoff efficiently.
- Precision Temperature Control: Reliable refrigeration system to maintain food safety and product longevity.
- 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.