A glass door merchandiser is supposed to sell your drinks and grab-and-go items. When the glass fogs up or drips with condensation, customers cannot see the product, and water ends up on the floor. Fogging is usually caused by humidity, door habits or a unit that is not holding temperature. Here is how to sort it out.
For grab and go sales, see the Coldline SOC-61-B open air merchandiser.
Inside Fog vs Outside Sweat
Look at where the moisture is. Fog on the inside of the glass that clears after the door has been closed for a minute or two is normal after a door opening. Fog that stays inside means warm, humid air is getting in or the unit is struggling. Condensation on the outside of the glass usually means the room is humid, the glass is colder than the dew point, or the door heater, if equipped, is not working.
Check Room Conditions
Merchandisers near entrances, in humid climates, or in rooms without air conditioning see more sweating. On hot, humid days, some outside condensation is common. Improving room air conditioning or dehumidification often helps more than anything done to the unit. Keep the merchandiser away from exterior doors that open constantly.
Inspect Door Seals
A leaking gasket lets humid air into the cabinet. Moisture then fogs the inside of the glass. Test the seal with the paper test at the top, bottom and both sides. Clean gaskets with warm soapy water. Replace any that are torn, hardened or no longer spring back. On sliding door models, clean the tracks so doors close fully.
Check That Doors Close on Their Own
Many swing-door merchandisers have self-closing hinges or a door closer. If the unit is not level, the door may stop just short of sealing. Level the cabinet front to back and side to side, then test from a half-open position. Check that hinges are tight.
Look at Door Traffic
Constant opening in a busy store brings a steady flow of humid air. Stock the unit before opening, during slow times, rather than during the rush. Arrange best sellers at eye level so customers find them quickly.
Check Door Heaters
Some glass door units use heated glass or frame heaters to prevent condensation. If outside sweating suddenly starts on one door only, the heater may have failed. Check the manual to see if there is a heater switch that was turned off during cleaning. Heater repair involves electrical components and should be done by a licensed technician.
Check Temperature and Condenser
A unit that is running warm can also fog as moisture cycles on the glass. Verify temperature with a thermometer. Clean the condenser coil with power off using a soft brush and vacuum. Make sure the unit has proper clearance for airflow, especially on top-mounted condensers.
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Do not pack product against the glass or block the evaporator fan. Air needs to move across the glass and around product. Leave space between rows and at the back.
When to Call a Technician
If fogging continues with good seals and normal room conditions, or if the unit cannot hold temperature, call a licensed refrigeration technician. Do not attempt refrigerant or wiring repairs.
Next Steps
If your merchandiser is aging or undersized, compare options in our glass door refrigerators and merchandisers categories. Options include the Coldline G2-B 49″ two glass door merchandiser refrigerator, the True GDM-49-HC 54 1/8″ GDM series two section merchandiser, the Westlake WKR-49BG refrigerator merchandiser, and for frozen product the Coldline D48-B 49″ 2 glass door merchandiser freezer. See each product page for specs.
Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.