Open Air Merchandisers and Grab-and-Go Coolers: Model Guide

An open air merchandiser is a refrigerated display with no doors, using a curtain of cold air across the front so customers can reach in and take packaged food and drinks. Choose one by width and height for your floor, by the temperature range it can hold for what you sell, and by whether your room is cool and dry enough for an open case to work.

Shop the equipment in this article: merchandisers, refrigerated displays and glass door refrigerators. Freight is included on every order.

Grab-and-go cases sell more than glass door coolers in many shops because nothing stands between the customer and the product. The trade-off is that the case works harder and depends on the room. This guide covers how to choose, then lists every open air model we carry.

What you will sell decides the temperature

Packaged sandwiches, salads, cut fruit, dairy and other foods that need temperature control must be held at 41 F or below under the Food Code (12VAC5-421-820 in Virginia’s adoption). Canned and bottled drinks, whole fruit and many packaged snacks do not.

Check the listed range on each model. Some open air cases we carry are listed to reach the low 30s: Coldline AOC models list 33 to 40 F and Westlake LD3 models list 33 to 39 F. Others have a wider range: several Marchia MDS and USTAR models list 35.6 or 36 F at the bottom and up to 50 F at the top. A case whose range runs above 41 F is fine for food only if it is set toward the cold end and checked with a thermometer, with product loaded so it does not block the air curtain.

Width and height

Open air cases come in two heights:

Tall (upright) cases, around 80 inches high on some models, for a wall of product. The Marchia MDS48 is listed at 80 inches tall.
Low profile cases, about counter height, for a front counter or an island. The Marchia USTAR series and the Coldline AOC series are examples.

Widths we carry run from 24 inches (Marchia MDS250, 9 cubic feet) to about 82 inches (Coldline ISLAND-DT80). Measure the wall or counter and the path in through the door.

Air curtain, shelves and lighting

The air curtain is the cold air that flows from top to bottom across the open front. It works only if shelves are not overloaded past the front edge. Most models list adjustable shelves and LED lighting; the Marchia MDS30 lists lighting at the top and bottom.

Night curtains

A night curtain is a pull-down shade that covers the open front when the shop is closed. It saves energy and helps the case hold temperature overnight. Many models we carry list one, including the Coldline AOC-46-B, Marchia MDS250, MDS390 and USTAR36G. If your case has no curtain, plan to move temperature-controlled food to a closed cooler overnight.

Room conditions

Open cases are sensitive to the room. Warm air, high humidity, direct sun, heat from ovens, and drafts from doors, fans or air vents all disturb the air curtain. As a common practice, place the case away from the entrance door and out of direct sun, and keep HVAC vents from blowing across the front. The manual for each model gives the room conditions it is rated for.

Voltage

Most models run on 115 V, but some large ones need 220 V: the Coldline SOC-76 white and SOC-76-220-B, and the Marchia MDS72 and MDS72G are listed at 220 V. Check the plug before delivery.

Specialty layouts

Dual service cases, such as the Marchia MSTAR series, combine a glass top case with an open air section below.
Island cases, such as the Coldline ISLAND-DT60 and DT80, are open on all four sides and can run as a refrigerator or a freezer (both currently on backorder).
Combination cases, such as the Marchia USTAR36-M36, add a dry case on top.

Ordering from Express KitchQuip

Freight with liftgate delivery to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price, powered equipment has a 7 day return window from delivery, and lease-to-own financing is available on items from 500 dollars. Browse all merchandisers and refrigerated displays, compare with closed glass door refrigerators, or see deli display cases for unwrapped food served by staff.

Frequently asked questions

Can an open air merchandiser hold sandwiches and salads?

Yes, if it keeps the food at 41 F or below. Check the listed range, set it toward the cold end and confirm with a thermometer in the warmest spot.

Do open air coolers use more energy than glass door coolers?

Open fronts let cold air mix with the room, so they generally work harder. A night curtain reduces this when the shop is closed.

Where should I not put an open air case?

Near the entrance door, under an air vent, in direct sun or next to hot equipment.

Do I need 220 V?

Only for some larger models. The product page lists the voltage.

Your local health department has the final say on how food must be held.

Every Model We Carry

Each model number below links to its product page with full specs, current price and shipping details.

Marchia Models

Coldline Models

Westlake Models

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.

Marchia MDS250 24″ Open Air Cooler Grab & Go Display Refrigerator (model MDS250)

Brand: Marchia
Maximizes Impulse Purchases: Open-front “Grab & Go” design removes physical barriers, allowing customers to easily reach for refreshments.
Brilliant LED Illumination: Features high-visibility, energy-efficient interior LED lighting on all tiers to showcase items at their best.
Eco-Friendly Night Curtain: Includes a built-in, pull-down night shade to conserve energy and maintain optimal temperatures when closed.

Marchia MDS30 30″ Top Open Air Cooler, Grab and Go Refrigerator (model MDS30)

Brand: Marchia
Maximum Product Visibility: Equipped with dual-zone (top and bottom) internal LED lighting to put your products in the best possible light.
Easy Grab-and-Go Access: The open-front design allows effortless self-service, heavily boosting impulse purchases.
Energy-Saving Night Curtain: Includes a built-in pull-down eco-curtain to conserve energy and maintain cold temperatures after business hours.

Marchia MDS380 40″ Open Refrigerated Grab and Go Display Case (model MDS380)

Brand: Marchia
Brilliant LED Illumination: Individual interior LED lighting on each shelf highlights your products in the best possible light to capture customer attention.
Flexible Merchandising: Includes 3 adjustable chrome-plated wire shelves that can be positioned flat or slanted (5° or 10° angle) for optimized product visibility.
No Drain Required: Features a self-contained refrigeration system that automatically evaporates condensation water—no complex plumbing installation needed.

Marchia MDS390 36″ Black Open Air Cooler, Grab and Go Refrigerator (model MDS390)

Brand: Marchia
Grab-and-Go Convenience: Front-open design provides frictionless access to customers, significantly increasing impulse buys.
Sleek Modern Aesthetic: Contemporary black finish seamlessly blends into any upscale café, deli, or bakery decor.
Brilliant Product Visibility: Equipped with bright internal lighting to maximize product presentation and readability.

Marchia MDS390-SS 36″ Stainless Steel Open Air Cooler Grab and Go Refrigerator (model MDS390-SS)

Brand: Marchia
110V Plug-and-Play Design: Standard NEMA 5-15P plug configuration means no complex electrical hardwiring required—just plug it in and start selling.
Dynamic LED Lighting: Energy-efficient, brilliant internal LED strips run down both front sides to evenly illuminate every shelf without casting harsh shadows.
Built-In Night Curtain: Pull-down thermal curtain seals in cold air during off-hours, significantly reducing energy consumption overnight.

Marchia MDS48 48″ Open Air Cooler Grab and Go Refrigerator (model MDS48)

Brand: Marchia
Open-Front Accessibility: Inviting “grab-and-go” design that streamlines customer self-service and drives high-volume impulse purchases.
Brilliant LED Lighting: Energy-efficient interior LED lighting on every tier showcases your products in the best possible light.
Precision Digital Controls: User-friendly digital temperature control panel ensures precise, food-safe climate management.

Marchia MDS48G 48″ Black Open Air Cooler Grab and Go Refrigerator with Glass Sides (model MDS48G)

Brand: Marchia
Maximum Product Visibility: Features robust, break-resistant glass sides and a wide open-front profile for seamless, hassle-free customer access.
Brilliant Shelf Illumination: Internal LED lighting strips are mounted beneath each shelf, emphasizing your products with zero dark spots.
Eco-Friendly Performance: Powered by R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant, striking a perfect balance between top-tier thermodynamic performance and low environmental impact.

Marchia MDS72 72″ Open Air Cooler Grab and Go Refrigerator, 220V (model MDS72)

Brand: Marchia
Easy Grab-and-Go Access: Open-front air curtain design allows customers to quickly reach in and select products, significantly boosting impulse purchases.
Brilliant LED Multi-Shelf Lighting: Features continuous LED lighting under every single shelf and from the top structure, offering premium product illumination.
Energy-Saving Night Curtain: Includes a built-in pull-down fabric night shade to conserve energy overnight and keep internal temperatures stable.

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.