Bakery display cases come in two main types: refrigerated and dry. The right one depends on what you sell and how long it sits in the case. Picking wrong can mean melted frosting, stale bread or a food safety problem. This guide compares the two and gives clear rules for choosing.
For sizes and current models, browse our countertop bakery cases.
For a small counter, see the Marchia TMB25 25 in. refrigerated bakery display case.
Shopping for this equipment? See our bakery equipment.
What a Refrigerated Bakery Case Does
A refrigerated bakery case keeps product cold. It is built for items that need refrigeration for quality or safety, such as cream-filled pastries, cheesecakes, custard tarts, mousse cakes and anything with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
Marchia TMB36 36″ refrigerated bakery display case
Marchia TMB48 48″ refrigerated bakery display case
60″ refrigerated bakery display case, straight glass
What a Dry Bakery Case Does
A dry bakery case has no refrigeration. It protects baked goods from dust, handling and air while showing them off. It is built for bread, bagels, muffins, cookies, croissants, donuts and other shelf-stable baked items.
Marchia CA45 countertop dry bakery display case
Marchia SA60 dry glass countertop bakery display case
Marchia USTAR-T25 26″ curved glass dry bakery display case
Food Safety
Items that need temperature control for safety must be held at 41F or below. That includes many dairy-based fillings and toppings. If you are unsure whether an item needs refrigeration, check with your local health department. A dry case is not a place for cream-filled items.
Quality
Refrigeration can dry out or harden some breads and pastries. A croissant or baguette held in a refrigerated case may lose texture. A dry case keeps those items closer to how they came out of the oven. On the other hand, buttercream and ganache can soften in a warm dry case.
Energy, Noise and Placement
Dry cases use no refrigeration, so there is no compressor noise or heat and no condenser to clean. They are easy to place on a counter. Refrigerated cases need power, ventilation clearance and regular condenser cleaning.
Size and Style
Both come in countertop and floor models, with curved or straight glass. Countertop units suit cafes and coffee shops. Floor models suit bakeries and dessert shops with larger displays.
How to Sort Your Menu
Make two lists. On the first, put every item with dairy fillings, whipped cream, cream cheese, custard or fresh fruit toppings. On the second, put breads, cookies, muffins, bagels and other baked goods without perishable fillings. The first list goes in a refrigerated case. The second goes in a dry case. If the first list is short, a small countertop refrigerated case may be enough. If the second list is long, a larger dry case will pay off in display space.
Choose a Refrigerated Bakery Case If
- You sell cheesecakes, cream pastries, mousse cakes or custards.
- You sell frosted cakes that need cold holding.
- Items sit in the case for several hours.
Choose a Dry Bakery Case If
- You sell bread, bagels, muffins, cookies, donuts or croissants.
- Items sell through quickly during the day.
- You want a simple countertop display with no refrigeration.
Many Shops Use Both
A coffee shop might use a dry countertop case for muffins and cookies next to a small refrigerated case for cheesecake slices and parfaits.
Next Steps
Compare options in our bakery display cases and dry glass bakery displays categories. 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.
Marchia 36″ Refrigerated Bakery Display Case – Straight Glass TMB36 (model TMB36)
- Brand: Marchia
- Presentation: Features four-sided double-tempered straight glass panels with a subtle front slant for comprehensive, high-clarity viewing angles.
- Advanced LED Lighting: Brilliant internal LED illumination installed along the top and beneath every single shelf to eliminate shadows and enhance product appeal.
- Flexible Staging Array: Outfitted with 3 fully adjustable glass shelves plus a spacious base deck, providing 4 levels of versatile merchandising space.
Marchia TMB48 48″ Refrigerated Bakery Display Case – Straight (model TMB48)
- Brand: Marchia
- Crystal-Clear Straight Glass: Offers an elegant, unobstructed view of all three shelves for superior product merchandising.
- Brilliant LED Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting on each level highlights the details and colors of your pastries.
- Forced-Air Cooling System: Ensures uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire cabinet to maintain freshness.
60″ Refrigerated Bakery Display Case – Straight Glass Merchandiser with LED Lighting
- Brand: Marchia
Marchia CA45 Countertop Dry Bakery Display Case (model CA45)
- Brand: Marchia
- Marchia CA45 Bakery Display Case
- 21.8″L x 14.9″D x 15″H
- One fixed glass shelf
Marchia SA60 Dry Glass Countertop Bakery Display Case (model SA60)
- Brand: Marchia
- Marchia SA60 Dry Glass Countertop
- 16″L x 13.4″D x 24.3″H
- Three fixed glass shelves
Marchia USTAR-T25 26″ Curved Glass Dry Bakery Display Case – Non-Refrigerated (model USTAR-T25)
- Brand: Marchia
- The Marchia USTAR-T25 is an elegant 26″ non-refrigerated dry bakery display case with curved glass and interior shelf.
- Installs easily on a countertop or atop a USTAR-25 refrigerated base.
- Perfect for showcasing pastries, cookies, and dry goods with style and clarity.
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.