One of the first decisions when buying a commercial fridge is the door: glass or solid. Both do the same core job, but they suit very different setups. Here’s how to choose.
When a glass door makes sense
Glass doors are about merchandising — letting customers see and grab product without opening the cabinet. They’re the right call for cafés, convenience stores, bottle shops and any front-of-house display.
- Drives impulse sales — product is visible and reachable.
- Self-serve friendly, which takes pressure off staff at peak times.
- Available as upright displays, multidecks and countertop units.
Browse glass door display fridges to see the range.
When a solid door is the better buy
Solid (insulated) doors are built for storage and efficiency in the kitchen or back-of-house. With no glass to lose heat through, they hold temperature better and use less energy.
- Lower running costs and tighter temperature control.
- Better in warm or busy kitchens where doors open constantly.
- Tougher in service — fewer parts to damage.
See solid door storage fridges for back-of-house options.
Don’t forget capacity and clearance
Measure the floor space and the door swing, and leave ventilation clearance around the condenser (usually top or bottom) so the unit can breathe. An undersized fridge that’s constantly full runs hotter and harder.
Running costs add up
Over a fridge’s life, energy often costs more than the unit itself. If you’re weighing two models, compare the energy draw — and remember that finance can spread the upfront cost. See our finance options.
Not sure which way to go? Tell us your site and we’ll spec the right unit for your space and budget.