Display Refrigerator Maintenance Tips

By October 10, 2023February 20th, 2026Resources

Display Refrigerator Maintenance Tips for Commercial Kitchens and Retail

By The Editor

Display refrigerators and freezers are essential in commercial kitchens, cafés, and retail environments. These units not only keep products at safe temperatures but also help drive sales by showcasing items to customers.

Because of their visibility and constant use, regular display refrigerator maintenance is critical to ensure performance, efficiency, and food safety.

In this guide, we’ll cover what display refrigerators are, the types available, and how to maintain them properly.

What Is a Display Refrigerator?

A display refrigerator is a commercial refrigeration unit with a glass door or open front. This design allows customers and staff to easily see products inside.

These units are commonly used to:

  • Showcase food and beverages

  • Encourage impulse purchases

  • Improve inventory visibility

Because they are opened frequently, they require consistent maintenance to perform properly.

Types of Display Refrigerators

There are several types of display refrigerators used in commercial settings.

Beer and Wine Display Refrigerators

These units are commonly used in:

  • Restaurants

  • Bars

  • Liquor stores

They are designed to keep beverages chilled while making them easy to access and visually appealing.

Serve-Over Counter Refrigerators

These large units are used to display food items at eye level.

They are commonly found in:

  • Delis

  • Cafés

  • Grocery stores

They help improve product visibility and customer engagement.

Merchandiser Refrigerators

Merchandisers come in a variety of sizes and styles.

Examples include:

  • Sushi display cases

  • Ice cream freezers

  • Beverage coolers

They are designed to increase impulse purchases.

Multi-Deck Display Refrigerators

Multi-deck units are ideal for high-volume operations.

They allow operators to:

  • Display more products

  • Maximize vertical space

  • Improve product accessibility

These are commonly used in bakeries, cafés, and convenience stores.

Display Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist

Routine display refrigerator maintenance helps extend equipment life and prevent costly repairs.

Daily Maintenance

  • Check temperature to ensure proper operation

  • Monitor for unusual performance

Weekly Maintenance

  • Clean glass doors and shelving

  • Remove debris and spills

Monthly Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils

  • Inspect compressor and fan motors

Annual Maintenance

  • Clean drain lines to prevent water buildup

  • Schedule a professional inspection

Ongoing Maintenance

  • Replace worn parts as needed

  • Address issues early to prevent major repairs

Most display refrigerators can last up to 10–12 years with proper care.

Common Display Refrigerator Issues to Watch For

Damaged Door Gaskets

Door gaskets must seal properly to maintain temperature.

If gaskets are:

  • Cracked

  • Loose

  • Missing

warm air can enter the unit, causing inefficiency and temperature issues.

Dirty or Clogged Condenser Coils

Clogged coils reduce cooling performance and can lead to compressor failure.

Regular cleaning helps prevent:

  • Overheating

  • Higher energy costs

  • Equipment breakdown

Loose or Unstable Legs

Check that the unit is level and stable.

Loose or damaged legs can:

  • Create safety hazards

  • Affect door alignment

  • Impact performance

Unusual Noises or Leaks

Listen for:

  • Grinding or rattling sounds

  • Water pooling near the unit

These may indicate underlying issues that require professional service.

Schedule Display Refrigerator Repair and Maintenance

If your unit is not performing as expected, it’s important to act quickly.

General Parts provides expert display refrigerator maintenance and display freezer repair, performed by manufacturer-trained technicians.

Contact General Parts at 1-888-498-1238 or schedule service online today.