0:00: Welcome to the deep dive.
0:02: Ever find yourself just, staring into those open fridges in the supermarket?
0:06: The one so the drinks and sandwiches.
0:08: Exactly.
0:09: And you wonder how does all that cold air stay in.
0:13: Well, today we're getting into exactly that commercial multi-deck display refrigerators.
0:19: That's right.
0:19: We're drawing on some really good info here from easy equipment.
0:23: They've been in this game for what, 50 years?
0:25: Half a century, yeah.
0:26: So our mission really is to unpack how these things actually work.
0:30: Why are they so vital for, you know, shops and cafes?
0:34: And what should you look out for if you're thinking of getting one, or even if you're just curious about the tech keeping your lunch cool?
0:40: OK, so first things first.
0:42: What exactly is a multi-deck refrigerator?
0:45: Just so we're all on the same page.
0:46: OK.
0:47: Basically, there are those vertical fridges, the ones with no front door, designed purely to show off chilled stuff, make it easy for you to see and grab, right.
0:54: Open front, multiple shelves stacked up.
0:57: Exactly.
0:57: And they usually run somewhere between, say, 0 and 8 °C.
1:01: Most newer ones have that bright LED lighting too.
1:04: So they're really workhorses for displaying everything from drinks, sandwiches, dairy.
1:11: Prepared foods, all that jazz.
1:13: Pretty much anything that needs chilling and needs to be seen.
1:15: And the big aims are, I guess catching your eye, maybe encouraging that impulse by, definitely that, but also crucially keeping the food safe, right?
1:24: Absolutely, food safety is paramount, but that big question still hangs there.
1:28: For me, yeah, how do they keep it cold with no door?
1:31: It feels counterintuitive.
1:32: Let's get into the tech.
1:33: The magic, maybe.
1:35: Well, it seems like magic, but it's actually some clever engineering.
1:38: The core idea is something called the air curtain.
1:40: A curtain.
1:41: OK, yeah, it's literally an invisible barrier of cold air.
1:45: Powerful compressors, circulate a refrigerate that's the fluid that absorbed the heat, kind of like the blood in the system.
1:52: And then you have fans that push this cold air down from the top, usually across the front opening of the shelves.
1:59: So it creates like a, a sheet of cold air falling down.
2:02: Exactly, a continuous flow, and this curtain separates the cold air inside.
2:07: The unit from the warmer air out in the shop.
2:10: It acts as a surprisingly effective seal.
2:12: Wow.
2:13: So it's constantly generating this invisible cold wall.
2:16: That's pretty neat.
2:17: OK.
2:18: Beyond that core trick, what are the other big plus points, the features that make them so useful for businesses?
2:24: Oh, there are quite a few, especially with modern units.
2:27: Energy efficiency is a big one now.
2:28: That they must use a fair bit of power.
2:31: They do traditionally, but newer models can cut power used by, say, up to 25% compared to older ones.
2:38: That's significant.
2:39: It really is.
2:40: And many have an option for night blinds.
2:42: You pull them down overnight after closing time, right, like a physical barrier then, yep, and that simple thing can cut energy use by another 35% potentially.
2:50: Because you're not fighting the ambient air all night.
2:52: A huge savings, it adds up.
2:54: And here's something interesting.
2:55: For every single degree Celsius warmer the shop is, the fridge's energy consumption goes up by about 3%.
3:02: Wow.
3:03: So keeping the overall shop temperature stable really matters for the fridge's running costs too.
3:09: OK, what else?
3:10: Well, we mentioned LED lighting.
3:12: That's pretty standard now, and it looks good, makes the products pop.
3:15: It does, but it's also much more efficient.
3:18: It gives off very little heat compared to older fluorescent tubes, for instance.
3:22: , so less heat for the fridge to fight against.
3:25: Exactly.
3:26: Plus, LEDs last ages, less maintenance, fewer replacement bulbs.
3:31: Makes sense.
3:31: Then you've got adjustable shelving.
3:33: Seems simple, but it gives businesses huge flexibility to display different size products.
3:38: You can really pack the display effectively, maximize that vertical space, precisely.
3:43: And of course, precise temperature control, usually digital thermostats these days.
3:47: This is vital for food safety and keeping everything fresh.
3:49: And what's the ideal temperature range we're talking about?
3:52: Generally for most packaged foods, drinks, sandwiches.
3:57: You're looking at keeping it between 2 and 5 °C.
4:00: That's the sweet spot.
4:02: So it's not just cold, it's a specific stable cold, absolutely critical.
4:06: You need even cooling across all the shelves, no warm spots, that air curtain technology helps achieve that consistency.
4:13: Right.
4:13: And I guess they need to be tough.
4:15: They're in busy shops.
4:16: Oh yeah, robust construction is standard.
4:18: They need to withstand daily wear and tear, bumps from trolleys, constant use.
4:22: OK, that covers the features pretty well.
4:24: Now, imagine you're a shop owner thinking about buying one.
4:28: What are the absolute key things you need to consider before you splash the cash?
4:32: Good question.
4:33: First off, size and capacity.
4:36: Sounds obvious, but you really need to measure your space carefully.
4:39: Height, width.
4:40: Exactly.
4:41: Height is usually somewhere between 1.5 and 2 m.
4:44: Widths often come in standard sizes like 1 m 1.25 ft, or 1.5 m of display length.
4:50: OK.
4:51: And don't forget access.
4:52: How are you going to physically get This big unit into your shop, through the doors, around corners, but think about the logistics.
5:00: Ha, yeah, good point.
5:01: Don't want it stuck on the pavement.
5:02: What about performance and running costs?
5:04: Crucial.
5:04: Check the energy rating labels.
5:06: Like we said, efficiency varies and consider the climate class.
5:10: This is important.
5:11: If your shop tends to get warm or you're in a hotter region, look for a unit rated climate class 3.
5:18: What does that mean exactly?
5:20: It means it's designed and tested to work efficiently, even when the surrounding air temperature is higher, up to 25 degrees C, and 60% humidity typically.
5:29: Got it.
5:30: So it won't struggle as much in summer.
5:32: Correct.
5:32: And think about those optional features again, like the night blinds.
5:36: They might add a bit to the initial cost.
5:38: But the energy savings can pay back quickly.
5:41: So it's a bit of homework needed on the energy side.
5:43: Definitely.
5:44: Look at the total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price.
5:47: OK, so the unit's installed, it looks great.
5:50: How does the owner make sure they're using it right and looking after it properly to make it last and work well?
5:55: OK, usage and maintenance is really important.
5:57: Number one.
5:58: Respect the load lines.
6:00: The little lines marked on the shelves.
6:01: Yeah.
6:02: Don't pile products above them or pack things in so tightly that air can't circulate.
6:07: It seems tempting to squeeze more in, but it kills the efficiency.
6:11: Because it blocks that air curtain flow.
6:13: Exactly, messes up the air flow pattern.
6:16: Then cleaning.
6:18: Especially the condenser coils.
6:20: Where are they usually?
6:21: Back or autumn?
6:22: Often at the back or underneath, they get dusty, and that dust acts like a blanket, making the fridge work harder to get rid of heat.
6:29: So clean them how often?
6:31: Ideally, check and clean them monthly.
6:33: Just a vacuum or a soft brush makes a big difference to energy use.
6:37: OK, monthly coil clean.
6:39: What else?
6:39: If you have those night blinds, check the seals around the edges weekly.
6:44: Make sure they aren't torn or damaged, letting cold air seep out.
6:47: Simple checks.
6:48: Any tips for using them day to day to, you know, boost sales or just run better?
6:53: Yeah, absolutely.
6:54: Think like a retailer.
6:55: Put your high margin impulse items right at eye level.
6:57: Makes sense.
6:58: prime real estate.
6:59: It really works.
7:00: Studies shows stuff at eye level.
7:01: Can sell like 35% faster sometimes.
7:05: Wow, 35%.
7:06: Yeah, and position the unit itself carefully.
7:09: Keep it away from heating vents, radiators, or direct sunlight pouring through a window.
7:13: Because that external heat makes it work harder, Constantly, wastes energy and put strain on the components.
7:19: Got it.
7:20: Simple but effective tips.
7:22: Now, obviously, we're talking about storing food here.
7:25: Safety must be a huge concern.
7:27: What are the non-negotiables for safety?
7:29: Absolutely top priority.
7:31: First, temperature monitoring.
7:33: Don't just rely on the unit's display.
7:35: Use an independent thermometer inside and check it daily.
7:39: Log it.
7:39: To make sure it's consistently in that safe zone, 2 to 5 degrees C you mentioned.
7:44: Precisely, keep records.
7:46: Also, stick to the shelf weight limits.
7:48: Overloading isn't just bad for airflow, it could potentially cause a shelf to fail.
7:53: Right, structural safety too.
7:54: Yep, and electrical safety get annual posse testing done by a qualified person.
8:00: Portable appliance testing.
8:01: Standard procedure for business equipment.
8:03: It should be.
8:04: Follow the recommended defrost schedule too.
8:06: Too much ice buildup stops it working efficiently and can affect temperatures.
8:10: OK.
8:10: Cleanup spills immediately, slips and trips hazard, plus potential food contamination.
8:15: Good point.
8:15: And finally, make sure your staff know what to do if the power goes out, how to protect the stock, record temperatures when it comes back on, that sort of thing.
8:22: Proper training is key then.
8:24: That all sounds like solid advice.
8:27: So, Thinking about the types of bis.
8:31: Who really gets the most mileage out of these multi-decks?
8:34: Well, they're pretty versatile, but some businesses rely on them heavily.
8:38: Convenience stores are a prime example.
8:40: Limited space, focus on grab and go.
8:42: Exactly.
8:42: perfect for drinks, sandwiches, snacks.
8:44: We heard about a case study.
8:46: A shop in Bristol.
8:47: They put in some new slimmer multi-decks and saw their chilled drink sales jump by 40%, 40, 40% just from upgrading the fridge, that's incredible.
8:58: Shows the impact of good visibility and modern design.
9:01: Supermarkets obviously are huge users.
9:03: You can't imagine one without those long chilled aisles.
9:05: True.
9:06: And apparently just getting the positioning right within the store layout can boost chilled sales by up to 25% just by where you put them.
9:13: Yeah, optimizing traffic flow past them.
9:15: Delicatessens use them too for showcasing premium salads, drinks, cheeses.
9:20: Makes the products look appealing.
9:22: Absolutely.
9:23: And even petrol stations, the smaller forecourt shops often have compact multi decks for drinks and snacks.
9:29: So pretty widespread use, but are there any downsides, limitations we should mention?
9:34: Yeah, it's important to be balanced.
9:35: The big one is energy consumption.
9:37: That open front means they generally use more electricity than a fridge with a door.
9:42: It stands to reason.
9:43: Even the efficient ones.
9:44: So that's a cost factor.
9:46: Also, they're great for most packaged chilled goods, but maybe not ideal for everything.
9:51: Like that?
9:52: Fresh, unpackaged meat, for instance, that usually needs specific, often lower temperatures and different conditions.
9:59: Multi-decks are typically for prepackaged items.
10:01: Even packaged meat might need a specific type of multi-deck designed for lower temps.
10:06: OK, so know its limits.
10:08: Choose the right tool for specific food type, and be aware of the energy costs versus a closed cabinet.
10:14: Precisely.
10:14: And technology hasn't stood still, has it?
10:16: You mentioned modern units are more efficient.
10:19: How much have things improved?
10:20: Oh, significantly, if you compare a brand new multi-deck today to one from, say, 10 years ago.
10:26: -huh.
10:26: The new one could easily be 40% more energy efficient, maybe even more in some cases.
10:31: 40% better.
10:32: That's a massive jump in a decade.
10:34: It is.
10:35: There's been a lot of focus on improving compressor technology, airflow design, insulation, and we're also seeing a big shift towards more eco-friendly refrigerants.
10:44: , the actual gas inside the system.
10:47: Yeah.
10:48: Moving away from older HFCs with high global warming potential towards options like natural refrigerants or lower impact synthetics.
10:56: Especially here in the UK and Europe, regulations are pushing that change.
11:00: That's good to hear.
11:01: Progress on the sustainability front too.
11:04: OK, as we start to kind of pull this all together then, what are the main things you want people listening to take away about these multi-deck fridges?
11:11: I think the key thing is realizing they're more than just coal shelves.
11:14: They're quite sophisticated bits of engineering, right, especially that air curtain idea.
11:18: Exactly.
11:19: They're designed very deliberately to maximize how products look, encourage sales, and maintain food safety.
11:25: It's a balancing act.
11:26: And if you're a business owner or even just someone curious, Remember those key factors.
11:31: Get the size right, really look into the energy efficiency and climate class and understand that proper use, not overloading, regular cleaning is vital.
11:42: They're workhorses, but they need looking after.
11:44: Absolutely, it really does highlight how much tech goes into things we barely notice day to day.
11:49: OK, here's something to chew on, maybe, a final thought.
11:53: With everyone focusing so much on sustainability now and energy prices always being a concern.
11:59: How do you think these multi-decks might change the next, say, 10 years?
12:04: What further innovations could we see?
12:05: Maybe even smarter air curtains, different refrigerants altogether.
12:09: That's a great question.
12:10: The drive for efficiency isn't going away, is it?
12:13: You might see more integrated systems, maybe using heat recovery, smarter controls linked to store traffic, who knows?
12:19: And if this has sparked your interest, maybe look into those energy ratings in more detail or the specific climate classes needed for different places.
12:26: That's one.
12:27: Practical avenue or even the psychology bit, how placement influences what you buy.
12:32: Yeah, that's a whole fascinating field in itself.
12:34: Retail psychology meets refrigeration tech.
12:37: Ha, maybe a topic for another deep dive.
12:39: Thanks so much for illuminating the world of multi-deck fridges today.
12:43: Really interesting stuff.
12:44: My pleasure.
12:45: Always fascinating to look under the hood, so to speak.
12:48: Absolutely.
12:49: Well, until our next deep dive, thanks for listening.