Cold Display Unit
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Cold Display Unit

A cold display unit keeps drinks, salads and ready-to-go meals at serving temperature while putting the food in clear view. CaterKraft supplies units for cafes, takeaways, forecourts and canteens across Benoni, the East Rand and nationwide.

Built for front-of-house service

A cold display unit is a chilled cabinet designed to show food neatly while holding it at a safe temperature. It suits wrapped meals, bottled drinks, salads, desserts and other pre-packed items that need to stay cold for sale through the day. For busy takeaways in Benoni, Boksburg and Germiston, this helps service move quicker because customers can see what is available without opening covers or asking for every item.

Our units are normally built in stainless steel for the working parts with glass display panels and a refrigerated base or top section depending on the layout. You can specify a straight counter unit, curved front, or a wider servery style unit for higher foot traffic. If you need matching stainless counters or counter modifications, we can build the cold display to sit properly into the rest of your service line.

Common sizes and display options

We supply cold display units in practical sizes for smaller shops and larger trading counters. Typical lengths include 1.2 m, 1.5 m, 1.8 m and 2.4 m, with deeper custom units available where floor space allows. Height and shelf spacing can be adjusted so the operator has a comfortable working line and customers still get a clear view of the stock.

  • Single shelf or multi-shelf display layouts
  • Glass sneeze guard or enclosed front viewing panels
  • Sliding rear doors or hinged access doors
  • Solid base storage or refrigerated base compartment
  • LED strip lighting for better product visibility
  • Custom branding panel space if needed

If your menu changes often, ask for adjustable shelf heights. That makes it easier to move between bottled drinks, meal trays and shallow salad pans without wasting space.

Where the unit works best

This equipment is a good fit for shops and food service areas that sell from the counter all day. We see strong demand from takeaways, school canteens, coffee counters, butchers with chilled grab-and-go items and convenience outlets that need a neat front display. It also suits back-up service points for functions, staff kitchens and forecourt food sections.

In humid coastal areas or hot kitchens, the cabinet needs decent airflow around the condenser and a door seal that closes properly. In inland sites like Springs and Kempton Park, dust and heat can be just as hard on the unit, so the placement matters. Do not position it tight against a wall or next to a fryer, grill or gas range because that shortens cooling performance and adds load on the compressor.

  • Takeaways and sandwich shops
  • Salad bars and deli counters
  • School, office and factory canteens
  • Forecourts and convenience shops
  • Caterers serving packaged meals

Power supply and installation checks

Most cold display units run on standard single phase electrical supply, with a plug-in refrigeration system and internal lighting. The exact power draw depends on the size of the cabinet and the compressor spec, but the unit should be installed on a circuit that can handle continuous running, especially during load-shedding recovery when temperatures climb fast. If you are planning a site with backup power, make sure the inverter or generator capacity is suitable for the start-up surge as well as normal running.

Installation should allow for proper ventilation at the back and underneath. A level floor is important so doors seal well and the chilled air stays even across the display. If the cabinet is going into a new counter line, we can measure the site first and confirm the opening sizes before fabrication. That avoids delays after the unit arrives.

  • Allow space for condenser airflow
  • Use a dedicated socket where possible
  • Keep away from direct sun and heat sources
  • Check floor loading for larger units
  • Plan for easy cleaning access behind and under the cabinet

Cleaning, care and day-to-day servicing

Cold display units need regular cleaning to keep them sanitary and working well. Wipe the glass, shelves and stainless surfaces daily with food-safe cleaner and a soft cloth. Empty spills quickly so they do not run into seals or drip trays. On busier sites, a weekly deeper clean should include the door tracks, fan guards and gasket edges.

The refrigeration system also needs routine attention. Keep the condenser fins clear of dust, especially in Benoni and the East Rand where workshop dust and restaurant grease build up fast. If the cabinet starts cycling too often, loses temperature or runs noisier than normal, call for servicing before a small issue becomes a breakdown. A technician should check seals, thermostat settings and refrigerant condition as part of normal maintenance.

What to confirm before you order

Before ordering, it helps to know exactly what you will display and how the cabinet will sit in the counter. Drinks need different shelf spacing from salad trays, and sealed meals may need deeper pans or a wider base. If you are fitting the unit into an existing servery, measure the opening carefully and include allowance for trim and ventilation. One missing centimetre can turn a simple install into a full counter alteration.

We also recommend checking the following details:

  • Required length, depth and working height
  • Type of products to be displayed
  • Rear access for staff serving or restocking
  • Power point position and cable route
  • Whether the unit must match other stainless equipment
  • Need for wheels, fixed legs or a built-in plinth

If you are unsure, our team can visit site, take measurements and advise on the best arrangement for your floor space and service flow.

Key facts

Product typeChilled display cabinet for drinks, salads and ready-to-go meals
Common sizes1.2 m, 1.5 m, 1.8 m, 2.4 m, custom sizes available
Build materialStainless steel working surfaces with glass display panels
Power needsSingle phase electrical supply, plug-in refrigeration
Typical useTakeaways, cafes, canteens, forecourts and deli counters
Service optionsSite measuring, custom fabrication, installation support and repairs

What clients say

Questions we get asked

Can the cold display unit be made to fit an existing counter?

Yes. We can measure the opening and build to suit the available length, height and depth so it sits properly in line with the rest of the counter.

Does the unit need special power?

Most units run on standard single phase power, but the exact load depends on the size and refrigeration setup. It is best to confirm the supply before installation.

How often should the unit be serviced?

Basic cleaning should be done daily. A proper service check is sensible at least once a year, or sooner if the cabinet is running hot, noisy or holding temperature badly.

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Planning something? Email the team.

sales@caterkraftsa.co.za