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28 QI 2015 THE QUARTERLY Refrigerated display cases work best when properly specifed, and there are a number of factors to take into account when purchasing these units. Harry Schildkraut, principal at S2O Consultants, Inc., based in Hawthorn Woods, Ill., provides further insight on this equipment category. • Consider the menu to ensure the display case will sup- port the operation's needs. This will also determine whether a full- or self-service unit best suits the operation. • Refrigerated display case sizes range from small coun- tertop units that are 3 feet long and 36 inches high that sit on counters all the way up to 6- to 8-foot-long deli or air stream cases. The anticipated sales, storage volume and length of time product will stay in the case will help determine the size unit needed. • Operators can choose from cases that utilize air- cooled, water-cooled or remote refrigeration. With large installations of these cases, remote refrigeration tends to be the best option. This is because opera- tors can combine multiple cases on one compressor within the line, which is very cost effective and gets the compressor out of the front-of-house space. With water-cooled units, operators don't have to worry about getting rid of hot air that gets rejected from the compressor. This type costs a bit more up front, but is more cost effcient over the long run. • For operations emptying refrigerated cases each day, security features may not be necessary. However, those storing product in these units should consider models with vertical folding doors that slide into pockets at the end of the case. These close and lock at night, while also eliminating re- movable front panels. • Take into account the unit's operating environment. In warmer or more humid environments, for example, condensation or sweating inside the case will become a problem. This happens mainly with open cases and can impact energy effciency. Most case manufacturers offer high humidity cases for these situations, which will oper- ate better, but are still not always 100 percent effective in high humidity environments. • We're seeing more combination cases that have one re- frigerated and one non-refrigerated section in the same unit without a physical divider. This is accomplished by placement of the refrigeration coils inside the case, which can be divided either vertically or horizontally. These units work well with grab-and-go applications, since operations can offer wrapped sandwiches on one side and chips on the other, for example. Combination displays can be space savers, as well. • All manufacturers will customize display cases to a large extent in terms of fnishes and features. • Although both fuorescent and LED lighting are available, the latter is more popular, since it is more energy effcient. • Vertical airstream cases with doors in the back pro- vide easier access for restocking and won't interfere with service from the front. • We have found black interiors for refrigerated display cases are best to display and emphasize food items. SPECIFYING REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASES foods must be displayed in a unit display and served by an attendant, while packaged foods can be merchan- dised as self-service in open-front units. Product shelf life also can help determine which type of case will work best in an operation. For example, un- packaged food displayed in a closed display is exposed to cold air blowing inside the display or heat from the internal lights inside a non-refrigerated display, which can cause food to dry out. When specifying air screen units, assessing the loca- tion is key, since open displays tend to condensate water in warmer environments. Self-service displays have been shown to increase sales because they provide quick and easy access to food, which stimulates the customers' impulse to buy. For optimum accessibility and viewing, display product at eye level whenever possible. Also, evaluate the length of the display and number of shelves to determine how much product a unit can display at one time and how fast the operation expects to sell that product. Shelf adjustability can provide in- creased fexibility for operators with changing menus and different size products. Display case features include rear loading doors and shelf lights, an often overlooked element. Because 60 percent of food quality perception is based on the envi- ronment that the food is displayed in, increased visibility from lights can provide added value. LED lighting also is available, which lasts longer and throws off less heat, increasing energy effciency. Some models come with security covers that lock open front displays during non-operational hours and close off the unit to enhance the refrigeration system's effciency. Keeping key refrigeration components clean is critical to ensure reliable refrigeration performance 24/7. Today's refrigeration systems operate on less energy than previous designs, which can lower operating costs. STORAGE AND HANDLING