An open air merchandiser puts drinks, salads, sandwiches and grab-and-go food in front of customers with no door in the way. Babak Food Equipment offers a large selection of open air refrigerated merchandisers for grocery stores, convenience stores, cafés, cafeterias, delis, campuses and hotels across Vancouver and British Columbia, led by Turbo Air and Hydra Kool, plus Cold Zone and Sierra. Easy access means faster shopping and more impulse sales.
Types of open air merchandisers
Vertical multi-deck merchandisers
Tall, vertical open air merchandisers with several shelves are the classic choice for beverages, dairy and packaged meals along a wall.
Low-profile and slim models
Shorter and narrower open merchandisers fit beside a checkout or in a café, keeping a smaller selection of drinks and snacks in view.
Self-contained and remote units
Self-contained models have the compressor built in and simply plug in. Remote units connect to a separate condensing system, which moves heat and noise out of the sales floor in larger stores.
Also see refrigerator merchandisers with glass doors and countertop merchandisers for small spaces.
How to choose an open air merchandiser

Width and height: match the unit to your wall or aisle. Common widths range from about 24 to 96 inches.
Product mix: beverages, dairy and packaged food all suit open cases; check the shelf count and depth for your packaging.
Store conditions: open cases are designed for air-conditioned rooms. Warm, humid spaces or direct sun reduce performance.
Night curtain: a pull-down night cover holds temperature and saves energy when the store is closed.
Lighting and signage: LED shelf lighting and a header panel help products and your brand stand out.
Power and drain: check the voltage and plug, and whether the model needs a condensate drain or has an evaporator pan.

Why buy your open air merchandiser from Babak Food Equipment?
With more than 20 years in business and a 4.9★ Google rating from 380+ reviews, our team helps you compare open air sizes, shelf layouts and brands and checks power, airflow and store conditions before delivery. Delivery and installation options are available across BC – details and costs are discussed when you order. On a budget? Ask about used open air merchandisers in our used commercial refrigeration section.
Open air merchandisers at a glance
TypeTypical widthBest forVertical multi-deckAbout 36–96 inGrocery and convenience beverages, dairyLow-profile / slimAbout 24–48 inCafés, checkouts, campus marketsRemote multi-deckAbout 48–96+ inLarger stores with a central system
Frequently asked questions
How does an open air merchandiser stay cold without doors?
It uses an air curtain – a stream of cold air blown across the front – to hold the cold inside the case while customers reach in.
What temperature does an open air merchandiser hold?
Most hold refrigerated food and drinks at about 33–41°F (1–5°C) when used in the room conditions the maker specifies.
Do open air merchandisers use more energy?
They usually use more than glass door merchandisers. A night curtain, LED lighting and a cool, air-conditioned room help keep running costs down.
Can an open air merchandiser go in a hot room?
Open cases need controlled room temperature and humidity. In warm or sunny spots, a glass door merchandiser is usually the better choice.
Availability, pricing, warranty terms, delivery and installation are confirmed at the time of purchase – request a quote on any model or call our team at (604) 566-9747.