What are the differences between the three types of refrigerated cake cabinets?

The three types of cake display cabinets include direct cooling, air cooling, and open-type series refrigeration. The core differences lie in their "refrigeration principles" and "applicable needs," and they also differ in practical application scenarios. Therefore, when making a choice, one should consider the usage scenario first and then determine the functional requirements.

A brief analysis is as follows:

1.Direct-cooling cake display cabinet

Principle: It cools down directly through an evaporator, and the air inside the cabinet dissipates heat through natural convection, similar to a household direct-cooling refrigerator.

Features: Simple structure, low energy consumption, low noise, and relatively low cost; however, the temperature uniformity inside the cabinet is slightly poor, and local condensation may occur (regular defrosting is required).

Application: Small bakeries, convenience stores, for storing cakes sold in the short term (such as chiffon cakes, cream cakes), and scenarios with low requirements for temperature accuracy.

2.Air-cooling cake display cabinet

Principle: It uses a fan to force the circulation of cold air, combined with an evaporator for rapid cooling, resulting in more uniform temperature distribution, similar to a household air-cooling refrigerator.

Features: No condensation, no need for manual defrosting, precise temperature control (usually ±1℃), and it can better maintain the taste and appearance of cakes (preventing cream from melting or drying out).

Application: Medium and large bakeries, cake chains, for storing products sensitive to temperature such as mousse and cheesecakes that need to be displayed for a long time (1-3 days).

3.Open / display-type cake display cabinet

Principle: Mostly based on air-cooling technology, adopting an "open cabinet + air curtain insulation" design (no door on the top or front, relying on air flow to form an "invisible barrier" for heat preservation).

Features: Excellent display effect, allowing customers to directly see and select cakes, enhancing purchase desire; however, it has high energy consumption (needs to continuously maintain the air curtain) and is sensitive to the temperature of the use environment (suitable for indoor environments below 25℃).

Application: Shopping mall counters, street-facing display areas of bakeries, where "visual attraction" is the core demand, mainly for instantly sold normal-temperature or slightly cold cakes (such as sponge cakes, small desserts).

Of course, in terms of volume, there are series of refrigerated cabinets such as desktop, tabletop, and mini types. Generally, bakeries and shopping malls use such equipment more. In terms of trade, countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia have a large demand for cake display cabinets.