The way your food looks often decides whether it sells. Customers notice the display before anything else, so your cabinet needs to do more than just hold food. It should keep your products fresh, visible, and appealing throughout the day.
At Honar, we supply high-quality commercial food display cabinets for all kinds of businesses, from cafés and bakeries to sushi bars and ice cream shops. Each industry has its own requirements, and choosing the right cabinet can make a real difference to presentation and efficiency. This guide explains what to consider before buying, helping you find the best fit for your space and menu.
Choose a Cabinet That Suits Your Industry
Different types of food need different display conditions. Sushi bars, for example, require a sushi display cabinet that keeps food cool, fresh, and easy for customers to see. Temperature control is crucial for safety, but presentation also matters. Customers want to see the quality and freshness before ordering.
If you run an ice cream shop, your needs will be very different. A scoop ice cream cabinet keeps products cold enough for scooping without being rock solid. These units are designed for quick service and attractive product display. Clear glass, good lighting, and easy-access tubs all help sales.
Cafés and bakeries often benefit from bakery café counter tops that combine display with practicality. Your pastries, sandwiches, or slices should be visible and easy for staff to restock during busy periods. In these environments, the cabinet acts as a centrepiece, so its design should match your store’s layout and style.
Size, Space, and Customer Flow
Before deciding on a cabinet, look at your space carefully. The wrong size can make your shop feel crowded or inefficient. A large cabinet in a narrow area can block movement, while one that’s too small might not hold enough stock during peak times.
Think about how customers move through your space. If you have heavy foot traffic, a longer display cabinet can spread people out and reduce queues in one spot. Smaller venues might work better with a vertical or multi-tiered refrigerated unit that uses height instead of floor space.
It also helps to think about staff access. Can employees serve and restock easily without blocking customers? A cabinet that fits your workflow keeps service smooth, which improves both efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Temperature and Functionality
Cabinets are built for specific purposes. Some are heated, others are refrigerated, and each serves a different role in food presentation. Using the wrong type can spoil your products and even create food safety issues.
If your business sells both hot and cold foods, you’ll likely need two separate units. Heated display cabinets keep items like pies or sausage rolls warm and appetising without drying them out. Refrigerated units preserve chilled goods such as cakes, salads, and sandwiches.
Visibility, Lighting, and Presentation
Even the best food can look unappealing if displayed poorly. Lighting and visibility make a huge difference in how customers perceive your products. Cabinets with LED lighting highlight textures and colours without adding heat, helping everything look fresh and inviting.
Glass type also affects presentation. Curved glass can reduce glare and create a classic look, while straight glass offers a more modern style. For shopfronts facing sunlight, anti-defrost options helps to keep visibility clear throughout the day.
The design of your cabinet should fit the look of your business. Stainless steel works well in modern cafés, while wood or black trims might suit a bakery or traditional setting. Whatever the style, the goal is the same: make your food easy to see and impossible to ignore.
Energy Efficiency and Maintenance
Energy efficiency is another key factor when choosing a cabinet. High-performance units with good insulation and LED lighting can significantly lower power use over time. This reduces running costs and helps your business operate more sustainably.
Maintenance is equally important. Look for cabinets with removable trays, simple drainage systems, and easy-to-clean glass panels. Quick daily cleaning keeps your display hygienic and appealing to customers.
Durability also matters. Cheaper units may seem like a bargain, but can fail sooner or lose temperature consistency. A well-built cabinet from a trusted supplier like Honar NZ is an investment that pays for itself through reliability and reduced downtime.
Need Help Choosing the Right Commercial Food Display Cabinet?
Choosing the right commercial food display cabinet is about finding a balance between appearance, performance, and practicality. The right unit will keep your products fresh, present them attractively, and make everyday operations smoother. It’s an investment that influences how customers see your business and how efficiently your team works.
If you still aren’t sure what option is best for you, then reach out to one of our friendly team members for expert advice.
Commercial Food Display FAQs
How do I know what size display cabinet I need?
Measure your available floor space carefully and consider how customers move through your store. Leave enough room for both browsing and service. If you have limited space, vertical or multi-tiered cabinets make the most of your area.
What type of glass is best for display cabinets?
Double-glazed glass is standard for most of our commercial cabinets. Curved or flat options depend on your design preference.
How often should I clean my display cabinet?
Ideally, clean surfaces and trays daily, and perform a deeper clean weekly. This maintains hygiene, keeps food looking its best, and helps prevent mechanical issues caused by buildup.
What makes Honar cabinets different?
Honar provides high-quality, purpose-built display cabinets specifically suited to the needs of New Zealand cafés, bakeries, and food businesses. Every product combines durability, efficiency, and thoughtful design, helping you showcase your food safely and beautifully.
Does Honar sell other refrigeration options beyond commercial food display?
Yes, Honar sells a variety of freezers, fridges, ice machines, cold rooms and more. Browse our full range of commercial refrigeration products here.