In kitchen environments, the true value of countertop beverage display cabinets lies not in brand promotion or decorative appeal, but in their ability to maintain stable cooling performance in humid conditions, efficiently utilize limited space, and resist corrosion from grease and moisture. Many have neglected practicality in favor of flashy designs, resulting in subpar cooling efficiency, rusted cabinets, or wasted countertop space due to mismatched dimensions.
It is important to remember that the purpose of the beverage cabinet is very different depending on the use scenario, and that price is the only criterion, of course, combined with the actual situation is better.
Ⅰ.What are the characteristics of kitchen counter cabinets?
Kitchen countertops are typically divided by sinks, stoves, and small appliances. The ‘user experience’ of display cabinets lies in their ability to blend into the existing layout while ensuring convenient daily access to beverages, rather than relying on flashy designs. This is why they are designed with custom dimensions, such as a 360mm×450mm×501mm beverage cabinet with 200-460L capacity, tailored to practical needs.
Ⅱ.Size: Accurate measurement with reserved “double space”
The kitchen counter space is limited, so identify two key dimensions first:
1.Base dimensions for countertops: Measure the countertop’s usable area as “length × width × height”. For example, standard countertops typically have a depth of 600mm. The display cabinet width should be 300-500mm (to avoid obstructing the sink or stove) and height should not exceed 500mm (to prevent head collisions and accommodate the gap between the countertop and the cabinet).
2.Reserve space for heat dissipation: Most display cabinets use side or bottom heat dissipation. Leave 3-5cm space on both sides of the cabinet and more than 5cm on the back to avoid reduced refrigeration efficiency or component aging due to poor heat dissipation. Especially in the kitchen, where the temperature is high, the space for heat dissipation should not be ignored.
Additionally, prioritize designs without prominent brand logos to prevent large-area branding from disrupting the kitchen’s visual harmony. Simple solid-color casings (such as white or light gray) blend seamlessly with various kitchen styles.
In terms of size, it is necessary to provide accurate information, otherwise the factory cannot change it once it is produced. Specific requirements are implemented in documents and various indicators are clearly listed.
Ⅲ. Easy to use: fits kitchen habits
In the kitchen scene, the display cabinet is used frequently, and the convenience directly affects the experience:
Opening method: Prefer side door design (rather than front flip door). The side door does not need to reserve front operation space, which is suitable for the position adjacent to the table and wall. When taking and placing drinks, the cabinet does not need to be moved. The side door table drink cabinet market share is 20%.
Internal layout: Choose a layered shelf (rather than an open one) with adjustable height, which can not only classify and place different sizes of drinks (such as canned and bottled), but also avoid the water vapor from the upper drinks falling on the lower layer;
Lighting design: No need for high-brightness decorative lights. Soft built-in LED lights (≤300K brightness) are sufficient, ensuring clear visibility of beverages without conflicting with the kitchen atmosphere due to excessive brightness, while also preventing insect attraction.
Ⅳ.How to reflect the refrigeration performance?
The kitchen environment temperature fluctuates frequently during cooking (reaching over 35℃ in summer) with high door opening rates. The refrigeration efficiency of beverage cabinets directly determines drink quality and energy costs, requiring focused attention on three core metrics: cooling speed, temperature control precision, and energy performance. Temperature-wise, beverage cabinets should maintain a standard range of 2-8℃.
Ⅴ. Cooling performance: Prefer “fixed-frequency compressor + narrow-range temperature control”
The optimal storage temperature for kitchen beverages is 5-10℃ (avoiding freezing at too low temperatures and compromising taste at too high temperatures). When selecting, pay attention to:
Compressor type: Prefer fixed-frequency compressors (for kitchen applications with frequent door operation but minimal temperature fluctuations, fixed-frequency compressors are sufficient and more cost-effective than variable-frequency ones). Check the compressor brand, as models from Enburoco, Gassibera, and similar brands offer better stability.
Temperature control accuracy: Select products with temperature control error ≤±1℃ to avoid beverage deterioration or taste deterioration caused by temperature fluctuations. Some products are equipped with “temperature compensation function”, which can automatically adjust the refrigeration intensity when the kitchen temperature is too high, suitable for frequent cooking in summer.
Cooling speed: The product is better if the internal temperature can be reduced to less than 10℃ within 30 minutes after startup, so as to avoid the drinking experience affected by the long time of cooling after temporarily putting the beverage at room temperature.
Note that new equipment should provide a safe voltage environment. Low voltage and high voltage are harmful. Ordinary refrigerators are not optimized for voltage, which may lead to the risk of damage.
Ⅵ. Energy consumption: Prioritize first-level energy efficiency to reduce long-term operating costs
The daily operating time of the kitchen counter display cabinet is usually more than 12 hours, and the difference in energy consumption will be directly reflected in the electricity bill:
Energy efficiency rating: Identify products with the first-level energy efficiency in the “China Energy Efficiency Label”. First-level energy efficiency can save 0.3-0.5 KWH per day compared to second-level energy efficiency, which can reduce a lot of expenses over a long period of use. Many first-level energy efficiency beverage display cabinets have a long warranty period.
Thermal insulation design: Select the box using “foam layer + vacuum insulation” products. The thickness of the foam layer is better than 50mm, which can reduce the loss of internal cold capacity, reduce the frequency of compressor start and stop, save energy and prolong the service life.
Ⅶ.How to solve corrosion resistance and moisture resistance is the “essential technology” in the kitchen scene?
The core challenge in kitchen environments is the combination of ‘moist heat and grease’. Conventional display cabinets are prone to issues like rusted frames, moldy interiors, and component failures due to moisture exposure. This necessitates specialized technology to mitigate these risks, which is the key distinction from living room or bar counter display cabinets.
Ⅷ. Material technology: corrosion resistance throughout the whole chain from inner tank to outer shell
1.Inner tank material
Select 304 stainless steel instead of ordinary galvanized steel plates. 304 stainless steel exhibits exceptional resistance to oil contamination and moisture corrosion. Even when beverages spill or kitchen steam condenses, it won’t rust or peel. Cleaning is as simple as wiping with a damp cloth, eliminating concerns about chemical cleaners.
2.Shell material
Prefer “cold-rolled steel plate + fingerprint-resistant coating”. The cold-rolled steel plate ensures high hardness and resistance to deformation, while the coating prevents oil stains and reduces cleaning frequency. The coating must pass the “salt spray test” (≥48 hours) to ensure it remains intact and rust-free in humid environments.
3.Door frame sealing
The door frame seal strip must be made of food-grade silicone rubber instead of ordinary rubber. Silicone rubber seal strips have excellent elasticity and high/low temperature resistance, which can tightly adhere to the cabinet body to prevent cold loss and external water vapor from entering. At the same time, it avoids the odor caused by rubber aging, which affects the kitchen environment. (The seal must be food-grade rubber.)
Ⅸ. Moisture-proof and ventilation technology: Prevent component failure caused by moisture
Bottom ventilation design: Choose cabinets with a removable dust filter and louvers at the bottom. The filter prevents kitchen grease from entering internal components, while the louvers enhance airflow to avoid moisture buildup from contact with countertop steam, making it ideal for kitchens prone to water accumulation.
Dew-proof technology: Some products are equipped with “dew-proof coating on the outer side of the cabinet” to prevent condensation on the outer side of the cabinet caused by the large temperature difference between the inside and outside of the kitchen, prevent water droplets from falling to pollute the table or seep into the cabinet, and protect the circuit components from moisture.
Ⅹ.How to ensure compatibility?
When a kitchen counter display cabinet malfunctions (such as a damaged compressor or refrigeration pipe leak), it not only hampers usability but also poses safety risks due to moisture damage to components. Therefore, after-sales support should prioritize both repair efficiency and warranty coverage for critical parts.
1. Warranty Period: Core components require long-term warranty coverage
（1）Compressor warranty
The compressor is the core component of the display cabinet. The kitchen’s wet and hot environment causes greater wear and tear on the compressor. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a compressor with a warranty of at least 3 years. Some brands provide a 5-year warranty, which can greatly reduce the cost of later maintenance;
（2）Full warranty
The minimum warranty period is 1 year. Choose brands offering “free on-site inspection” to prevent cabinet damage from improper handling or delays in service due to unavailable technicians.
2. Maintenance response: prioritize brands with local service outlets
The kitchen scenario heavily relies on display cabinets, requiring rapid troubleshooting when malfunctions occur.
①Service outlets
Choose a brand with an official service outlet in your local area to ensure a response within 24 hours and a door-to-door repair within 48 hours to avoid delays caused by cross-regional service;
②Accessories supply
Ask the brand if it provides “kitchen scene-specific accessories” (such as anti-corrosion sealing strips, high-temperature compressor accessories) to avoid mismatched parts during maintenance, which may cause repeated failures.
In kitchen environments, prioritize the following aspects: technology (corrosion and moisture resistance) → efficiency (cooling performance and energy consumption) → experience (space optimization) → after-sales service (repair and warranty). By optimizing dimensions and convenience to enhance user experience, coupled with comprehensive after-sales support to minimize risks, you can ultimately select a truly suitable, practical, and durable countertop beverage display cabinet for your kitchen.
Whether it is the kitchen, supermarket or bar environment, the use of refrigeration equipment should pay attention to the specific characteristics, technical parameters, energy consumption, use scenarios and so on.
Post time: Oct-22-2025 Views: