In today’s busy hospitality and retail environment, customers expect speed, convenience and high-quality presentation. For small businesses such as cafés, bakeries, service stations and takeaway shops, a Grab and Go fridge (also known as an open display fridge or open deck chiller) is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. It sits front-of-house, keeps food at safe temperatures and turns every walk past the counter into a chance to sell one more item.
These units improve product visibility, increase impulse purchases and streamline workflow. Best of all, you can install a commercial display fridge for the cost of a coffee a day, making it an affordable asset that pays for itself quickly.
What Is a Grab and Go Fridge?
A Grab and Go fridge is a front-of-house refrigerated display unit designed for fast, barrier-free customer access. Unlike back-of-house storage units, these fridges are engineered to showcase products clearly and encourage quick selection.
They are commonly used to display chilled beverages, sandwiches, salads, yoghurts and ready-made meals. Whether it is an open display fridge or a glass-door merchandiser, the purpose is simple: remove friction between the customer and the product and make it easy for them to grab, pay and go.
Five Reasons a Grab and Go Fridge Is a Game Changer
1. Boosts Impulse Purchases
Impulse buying contributes heavily to revenue in cafés and takeaway venues. With the right lighting, clear frontage and strategic shelf angles, customers are far more likely to add items to their order.
- High-intensity LED lighting: Enhances presentation and colour.
- Open front design: Eliminates physical barriers.
- Angled shelving: Keeps products front-facing for maximum visibility.
Browse popular options in our merchandising refrigeration range.
2. Meets the Demand for Convenience
Modern customers value speed. A well-stacked fridge allows people to grab food and drinks instantly, reducing queues and improving the lunchtime rush.
- Faster service: Customers serve themselves.
- Higher throughput: More customers served per hour.
- Less staff workload: Ideal for small teams.
Pair your Grab and Go setup with an under bench fridge for quick replenishment from back-of-house.
3. Keeps Food Fresher for Longer
Premium brands stocked at Hospitality Connect, such as Skope, A.J. Baker and Thermaster, use advanced airflow systems designed for Australian conditions.
These units maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cabinet, which is ideal for food safety compliance. For long-term reliability, explore our upright fridge range or fridge/freezer combo units for back-of-house storage.
4. Expands Your Product Range Easily
A display fridge lets you introduce new high-margin items without increasing kitchen labour.
Best-selling Grab and Go items include:
- Cold brew coffee and kombucha
- Gourmet salads and bowls
- Heat-and-eat pasta meals
- Parfaits and chia puddings
If you also serve desserts, a cake and cold food display cabinet pairs perfectly with this range.
5. Flexible Finance Options for Small Businesses
Cash flow can be a challenge for cafés and start-ups. With flexible finance and Rent-to-Own options, you can install a commercial refrigerator immediately and pay it off as a tax-deductible operating expense.
See our full commercial fridge collection to compare models and finance options.
Top Brands to Consider
✔ Skope Refrigeration
Best for: High-volume cafés and premium venues.
Skope’s “Open Deck” and “ActiveCore” technology deliver excellent energy savings and performance.
- Key feature: High efficiency and low running costs.
- Why buy: Unmatched reliability and resale value, ideal for sites that trade long hours.
✔ A.J. Baker & Sons
Best for: Supermarkets and large food retail.
Built tough for Australian conditions, often using Bonnet Névé engineering.
- Key feature: Exceptional temperature stability across wider cabinets.
- Why buy: Ideal for environments with high traffic and long trading hours.
✔ Thermaster
Best for: Start-ups and budget-conscious fit-outs.
Provides dependable cooling performance at a cost-effective price.
- Key feature: Compact and affordable.
- Why buy: Perfect entry-level option for smaller cafés and takeaway stores.
See all models inside our Open Display Fridges category.
Quick Comparison
| Brand | Price Point | Energy Efficiency | Cabinet Type | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skope | Premium | High | Open deck and glass door merchandisers | Busy cafés and high-end venues |
| A.J. Baker | Mid–High | High | Supermarket-style multidecks | Supermarkets and larger retail sites |
| Thermaster | Budget friendly | Standard | Compact open display units | Start-ups and takeaway stores |
Frequently Asked Questions
Open fridges do consume more electricity because of the air curtain, but modern brands such as Skope include night blinds and efficient compressors to reduce operating costs.
Most chilled foods require temperatures between 1°C and 4°C. Always follow local food safety guidelines and check the specification of the unit you purchase.
Yes, as long as the fridge is rated for perishable food and can consistently hold product temperatures between 1°C and 4°C. Always rotate stock, monitor temperatures and avoid overloading shelves.
Yes. Hospitality Connect offers flexible funding and Rent-to-Own options so businesses can start generating revenue immediately while spreading the cost over time.
Conclusion
A Grab and Go fridge is more than a display unit, it is a silent salesperson that increases sales, improves customer experience and keeps your food fresher for longer. Whether you are upgrading a café or setting up a new store, choosing the right unit can transform your front-of-house instantly.
Ready to explore your options? Browse our:
Contact the Hospitality Connect team for personalised advice, finance options and current stock availability, or explore our full refrigeration range to find the right fit for your space.
