When it comes to keeping your ice cream display cases cool, there are two main cooling techniques to choose from: forced (also known as ventilated cooling) or static air cooling. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. These depend on the type of ice cream display case, the environment and situation in which it is used.
Forced air cooling involves using a fan to blow cool air through the display case, while static air cooling relies on insulated walls and ceilings to keep the inside of your ice cream display cool. Both methods are effective, but it is important to carefully evaluate each method before choosing your ice cream display case. That is why we take a closer look at the different cooling techniques, so that you can make an informed choice.
Ventilated air cooling technology
This form of cooling technology is used to remove heat from an enclosed space. In some cases, ventilated cooling technology is also referred to as forced cooling technology. This is because the air is pushed forward by a fan. The system essentially works by drawing in air, cooling it in an evaporator with a refrigerant or coolant, then pushing the cooled air back into space. The most commonly used refrigerants in forced air cooling systems are Freon, Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide. This process helps distribute the temperature evenly throughout the room and keeps it comfortable and energy efficient.
Ventilated air cooling has a number of advantages, such as improving the indoor climate of the ice cream display case. Because the cooled air is constantly moving, the humidity in the display case is reduced. As a result, there is no condensation, which means that no moisture freezes solid. This is very important for the quality of the ice cream. Because a stream of cold air is continuously blown over the shovel ice, this cooling technique is very suitable for cooling units that are used intensively and often open and close in an environment with strongly fluctuating temperatures. The cold air flow covers the scoop ice cream as it were like a cold blanket, so that the scoop ice cream always remains the same temperature and no ice crystals can form in the scoop ice cream, which means that the quality of the scoop ice cream deteriorates quickly.
Ventilated cooling, as the name implies, uses a fan. This one makes noise, just like the engine. This may be considered a disadvantage by some. Now that does not have to be a problem with soft ventilated cooling systems. These cooling units use a new technique. There is a forced air movement here, but the fans run less hard and less often than in known ventilated ice cream display cases. This is particularly ideal for display cases that are not opened continuously.
In general, forced air cooling is an efficient and cost-effective way to cool a room. It is an excellent choice for many types of applications, such as ice cream counters and refrigerated counters. Due to its cost-effectiveness, forced air cooling can help reduce energy bills. With its simple installation and minimal maintenance, this type of cooling system is an excellent option to keep any display case cool.
Static cooling of ice cream display cases
This refrigeration technique is a popular choice for stores and places that sell prepackaged ice cream. Static cooling works on the basis of a cold back plate and/or a coolant that is pumped through the pipes. Because of this, the cold comes from the back and walls. This can be compared to the freezer you have at home. Because the cold comes from the rear wall or pipes, there is natural air circulation, with cool air sinking and warm air rising. This can result in the temperature at the bottom of the cooling being colder than at the top of the cooling. Static cooling is mainly used if the cooling only needs to be opened a few times a day, if the products in the cooling must not dry out or if the ice trays are deep in the display case. Think of a freezer at a gas station that contains pre-packaged ice cream. Due to the lower location of the ice, this does not improve visibility, and it also does not contribute to a good presentation of the ice cream.
Using this cooling technique has a number of advantages. Firstly, a static cooling is slightly quieter than a vented cooling, due to the lack of a fan that forces the cold air through the cooling. Within a static cooling, the temperature can fluctuate less, provided that the display case remains closed.
A disadvantage of static cooling is that temperature differences can arise at various heights due to the natural air circulation. Warm air rises, so that it can be warmer at the top of the cooling than at the bottom. The difference in temperature can lead to condensation and in some cases even ice formation. If this happens, the refrigerator will have to be defrosted to properly remove all ice formation.
All in all, static cooling is a suitable choice for ice cream parlors where the display case does not have to be open all the time, if products such as ice cream cakes are not allowed to dry out and the display case should make as little noise as possible. With these advantages, static air cooling can be the perfect choice for companies considering an ice cream cake display case. The display cases with static cooling technology Cosmo and Blue from the Orion brand are very suitable for this.
Ventilated scoop ice cream display? Then you are at the right place
Both forced/ventilated and static air cooling have advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the product you sell and the space that needs to be cooled, one will stand out. A ventilated display case is the best choice for ice cream, because this cooling keeps the ice cream at the right temperature, it is clearly visible to your customers and no ice formation can occur.
Will the choice immediately fall on ventilated cooling? Then take a look at models such as Kate or Evo? Or take a look at our other models for more information. As an expert in the world of ice cream display cases, we know that this choice does not always have to be easy. That is why Gelato World is ready with its expertise to support you and answer all questions. Contact us quickly for an introductory meeting.
