Warmer Display

For reasons of food safety as well as freshness, some baked goods-cheesecake, fruit pies, mousses, custards and cream cakes-must be kept cold. Refrigerated bakery cases range in temperature from 33°F to 41°F (0.5°C to 5°C) and use two basic types of cooling: forced air or gravity coil.
Gravity coil systems have a refrigeration coil at the top of the cabinet that allows cool air to drop down over the food, but the air doesn't circulate so these systems are better for deli products. Forced air systems rely on fans to circulate cold air throughout the cabinet, which is a better environment for baked goods.

Baked goods have a limited shelf life, so even if you have room for a large floor model, a smaller display case may be better for your needs, saving space, energy and money.
Sizes of display cases can range from small countertop units to 96-inch-high floor models, and in widths from 36 to 77 inches. Width is important-after all, you want the unit to fit into the space you've earmarked for it-but height is also crucial because you want customers to be able to see the items you want to sell.
The theory is that the greater the height of a unit, the more a customer can see and the more money you can make. But placing items at eye level, say, on a cake plate on a countertop can have the same effect.

There are a number of different display case designs, but the two you will mostly come across are straight cases or curved cases.
Straight display cases present a more traditional look. The glass (or acrylic) is actually slanted slightly, about 12 degrees, to avoid reflection from overhead lighting obstructing the view of the foods in the case.
Curved display cases are slightly more expensive and are considered more contemporary. They offer a better view of your product from the top because the glass curves back instead of stopping-this can make them a better choice for showcasing baked goods.
Glass is beautiful, durable, versatile, looks expensive and has the price tag to match.. It's also fragile and can crack, break or shatter, which is why acrylic (also known as plexiglass) can be a better choice. It is stronger and less likely to break than glass; it is also lighter, which makes it easier for self-serve customers to open doors. Acrylic is more malleable, too, so you can find unique design options for your establishment.

Some bakery cases have illuminated interiors designed to help make products look their best. Depending on the model, some cases use specialized fluorescent bulbs that enhance certain colours or types of products, like red meat or pastries. Sometimes additional interior lighting is an option. Some models have the lighting in the top, while others may have shelf-mounted lighting. In any case, lighting your products is key to their presentation, so make sure the case you're buying meets your needs.