Choosing the right refrigeration equipment is an important decision for any supermarket, convenience store, grocery shop, or food retailer. A good refrigeration system keeps products at the right temperature, protects food quality, and helps create an attractive product display. When looking at multideck refrigeration, you may come across two common options: integral multidecks and remote multidecks. Although both are designed to keep chilled products fresh, they work in different ways. Understanding the difference between these two systems can help you choose the right option for your business.
What Is an Integral Multideck?
An integral multideck has its refrigeration system built directly into the unit. The compressor and other important cooling components are usually located within or close to the cabinet.
This makes the system a convenient choice for many smaller and medium-sized retail businesses. Since the refrigeration system is already part of the multideck, installation can be relatively straightforward.
Integral multidecks are available in different sizes and designs. They can be used to display products such as dairy items, drinks, fresh food, desserts, and other chilled products. One of their biggest advantages is simplicity. You do not need a separate refrigeration plant to operate the cabinet.
What Is a Remote Multideck?
A remote multideck works differently. Instead of having the refrigeration system inside the cabinet, it is connected to a separate refrigeration system, often located in a plant room or another suitable area. The remote system supplies cooling to several refrigeration units through connected pipework.
This type of refrigeration is often suitable for larger supermarkets and retail environments where several refrigerated cabinets need to operate together. Because the refrigeration equipment is located away from the sales area, remote multidecks can also help create a quieter and more comfortable shopping environment.
Integral vs Remote Multideck: The Main Difference
The biggest difference is where the refrigeration equipment is located.With an integral multideck, the cooling system is built into the cabinet. With a remote multideck, the cooling equipment is positioned separately and connected to the cabinet.
This difference can affect installation, maintenance, store layout, noise, heat, and long-term operating costs. Neither system is automatically the best choice for every business. The right option depends on your store size, budget, refrigeration requirements, and future plans.
Installation Requirements
Integral multidecks are generally easier to install because the refrigeration system is already included in the unit. They can be a practical choice when you want a simple refrigeration solution without major changes to your building.
Remote multidecks require more planning. The cabinets need to be connected to a separate refrigeration system. This can involve additional pipework and professional installation. For a new supermarket or a large retail project, however, remote refrigeration can be planned as part of the overall building design.
Space and Store Layout
Space is another factor to consider. An integral multideck contains its refrigeration components within the cabinet. This can make the unit slightly different in design and may affect the available space around it.
With a remote multideck, the refrigeration equipment is moved away from the customer area. This can provide more flexibility when designing the shop floor, especially when multiple refrigerated cabinets are being installed. For larger stores with many refrigeration units, a remote system can provide a more organised solution.
Noise and Heat
Integral refrigeration systems can produce some noise because the compressor and other cooling components are close to the sales area. They can also release heat into the surrounding space. In a small shop, this may be noticeable, particularly during warmer weather.
Remote multidecks move the main refrigeration equipment away from the customer area. This can reduce noise and heat around the shopping floor. For large supermarkets where customer comfort is important, this can be a useful advantage.
Maintenance and Servicing
Regular maintenance is essential for both integral and remote refrigeration systems. With an integral multideck, the refrigeration components are part of the cabinet. Technicians can access the system directly when servicing is required.
Remote systems have separate refrigeration equipment, which may make the cabinet itself easier to access. However, the remote refrigeration plant and connected pipework also need regular inspection and servicing. The maintenance requirements can vary depending on the equipment, store size, usage, and installation. A reliable maintenance plan can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep refrigeration performance consistent.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important consideration when choosing commercial refrigeration. The energy performance of a multideck depends on many factors, including the design of the cabinet, compressor technology, temperature settings, store conditions, door or open-front design, and how the equipment is maintained.
Remote systems can be useful in larger stores because one central refrigeration system can serve multiple cabinets. Modern systems can also be designed to manage cooling efficiently across different areas. Integral multidecks can also provide good energy performance when properly selected and maintained.
Instead of choosing a system based only on the refrigeration type, businesses should look at the complete equipment specifications and expected operating conditions.
Which One Is More Suitable for Your Business?
An integral multideck can be a good choice for smaller shops, convenience stores, cafes, and businesses that need a straightforward refrigeration solution.It can be especially useful when only a few refrigerated cabinets are required and there is no need for a large central refrigeration plant.
A remote multideck may be more suitable for supermarkets, large grocery stores, and other businesses with several refrigerated displays. If you are planning a larger store or expect your refrigeration requirements to grow, a remote system may offer greater flexibility.
Think About Long-Term Costs
The purchase price is not the only cost to consider. Before buying a multideck, think about installation, electricity consumption, maintenance, servicing, repairs, and expected working life.
An option that costs less initially may not always be the most economical over many years. Similarly, a more advanced system may require a larger initial investment but provide benefits through efficient operation and easier management. It is important to consider the total cost of ownership rather than looking only at the initial price.
Product Display Matters Too
Multidecks are not only refrigeration equipment. They are also important product display units. A well-designed multideck allows customers to see products clearly and access them easily. Good lighting, shelf arrangement, temperature control, and airflow all contribute to an effective display.
Whether you choose an integral or remote model, make sure the cabinet suits your products and store layout. A good display can make chilled products more attractive and encourage customers to make a purchase.
What Should You Check Before Buying?
Before investing in a multideck, consider the following:
- The size and layout of your store
- The number of refrigerated cabinets you need
- The type of products you want to display
- Required temperature range
- Available installation space
- Energy efficiency
- Noise and heat levels
- Maintenance requirements
- Initial installation cost
- Long-term running costs
- Availability of servicing and spare parts
- Your future refrigeration needs
Speaking with a professional refrigeration supplier can also help you understand which system is suitable for your business.
Conclusion
Integral and remote multidecks both have an important role in modern retail refrigeration. An integral multideck offers a convenient and straightforward solution because the refrigeration system is built into the cabinet. A remote multideck, on the other hand, connects to a separate refrigeration system and can be particularly useful for larger retail environments.
The best choice depends on your business rather than simply choosing the cheapest option. Consider your available space, number of cabinets, energy requirements, maintenance needs, and long-term plans before making a decision.
RS Climate Control Ltd offers you the best multidecks. With the right multideck refrigeration system, you can maintain suitable product temperatures while creating a clean, attractive, and efficient shopping environment.