Williams sustainable ‘Grab and Go’ merchandisers

Eye-catching new Sandwich and Pastry Chillers feature systems that improve energy efficiency, with advanced temperature controls and ‘display-maximising’ design

Eye-catching new Sandwich and Pastry Chillers feature systems that improve energy efficiency, with advanced temperature controls and ‘display-maximising’ design

Williams has extended its Gem range of merchandisers for the Grab and Go sector with the launch of two new products, a Sandwich Chiller and a Pastry Chiller.

The Chillers are attractive, eye-catching units with all-round clear visibility, designed to maximise retail display space and enhance food safety. Every inch of space is maximised for display, even down to the lighting - the bright white, energy saving LED strip lighting taking less space than a conventional fluorescent strip, so there’s more room for product - as well as adding extra eye-appeal.              

The Sandwich Chiller sets a new standard of energy efficiency in the use of an air curtain refrigeration system, whereby a wall of cold air cascades down the front of the unit. This protects the food and drink by maintaining temperature while offering customers open access and an attractive display. Traditional designs can be energy-hungry, since much of the cold air curtain is lost into the environment.

Williams’ R&D team developed the new air curtain system as part of the company’s Greenlogic initiative. The angle of the ‘curtain’ ensures that, once it has done its job, nearly all the cold air is recycled, either into the cabinet, helping maintain temperature, or by being drawn through vents and grills to cool the refrigeration system itself and thus reduce energy consumption

The Pastry Chiller is specifically designed to chill and hold cakes, croissants, pies, open sandwiches and similar goods. The Williams refrigeration system ensures that contents are kept at the ideal temperature of 5 to 8°C. Rear loading doors give staff easy access for restocking and serving

In line with Williams’ Greenlogic initiative, both Chillers are designed to be as sustainable as possible. The heavy duty polyurethane insulation not only minimises temperature loss but also makes the units very strong and robust. The stainless steel body and tempered glass add to this durability and make the units easy to clean. LED lights have guards to protect them and are easily changeable, should one fail. Meanwhile the hot gas defrost system means the unit is only in defrost mode for short periods (typically a few minutes), compared to conventional electrical element defrost systems

The trick of getting more display space from the same footprint is accomplished by a variety of clever design features. For example, staff can use the full depth of the Sandwich Chiller’s shelves to display product. With most designs, there needs to be a gap between the food product and the cabinet’s back wall, to ensure airflow. The Williams Sandwich Chiller has an air wall that allows product to be loaded right up to the rear of the cabinet, with no gap and no risk of compromising food safety. This feature also makes life easier for staff restocking the unit, and avoids the risk of customers inadvertently moving stock and blocking the airflow

In any food storage unit, food safety is paramount and the Williams Chillers set new standards in the Grab and Go sector here, too. The combination of effective refrigeration and high performance insulation means that temperature pull down times are very fast – so that the cabinet temperature is always within set parameters, even in ambients of 25°C.

The Gem Chillers are part of Williams’ range for the Grab and Go sector, which includes a variety of merchandisers and a choice of back of house refrigeration cabinets.