How to fix condensation in your glass door display fridge

A glass door display fridge is designed to do two jobs really well: keep your products at their perfect temperature while showcasing them to your customers. But if the glass keeps fogging up with condensation, that clear visibility goes out the window. 

Condensation isn’t just inconvenient for your customers. It can affect how appealing your products look and may hint at a maintenance issue that needs attention. It might even negatively impact your brand’s reputation if people start thinking you don’t take care of your appliances. 

Thankfully, most of the causes are simple to diagnose and fix. Here’s a practical guide to getting that glass crystal clear again. 

Temperature differentials

The most common reason for condensation is the difference between the cold air inside your fridge and the warmer air outside. When warm, humid air hits the cold glass, the moisture from the air ‘condenses’ onto the cool, dry glass, forming droplets. 

This often happens during busy trading hours, when doors open more frequently, customers walk in from the street bringing damp air, and staff move stock between storage and display. All of this introduces extra humidity into the room. 

On top of that, supermarkets, cafés and convenience stores often run heating systems. These create high-temperature hotspots and contrasts between the air and the fridge glass. But, of course, you can’t get rid of your heating. 

How to fix it:

• Check your thermostat settings. If the temperature is set lower than necessary, raise it slightly (still keeping food safe and within regulation). 

• Reduce the frequency of door openings. Each time the door opens, warm air floods in, making condensation more likely. 

• Defrost regularly. Ice build-up can disrupt cooling patterns. 

Humidity levels

In environments with high humidity, condensation becomes much harder to avoid. Every time you bake your bread, boil your kettle or run your dishwasher, moisture hangs in the air. Even if you have extractor fans, they can’t move all the humidity out. 

In somewhere like a compact café kitchen, that damp air has nowhere to go. It drifts around until it clings to the coldest surface, which could include the glass of your display fridge. Equally, in retail spaces, a crowded convenience store on a rainy day quickly fills with damp coats and umbrellas and soaked school students. Even if the room feels warm and dry to customers, the humidity can spike. Once that moist air hits the fridge, you’ll see the familiar fogging on the door. 

This could manifest itself in condensation on the outside of the glass or on the inside from the door constantly opening and closing, letting in moist air. 

How to fix it:

• Improve air circulation. Consider installing a dehumidifier in the room or improving general ventilation with more fans. 

• Position carefully. Keep your fridge away from dishwashers, ovens, or hot steam sources, all of which raise humidity in the air. 

• Check anti-condensation features. Some models come with heated or extra-glazed glass to reduce fogging.  

Door seal problems

A damaged or loose door seal is a common culprit. If the seal isn’t closing properly, warm air will constantly leak inside, creating a cycle of condensation and overworked cooling. 

If you notice your fridge fogging up for no reason, even when the room isn’t especially humid, then the door seal may well be the reason. Your staff might notice the door feels ‘spongy’ to close or doesn’t quite snap shut as it used to. Over time, customers browsing the fridge can make the problem worse, nudging the door open slightly without realising. This will show itself as condensation on the inside of the fridge’s glass door. 

How to fix it:

• Inspect the seal. Look for cracks, splits or areas where the seal no longer sits flush against the frame. Put a piece of paper on the seal and close the door. If the paper drops, the seal isn’t tight enough. 

• Clean regularly. Dirt, grease and food residue can prevent a tight seal. Wipe with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. 

• Replace if necessary. If the seal is damaged beyond repair, order a replacement. Many commercial fridge seals are designed to be swapped out without specialist tools. It’s probably something you can do yourself. 

Ventilation issues

A damaged or loose door seal is a common culprit. If the seal isn’t closing properly, warm air will constantly leak inside, creating a cycle of condensation and overworked cooling. 

If you notice your fridge fogging up for no reason, even when the room isn’t especially humid, then the door seal may well be the reason. Your staff might notice the door feels ‘spongy’ to close or doesn’t quite snap shut as it used to. Over time, customers browsing the fridge can make the problem worse, nudging the door open slightly without realising. This will show itself as condensation on the inside of the fridge’s glass door. 

How to fix it:

• Check your fridges’ placements. Leave sufficient clearance around your fridge as recommended by the manufacturer (usually a few centimetres at the back and sides). 

• Clean condenser coils. Dust and debris reduce efficiency. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to keep the coils at the back clear. 

• Avoid internal overcrowding. Don’t push stock directly against the glass or fans inside the unit, as this restricts airflow. 

How can Fridgesmart help?

Noticing condensation on your glass door display fridge is rarely a sign of a serious fault. However, it’s still something you need to address. We’re sure you’ll find the root cause (and remember, there could be multiple). But if you need any help with expert advice, sourcing parts or finding appropriate replacements, give us a call on 01792 677169, and we’d be delighted to help.