Flower Display Refrigerators

This category covers several flower-refrigeration concepts: SCh-AK panoramic coolers without an adjustable shelving system, SCh-AKM models with cabinets prepared for height-adjustable shelves, and mobile L-BK self-service refrigerated flower displays. SCh-AK and SCh-AKM are available in widths from 1205 to 2205 mm, while L-BK models are available in 820, 1180 and 1450 mm widths. All are intended for professional cut-flower retail and display, but they suit different working methods.

Which type should you choose?

• SCh-AK – choose this type if flowers will mainly be kept in buckets on flower stands or bouquets and arrangements will be suspended from the upper crossbar. It is an enclosed panoramic display for tall cut flowers. The AK cabinet is not prepared for an adjustable shelving system.
• SCh-AKM – choose this type when the display needs to change: height-adjustable flat shelves or shelves with openings for flower buckets can be installed. Important: the standard AKM cabinet is prepared for adjustable shelving, but the shelves and buckets themselves are optional.
• L-BK – choose this solution when mobility, self-service and impulse sales are the priority. The counter stands on four swivel castors, two with brakes, and the 82 / 118 / 145 cm models provide positions for 6 / 9 / 12 flower buckets Ø270 mm respectively. Buckets are not included.

Choosing the size: assess the usable display

Do not look only at overall width. It is more useful to consider depth, working height, display volume and floor footprint together. SCh-AK / AKM models are 745 mm deep. A 1205 mm model occupies about 0.90 m² and provides around 0.98 m³ of display volume, while a 2205 mm model occupies about 1.64 m² and provides around 1.91 m³. Larger models are not only more spacious but also use floor area somewhat more efficiently.

As a practical guide, 1205–1405 mm models suit restricted spaces, 1605 mm is a balanced medium-size option, 1805 mm suits a broader assortment, and 2005–2205 mm models are rational where flower turnover is higher and a large display is required in one location.

With L-BK, capacity increases from 6 to 12 buckets. BK 82 occupies about 0.78 m², BK 118 about 1.12 m² and BK 145 about 1.38 m². BK 145 holds twice as many buckets as BK 82 while requiring about 77% more floor area.

Why use a specialist flower cooler?

Cut-flower quality depends on more than simply keeping flowers cold. Professional flower storage should slow respiration and water loss without excessively drying petals and leaves. Standard beverage coolers often use stronger air movement and are designed for different humidity conditions. SCh-AK and SCh-AKM use gravity (static) cooling, so there is no intensive direct airflow through the display. L-BK uses fan-assisted cooling because it is designed as an open, quickly accessible retail display.

What temperature is suitable for cut flowers?

There is no single universal temperature for every flower species. Many temperate cut flowers benefit from low temperatures and high relative humidity, while some tropical and cold-sensitive species require warmer conditions. The +1 to +10 °C adjustment range should therefore be treated as a tool for matching the temperature to the actual flower assortment, not as one setting for every species.

Temperature strongly affects ageing, but real saleable life also depends on species, maturity, transport history, water hygiene, ethylene exposure and temperature fluctuations.

How much can refrigeration extend saleable appearance?

In comparative manufacturer tests where flowers came from the same supply batch and were cared for in the same way, selected species kept in SCh-AK / AKM coolers remained saleable for up to roughly six times longer than flowers held at room temperature, while flowers in an L-BK refrigerated display remained saleable for up to roughly twice as long. These are indicative results from specific tests, not a guaranteed storage period for every flower.

Important operating details

• Do not overfill the cooler. Flowers need air space for even temperature distribution.
• Keep flowers away from the panoramic glass. AK / AKM operating guidance specifies at least 8 cm clearance because a colder zone can form near the glass.
• Set temperature according to the species. Cold-sensitive tropical flowers should not automatically be stored at the same setting as more cold-tolerant varieties.
• Humidity and airflow matter as much as temperature. High relative humidity reduces water loss, but condensation directly on flowers is undesirable.
• Water and bucket hygiene remain essential. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth but does not replace clean water, clean containers and correct stem preparation.
• Protect flowers from ethylene. Ethylene-sensitive flowers should not be stored with ripening fruit or other strong ethylene sources.
• Check L-BK working height. The unit is about 1180 mm high when closed, but approximately 1910 mm of vertical clearance is required with the lid open.
• AKM shelves are optional. The cabinet is prepared for installation, but height-adjustable shelves and bucket shelves are not included in the base configuration.
• The inverter unit also changes condensate handling. In addition to quieter and smoother operation, the inverter AK / AKM version uses a condensate collection container with level alarm and drain valve; the standard refrigeration-unit version uses automatic condensate evaporation.