Choose the selling method first
Describe what is displayed and how staff serve or replenish it. An ice table is selected around the ice-bed arrangement and its specified cooling/supporting equipment. A refrigerated seafood case is selected around its documented display and refrigeration design. Both names cover different configurations; neither establishes a universal temperature, storage duration or refrigeration system without the actual specification.
Compare the required configuration
Use these procurement questions to compare the proposed counter, not as assumed specifications for every model. A covered table may still use an ice bed, and an open display may have refrigeration. Request a drawing and an explicit configuration schedule.
| Selection question | Ice-display table review | Refrigerated-case review |
|---|---|---|
| Display method | Bed layout, ice handling and listed cooling arrangement | Specified display surface and refrigeration arrangement |
| Access | Staff side, cover/step format and replenishment | Customer view, staff loading and serving access |
| Utilities | Drainage, electrical service and supporting ice equipment | Electrical service and documented drainage/site connections |
| Approval | Usable bed, module dimensions and included components | Model/layout drawing and agreed operating requirements |
Evaluate the ice-handling workflow
For an iced display, explain how ice will be obtained, handled and replenished. Confirm the bed arrangement and meltwater drainage with the site plan. If a flake ice machine is included, specify it as a separate item with its intended use, utilities and reviewed output. An ice-table quotation does not automatically include an ice machine, storage or site plumbing.
Evaluate the refrigerated display arrangement
For a refrigerated case, request the named model or custom layout and the proposed operating conditions. Compare customer visibility and staff access with the actual product assortment. Ask the specification to identify cooling and drainage rather than copying assumptions from an unrelated display cabinet. Where model-level ratings are missing, retain Confirm per project and request documented values before approval.
Consider covers, steps and combination modules
The supplied custom catalog includes arc-shaped stepped, lift-up-cover and mist-spray ice-table references. These are distinct layouts. Their photos may show combination modules or styled finishes; the drawing must identify what the quoted module includes. Do not identify the mist-spray reference as the former ultrasonic ice-table model without evidence.
Avoid a comparison based only on exterior size
Two counters with similar overall dimensions may have different usable beds, access arrangements or included equipment. Compare the actual display space, operator workflow, utilities and component scope. Material grade, glass and electrical values should come from the proposed specification. Do not copy them from another product simply because it belongs to the same category.
Send the selection brief
Include seafood assortment, desired display method, available dimensions and store plan. State staff access, drainage, electrical supply, supporting ice requirements, quantity and destination country. If either format may work, ask for proposals against the same brief and identify the configuration differences before comparing the quotation.
BUYER QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Does an ice table include an ice machine?
Only if the quotation explicitly includes one. Specify supporting ice equipment separately.
Does a glass cover make it a refrigerated case?
Appearance alone does not establish the cooling or display method. Check the documented arrangement.
Which format has the correct temperature?
Provide the product requirements for review. The actual operating configuration is confirmed for the selected model and project.
Can I request both formats for one market?
Yes. Mark each zone on the plan and request separate module scopes and configurations.