Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigerated merchandiser. The method includes providing a case that defines a product display area and an air passage that has an inlet and an outlet, positioning an evaporator in the air passage to refrigerate the air, positioning a fan in the air passage to move the air through the passage, and logging a first temperature value during frost-free operation of the evaporator. The method also includes logging a second temperature value during frosted operation of the evaporator, calculating a difference of the first and second temperature values, and defrosting the evaporator when the difference exceeds a pre-determined value. Each of the first temperature value and the second temperature value is independently associated with at least one of the air entering the inlet of the air passage, the air exiting the outlet of the air passage, and saturated evaporator temperature.

Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigerated merchandiser. The method includes providing a case that defines a product display area and an air passage that has an inlet and an outlet, positioning an evaporator in the air passage to refrigerate the air, positioning a fan in the air passage to move the air through the passage, and logging a first temperature value during frost-free operation of the evaporator. The method also includes logging a second temperature value during frosted operation of the evaporator, calculating a difference of the first and second temperature values, and defrosting the evaporator when the difference exceeds a pre-determined value. Each of the first temperature value and the second temperature value is independently associated with at least one of the air entering the inlet of the air passage, the air exiting the outlet of the air passage, and saturated evaporator temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area. The product display area defines a highest temperature zone and a lowest temperature zone. The merchandiser includes a first product simulator positioned in the highest temperature zone of the product display area to generate a first signal representative of the temperature of products positioned in the highest temperature zone of the product display area, and a second product simulator positioned in the lowest temperature zone of the product display area to generate a second signal representative of the temperature of products positioned in the lowest temperature zone of the product display area. The merchandiser also includes a controller in communication with the first and second product simulators. The controller is operable to adjust an outlet temperature set point in response to the first and second signals from the first and second product simulators.