Comparing True and MoTak: Which Is Right for You?
MoTak and True both offer commercial refrigeration and ice machines that fit numerous foodservice settings. MoTak units rely on simple designs suited for low- or medium-volume applications, while True appliances are made for lasting use in high-volume settings.
Comparison Snapshot
| Category | MoTak | True |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Budget-friendly brand offering a broad range of commercial restaurant supplies | Premium refrigeration brand made for reliable operation in high-use settings |
| Typical Price Range | $-$$ | $$$ |
| Strengths | Lower upfront cost and straightforward functionality | Known for durable construction and a wide support network |
| Considerations | Less durable than more premium brands; more likely to require service | Higher upfront cost |
| Best For | Startups and medium-volume tasks | Heavy-use operations requiring dependable cold storage |
While both brands deliver commercial-grade performance, True is primarily known for long-lasting designs, while MoTak supports budget-conscious operators.
About MoTak
MoTak is a house brand exclusively sold by KaTom Restaurant Supply that provides refrigerators, ice machines, cooking equipment, small appliances, and more. Founded in 1987, KaTom provides equipment solutions for commercial kitchens nationwide.
Key Strengths
- Refrigeration line includes reach-ins, prep tables, undercounters, and specialty units
- Ice line includes undercounter machines, heads, and head-and-bin combinations
- Commercial-grade materials
- Economical pricing and quick availability
About True
For more than 80 years, True Refrigeration has built innovative commercial refrigeration solutions. Known for strong warranties and consistent performance, True has won numerous design and efficiency awards.
Key Strengths
- Energy-efficient models
- Strong merchandiser line
- Ice line includes bins, heads, and combination units
- Extra durable construction
Key Differences Explained
Performance and Reliability
MoTak refrigerators feature basic power capabilities and handle commercial environments with moderate use. True products typically have more powerful compressors and often carry ENERGY STAR certifications, enabling faster recovery and enhancing operational efficiency.
While both brands primarily focus on refrigeration, MoTak and True make ice machines with similar production capabilities. True models perform better, but MoTak offers extra design options.
Design and Ease of Use
MoTak refrigerators and ice machines feature simple, functional designs with silver or black surfaces that harmonize with standard kitchen environments. Their straightforward controls and digital displays ensure easy operation and minimal adjustment. All MoTak reach-ins use bottom-mounted refrigeration systems for quick service access.
True ice machines feature standard configurations, while their refrigerators come with customizable designs and options to add colored powder coatings. Refrigerator controls are simple but have additional features such as alarms when doors remain open too long and automatic locks that secure doors when cabinet temperatures rise above the food-safe zone. Reach-in units are available with top- or bottom-mounted refrigeration systems.
Maintenance and Durability
MoTak units require routine maintenance, offering accessible refrigeration systems with few extra features. Constructed of durable stainless steel and aluminum materials, they're best for moderate daily use.
True units also need regular maintenance, but they're more durable, with strong condensers, reinforced bases and handles, and rustproof, PVC-coated shelving capable of holding up to 250 pounds per rack.
Price and Value
In most cases, True appliances cost several thousand dollars more than MoTak equivalents. This higher price, however, is offset by True's durable builds, which outlast MoTak units in environments requiring higher performance.
Which Brand Is Best for You?
This decision primarily depends on the intended application. In general, the higher your volume, the more money you should spend on equipment. Beyond looking only at brands, consider details such as materials used, power consumed and produced, size, efficiency, and ease of use. True products tend to support higher-volume use and offer additional efficiency and safety features, while MoTak offers less-costly alternatives with straightforward designs.
| Scenario | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-volume operation | True | Durable components built for heavy use |
| Startup business | MoTak | Affordable and reliable units |
| Customer-facing kitchen | True | Polished designs and customizable finishes |
| Auxiliary appliance needs | MoTak | Excellent performance for low- to medium-volume tasks |
Shop MoTak and True at KaTom
Whether you're replacing equipment, expanding operations, or kicking off a new concept, MoTak and True offer excellent cold storage and ice production options. KaTom provides competitive prices on True equipment and exclusive access to MoTak products with quick availability and strong support.
