Find the Right Commercial Refrigeration System From True
Key Takeaways
- Choose the type of refrigeration equipment that best fits your operation, including reach-ins, merchandisers, prep tables, or undercounter units
- Consider your available space, storage capacity, and daily workflow
- Compare True product series and configurations to find the right balance of durability, performance, and features
- Look for features, such as door style, cabinet style, and construction materials, based on your operational needs
About True Equipment
True's legacy began in 1946, when the Trulaske family manufactured an upright freezer in their home, establishing what's now one of the largest refrigeration companies in the United States. Today, the company remains family owned and is widely recognized in kitchens for energy-efficient designs and long-lasting performance.
Operators choose True for its high-quality, durable range of products, including cold storage solutions and heated cabinets. High-grade stainless steel construction, ENERGY STAR-certified equipment, reverse condensing fan motors, and strong warranty support contribute to True's long-term reliability and value.
Types of True Refrigerators and Freezers
| True Product Category | Need | Popular Models/Series |
|---|---|---|
| Reach-in Refrigerators | Everyday refrigerated storage | T series, TS series |
| Glass Door Merchandisers | Grab-and-go merchandising | GDM-23, GDM-49, GDM-72 |
| Food Prep Tables | Sandwich and salad prep | TSSU series, Mega Top, Pizza Prep |
| Undercounter Refrigerators | Space-saving cold storage | TUC series |
| Refrigerated Worktops | Prep space with refrigerated storage | TWT series |
| Back-bar Refrigeration | Convenient bottle holding | TBB series, TDD series |
| Deli and Display Cases | Fresh food displays | GDM series |
| Milk Coolers | School and cafeteria beverage storage | TMC series |
| Open-Air Merchandisers | Grab-and-go merchandising | TAC series |
| Dual-Temperature Units | Refrigerated and frozen storage | Dual-temp series |
| Heated Cabinets | Hot food holding | Heated Cabinet series |
| Chef Bases | Refrigerated equipment stands | Chef Base series |
| Pass-Thru Units | Smooth transition from front to back of house | Spec Series |
| Roll-In Refrigerators | Rack storage | Roll-in series |
| Roll-Thru Refrigerators | Pass-thru storage | Roll-thru series |
| Custom/Spec Series | Custom applications | Spec series |
True Foodservice Equipment
Evaluating your menu, storage capacity, and kitchen footprint helps you quickly determine which True refrigeration category and model series will streamline your operation.
True Reach-in Commercial Refrigerators
Best for: Restaurants, bakeries, bars, cafes, and convenience stores
True's reach-in refrigerators are among the brand's most popular refrigeration solutions, available in the T series and TS series. Both lines come in one-, two-, and three-section configurations to accommodate a variety of storage needs.
The T series combines a stainless steel front with aluminum sides and a corrosion-resistant aluminum interior, while the TS series features a more durable stainless steel exterior and interior. Both series are offered in multiple door styles—including solid, glass, split, and sliding doors—making it simple to match the refrigerator to your kitchen's needs and available space.
| True Reach-in Refrigerator Series Comparison | T series | TS series |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Stainless steel front with aluminum sides, back, and top; clear-coated aluminum interior with a stainless steel floor | Stainless steel front, sides, and doors with a corrosion-resistant steel back; all stainless steel interior |
| Application | Bakeries, pastry shops, catering services, cafeterias, and healthcare facilities | High-turnover, high-heat kitchens and demanding commercial operations |
| Popular Models |
T-23-HC T-49-HC T-72-HC |
TS-23-HC TS-49-HC TS-72-HC |
| Best for | Heavy-grease kitchens, customer-facing spaces, and everyday commercial use | High-volume operations, institutional kitchens, and frequent door openings |
Top-Rated True Reach-in Refrigerators at KaTom
True Glass Door Merchandisers
Best for: Convenience stores, coffee shops, bakeries, floral shops, craft breweries, and breakrooms
True glass door merchandisers combine product visibility with energy-efficient refrigeration to help operators showcase beverages, grab-and-go options, and other refrigerated items. Features such as Low-E glass, foamed-in-place insulation, and efficient refrigeration systems help maintain product temperatures while reducing energy costs.
The lineup includes swing- and sliding-door merchandisers, countertop units, glass-end displays, floral cases, wine merchandisers, and specialty models for convenience stores and bagged ice. Available in a range of sizes and configurations, these units are designed to maximize product visibility, encourage impulse purchases, and support merchandising in retail and foodservice environments.
| Glass Door Merchandiser Model Comparison | GDM-23 | GDM-49 | GDM-72 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Single section; ideal for limited product selections | Two section; balances capacity and footprint | Three section; maximum refrigerated display capacity |
| Application | Grab-and-go beverages and packaged foods | High-volume beverage and food merchandising | Large retail displays with extensive product variety |
| Business Type | Cafes, offices, concession stands, and small convenience stores | Convenience stores, bakeries, delis, and restaurants | Grocery stores, large convenience stores, cafeterias, and supermarkets |
Top-Rated True Glass Door Merchandisers at KaTom
True Food Prep Tables
Best for: Restaurants, sandwich shops, delis, pizzerias, salad bars, and cafes
True food prep tables combine refrigerated ingredient storage with an integrated cutting board, letting operators prep and assemble menu items from a single workstation. True prep tables are NSF approved for overnight food storage, eliminating the need to transfer ingredients to a separate refrigerator.
True manufactures sandwich and salad prep tables, mega top models with expanded pan capacity, and pizza prep tables with extra-wide work surfaces on which to conveniently assemble pizzas. Available in a variety of sizes, drawer and door configurations, and ADA-compliant models, these units are designed to support efficient food preparation in busy kitchens.
| Prep Table Comparison | Sandwich/Salad | Mega Top | Pizza |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Two rows of ingredient pans | Three rows of ingredient pans for expanded capacity | Single row of pans with extra-wide work surface |
| Application | Sandwiches, salads, wraps, and cold food prep | High-volume sandwich and salad production | Pizza assembly, topping preparation, and make-line production |
| Ideal Operation | Delis, cafes, sandwich shops, and small operations | Busy restaurants, cafeterias, and high-volume environments | Pizzerias and Italian restaurants |
Top-Rated True Food Prep Tables at KaTom
True Undercounter Refrigerators
Best for: Cafes, coffee shops, bars, food trucks, and operations with limited space
True undercounter refrigerators provide refrigerated storage without taking up valuable floor space, making them ideal for operations prioritizing efficiency and accessibility. Designed to fit beneath standard-height countertops, they keep ingredients and beverages within easy reach of prep stations and service areas.
Available in door, drawer, and glass door configurations, these refrigerators range from 24 to 72 inches wide to accommodate a variety of kitchen layouts. Operators can also choose ADA-compliant, low-profile, and deep-cabinet models, with deep units providing enough interior space to hold full-size sheet pans.
| Undercounter Model | Application | Available Workspace |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | General refrigerated storage beneath prep counters | Fits beneath standard-height countertops while preserving work surfaces |
| Deep | High-capacity ingredient and pan storage | Accommodates full-size sheet pans and increases storage capacity |
| ADA | Accessible workstations requiring ADA-compliant equipment | Lower cabinet height fits ADA-compliant counters without sacrificing refrigerated storage |
| Drawer | Accessible ingredient storage during food prep | Provides organized storage beneath the work surface for convenient ingredient placement |
Top-Rated True Undercounter Refrigerators at KaTom
True Refrigerated Worktops
Best for: High-volume operations, coffee shops, cafes, sandwich shops, bars, and food trucks
True refrigerated worktops combine refrigerated storage and a durable stainless steel work surface in a single unit, making them an excellent choice for kitchens with limited space. An integrated backsplash creates a seamless prep area that's simple to clean, while the built-in countertop provides ample prep space.
Unlike undercounter refrigerators, worktops provide a dedicated prep surface in addition to refrigerated storage. Operators with existing counters may prefer undercounter units to maximize storage, while worktops are better suited for kitchens needing to maximize a small footprint.
| Refrigerated Worktop vs. Undercounter Refrigerator | Refrigerated Worktop | Undercounter Refrigerator |
|---|---|---|
| Best Application | Food prep stations requiring refrigerated ingredients within reach | General refrigerated storage beneath counters and workstations |
| Storage Capacity | Moderate refrigerated storage with a dedicated work surface above | Maximum refrigerated storage in a compact footprint |
| Work Surface | Heavy-duty stainless steel top for food prep and equipment | Installed into the surrounding workspace |
| Best for | Prep kitchens, sandwich shops, pizzerias, and salad stations | Bars, cafes, restaurants, and kitchens needing extra refrigerated storage |
Top-Rated True Refrigerated Worktops at KaTom
True Back-Bar Refrigerators
Best for: Bars, craft cocktail bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and event venues
True's back-bar refrigeration lineup includes back-bar refrigerators, direct-draw beer dispensers, bottle coolers, and glass chillers to support fast, efficient beverage service. Available in multiple sizes, these units fit everything from small bars to high-volume cocktail service. Most models come with either a black vinyl or stainless steel exterior and are fitted for durable stainless steel countertops for added workspace.
Each style serves a different purpose behind the bar. Back-bar refrigerators store bottled beverages, wine, and mixers, while direct-draw dispensers keep kegged beer cold from keg to faucet for consistent pours. Bottle coolers provide quick access to chilled bottled beverages, and glass chillers quickly frost drinkware to enhance beverage presentation and keep drinks colder for longer periods.
| True Back-bar Refrigeration Comparison | Back-bar Refrigerator | Direct-draw Beer Dispenser | Bottle Cooler | Glass Chiller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Application | Store and organize refrigerated beverages behind the bar | Dispense draft beer directly from refrigerated kegs | Convenient storage for bottled beverages during busy service | Chill or frost drinkware before serving |
| Beverage Type | Bottled beer, canned beverages, wine, mixers, and soft drinks | Draft beer | Bottled beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and other bottled beverages | Beer, cocktails, wine, and other chilled beverages served in frosted glasses |
| Ideal Business | Bars, restaurants, hotels, and lounges | Sports bars, breweries, pubs, and taprooms | High-volume bars, nightclubs, and event venues | Cocktail bars, breweries, restaurants, and upscale lounges |
Top-Rated Back-Bar Refrigerators at KaTom
True Deli and Display Cases
Best for: Delis, butcher shops, grocery stores, cafes, and convenience stores
True deli cases combine refrigerated storage with attractive merchandising for meats, cheeses, salads, desserts, and other prepared foods. Low-E glass, foamed-in-place insulation, and LED lighting help maintain product quality while creating an appealing display. Models are available in multiple sizes with durable stainless steel work surfaces and easy-to-clean interiors.
Operators can choose from single-duty cases for refrigerated merchandising, double-duty models with refrigerated storage beneath the display, or curved glass units that provide greater product visibility. Rear-service, pass-thru, and low-profile configurations offer flexibility for both employee-assisted and self-service applications.
| True Deli Case Comparison | Single-Duty Deli Case | Double-Duty Deli Case | Curved-Glass Deli Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Application | Merchandise refrigerated deli items with rear or pass-thru access | Display deli products while storing backup inventory below | Create premium refrigerated displays with enhanced product visibility |
| Display Capacity | Dedicated refrigerated display area with wire shelving | Refrigerated display area plus undercounter refrigerated storage | Expanded viewing area with curved glass for maximum product visibility |
| Ideal Products | Meats, cheeses, salads, prepared foods, and desserts | High-volume deli items requiring frequent restocking | Premium meats, specialty cheeses, desserts, and featured prepared foods |
Top-Rated True Deli and Display Cases at KaTom
True Milk Coolers
Best for: Schools, universities, healthcare facilities, daycares, catering operations, and coffee shops
True milk coolers provide convenient refrigerated beverage storage for schools, cafeterias, hospitals, and other self-service operations. Available in single- or dual-sided access, they can also be used as pass-thru units to simplify restocking in busy serving areas. Models are available to accommodate 8 to 16 beverage crates and offer durable stainless steel or white vinyl exteriors.
These milk coolers use forced-air refrigeration to cool beverages quickly and maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cabinet. The circulating airflow also helps reduce warm air infiltration through frequent door openings, keeping milk, juice, and other beverages cold throughout service.
| Milk Cooler Comparison | Forced-Air Milk Cooler | Cold-Wall Milk Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Best Application | High-volume schools, cafeterias, hospitals, and self-service beverage stations | Lower-volume cafeterias with infrequent door openings |
| Cooling Method | Circulates cold air throughout the cabinet for uniform temperatures | Cools products through refrigerated cabinet walls |
| Capacity | Typically holds 8-16 beverage crates | Varies by model; comparable crate capacities |
| Ideal Beverage Types | Milk, juice, bottled water, and other refrigerated beverages | Milk, juice, and other refrigerated beverages |
Top-Rated True Milk Coolers at KaTom
True Open-Air Merchandisers
Best for: Convenience stores, grocery stores, delis, bakeries, and school cafeterias
True open-air merchandisers provide smooth access to refrigerated grab-and-go products while encouraging impulse purchases. Available in vertical and horizontal configurations, these units are ideal for convenience stores, grocery stores, cafes, and other self-serving merchandising applications.
A continuous curtain of cold air helps maintain safe product temperatures, while LED lighting showcases displayed items. Select models also feature True's reversing condenser fan motor to reduce dust buildup and improve refrigeration efficiency, with multiple sizes and finishes available to suit different merchandising needs.
| Open-Air Merchandiser Comparison | Vertical Models | Horizontal Models |
|---|---|---|
| Best Application | High-traffic grab-and-go merchandising in convenience stores, grocery stores, and cafes | Counter-height self-service displays for prepared foods, beverages, and packaged items |
| Display Capacity | Multiple adjustable shelves maximize product variety in a compact footprint | Tiered display keeps products organized and accessible |
| Ideal Products | Beverages, sandwiches, salads, dairy products, and grab-and-go meals | Prepared foods, bottled drinks, yogurt, sandwiches, salads, and desserts |
| Best for | Maximizing merchandising space while minimizing floor footprint | Self-service food displays with easy customer access and product visibility |
Top-Rated Open-Air Merchandisers at KaTom
True Dual-Temperature Units
Best for: Food trucks, concession stands, bars, pizzerias, and catering operations
True dual-temperature refrigerators combine refrigerated and frozen storage in a single footprint, making them a practical choice for kitchens with limited space. Independent refrigeration systems maintain separate temperatures for each compartment, while exterior digital displays allow operators to monitor refrigerator and freezer performance at a glance.
Available in one- and two-section configurations, these units are offered with solid, glass, or half doors to suit specific workflows. Durable stainless steel construction, adjustable wire shelving, and automatic defrost systems support reliable performance in demanding commercial kitchens.
| Storage Configuration Comparison | Dual-temperature Unit | Separate Refrigerator & Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Best Application | Kitchens needing refrigerated and frozen storage in one footprint | Operations requiring maximum refrigerated and frozen capacity |
| Space Requirements | Single cabinet conserves valuable floor space | Requires space for two separate units |
| Workflow | Fresh and frozen ingredients remain within reach | Allows refrigerator and freezer placement in separate work areas |
| Best for | Small kitchens, cafes, food trucks, and space-conscious operations | High-volume restaurants, institutions, and kitchens with dedicated storage areas |
Top-Rated True Dual-Temperature Units at KaTom
True Heated Cabinets
Best for: High-volume operations, catering services, schools, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and bakeries
True heated cabinets provide reliable hot holding for buffets, bakeries, pizzerias, delis, catering operations, and other foodservice businesses. Built with the same durable construction as the brand's refrigeration equipment, these cabinets use foamed-in-place insulation, stainless steel, and efficient airflow to maintain temperatures from 80 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit for consistent food quality.
Available in reach-in, roll-in, roll-thru, and pass-thru configurations, True heated cabinets accommodate a variety of kitchen workflows. Operators can choose from solid, glass, or half doors to balance product visibility, energy efficiency, and convenient access during service.
| Heated Cabinet Configuration Comparison | Reach-in | Roll-in | Roll-thru | Pass-thru |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Application | General hot holding for prepared foods on trays or shelves | Holding full-size pan racks without unloading food | High-volume operations requiring one-way cart movement | Kitchens serving food directly to the front of house |
| Loading Method | Individual pans or trays loaded by hand | Entire pan rack rolls into the cabinet | Pan rack rolls completely through the cabinet | Shelves or trays accessed from either side |
| Ideal Operations | Restaurants, bakeries, delis, and cafes | Catering operations, banquet facilities, and institutional kitchens | Hospitals, schools, commissaries, and large banquet operations | Restaurants, cafeterias, and hotels with separate prep and service areas |
| Primary Advantage | Versatile hot holding in compact footprints | Reduces labor by eliminating pan transfers | Supports efficient workflow and continuous production | Separates kitchen and service traffic while maintaining food temperatures |
Top-Rated True Heated Cabinets at KaTom
True Chef Bases
Best for: Food trucks, cafes, bars, concession stands, and commercial operations with limited space
True chef bases combine refrigerated storage and equipment support in a single footprint, maximizing valuable kitchen space. Designed to hold countertop cooking equipment such as griddles, charbroilers, and fryers, these units keep refrigerated ingredients within reach while still providing ample prep space.
Built with durable stainless steel and forced-air refrigeration, True chef bases maintain temperatures between 33 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit for consistent ingredient storage. Heavy-duty tops support substantial equipment loads, while insulated cabinets help minimize heat transfer from cooking equipment to the refrigerated drawers for dependable long-term performance.
| Chef Base Benefits | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Maximizes Kitchen Space | Supports countertop cooking equipment while providing refrigerated storage below, reducing the need for a separate refrigerator |
| Improves Workflow | Keeps refrigerated ingredients directly beneath the cooking line to minimize employee movement during food prep |
| Increases Efficiency | Stores common ingredients within arm's reach for fast ticket times and streamlined prep |
| Ideal Equipment | Supports countertop griddles, charbroilers, fryers, hot plates, and ranges |
| Best Applications | Cook lines in restaurants, diners, cafes, pizzerias, and other high-volume commercial kitchens |
Top-Rated Chef Bases at KaTom
True Pass-Thru Units
Best for: Restaurants, catering operations, hospitality operations, and institutional kitchens
Pass-thru units improve kitchen workflow by providing access from both the prep and service sides, making them ideal for cafeterias, buffets, hospitals, and other operations that transfer food between work areas. Staff can load products from one side and retrieve them from the other while maintaining safe holding temperatures.
True pass-thru models come in one- and two-section configurations with solid, glass, or half doors. Most models are built to order and offer multiple interior layout options to accommodate full-size food pans and a variety of storage needs.
| Pass-thru Cabinet Benefits | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Streamlined Workflow | Allows kitchen staff to load products from one side while servers retrieve them from the other |
| Food Safety | Maintains refrigerated or heated holding temperatures during the transfer between prep and service areas |
| Reduced Traffic | Minimizes employee movement between the kitchen and serving area, helping reduce congestion |
| Fast Service | Keeps prepared food readily available for quick retrieval during busy meal periods |
| Ideal Applications | Restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools, buffets, and hotel kitchens |
Top-Rated True Pass-Thru Units at KaTom
True Roll-In Refrigerators
Best for: Banquet facilities, catering services, healthcare facilities, bakeries, and high-volume operations
Roll-in units simplify high-volume food holding by accommodating fully loaded pan racks, eliminating the need to transfer individual trays between carts and storage equipment. This reduces labor, increases production, and streamlines service in hospitals, schools, banquet facilities, commissaries, and other operations that prepare large quantities of food. True cabinets feature durable stainless steel construction, ramped entrances for smooth cart loading, and reliable temperature control.
| Roll-in Cabinet Benefits | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Fast Loading | Entire pan racks roll directly into the cabinet, eliminating the need to unload individual trays |
| Reduced Labor | Minimizes handling, saving time during food preparation, storage, and service |
| Improved Workflow | Allows prepared food to move seamlessly from prep to storage and then to service on the same rack |
| Product Protection | Reduces unnecessary handling to help preserve food quality and presentation |
| Ideal Applications | Hospitals, schools, banquet facilities, commissaries, catering operations, and other high-volume kitchens |
Top-Rated True Roll-In Units at KaTom
True Roll-Thru Refrigerators
Best for: Commissaries, hospitality facilities, catering services, banquet operations, and high-volume bakeries
High-volume foodservice operations benefit from roll-thru cabinets that let employees load a full pan rack from one side and retrieve from the other. This pass-through design reduces congestion between prep and service areas, supports a continuous workflow, and enables kitchen and serving staff to work simultaneously without crossing paths.
Refrigerated and heated configurations are available to suit a variety of applications. Oversized refrigeration systems provide dependable cold storage, while heated models use low-velocity airflow to maintain even holding temperatures between 80 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Roll-Thru Cabinet Benefits | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Continuous Workflow | Allows pan racks to move directly from the kitchen to the service area without unloading or repositioning |
| Reduced Congestion | Keeps kitchen and serving staff on opposite sides of the cabinet, minimizing traffic during busy service periods |
| Fast Service | Provides quick access to prepared food while maintaining safe holding temperatures |
| Labor Savings | Eliminates unnecessary handling by allowing full-size pan racks to remain loaded from prep through service |
| Ideal Applications | Banquet facilities, hospitals, schools, hotels, commissaries, and other high-volume foodservice operations |
Top-Rated True Roll-Thru Units at KaTom
True Spec Series
Best for: Restaurants, bakeries, bars, and cafes
Built for demanding commercial environments, True Spec series refrigerators and freezers offer heavier-duty construction than standard models, making them ideal for schools, hospitals, hotels, convention centers, and other high-volume operations. Although they require a higher initial investment and are typically built to order, their rugged stainless steel construction is designed for decades of reliable performance.
The Spec series includes STA, STG, and STR models with increasing levels of stainless steel construction to match different durability requirements. All feature commercial-grade shelving and heavy-duty components, while higher-tier models incorporate additional stainless steel inside and out for maximum strength and corrosion resistance.
| True Spec Series Comparison | STA Series | STG Series | STR Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Stainless steel front, doors, and sides with aluminum interior walls | Stainless steel front and doors with aluminum sides and aluminum interior walls | Stainless steel exterior with a stainless steel interior |
| Durability | Heavy-duty construction for demanding commercial kitchens | Enhanced corrosion resistance for high-use environments | Maximum durability for the most demanding applications |
| Best Application | Restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities, and institutional kitchens | High-volume operations with frequent daily use | Hospitals, hotels, commissaries, convention centers, and correctional facilities |
| Best for | Operators seeking heavy-duty performance at an economical price point | Operations balancing durability, corrosion resistance, and value | Facilities needing maximum longevity and all-stainless construction |
Find the Right True Refrigeration Equipment for Your Operation at KaTom
With more than 38 years of experience serving the foodservice industry, KaTom makes it easy to compare commercial refrigerators from True. Explore available models to find one that fits your storage needs and workflow.
