True commercial refrigeration typically costs about $2,000-$12,000 per unit, with an average near $5,500 for a standard reach-in, prep table, or merchandiser. The True refrigeration price depends on equipment type, capacity, stainless-steel options, delivery, installation, and local dealer pricing; walk-in systems can cost substantially more.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undercounter refrigerator | $2,000 | $3,500 | $5,500 | Single-section commercial unit |
| Reach-in refrigerator | $3,000 | $5,500 | $9,000 | One- to three-section models |
| Prep table | $3,500 | $6,500 | $11,000 | Size, pan rail, and doors affect price |
| Glass-door merchandiser | $3,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 | Depends on display area and door count |
| Walk-in cooler package | $8,000 | $18,000 | $35,000+ | Panel size, refrigeration system, and installation vary |
What True commercial refrigerators cost by type
True Manufacturing sells commercial refrigerators, freezers, prep tables, display cases, and walk-in components. Its equipment is generally sold through food-service dealers, so there is not one universal retail price list. Published online prices, dealer quotes, freight terms, and included options can differ, and some models are quote-only.
For budget planning, a one-section reach-in refrigerator commonly falls around $3,000-$5,500 before delivery and installation. A two-section unit often runs $4,500-$7,500, while a larger three-section model may reach $6,500-$9,000 or more. A comparable commercial freezer is often $3,500-$8,500, with larger or specialized configurations above that range.
Undercounter models generally cost $2,000-$5,500. Sandwich and salad prep tables usually range from $3,500-$8,000, with wide, high-capacity units or extra options reaching $11,000. Glass-door display refrigerators often cost $3,000-$12,000, depending on the display footprint, number of doors, and intended use.
Walk-ins are a separate budgeting category. A small cooler package may begin around $8,000, while a larger insulated enclosure with a matched refrigeration system can total $18,000-$35,000 or more after installation. Assumptions: U.S. dealer pricing for new standard equipment, before unusual construction, taxes, and long-distance freight.
Most buyers should compare the exact model number and included options, not just the equipment category. A price for a basic reach-in cannot be compared fairly with a quote that includes casters, shelves, a stainless interior, delivery, and startup service.
How doors, compressors, and delivery shape the quote
A commercial refrigeration quote usually combines the equipment price with selected options, freight, and any installation or site work. The following ranges are planning estimates rather than fixed True fees; dealers may bundle several items or show them separately.
| Quote component | Typical price range | How it affects the total |
|---|---|---|
| Base refrigerator or freezer | $2,000-$9,000 per unit | Varies by type, size, and sections |
| Options and accessories | $100-$1,500 per unit | Shelves, casters, locks, or finish choices |
| Freight and inside delivery | $150-$900 per shipment | Distance, weight, liftgate, and access matter |
| Placement and connection | $250-$1,200 per unit | Basic positioning differs from complex hookup |
| Removal and disposal | $100-$500 per old unit | May include handling and recycling charges |
| Permits or site work | $0-$2,500+ | Applies when electrical or building work is needed |
Freight charges deserve attention for heavy equipment. A curbside delivery may be less expensive than inside placement, liftgate service, stair carries, or a scheduled delivery window. Confirm whether the quoted amount covers bringing the unit to its final location, removing packaging, and taking away an old appliance.
Installation is often simpler for a plug-in reach-in than for a walk-in or a unit requiring new electrical service. Electrical changes, drain work, ventilation changes, and modifications to doorways can add labor and materials. For labor estimates, a straightforward placement may take 1-3 hours, while a more involved commercial installation may require a crew for 4-8 hours or longer.
Request an itemized quote showing equipment, freight, accessories, installation, and disposal separately. That makes it easier to spot a low equipment price that is offset by expensive delivery or required add-ons.
Which capacity, door count, and site conditions raise prices
Capacity and configuration are among the strongest price drivers. Moving from a one-section to a two-section reach-in can add roughly $1,000-$2,500; a three-section model may add another $1,500-$3,000 depending on the product line and finish. A greater number of doors generally means more storage access and a larger cabinet, but it also changes the purchase price and delivery requirements.
Prep-table length has a direct effect on cost. A 48-inch table may fall near $3,500-$5,500, while a 72-inch unit can run about $5,000-$8,000 and a 96-inch model may reach $7,000-$11,000. Pan capacity, refrigerated base layout, cutting board dimensions, and door or drawer configuration explain some of the spread.
Walk-in estimates depend on panel dimensions and the refrigeration system. A 6-by-6-foot cooler is a much smaller project than a 10-by-12-foot room. Ceiling height, floor panels, door size, condensing-unit location, and the length of the refrigerant line can change the quote. Runs over about 25 feet, difficult roof access, or a system sized for a hot kitchen can require additional materials or labor.
Finish and construction choices can also add cost. Stainless exteriors, stainless interiors, glass doors, heavier-duty casters, and custom dimensions may increase a unit price by hundreds or more than $1,000. A standard white exterior and a common stocked configuration are usually less costly than custom finishes or less common specifications.
Local conditions matter even when the product is identical. Narrow entrances, stairs, limited loading access, high ambient temperatures, and crowded equipment rooms may require extra crew time or a different installation plan. Verify the model’s dimensions, electrical requirements, and clearance needs against the actual site before approving the order.
Where True refrigeration prices differ across U.S. regions
Dealer pricing is not identical nationwide. In dense metropolitan areas, labor, warehouse handling, and delivery access can push installed quotes about 5%-15% above a comparable suburban project. Rural buyers may face a different premium, often 5%-20%, when freight or technician travel covers a long distance.
High-volume restaurant markets may have more dealers and stocked equipment, which can improve availability and quote competition. However, limited loading access, union labor, parking restrictions, and scheduled delivery requirements can increase installation costs in major cities. These effects are project-specific rather than a fixed regional surcharge.
Climate and kitchen conditions can influence the system selected, especially for walk-ins and equipment placed near ovens or dish machines. A unit operating in a hot, poorly ventilated area may need additional attention to heat rejection and airflow. That does not automatically mean a more expensive model is required, but a dealer should confirm the operating environment when sizing equipment.
When comparing quotes from different states, check whether prices include sales tax, freight, inside delivery, and startup. A lower equipment quote from a distant seller may be offset by freight, limited service coverage, or a longer wait for replacement parts. Compare delivered and installed totals on the same model and scope.
Three realistic True equipment budgets with specifications
A small café replacing a single reach-in may budget $3,600-$5,500 for a standard one-section refrigerator. Add $250-$700 for delivery and placement and roughly $150-$400 for removal of the old cabinet, producing an estimated project total of $4,000-$6,600. This assumes a clear route, an existing suitable outlet, and no electrical modifications.
A busy sandwich shop might choose a 72-inch prep table with a standard pan rail. Equipment could cost $5,500-$8,000, with $300-$800 for freight and $300-$900 for placement or connection. The resulting total is about $6,100-$9,700 before tax. A custom finish, extra drawers, or more complex access can move the quote beyond that range.
A restaurant adding a small walk-in cooler might see $8,000-$14,000 for a basic package, then $2,000-$6,000 for installation and related work. The project total may land near $10,000-$20,000 if the location is prepared and the line run is short. Building changes, a concrete floor, extended refrigeration lines, or difficult roof access can push it higher.
These examples are useful as quote checks, not guaranteed prices. Model availability, dealer discounts, freight origin, and project scope can change totals. A written estimate should identify the model number, dimensions, voltage, accessories, delivery level, and installation work.
Can a repair or used True unit lower the purchase price
Repairing an existing unit can cost less than replacing it when the cabinet is sound and the problem is limited. A service call and diagnosis may run $100-$250, while common repairs can range from about $200-$800. Compressor replacement, sealed-system work, or major control repairs may reach $800-$2,000 or more, depending on parts, labor, and the unit.
Repair is less attractive when several major components are failing, the cabinet is badly damaged, or parts are difficult to obtain. Compare a written repair estimate with the delivered price of a replacement, and include likely downtime. A unit that repeatedly fails during service may create food-loss and labor expenses beyond the repair invoice.
Used True equipment may sell for 30%-60% less than a comparable new model, but the savings depend on age, condition, and seller support. A used reach-in might be listed around $1,200-$4,000, with freight and installation extra. Inspect the compressor operation, door gaskets, cabinet corrosion, temperature performance, and availability of service records before purchasing.
Used equipment may lack a transferable warranty or dependable return terms. It may also require cleaning, replacement gaskets, new shelves, or a service call shortly after delivery. Compare the full ready-to-use cost of used equipment with the new unit’s warranty and expected service life.
Which accessories are worth adding to a True quote
Optional features affect both the initial price and day-to-day use. Casters can make cleaning and service access easier, while additional shelves improve storage flexibility. Locks, stainless interiors, drawers, and specialized pan rails can be useful for particular operations, but they are not necessary for every kitchen.
Depending on model and configuration, a set of extra shelves may cost about $50-$200, casters roughly $100-$400, and a lock or similar security option around $50-$250. A stainless interior or a more specialized configuration may add several hundred dollars or more. These are broad dealer-price estimates; confirm options against the exact model because not every accessory fits every unit.
For a prep table, the pan rail and cutting board should match the menu and workflow. Buying a long rail with unused pan capacity can raise the upfront price without adding meaningful value. For a display refrigerator, lighting, shelving, and door configuration matter more when they improve product visibility or fit the merchandising plan.
Ask whether accessories are included in the base quote or listed as separate line items. Choose options based on operating needs, and avoid paying for features that do not change storage, access, sanitation, or security.
How to lower the True equipment quote without sacrificing fit
First, narrow the specification to the capacity and configuration the operation actually needs. Measure the doorway, final installation space, and service clearance before requesting a quote. Choosing a standard stocked size instead of a custom dimension can improve availability and avoid added fabrication or delivery complications.
Compare at least three dealers using the same model number and written scope. Ask each seller to state whether freight, inside delivery, liftgate service, installation, startup, removal, and sales tax are included. A price difference is meaningful only after those items are aligned. Dealers may also offer different lead times or service arrangements that affect the value of the quote.
Plan delivery when the site is ready. Clear the route, remove obstacles, confirm electrical service, and arrange access to the installation area before the truck arrives. Failed delivery attempts, storage charges, and return trips can add costs. For a replacement, schedule removal and delivery together when the vendor offers a reasonable combined rate.
Consider standard finishes and accessories unless a specific operational need justifies an upgrade. Avoid oversizing a reach-in or prep table without a clear storage requirement, but do not choose a cabinet too small for normal inventory. For an older unit, obtain a repair estimate before replacing it, then compare that amount with a new unit’s delivered price and warranty.
The most reliable savings come from controlling specifications, delivery conditions, and quote scope—not from comparing unlike equipment. Confirm the final model, lead time, warranty terms, and service responsibilities in writing before placing the order.