True Manufacturing Company Refrigerators: What to Know About Their Design and Care

True Manufacturing makes commercial-grade refrigerators built for restaurants, but some models are sold for home use

True Manufacturing Company builds refrigerators designed first for commercial kitchens—the kind you see behind restaurant counters and in grocery store back rooms. Their equipment is built to run constantly, hold precise temperatures, and survive heavy daily use. If you own a True refrigerator at home, you have a commercial unit, which means it runs differently from a household fridge and needs different care routines.

True refrigerators are engineered for durability and temperature consistency rather than energy efficiency or compact storage. They have thicker insulation, more powerful compressors, and commercial-grade shelving. This makes them heavier, louder, and more expensive to run than a standard home refrigerator. Understanding how your True unit works—and what it expects from you—keeps it running reliably and prevents the damage that comes from treating it like a domestic appliance.

Key Takeaways

• True refrigerators are commercial units designed to run 24/7 in high-volume settings, so they consume more electricity than household models and generate more heat.
• The condenser coils on True units are exposed and require cleaning every two to four weeks to prevent overheating and compressor failure.
• True refrigerators need proper ventilation space on all sides—typically 6 inches minimum—because they exhaust significant heat during operation.
• Shelves and gaskets on True units are replaceable commercial parts, not integrated features, so you can order them directly from True or through restaurant supply distributors.
• Temperature control on True units uses mechanical thermostats or digital displays that may read differently than household refrigerators, and settings should be checked monthly.

Condenser coil cleaning: the maintenance task that prevents failure

The condenser coils on a True refrigerator are usually located at the bottom front or back of the unit, and they are exposed to the air in your kitchen. These coils release the heat pulled from inside the fridge, and when they get clogged with dust, pet hair, or grease, the compressor has to work harder and hotter. On a commercial unit running constantly, a dirty condenser can cause the compressor to overheat and fail—a repair that costs hundreds of dollars.

Clean the condenser coils every two to four weeks, depending on your kitchen environment. If you have pets, cook frequently, or live in a dusty area, clean them every two weeks. Unplug the unit, locate the coils (check your manual for the exact location), and use a soft brush or a coil cleaning brush to remove dust and debris. You can also use a vacuum with a brush attachment on low suction. Never use a pressure washer or spray water directly on the coils, as this can bend the fins and reduce cooling efficiency.

After cleaning, wipe down the area around the coils to remove loose dust, then plug the unit back in and let it run for 15 minutes before loading food. If you notice the compressor running constantly or the fridge not cooling to temperature, dirty coils are often the first thing to check.

Ventilation space and heat exhaust requirements

True refrigerators exhaust heat continuously, and they need clear space around them to do it safely. Most True units require at least 6 inches of clearance on the sides and back, and some larger models need more. If you place a True refrigerator against a wall, in a tight corner, or with cabinets on either side, the heat has nowhere to go. The unit will run hotter, the compressor will cycle more often, and you risk premature failure.

Check your unit's manual for the exact ventilation requirements—they vary by model. If your True refrigerator is built into cabinetry or a counter, make sure there is ducting or ventilation cut into the cabinet to allow air to flow around the condenser. In a home kitchen, the best placement is against an exterior wall with at least 6 inches of open space on all sides. Avoid placing it in a corner or directly under a cabinet overhang.

If your kitchen is small and you cannot provide adequate ventilation, a True refrigerator may not be the right choice for that space. Forcing a commercial unit into inadequate ventilation will shorten its lifespan and increase your electricity costs.

Temperature settings and how to read your True unit's controls

True refrigerators use mechanical thermostats or digital temperature displays, depending on the model. The dial or display does not always read in Fahrenheit degrees the way a household fridge does. Some models use a numbered scale (1 to 10), others use a dial marked "coldest" to "warmest," and newer models have a digital readout. Check your manual to understand what your specific control means.

The target temperature for a refrigerator is 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If your True unit has a numbered dial, you may need to experiment to find the setting that holds that range. Place a refrigerator thermometer on a shelf in the middle of the unit and leave it for 24 hours, then adjust the dial up or down by one notch and wait another 24 hours. Record the temperature at each setting so you know which dial position gives you the temperature you need.

Check the temperature monthly, especially in the first few weeks after installation. Seasonal changes in your kitchen temperature can also shift how your True unit performs. If the temperature drifts above 40 degrees or below 32 degrees, adjust the dial and recheck after 24 hours. Do not rely on the feel of the air or the appearance of frost; use a thermometer.

Shelves, gaskets, and replacement parts for True units

True refrigerator shelves are removable and replaceable, not welded or glued in place. If a shelf cracks, warps, or breaks, you can order a replacement directly from True Manufacturing or through a restaurant supply distributor. The same is true for door gaskets (the rubber seals around the door). When a gasket wears out or tears, it stops sealing properly and cold air leaks out, forcing the compressor to work harder.

Inspect the door gasket every month by closing the door on a piece of paper. If the paper slides out easily, the gasket is not sealing properly and should be replaced. A new gasket costs between $50 and $150 depending on the model, and installation takes about 15 minutes. Keeping the gasket clean also extends its life—wipe it down with a damp cloth every two weeks to remove dust and grease buildup.

When ordering parts, have your model number ready. It is usually printed on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back of the unit. True parts are not always available at local appliance stores, but they are easy to find online through restaurant supply sites or directly from True's website.

Cleaning the interior and managing odors in a commercial unit

The interior of a True refrigerator should be cleaned weekly, especially if you store raw meat, fish, or strong-smelling foods. Commercial units do not have the same odor-control features as household fridges, so spills and old food can create persistent smells. Wipe down shelves with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry them completely. Remove any food debris or spills immediately—do not let them sit.

If your True refrigerator develops an odor, place an open box of baking soda on a shelf and leave it for 48 hours. If the smell persists, wipe down the interior walls and shelves with a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water, then place the baking soda back inside. Avoid bleach or harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the interior finish and leave residual odors.

Check the drain pan at the bottom of the unit monthly. This pan collects condensation, and if it becomes clogged or dirty, water can back up and create odors or mold. Empty the pan, rinse it with hot water, and replace it. If you notice water pooling inside the fridge rather than draining out, the drain line may be blocked—this is a job for a service technician.

Electricity costs and why True units use more power

A True refrigerator uses significantly more electricity than a household model because it runs constantly, has a more powerful compressor, and maintains tighter temperature control. A typical commercial True unit uses between 800 and 1,200 watts when the compressor is running, compared to 150 to 800 watts for a household refrigerator. Over a month, this can add $30 to $80 to your electricity bill, depending on your local rates and how often the compressor cycles.

You can reduce electricity use by ensuring proper ventilation (so the compressor does not have to work as hard), keeping the condenser coils clean, and maintaining a tight door seal. Do not try to lower the temperature below 35 degrees to save money—this wastes energy and can freeze food. If your True unit is running constantly and your electricity bill is unusually high, have the condenser coils cleaned and the door gasket inspected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a True refrigerator in a home kitchen?

Yes, but you need adequate space and ventilation. True units are designed for commercial use, so they are larger, louder, and use more electricity than household models. They also need 6 inches of clearance on all sides and proper air circulation. If your kitchen is small or tightly packed, a True refrigerator may not fit comfortably or perform well.

How often should I clean the condenser coils?

Every two to four weeks, depending on your kitchen environment. If you have pets, cook frequently, or live in a dusty area, clean them every two weeks. Dirty coils force the compressor to work harder and can cause it to overheat and fail. Use a soft brush or vacuum on low suction—never spray water directly on the coils.

What temperature should my True refrigerator be set to?

Between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a refrigerator thermometer to check the actual temperature, not the dial setting, because True units use different control scales. Place the thermometer on a middle shelf and wait 24 hours before reading it. Adjust the dial by one notch and recheck after another 24 hours until you reach the target range.

Why is my True refrigerator running constantly?

The most common cause is dirty condenser coils, which force the compressor to work harder to cool the unit. Other causes include a worn door gasket that is not sealing properly, inadequate ventilation around the unit, or a thermostat set too cold. Clean the coils first, then check the door gasket and ventilation space.

Where do I find replacement parts for my True refrigerator?

True parts are available directly from True Manufacturing's website, through restaurant supply distributors, and online appliance parts retailers. You will need your model number, which is usually on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back of the unit. Shelves, gaskets, and other common parts are relatively inexpensive and easy to install yourself.