Traulsen v. True Refrigerators

[BucksChef]

Shopping for a fridge last year, I had my heart set on a UR36DT SpaceSaver model from Traulsen.

Now I'm ready to actually *buy* this thing and it's discontinued by Traulsen/Hobart.

Talking to some restaurant-supply places in Philly, I'm finding out that Traulsen might not be worth the $ anymore; they tell me I can spend much less and get a better box by going with a True.

Any opinions on True out there? Is this just a pitch? Should I consider other models or makes? With the space I have outlined for this fridge, it looks like I'll have to go with an undercounter freezer. My contractor will not install Sub-Zero since he says they lead to condensation problems! He won't touch them.

Also: I have radiant heat. Should this affect my choice in re: top-mount compressor or bottom mount?

Any help greatly appreciated.

[cmvnatural]

Steve,

One unit you might look at are made by Cold Tech out in Oakland (www.coldtechusa.com). They are all stainless steel, dual compressors (on top), and racks large enough to fit full-size sheet pans. They are OK for residential use (esp. their 40-BQ model). Cheapest place to get them is www.dvorsens.com out in San Francisco (they ship all over the country. Good luck, CMVnatural

[jcarr]

I have sold some Coldtech refrigerator/freezers to residential users. They look great. One thing that should be considered is that the noise level is much higher with a commercial unit than with a residential unit. Coldtech has top-mounted compressors so the noise can be controlled through constructing a sound absorbing soffit or even by remoting the compressors in a nearby area, such as a garage.

In Chicago, Coldtech can be purchased through Pierce Chef Mart. They have several models on the floor.

[cmvnatural]

JCarr,

ColdTech makes a 40CF model (30CF refer, 10CF freezer) that has a model number ending in BQ. This is for an extra-quiet set of compressors (to compete with SubZero). FYI. CMVnatural