Anyone have a True beverage cooler?

[mcartt11]

New to the site and have found lots of great info here over the last few days. One thing I haven't found much info on however is commercial beverage coolers. I currently have a side by side refrigerator in my garage that I use as my "beer fridge". It isn't really large enough to store a lot of bottles and I have recently been looking for a more commercial style beverage cooler on craigslist. True brand seems to one of the most popular commercial manufacturers and I have found several available in my area. I am just wondering if anyone has a True cooler? If you have one does it cost a lot more to run it than a standard fridge? Have you had to have any repairs and were repairs expensive? Any other things that I need to consider before buying?

 

[sandyeggoxj]

One cool thing about commercial coolers is that they can be worked on. Cheap ones can't be refilled with refrigerant like the commercial coolers. One should last a lifetime.

 

[mcartt11]

One cool thing about commercial coolers is that they can be worked on. Cheap ones can't be refilled with refrigerant like the commercial coolers. One should last a lifetime.

Never really thought about that, but I guess you are right. At least one of the ones I am looking at on CL says it isn't working. I assume that here are various companies out here that can work on them, but I just wonder how expensive that is. If I save a couple hundred bucks going with the one that needs fixing, but it costs several hundred to fix, then I would be bummed. Probably going to go with one that is in good working order and just hope it doesn't break down.

 

[sandyeggoxj]

Get a model number an call a shop an see what a new compressor and refrigerant refill would cost. I would guess $150-200. But bargain the price down $3-400 below the prices of the working units because it doesn't work. It could be a very simple repair and cost very little.

Good Luck! I have been wanting one for a while. Here is a neat twist on a commercial fridge: http://tucson.craigslist.org/app/4341030053.html

Or you could go with a perlick brand... http://tucson.craigslist.org/app/4345878592.html

 

[lawyerjim]

I have a True Kegerator. I got it for free off of craigslist because it wouldn't cool. I replaced the thermostat for $40 and it works great. Very simple and easy to work on.

It doesn't cost much to run, however, because it is a commercial appliance, it is louder than a regular refrigerator.

 

[sandyeggoxj]

What are the True Coolers going for where you are? I have one locally that I might pickup. I haven't decided yet.

 

[timrox1212]

I work for red bull and all of our coolers are made by true. It's a gamble. I've had some accounts coolers last 5+ years and they work great. Others last 2 weeks and need a repairman, and they are expensive to have someone else fix them. They charge redbull like $200 just to show up plus parts. But like I said we've had others last forever with no problems.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[mcartt11]

What are the True Coolers going for where you are? I have one locally that I might pickup. I haven't decided yet.

I'm in the Columbus, Ohio area and have seen ads in CL for anywhere from $400 on up to $1500 for 2 door models and $2500 for 3 door models. All the ads say they are working and so I assume that price differences must be primarily about the age/condition.

I am also considering building a keezer, but to be honest, I really like drinking my homebrew from bottles. I figure even if I start kegging I will bottle beer to give to friends or travel with.