True Vs. Sub-Zero Professional Refrigeration: Which Is Better? (Reviews / Ratings / Prices)

We originally wrote this article in 2015. At that time, True was just starting to manufacture a residential refrigerator.

It was important at the time because most other manufacturers stopped marketing 42 and 48-inch pro refrigerators.

Most now manufacture just columns or smaller built-in types. It's easier to build columns and comply with energy efficiency laws.

Sub-Zero was your real choice with all due deference to Monogram and Viking.

Of all the companies, True is the only company capable of building products on the level of Sub-Zero or even better.

Much has changed in 5 years, so it's worth looking at both companies, their products, and then you will see a comparison in both professional and column-style refrigerators.

Does Trues' capability translate into a product better than the industry standard?

Short on time? Get our free Counter Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide

Sub-Zero

Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen at Yale Appliance in Hanover

Sub-Zero is the second-largest family-owned appliance company in the world and is based in Wisconsin with production in Arizona.

They have a dishwasher manufacturing plant in Kentucky.

Founder Westye F Bakke gave the name Sub-Zero because of their freezer's ability to meet the strict quality standards for below-zero safety in freezing food.

In 1955, Sub-Zero was the first with dual compressors for the refrigerator and freezer, so moist and dry air would not be mixed for better tasting food with less spoilage.

There were also first with filters, panels, and first with integrated refrigerators.

Sub-Zero has an astonishing 18 different models in 42 and 48-inch refrigerators. Let's take a look at their best 48-inch professional refrigerator. 

Sub-Zero 48-Inch Professional Refrigerator 648PRO - $17,650

Features:

• Dual Compressor/3 Evaporator system. Dedicated 3rd evaporator just for the crisper drawers.
• Over 30 cu ft of storage (18.5 cu ft fridge, 11.7 cu ft freezer)
• Stainless steel construction
• "soft bright" lighting allows for superior visibility throughout the entire cavity
• Exterior temperature display for easy reading and adjustment
• The flip-up front grill allows for easier maintenance and accessibility
• Auto-close door
• Seal tight system on the crisper drawers
• Stainless steel side panels and top for freestanding application
• 90-degree door stop
• Can be ordered with Glass inlay on the refrigerator door

Sub-Zero Refrigeration Video Review

Just like True, the pro-48-inch refrigerator by Sub-Zero is a beautiful product. Watch this video with everything you need to know about Sub-Zero refrigeration.

True

True Professional Refrigeration at Yale Appliance in Hanover

True is the largest name in commercial refrigerators. Just go to any supermarket or convenience store.

They are an American company with an astounding 3.3 million square feet of manufacturing in Missouri.

Like Sub-Zero, they are a family company. Reliability and responsible refrigeration are the company's main selling points.

They are absolutely "true" to your home's commercial aesthetic and execute it better than any other company.

True has four different models in 42 and 48-inch refrigerators. Let's take a look at their best 48-inch professional refrigerator. 

True 48-Inch Professional Refrigerator TR-48-SBS-SS-B - $18,449

Features:

• True 48 total capacity: 29.4 cu. ft.
• Refrigerator capacity: 20.7 cu. ft.
• Freezer capacity: 8.7 cu. ft.
• Dual Evaporator/ Dual Compressor System
• 300-series stainless steel interior and exterior is resistant to food odors
• The proud hinging system is built to last (passes True's 1 million door opening test)
• 120 degree stay open door feature
• Ramp up showcase lighting
• True Precision Control (easy digitally accurate temperature controls)
• Forced Air commercial refrigeration system enables proper airflow for maximum freshness
• Can be installed flush or proud
• 3-year full/6-year parts and labor sealed system warranty.

True Refrigeration Review

Walking up to the True professional 48-inch refrigerator, you immediately see this passes the pretty test. The stainless is beautiful with the large hinges and thick tubular handles.

Opening up the unit, you realize it's even better on the inside. Ramp-up LED lighting is everywhere in this unit. The beam cast creates a criss-cross pattern all along with the all stainless and glass interior. There is ample space in the unit with a 30" refrigeration space and an 18" dedicated freezer.

The full-extension glide-out drawers and cantilever shelving make it extremely versatile. The glass and stainless shelves seem sturdy enough, and you have three full-size condiment bins in the door which are fully adjustable.

The freezer is a mix of shelves on the top and wire commercial baskets on the bottom. It's a two-tiered shelf. It has a surprisingly sharp edge on it, hard not to touch when reaching into the first basket.

The True does not have an ice maker. Ice makers cause the most issues in refrigerators in general, but at $20,000, this refrigerator should have one.

Sub-Zero Vs. True Professional Refrigeration: Which Is Better?

Sub-Zero Vs. True Refrigeration Similarities

1. Dual Compressors

Both have separate cooling systems, so moisture warmer refrigerator air does not commingle with the dryer freezer air

It's better for temperature control as well, plus odors and tastes do not cross over from refrigerator to freezer.

2. Temperature Controls

Both in front and can vary by just one degree.

3. Lighting

Both now use LED lighting.

4. Warranties

Both have outstanding warranties up to 12 years.

Differences Between Sub-Zero and True Refrigerators

1. Design Options

True has nine colors with six accent options. If you want a white refrigerator with brass accents, it will look like this:

True Professional Refrigeration With Brass Accents

Sub-Zero is designed for stainless steel or cabinet fronts.

Sub-Zero Professional Refrigeration With Custom Cabinet Front at Yale Appliance in Hanover

Design always has a role in your choice. Do you want your refrigerator hidden by cabinets or a more colorful accent?

2. Interiors

True is stainless on the inside as well. Stainless is a better surface for the inside. It is more hygienic but, more importantly, retains the cold better.

Place your milk next to the stainless steel walls of your refrigerator, and it will be colder faster. In case of a power outage, your stainless steel will stay cold for a while as well.

3. Ice Making & Water Dispensers

Sub-Zero offers ice makers on all their models. True does not have a refrigerator with ice making.

Sub-Zero Professional Refrigerator Ice Maker

Their logic is ice makers break - indeed they do. Ice makers are the number 1 repair for our service department last year.

Given that we logged 35,258 service calls, it's pretty telling.

Water dispensing is available only on Sub-Zero as well.

Sub-Zero Professional Refrigerator Water Dispenser

4. Air Filtering

Sub-Zero Professional Refrigerator Air Purifier

Sub-Zero has the NASA-inspired air scrubber. It "scrubs" ethylene gasses off spoiling foods, so they stay fresher longer.

It also eliminates cross-contamination with other foods.

True doesn't have this capability as of this writing.

5. Shelving

True has solid shelves with metal edges. Sub-Zero has nanotechnology, so spills congeal rather than spread.

Sub-Zero Professional Refrigeration Shelving

If your kid has ever spilled grape juice in your fridge, you know how to clean the residue out of your fridge for a few months.

6. Crispers

True Refrigeration Crisper Drawers

True is all metal, so your fruit stays colder. Sub-Zero is magnetic, so they seal better from air into the crisper.

Sub-Zero Refrigeration Crisper Drawers

7. Vacuum Seal

Both are solid, but Sub-Zero has a vacuum seal to eliminate air from entering the refrigerator.

8. French Door Refrigerator Options

French Door and Side-By-Side Sub-Zero Refrigeration at Yale Appliance in Hanover

Sub-Zero manufactures a French door at 42 inches, so you have more refrigerator space and less freezer.

Choosing a French door is important for a 36-inch space because the freezer is so narrow. At 42 inches you do have plenty of refrigerators and freezers.

9. Column Refrigerator Options

The Pro and column refrigerators have similar features, so this part will only cover the differences.

I am excluding wine for now because that is a whole different topic.

Sub-Zero Vs. True Column Refrigeration

Sub-Zero Column Refrigeration

Beverage Columns

True has a beverage center for a column so that you can place all your drinks in one large unit.

True Beverage Column Option

True Refrigeration Beverage Center Shelving

Beverage centers are the most popular under-counter units, so this unit is a great idea for your bar or hospitality area.

Sizes

True is available in 30 and 36 inches. Sub-Zero is available in 18,24, 30, and 36 inches.

If you want a smaller column or a 42 inch combined, Sub-Zero is your only choice.

Capacity

True will have a larger capacity. The 30 inch is 20.3 versus Sub-Zeros 17.3 cubic.

Style

The biggest difference is style.

Sub-Zero is an integrated refrigerator. It's designed to fit within a 24-inch cabinet, so the panel completely hides it.

True is a counter-depth refrigerator. The door and handles protrude into space. You still do not see the sides, but it is not flush to the cabinet.

Sub-Zero Vs. True Pro and Column Refrigeration: Key Takeaways

Sub-Zero 48-Inch Professional Refrigerator Installed

First, these are the best refrigerators available. Both have good features and warranties.

For columns, it's style versus capacity. In pro, it's much harder to determine.

Style is a big decision. Sub-Zero has panels. True has colors.

True has upgraded its lineup to include style, colors, and new columns. Its stainless interior is the best surface to keep colder temperatures.

Sub-Zero is still designed to keep food fresher longer, whereas True will make food colder quicker.

However, Sub-Zero is better designed for the home with filters and better seals.

For longer storage, Sub-Zero is a better refrigerator, whereas True may be better if you cycle through food more consistently.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about Sub-Zero and Counter Depth Refrigerators? Get our FREE Yale Counter Depth Buying Guide with features, specs, and complete breakdowns of integrated and professional counter depth refrigerators from Sub-Zero, Thermador, Viking, Jenn-Air, GE Monogram, and more. Over 820,000 people have read a Yale Guide. 

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