Buying a Used Commercial Refrigerator? What Should You Look Out For?

There are three things that are the most important to inspect when looking at a used refrigeration unit. These are the evaporator, the cabinet, and the condenser.

Evaporator Check The evaporator is the box inside the refrigerator that contains a fan. All its parts should be secure and straight. Check the drainage by pouring water into the drain pan.

The fans should be running and not making any unusual noises. The blades should all look the same and be nick-free.

An evaporator problem can also cause compressor failure. A replacement evaporator costs almost as much as a new compressor.

Cabinet Check Don't forget to check the cabinet. If it looks old and worn out, it's time to find another unit. Be sure the door shuts tightly. Make sure the lights turn off when you close the doors. The gaskets should be checked to make sure they are not loose, split, or too dry. Be sure there aren't cracks. Problems with any of these things can lead to compressor failure later on.

Condenser Check The condenser is the part on the outside of the refrigerator that has the compressor and fan on it. The compressor is black and has a large and a small tube coming from it. With the refrigerator turned off, you should be able to slightly rock the compressor back and forth. If it doesn't rock, the shipping bolts were probably never loosened and the compressor will most likely be damaged.

Inspect the fan blades and the cowl around the fan for dirt. A unit that has been run constantly with a dirty condenser most likely has a damaged compressor. Check the condenser fins as well. Grease can cause damage by overheating and overworking the compressor.

If everything looks okay, you may have ruled out many potentially expensive problems, although there is no guarantee. By inspecting the machine, you have greatly reduced your risk, but it is impossible to eliminate it all together. So stay diligent and be a smart consumer. Good luck buying a used refrigerator.