Fall Sale: 10% off with code FALL10 — up to $100 off Promotional pricing on hundreds of items Financing available on orders $500+ — apply in minutes Hablamos español. We reply in Spanish and other languages by email or message
Facebook Instagram
My Account

How to Move a Commercial Refrigerator Safely

To move a commercial refrigerator safely, empty it, unplug it, tape the doors shut, protect the floor, and move it upright on a dolly or appliance cart with at least two people. Keep it upright whenever you can. If it has to be tilted or laid down, let it stand upright for several hours before you plug it back in, so the compressor oil can settle.

Shop the equipment in this article: reach-in refrigerators, carts and trolleys and commercial refrigerators. Freight and liftgate delivery are included on every order.

Before you move it

  1. Move food into another cold unit or coolers. Keep it at 41 F or below during the move.
  2. Unplug the unit and coil the cord so it cannot be stepped on.
  3. Remove or tape down shelves and anything loose inside.
  4. Tape the doors closed, or remove them if the doorway is too narrow and the manual says it is safe to do so.
  5. Measure the unit and every doorway, hallway and turn on the route, including the door swing.
  6. Remove the casters or lock them, depending on the floor and the route.

Moving it

  • Use an appliance dolly with straps, rated for the weight of the unit. Reach-ins often weigh several hundred pounds.
  • Keep the unit upright. Tilt it only as far as needed to get the dolly under it.
  • Have at least two people: one on the dolly and one guiding and watching corners.
  • Protect floors with plywood or moving blankets, and protect the cabinet from scratches with blankets.
  • For ramps and stairs, use more people or a professional rigger.

After the move

  1. Let it stand upright before plugging in. If it stayed upright, a short wait is usually enough. If it was tilted or on its side, wait several hours, or as long as the manufacturer says.
  2. Level the unit so doors close and seal on their own.
  3. Leave the clearance the manual asks for around the condenser for airflow. See ventilation clearance for refrigeration equipment.
  4. Plug it in and let it reach temperature before loading food. Check with a thermometer.
  5. Lock the casters if it has them.

Casters make moving and cleaning easier

Many reach-ins can be ordered with casters, which make it easier to pull the unit out for cleaning behind it, a common inspection item. Lock them in place during service. See casters, restraint cables and quick disconnects.

Common mistakes

  • Laying the unit on its side and plugging it straight in.
  • Forgetting to measure door swing and turns.
  • Moving it full of food or with shelves loose inside.
  • Pushing it against the wall afterwards and blocking condenser airflow.

Related problems

What to buy

When we ship a reach-in refrigerator, freight and liftgate delivery to the curb are included to the 48 contiguous states and DC, so plan the move inside with a dolly and helpers using the steps above.