Last verified against the primary source on Aug 19, 2026.
$1,400–$2,160 observed used. Biggest documented cost risk: Inconsistent cooling / compressor short. Buy only after inspection.
Confidence 73%4 observed comparables
As of Aug 19, 2026What can make the cheap machine expensive?
| Component | Severity | Documented repair cost |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature controller failure | high | not yet verified |
| Prep | medium | not yet verified |
Inconsistent cooling / compressor short-cycling is a recurring complaint…
Cost not yet verifiedEvaporator coil frost/ice buildup restricting airflow -- low-side pressure…
Cost not yet verifiedCondenser coil dirt/blockage restricting airflow (preventable via coil…
Cost not yet verifiedTemperature controller failure: stuck-closed contacts keep the compressor…
Cost not yet verifiedPrep-table-specific wear point not covered above: rail/pan-well condensation…
Cost not yet verifiedCommon questions
How much does a used True TSSU-48-12 cost?
Observed listings range roughly $1,400 to $2,160 depending on age, condition, and configuration (as of 2026-08-19).
What fails on the True TSSU-48-12?
The most cited concerns in our evidence record: Temperature controller failure, Prep. See the risk breakdown above for details and sources.
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What fails on the True TSSU-48-12, and the parts to know
What to test before you buy
- Warm box: clean the condenser coil first (the #1 cause); then check for an iced evaporator and a cracked or dirty door gasket (810809).
- Compressor starts then trips or short-cycles: often a $20–$60 relay or start capacitor, not a dead compressor — test before condemning it.
- Door will not seal: a worn gasket (810809) or a failed, position-specific hinge.
- Put a thermometer in the box for 30+ minutes rather than trusting the dial.
Commonly replaced parts (OEM part numbers)
- Door gasket 22½ × 25⅞ — 810809 (the #1 wear item; alternate 932588)
- Compressor R-134A (Embraco AE630ER) — 839685 (supersedes obsolete 219280 and 842103)
- Condenser/evaporator fan-motor kit — 830038 (predecessors 800402/813042 superseded by 830037)
- Temperature control — 800366 (a re-branded Danfoss 077B6806; alternate 800345 = Danfoss 077B1264)
- Door hinge kits — position-specific (e.g. bottom-right 870828)
Before you order a part
- True temperature controls are re-branded Danfoss — cross-reference the 077B number, but match the exact suffix (each is a different cut-in/cut-out range).
- The compressor is R-134A (AE630ER family); older superseded SKUs roll into 839685 — buy the current number.
- Hinges are position- and door-type-specific — order by exact position, not "TSSU hinge".
Part numbers and failure points are cross-referenced from the OEM-authorized Parts Town catalog (parts diagram); confirm the exact part against your unit's data/serial tag before ordering, and get a current price quote.
From the research record
- PRICE: - New (generic 48" sandwich prep table class, not brand-locked figure): "can cost over $3,000." Refurbished equivalent: "might run $1,800." https://therestaurantwarehouse.com/blogs/restaurant-equipment/pre-owned-perfection-navigating-the-used-prep-table-refrigerator-market - Used market (general prep-table class, not TSSU-48-12-specific): used unit
- FAILURES: - Inconsistent cooling / compressor short-cycling is a recurring complaint pattern across TSSU-series prep tables per repair-tech Q&A threads. https://www.justanswer.com/appliance/jiw0y-dressing-unit-cycling-off-makes-loud.html - Evaporator coil frost/ice buildup restricting airflow — low-side pressure dropping below ~10 psi overnight flagged as a
- REPAIR: - True's compressor warranty benefit (in-warranty units): the entire condensing unit (compressor + condenser + start components + fan motor) is replaced as a pre-assembled factory unit at no additional cost. Does not apply to used / out-of-warranty units. https://www.partstown.com/true/tssu-48-12/parts - Out-of-warranty compressor/condensing-unit r
- LIFE: - Commercial refrigerated prep tables generally: ~10 years typical, 10-15 years with regular servicing, up to 20 years with strong maintenance per broader commercial-refrigerator lifespan sources (not TSSU-48-12-specific). https://www.kitchenall.com/
- VIDEO (00:00:07 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c98qdSy3qAg): "Today, I'm going to show you what to do if your refrigerator's compressor is not"
- VIDEO (00:00:10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c98qdSy3qAg): "if your refrigerator's compressor is not"
- VIDEO (00:00:10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c98qdSy3qAg): "if your refrigerator's compressor is not working."
Sources
- webstaurantstore.comretailer · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- cpsc.govrecall-authority · official · accessed 2026-08-19
- therestaurantwarehouse.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- therestaurantwarehouse.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- burkett.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- primasupply.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- malteseandco.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- justanswer.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- justanswer.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- justanswer.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- justanswer.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- partstown.comparts-retailer · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- partstown.comparts-retailer · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- shoptrueoemparts.truemfg.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- shoptrueoemparts.truemfg.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- hagarparts.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
- kitchenall.comweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-08-19
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