Note: This guide gives general uncrating guidance. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your exact model, and read the manual and any labels on the crate or unit before you begin.

A new commercial refrigerator is a big investment, and the first few minutes after it arrives matter. Knowing how to uncrate an Atosa refrigeration unit properly protects the equipment, protects your team and protects your right to a freight damage claim if something went wrong in transit.

This guide is written for restaurant, store and kitchen managers. It covers inspection, safe removal of packaging, moving and positioning the unit, and the checks to complete before you plug it in. If you are still choosing equipment, you can browse our reach-in units and undercounter units first.

What Does Uncrating Involve?

Uncrating is the process of taking a new unit out of its shipping packaging and getting it ready for installation. Commercial refrigeration is usually protected by some combination of a wooden pallet or skid, cardboard, foam or plastic wrap, straps and tape. Interior parts such as shelves are often secured separately.

A careful uncrating job has four goals:

• Find any damage before the delivery driver leaves.
• Remove packaging without scratching or denting the stainless steel finish.
• Move the unit safely, without tipping it or stressing the doors.
• Prepare the unit for its final location, including clearance and leveling.

Why Proper Uncrating Matters

Rushing this step is one of the most common causes of avoidable problems. Here is what a careful approach protects:

• Your claim rights. Damage noticed late is much harder to resolve than damage noted on the delivery paperwork.
• The unit itself. Box cutters, pry bars and forklifts can dent panels, bend door hinges or damage lines.
• Your team. Commercial refrigerators are heavy and top-heavy. Poor lifting technique leads to injuries.
• Warranty and performance. A unit that is mishandled or installed unlevel can develop problems that are hard to trace later.

Before You Start: Preparation and Tools

Preparation saves time. Gather the following before you open anything.

Tools and supplies

• Work gloves and closed-toe shoes. See our protective gear collection.
• A utility knife with a retractable blade, used carefully.
• Pliers or strap cutters for shipping straps.
• A pry bar or claw hammer for wooden skids, if needed.
• A tape measure for doorways and the installation space.
• A level.
• A cart or hand truck rated for the weight. See our carts and dollies.
• Soft cloths and a mild cleaner for the first wipe-down.
• The unit's manual and the delivery paperwork.

Prepare the space

Measure the doorway, hallway and final location before the delivery arrives. Clear a path and a staging area large enough to open the unit's doors. If you plan to place the unit on a stand, check our equipment stands to make sure the stand is rated for the load.

Line up help

Do not try to move a commercial unit alone. Arrange at least one helper, and more for larger models.

Safety Tips

Treat every uncrating job as a lifting job.

• Wear gloves and sturdy shoes. Straps snap back and sheet metal edges are sharp.
• Cut away from your body. Keep fingers clear of the blade, and cut straps carefully because they may be under tension.
• Remove nails and staples. Wooden crates can leave sharp fasteners behind.
• Lift with your legs and use help. Get a helper for heavy parts and for any tilting.
• Keep the unit upright. Unless the manual says otherwise, do not lay refrigeration equipment on its side or back.
• Do not lift by doors, handles or shelves. They are not designed to carry the unit's weight.
• Keep the floor clear. Packaging pieces on the floor are a trip hazard.
• Follow your equipment's lifting instructions. Use proper equipment such as a pallet jack or dolly where appropriate.

Step-by-Step: How to Uncrate an Atosa Refrigeration Unit

Step 1: Inspect the Crate Before You Sign

Before the driver leaves, walk around the shipment and look at the outside of the packaging. Look for:

• Crushed corners or torn cardboard
• Holes or punctures
• Bent or broken pallets
• Signs the crate was dropped or tipped
• Tip indicators or shock labels, if present

If you see damage, write it on the delivery receipt and take photos. Note it even if the damage looks minor. Then contact your supplier promptly. Our team can help if you bought from Amechef.

Step 2: Move the Crate to a Safe Staging Area

Keep the unit in its packaging while you move it as close as practical to the final location. This protects it from scratches in hallways and doorways. Use a pallet jack or appropriate equipment, and keep the unit upright.

Step 3: Remove the Outer Packaging

Start with the outer layer. Depending on the shipment, this may include straps, a cardboard sleeve, plastic film and corner protectors.

1. Cut and remove the straps carefully.
2. Lift off any cardboard cover or sleeve.
3. Peel away plastic wrap and foam pieces.
4. Check the unit for damage as each section is exposed.

Keep the packaging until you are sure the unit is in good condition, in case you need to return it.

Step 4: Separate the Unit from the Pallet

Many commercial units are attached to a pallet or skid by brackets or screws. Check the base and the manual before lifting. Remove fasteners as directed, then use your helpers and proper lifting equipment to separate the unit. Do not drag it off the pallet.

Step 5: Remove Tape, Film and Interior Packing

Open the doors and look inside. Remove tape, foam blocks, cardboard and any plastic film. Take out loose items such as shelves, shelf clips, keys or hardware kits and set them aside. Peel protective film from the stainless steel slowly. If film is left on in the sun or near heat for a long time, it can become harder to remove.

Check that the doors close and seal properly, and that the gaskets are seated.

Step 6: Position the Unit

Move the unit into place using a cart or dolly. Pay attention to clearance. Commercial refrigeration needs air flow around the condenser area, so leave space as shown in the manual. If you are installing near other equipment, check the manufacturer's clearance requirements for heat and ventilation.

If your unit uses casters or adjustable legs, make sure they are installed correctly. Our guide on how to install casters on legs is a helpful general reference.

Step 7: Level the Unit

An unlevel unit can cause door alignment problems and drainage issues. Place a level on top of the unit or on an interior shelf, check front to back and side to side, and adjust the feet or legs until the unit is steady. Check again after the unit is loaded.

Step 8: Clean and Wait Before Powering On

Wipe down the interior and exterior with mild soap and warm water, then dry with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals on stainless steel.

Many manufacturers recommend letting a refrigeration unit stand upright for a period of time after transport before you plug it in, and the time can vary by model. Check the manual for the exact waiting period, then connect the unit to a properly rated power outlet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Signing the delivery receipt without inspecting. Damage found later is harder to claim.
2. Using a blade too deeply. Deep cuts can scratch the finish or cut wiring or insulation near the surface.
3. Tipping the unit to get it off the pallet. Follow the manual and keep the unit upright.
4. Lifting by the doors or handles. These parts are not structural.
5. Throwing away packaging too early. Keep it until you are sure the unit works and looks right.
6. Ignoring clearance. Poor air flow shortens equipment life and raises energy use.
7. Skipping the level. An uneven unit can cause door and seal problems.
8. Plugging in immediately. Check the manual for any waiting period.

Daily Use Tips After Setup

Once your unit is installed and running, a few habits keep it in good shape:

• Allow the unit to reach its set temperature before loading it with product.
• Do not overload shelves, and keep air paths open.
• Keep doors closed as much as possible.
• Wipe spills promptly.
• Check that the door gaskets are clean and sealing.
• Keep a thermometer inside to monitor the temperature. See our scales and thermometers.

Maintenance and Care

The best way to protect a new unit is to start a routine on day one.

• Weekly: wipe exterior and interior surfaces and check door seals.
• Monthly: inspect and clean the condenser area according to the manual.
• As needed: replace worn gaskets, shelves or other parts. Browse our Atosa parts collection to find what you need.
• Keep records: write down the model number, serial number and installation date.

If you also run Atosa ice equipment, our Atosa ice machine maintenance guide shows how a monthly routine works for those units. For stocking replacements ahead of time, see our article on OEM parts from Atosa, UNOX, True, Turbo Air and AMPTO.

Related Products and Guides

Related Products

• Reach-in units
• Undercounter units
• Refrigerated prep tables
• Walk-in units
• Equipment stands
• Atosa parts

Related Guides

• How to unbox a Turbo Air open merchandiser
• How to adjust shelf height on a Turbo Air open merchandiser
• How to install casters on legs
• Atosa ice machine maintenance
• Atosa gas conversion: converting an oven from LP to NG
• Stock up smart: OEM parts from Atosa, UNOX, True, Turbo Air and AMPTO

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check first when my Atosa unit arrives?

Inspect the outside of the packaging before the driver leaves. Look for crushed corners, holes, a damaged pallet or signs of tipping. Note any damage on the delivery receipt and take photos.

Can I uncrate the unit by myself?

It is not recommended. Commercial refrigeration is heavy and awkward. Use helpers and proper equipment such as a pallet jack or dolly.

Should I keep the packaging?

Yes, at least until you have confirmed the unit is undamaged and working. If you need to return it or make a claim, the original packaging helps.

How long should I wait before plugging in a new refrigerator?

It depends on the model. Many manufacturers recommend letting the unit stand upright for some time after transport. Check your manual for the exact instruction.

What should I do if I find damage after unpacking?

Stop, take photos and contact your supplier right away. Do not discard the packaging. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to resolve.

How do I clean the stainless steel after removing the film?

Use mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth, and wipe in the direction of the grain. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemicals.

Do I need to level the unit?

Yes. Leveling helps the doors align and close properly and helps the unit work as designed. Check it after installation and again once the unit is loaded.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to uncrate an Atosa refrigeration unit properly takes a little preparation, but it saves time and money later. Inspect before you sign, remove packaging carefully, keep the unit upright, position it with proper clearance, level it and follow the manual before powering on.

Need a new unit or replacement parts? Explore our reach-in units and Atosa parts, or contact our team for help.

Want to see the process in action? Watch the original video from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt4XSZ4Znc0