A method and apparatus for thawing a commodity includes a plurality of boxes arranged in two rows with a cover for sealing the space between the two rows. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes with the plurality of boxes being positioned side-by-side. At least one air handler is provided for pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through ventilation holes in the boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. In addition, the air may be forced along the length of the space formed between the two rows of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes for evenly thawing a commodity positioned in the boxes.
