22 Jul, 2025
Buying Guide | Bar Refrigeration
Bar Refrigeration is necessary to keep drinks cold and easily accessible in any drinks service area. The main types of bar refrigeration are Back Bar Glass Refrigerators, Back Bar Solid Refrigerators, Beer Dispensers, and Glass Chillers.
Each type has its own unique capabilities to serve different uses and bar layouts. The customer should take into consideration space, visibility and cooling needs before committing and ensure they purchase the right unit to enable efficient bar service.
Type of Bar Refrigeration
There are four main types of bar refrigeration: Back Bar Glass Refrigerators, Back Bar Solid Refrigerators, Beer Dispensers, and Glass Chillers. While these types are ultimately similar in that the end result is chilled drinks, they posses different features and attributes based on the bar environment and service style.
Back Bar Glass Refrigerators
Back Bar Glass Refrigerators include see–thru glass doors that still have optimal cooling, and the storage of your beverages is completely visible. These units also have shelves that can be adjusted for different size bottles and cans, making it easier to organize. The compressor is often located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator, so that the stored beverages will stay the correct temperature while maximizing use of the bar space.
Back Bar Solid Refrigerators
Back Bar Solid Refrigerators are constructed with insulated solid doors for increased temperature retention and improved energy–efficiency. They have adjustable shelves for a variety of bottle sizes and bar supplies – allowing flexible, organized storage. The compressor typically sits in the rear, or bottom of the unit to optimize cooling performance while leaving valuable space behind the bar for service.
Beer Dispensers
Beer Dispensers are constructed to keep draft beer fresh, cold, and ready to pour “on demand.” Whether it’s a single pour tap model or a multi-tap model, as long as it has a refrigerated interior that securely contains kegs, you should expect a smooth, consistent pour. Features like an adjustable pressure and a build in drip tray will help your service stay clean and efficient. Most models include the refrigeration system on the base of the unit, so you can count on reliable cooling without taking up valuable bar space.
Glass Chillers
Glass Chillers are designed to quickly chill drinkware, enhancing presentation, and creating the right serving temperature. Glass Chillers are designed to chill mugs, pint glasses, or stemware while maintaining consistent low temperature. Most models have a neat and organized interior layout and a bottom-mounted refrigeration system, which allows for fast cooling and makes great use of the back bar space.
Size
Size not only affects the internal storage capacity of a bar refrigerator but also affects the positioning in a bar set up. Thus, buyers should consider the amount of floor space they have to work with and how much beverage they need stored cold. Larger models are more fitting for high-volume bars with large amounts of drink storage, while smaller models will work better for smaller spaces. Widths in refrigerators vary by model and layout, but bar refrigerators have a general width range of around 24’’ to more than 72’’.
Storage
Back bar refrigerators offer storage flexibility and adjustable shelving that easily fits different size bottles and cans. The optimized design of these units maximizes organization and allows for quick access to beverages. Many back bar refrigerators even have dedicated compartments for mixers and garnishes to help improve speed of service and overall efficiency of the bar operation.
Common Bar Refrigeration
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Bar Refrigeration
