Choosing the right beer fridge for bars and restaurants
20th Feb 2025
A well-chosen beer fridge not only preserves the quality and taste of the beer but also enhances the overall aesthetic of a bar or restaurant.
Here in this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best beer fridge for your establishment and explore the different factors that might influence your final decision.
Why Choosing the Right Commercial Beer Fridge Is Essential?
Selecting the appropriate beverage cooler is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that beverages are stored at the optimal temperature, preserving their flavor profile and carbonation levels.
Secondly, a well-designed commercial bar fridge can improve operational efficiency by providing easy access to inventory, which is vital during peak service hours. Additionally, the right bar chiller contributes to the overall visual appeal of your establishment, potentially attracting more customers.
Lastly, investing in a quality commercial bar refrigerator can lead to long-term savings on energy costs and maintenance, making it a smart choice for any bar or restaurant owner.
Types of Beverage Fridges for Bars and Restaurants
When it comes to selecting a beverage fridge, understanding the various types available can help you make an informed decision.
Here are the main types of bar fridges that are out there, depending on the beverage stored:
- Beer fridge
- Wine fridge
- Soda fridge
Now, let's take a closer look at another bar beer fridge classification – based on their construction and purpose.
Glass Door Bar Fridges
A glass door bar cooler is something you would see in a bar or restaurant due to its visibility and aesthetic appeal. And if it's a sliding glass door cooler or a mini fridge with a glass door, it also allows customers to see the available beverage options, encouraging impulse purchases.
Back Bar Fridges
A back bar cooler is designed to be placed behind the bar, providing easy access for bartenders while keeping beverages organized. When it's in the form of an underbar refrigerator, it's typically more compact and feature multiple shelves to maximize storage capacity.
Display Coolers
A display bar cooler is excellent for showcasing beverages in a visually appealing manner. Often found in restaurants and convenience stores, you would most likely see a display bar fridge featuring glass doors and bright lighting to highlight the products inside.
Open Air Coolers
An open air bar fridge is designed for high-traffic areas, allowing customers to grab beverages quickly. An open air chiller typically doesn't have doors, making it easy to access. One possible downside here is energy efficiency, as open air coolers can consume more power than other types.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Beer Cooler
Choosing the right drinks fridge involves several key factors that will affect your operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Size and Capacity
The bar fridge size and capacity are critical considerations. A small beer fridge may result in stock shortages, while a big, full size beer fridge can waste energy and space.
Assess your space limitations and the volume of beer you plan to store so that you could get the perfect compact beer fridge.
Temperature Control in Bar Fridges
Effective control of the temperature for a beverage fridge is vital for maintaining the quality of beer. Look out for fridges with reliable temperature settings and monitoring systems.
The best temperature for beer fridge should stay between 34°F and 40°F (1°C to 4°C) to ensure optimal freshness.
Energy-efficiency of Beer Fridges
Energy efficient commercial refrigerators can significantly reduce operational costs over time. Look for models with ENERGY STAR ratings or similar certifications, as they are designed to consume less energy without compromising performance – that's a sign of an energy-efficient beer fridge.
Noise Levels In Commercial Beer Fridges
If your establishment calls for an intimate, delicate atmosphere, you should reduce the noise level, and that includes getting a quiet beer fridge. Consider models that are designed for silent operation to avoid disrupting your customers' experience – that's how you find the quietest bar fridge.
Materials and Build Quality
The materials and build quality of a beer fridge can impact its durability and maintenance. If you're looking for a quality wine fridge or a quality beer fridge, go with a stainless steel or high-quality plastic exterior.
These are often more resistant to wear and tear, making them suitable for high-volume (and high-end) environments.
Balancing Budget and Long-term Fridge Costs
While the initial beer fridge price is essential, you should also consider the long-term costs associated with operating and maintaining the fridge. Not going with a cheap commercial fridge and investing in a higher-quality unit may result in better energy efficiency and reduced repair costs, ultimately providing better value over time.
Choose a Beer Fridge for Your Bar or Restaurant from Beverage Craft
If you're looking for the right bar fridge for restaurants, check out our selection first. Being a reliable supplier of draft beer equipment and accessories for over a decade, we can also get you a nice beer fridge, bottle cooler, or a kegerator for sale.