What makes a commercial bar fridge different?
A commercial bar fridge, also called a back bar cooler, is built for constant door opening in a hot, busy bar. It recovers temperature quickly after every service, uses bright LED lighting to show off your range, and is sized to fit under a standard bar counter. A domestic bar fridge simply is not designed for that workload.
How to choose a commercial bar fridge
Number of doors
Single door bar fridges like the Atosa BB-138HEC and Thermaster LG-138HC suit cafes and small bars. Two door models such as the Thermaster SC248G and Atosa BB-208HEC are the most popular choice for restaurants and clubs, and three door units like the Thermaster SC316G and Atosa BB-330HEC suit busy pubs. For big venues, the Atosa MBB69 (1727mm, 610 litres) and MBB90 (2268mm, 852 litres) back bar fridges hold a huge range, and the Thermaster BC3100G and BC4100G deluxe drink coolers offer three and four doors.
Hinged or sliding doors?
Hinged doors seal tightly and suit most bars. Sliding doors, like the Thermaster LG-208SC and SC248SD or the Atosa BB-208SEC, are ideal behind a narrow bar where there is no room for a door to swing out into a staff walkway.
Black or stainless steel?
Black bar fridges blend into most bar fit-outs and make the lit-up drinks stand out. Stainless steel models, like the Thermaster SC148SG, SC248SG and SC316SG, suit modern venues and are easy to wipe down.
Temperature
Most of our bar fridges hold 2°C to 8°C, and some go from 0°C to 10°C. Beer is usually best served at 2°C to 4°C, while white wine and soft drinks can sit slightly warmer. For wine, see our dual zone wine fridges, which hold separate red and white wine temperatures.
Height and ventilation
Measure the gap under your bar counter before you order. If the fridge will be built in, choose a model that vents at the front, or leave the ventilation gap shown in the manual. Bar fridges that cannot breathe run hot, use more power and fail sooner.
Lighting, locks and energy
LED interior lighting makes drinks look their best and uses very little power. Many of our models have lockable doors to protect stock after hours, and natural refrigerants like R290 and R600a keep running costs and environmental impact down.
Installation and care
Place the fridge on a level floor, keep the vents clear and follow the manual on how long to let it stand before switching it on. Do not overpack the shelves, as cold air needs to circulate. Clean the condenser regularly, because bars are dusty places, and check the door seals so the doors close firmly every time.
Our bar fridge range
- Thermaster: LG under bench bar coolers with hinged or sliding doors, SC drink coolers in black or stainless steel, BC deluxe drink coolers and the compact DC-122Q.
- Atosa: BB bar fridges with hinged or sliding glass doors, MBB back bar coolers up to 852 litres, MBC chiller cabinets and dual zone wine fridges.
- Anvil: Black 2, 3 and 4 door glass door back bar fridges with full-height doors and LED lighting.
Delivery, warranty and our price-beat guarantee
We deliver Australia-wide by tailgate truck, usually within 2 to 5 business days to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide and 4 to 12 days elsewhere. Every bar fridge comes with the manufacturer's warranty, and prices are shown ex GST with the GST-inclusive price alongside. Found a lower price? Send us the link under our Price-Beat Guarantee and we'll send you a one-off discount code.
Commercial bar fridge FAQs
What temperature should a bar fridge be set at?
Around 2°C to 4°C for beer and soft drinks. Most of our bar fridges run between 2°C and 8°C.
Can I build a bar fridge in under the counter?
Yes, as long as it can breathe. Choose a front-venting model or leave the ventilation gap shown in the manual, otherwise the fridge will overheat.
Are sliding doors or hinged doors better?
Sliding doors are better in narrow bars because they do not swing into the walkway. Hinged doors seal tighter and are the more common choice where there is room.
What is the difference between a commercial and domestic bar fridge?
A commercial bar fridge is built for constant door opening, recovers temperature faster and is rated for hotter rooms. Domestic warranties usually do not cover commercial use.
Do you sell bar freezers too?
Yes. See our Bar Freezers for chilling glasses and storing ice cream and frozen cocktail ingredients.
Do you deliver Australia-wide?
Yes. We deliver to every state by tailgate truck. Standard delivery is to your door.