8 Features to Look for in a Commercial Back Bar Cooler

A commercial back bar cooler gives bartenders quick access to cold beverages while keeping valuable refrigeration capacity within reach of the service area. The right unit can make it easier to organize beer, mixers, bottled drinks, and other beverages while supporting a smooth workflow during busy service.

Choosing a commercial back bar cooler requires more than finding a refrigerator that fits behind the bar. Storage capacity, dimensions, door configuration, visibility, depth, temperature control, interior organization, and construction can all affect how well the unit fits your operation.

A small cocktail bar with limited space may need a compact one-door cooler, while a high-volume restaurant or bar may require multiple doors and substantially more storage. Your preferred service style also matters. Glass doors can make beverages easier to identify, while solid doors keep the contents concealed. Sliding doors can help conserve aisle space, while hinged doors provide a different approach to accessing the interior.

This guide covers eight features to look for in a commercial back bar cooler so you can compare your options based on your bar's layout, beverage volume, and day-to-day requirements.

1. The Right Storage Capacity 

Storage capacity should be one of the first factors you evaluate when choosing a back bar cooler. Your cooler needs enough room for the beverages your staff regularly use without taking up more space than your bar can accommodate.

Start by considering:

• How many beverages you serve during an average shift

• Which drinks need to remain refrigerated

• How frequently staff can restock the cooler

• How much refrigerated storage is already available elsewhere

• Whether your beverage volume is likely to increase

A compact cooler can work well for a small bar that has limited refrigeration needs. For example, the Everest Refrigeration EBB23 1 Door Back Bar Cooler, 23" - Black Exterior offers a single-door configuration for operations that don't need a large refrigerated footprint.

A larger establishment may need considerably more capacity to reduce the frequency of restocking during peak service. The Dukers DBB48-M2 2-Door Bar and Beverage Cooler (Solid Doors) provides a two-door configuration that can accommodate a larger beverage inventory while keeping refrigerated products close to the bar.

The Atosa MBB23GR 23" Back Bar Cooler - S/S provides another compact configuration for businesses working with limited space behind the bar. Its 23-inch size can be particularly useful when you need dedicated beverage refrigeration without committing a large portion of the service area to the cooler.

Capacity should ultimately reflect your actual beverage volume rather than simply choosing the largest unit available. Oversizing can consume space that could be used for other bar equipment, while insufficient capacity can leave staff constantly restocking during busy periods.

Once you've determined how much refrigerated storage you need, consider how much physical space the cooler can occupy without interfering with staff movement or the overall bar layout.

2. The Cooler’s Width and Footprint

The available space behind your bar can determine which commercial back bar cooler is practical for your operation. Before choosing a model, measure the area where you plan to install the unit and account for surrounding equipment, staff movement, and access to the cooler doors.

Consider:

• Available width: Make sure the cooler fits comfortably within the designated space.

• Available depth: Check that the unit doesn't extend too far into staff walkways or interfere with the bar setup.

• Height clearance: Account for counters, shelving, walls, and other equipment above the cooler.

• Staff access: Leave enough room for bartenders to open doors and retrieve beverages efficiently.

• Ventilation and service access: Follow the manufacturer's clearance requirements and allow sufficient access for cleaning and maintenance.

A 48-inch cooler can provide substantial storage without requiring the footprint of a much larger unit. The Arctic Air ABB48 48'' Back Bar Cooler is an example of a two-door configuration suited to bars that need more refrigerated storage while working within a defined counter area.

If your operation requires even more storage, a wider unit such as the Arctic Air ABB60 60'' Back Bar Cooler can provide additional refrigerated space. Larger units can be useful for busy bars and restaurants that need to keep a greater beverage inventory within easy reach.

For operations with especially high beverage volume, the Dukers DBB72-H3 3 Door Bar and Beverage Cooler provides a wider three-door configuration. A larger cooler can reduce the need for frequent restocking, but you should make sure the available space can accommodate its larger footprint without compromising the bar's workflow.

3. The Right Door Configuration

Door configuration can have a noticeable effect on how easily bartenders access refrigerated products. The choice generally comes down to the available space in front of the cooler, the way staff moves behind the bar, and how frequently the doors need to be opened.

Hinged Doors

Hinged doors swing outward when opened, providing broad access to the interior. They can work well when there is sufficient clearance behind the bar and staff need to retrieve several beverages at once.

The Dukers DBB72-H3 3 Door Bar and Beverage Cooler uses three hinged doors, making it suitable for larger beverage inventories that need to be divided across multiple refrigerated sections.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors move horizontally instead of swinging outward. This can be particularly useful in busy bars where space behind the counter is limited and an open door could interfere with staff movement.

The Dukers DBB48-S2 2-Door Bar and Beverage Cooler uses a two-door sliding configuration, offering access to refrigerated beverages without requiring additional clearance for outward-opening doors.

For a larger sliding-door setup, the Everest Refrigeration EBB48G-SD-SS 2 Deep Glass Sliding Door Back Bar Cooler, 48" provides two deep glass sliding doors while offering a larger refrigerated storage area.

When comparing hinged and sliding doors, think about how your staff actually work. A hinged door may provide convenient full access, but a sliding door can make more sense in a narrow service area where maintaining clear pathways is a priority.

The door configuration you choose should complement the physical layout of your bar rather than simply being based on the cooler's appearance. The type of door material is another consideration, particularly if bartenders need to identify beverages without repeatedly opening the cooler.

4. Glass vs. Solid Doors

The type of door can affect how quickly staff can identify and retrieve beverages. Glass-door back bar coolers allow bartenders to see the contents without opening the unit, while solid-door models keep the interior concealed. The better choice depends on how your bar operates and how important product visibility is during service.

Glass Doors

Glass doors make it easier for staff to see what's available at a glance. This can be useful when bartenders need to locate specific beers, mixers, bottled beverages, or other refrigerated products quickly.

Visibility can also make inventory checks easier. Staff can see when a particular product is running low without repeatedly opening the cooler, which may help streamline restocking.

The Everest Refrigeration EBB23G 1 Glass Door Back Bar Cooler, 23" provides a compact single-door option for bars that want refrigerated storage with product visibility.

Larger operations may need more display and storage space. The Arctic Air ABB60G 60'' Glass Door Back Bar Cooler offers a wider glass-door configuration for businesses that need to keep a larger beverage selection refrigerated and visible.

For bars that need a combination of visibility and space efficiency, the Atosa SBB59GGRAUS2 59" Back Bar Cooler w/ Glass Door Shallow Depth combines a glass-door design with a shallow-depth configuration. This can be useful when you need more refrigerated capacity without taking up as much space behind the bar.

Solid Doors

Solid doors offer a more concealed storage solution. They can be a good fit when beverage visibility isn't a priority or when the cooler is positioned in an area where products don't need to be displayed.

The Dukers DBB48-M2 2-Door Bar and Beverage Cooler (Solid Doors) is an example of a two-door solid-door configuration. A solid exterior can provide a cleaner, less visually busy appearance behind the bar while keeping the beverage inventory out of sight.

When deciding between glass and solid doors, consider how your staff access beverages, how frequently inventory needs to be checked, and whether product visibility contributes to your bar's workflow.

5. Depth for Your Bar Layout

Width isn't the only dimension that matters. Cooler depth can have a significant effect on how much usable space remains behind the bar, particularly in compact service areas.

A standard-depth cooler may provide substantial interior storage, but it can extend farther into the workspace. A shallow-depth model can help preserve aisle space while still providing dedicated refrigeration for beverages.

Before purchasing, measure the available depth behind your bar and consider:

• Space between the cooler and the bartender's working area

• Counter and shelving placement

• Staff traffic

• Door clearance

• Available space for maintenance

• The amount of storage you actually need

The Atosa SBB48GRAUS2 48" Back Bar Cooler Shallow Depth (Black Exterior) offers a shallow-depth configuration for bars where conserving workspace is a priority.

The Atosa SBB48GRAUS1 48" Back Bar Cooler Shallow Depth (S/S Exterior) provides another shallow-depth option with a stainless-steel exterior. This can be worth considering when you want to maintain more usable space behind the bar while choosing a finish that complements other stainless-steel equipment.

A shallow cooler doesn't automatically make it the right choice. Compare its storage capacity with your beverage requirements to make sure the space savings don't come at the expense of useful refrigerated storage.

6. Interior Organization and Shelf Adjustability

A well-organized cooler can make beverage retrieval easier during a busy shift. Look for adjustable shelving that allows you to arrange the interior around the types and sizes of products your bar serves.

Adjustable shelves can help accommodate:

• Bottles of different heights

• Cans

• Mixers

• Juice containers

• Frequently ordered beverages

• Different product quantities

The Arctic Air ABB48 48'' Back Bar Cooler offers adjustable shelving, giving staff flexibility to configure the interior according to the bar's beverage inventory.

Think about your actual product mix when evaluating shelving. A cooler stocked primarily with standard cans may require a different configuration from one used for large bottles, specialty beverages, and mixers. The ability to reposition shelves can make the refrigerated space more adaptable as your menu and beverage selection change.

After evaluating capacity, dimensions, doors, depth, and interior organization, there are still two important considerations: how consistently the unit maintains its temperature and how well its construction holds up to the demands of a commercial bar.

7. Temperature Control and Cooling Performance

Temperature consistency is one of the most important features to evaluate when choosing a commercial back bar cooler. Your bar may stock beer, mixers, bottled beverages, juices, and other products that need to remain properly chilled throughout service. A cooler that maintains a consistent temperature helps keep beverages ready to serve while supporting reliable day-to-day operation.

When comparing models, look at:

• Temperature range: Make sure the unit can maintain temperatures appropriate for the beverages you plan to store.

• Temperature controls: Digital controls can make it easier to monitor and adjust the cabinet temperature.

• Air circulation: Consistent airflow helps reduce temperature variations between different areas of the cabinet.

• Refrigeration system: Consider the compressor and refrigerant used by the unit.

• Operating environment: The surrounding temperature and placement of the cooler can affect refrigeration performance.

The Atosa MBB23GR 23" Back Bar Cooler - S/S is an example of a unit with an electronic temperature controller and a listed operating range of 35°F to 38°F. Its refrigeration system uses R290 refrigerant.

The Dukers DBB48-S2 2-Door Bar and Beverage Cooler also features digital temperature control and a listed temperature range of approximately 33°F to 38°F.

Temperature control is particularly important in a busy bar, where doors may be opened frequently throughout a shift. Choosing equipment suited to your expected service volume can help maintain consistent refrigeration performance.

8. Construction, Maintenance, and Serviceability

A back bar cooler operates in a demanding environment. Spills, frequent door openings, heavy daily use, and constant interaction with staff can put considerable demands on the equipment. Construction quality and ease of maintenance therefore deserve attention when comparing models.

Exterior Construction

Consider the material and finish of the cooler's exterior. Stainless steel can complement other commercial kitchen equipment and provide a professional appearance, while black finishes may better suit certain bar designs.

The Atosa SBB48GRAUS1 48" Back Bar Cooler Shallow Depth offers a stainless-steel exterior in a shallow-depth configuration.

For a black-finish alternative, the Atosa SBB48GRAUS2 48" Back Bar Cooler Shallow Depth provides the same general shallow-depth approach with a black exterior.

Ease of Cleaning

A back bar cooler should be straightforward to clean because spills and debris can accumulate during daily beverage service. Look for accessible shelving, removable components where applicable, and door gaskets that can be cleaned as part of routine maintenance.

Regular cleaning can help keep the cooler sanitary and maintain efficient operation. It's also important to follow the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance recommendations rather than relying on a generic schedule.

Serviceability

Consider how easily the refrigeration system can be accessed for maintenance and whether replacement components and service support are available. A cooler that is difficult to access can take longer to service, potentially increasing downtime.

The Everest Refrigeration EBB48G-SD-SS 2 Deep Glass Sliding Door Back Bar Cooler, 48" - Stainless Steel Exterior provides another example of a larger commercial back bar refrigeration configuration, combining a stainless-steel exterior with two deep glass sliding doors.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Back Bar Cooler

After evaluating the eight features, compare them against your actual bar setup rather than choosing a cooler based on one specification alone.

A small bar with limited space may prioritize a compact one-door unit and shallow depth. A busy restaurant with a larger beverage program may need multiple doors, greater storage capacity, and easier access for frequent restocking.

The best commercial back bar cooler is ultimately the one that fits your available space, beverage volume, workflow, and long-term operational needs.

Find the Right Commercial Back Bar Cooler at American Chef Supply

The right refrigeration setup can make beverage storage more organized and accessible while supporting efficient service behind the bar. American Chef Supply offers commercial back bar coolers in a variety of configurations, including compact one-door models, larger multi-door units, glass and solid doors, sliding and hinged doors, and shallow-depth designs.

Compare the available options based on your bar's storage requirements, layout, service volume, and preferred configuration to find a cooler that fits your operation. 

Explore American Chef Supply's selection of commercial back bar coolers today and find the refrigeration solution that works for your bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a commercial back bar cooler?

A commercial back bar cooler is a refrigerated unit designed to store beverages behind or near a bar. It keeps beer, mixers, bottled drinks, and other beverages chilled while allowing bartenders to access them quickly during service.

2. How do I choose the right size back bar cooler?

Consider your beverage volume, available installation space, and how frequently staff can restock the unit. A smaller one-door cooler may suit a compact bar, while busy restaurants and high-volume bars may benefit from two- or three-door models with greater storage capacity.

3. Are glass-door or solid-door back bar coolers better?

Glass doors provide visibility, making it easier for staff to identify beverages and monitor inventory without opening the cooler. Solid doors conceal the contents and may provide a cleaner appearance. The better option depends on your bar's workflow and preferences.

4. Are sliding-door back bar coolers better for small bars?

Sliding doors can be useful in compact bars because they don't swing outward into the workspace. This can help preserve aisle space and make it easier for bartenders to move around behind the counter.

5. What is the advantage of a shallow-depth back bar cooler?

A shallow-depth cooler can help preserve valuable workspace behind the bar while still providing dedicated beverage refrigeration. It can be particularly useful in bars with narrow service areas.

6. What temperature should a commercial back bar cooler maintain?

The appropriate temperature depends on the products being stored and the manufacturer's specifications. Many commercial back bar coolers are designed to maintain temperatures in the mid-30s to upper-30s Fahrenheit, but always follow the manufacturer's recommended operating range.

7. How much can a back bar cooler hold?

Storage capacity varies significantly by model. Compact one-door units can accommodate smaller beverage inventories, while two- and three-door models provide substantially more refrigerated storage. Check the manufacturer's listed capacity and dimensions when comparing models.

8. How often should a commercial back bar cooler be cleaned?

Cleaning frequency depends on usage and the manufacturer's recommendations. Regularly clean the interior, shelves, door gaskets, and other accessible surfaces, and follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions for the refrigeration system.

9. What should I look for in a commercial back bar refrigerator?

Consider storage capacity, dimensions, door configuration, glass or solid doors, depth, adjustable shelving, temperature controls, construction, and ease of maintenance. These features should be evaluated based on your bar's available space and beverage service requirements.

10. Can a back bar cooler be used for food as well as beverages?

Back bar coolers are primarily intended for beverage storage. If you plan to store food, verify that the specific model is approved and appropriate for that application and follow applicable food-storage requirements.