Commercial Bar Fridges

The energy usage of a bar fridge may differ based on factors such as its capacity, refrigerant gas type and particular model. Generally commercial bar fridges can draw between 100 to 800 watts per hour. Depending on your electricity rate, that works out to roughly 5 cents to 50 cents per hour of usage per fridge. Keep in mind however that the more often the doors are opened, the more warm air enters the fridge and therefore the more power will be required to cool it back down to the set temperature again.

The expenses associated with operating a commercial display bar fridge may fluctuate based on factors like the fridges dimensions, energy efficiency rating, electricity tariffs and usage habits. More power will be used in warmer parts of the country as more energy is required to cool the fridge. Also the more times each day the doors are opened, the more cooling will be required. Typically running a commercial display bar fridge can amount to anything between around $200 to $2000 annually. Opting for energy efficient models (such as those using R290-A gas) and paying attention to energy consumption ratings is advised to reduce operational expenses.

Bar fridges are generally set to 2°C from the factory. its recommended to keep the temperature between 1°C to 4°C to ensure drinks stay cold without freezing and perishable items stay fresh. It's crucial to check and adjust the temperature regularly to uphold the freshness and safety of stored items. Different types of drinks will require different temperatures; beer and white wine are typically kept at the lower temperatures however red wine can be kept warmer, at 12-15°C depending on your preference. We recommend a dedicated wine fridge unless you are happy with all your drinks being chilled to the same temperature.

The time it takes for a bar fridge to chill can vary based on different factors like the starting temperature of the fridge the room temperature and what is being kept inside. Generally commercial bar fridges are made to cool down effectively usually taking around 1 to 3 hours to get to the desired coldness. It's best to follow the manufacturers recommendations, for setting the fridges temperature and give it some time to reach the level of cold before storing perishable items.

Even though most commercial bar fridges include automatic defrosting, very humid areas will cause the cooling system to run more often, which has a byproduct of producing ice on the cooling system. Also static (non fan-forced) fridges are not frost-free and will accumualte ice as part of the cooling process. To thaw out a bar fridge here are the steps you should follow;

1. Disconnect the fridge from the power. Take out all items from it.
2. Keep the fridge door open to let the ice melt naturally. The time it takes for this process can be between 12-48 hours depending on how much ice has built up.
3. Place towels or a tray under the fridge to catch any water.
4. You can also use a bowl of warm water inside the fridge or a hairdryer on a low setting to help speed up the defrosting process. Just make sure not to use heat as it could harm the fridge.
5. After all the ice has melted, wipe down the inside of the fridge with a cloth to remove any remaining water droplets or condensation.
6. Plug the fridge in again. Allow it to cool down before putting items back in.

It's important to check your commercial bar fridge incase it needs manual defrosting to keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan.

Commercial bar fridges generally come in standard sizes and capacities depending on the brand and model. Generally these fridges are compact and space saving to fit well in bar areas:
1 Door: 600mm width or less, 900mm height or less, 500-700mm depth, approx 130L
2 Door: 900mm width or less, 900mm height or less, 500-700mm depth, approx 200L
3 Door: 1360mm width or less, 900mm height or less, 500-700mm depth, approx 320L

These sizes and capacities are very simplified. There are many other models that are a bit taller or shorter, deeper or wider. There are also special low models and extra small units that fit nicely under your desk. Also keep in mind that glass door under bench fridges can be used as a heavy-duty version of any bar fridge!

Bar fridges, like all refrigeration definitely need ventilation to work effectively. Some fridges only require ventilation from the front while others require it from the back and sides. Having airflow helps keep the fridge temperature stay stable and is vital for the compressor and cooling system to work effectively. It's best to leave 10cm - 15cm room around the bar fridge for air to flow properly a few inches of space on all sides and, at the back. This way the equipment will perform at its best.

When you're looking to buy a bar fridge there are a things to think about to make sure you pick the right one for your needs. Here are some important points to keep in mind when shopping for a bar fridge;

1. Size and Capacity; Figure out the size of the space where you want to put the bar fridge and choose a model that fits well. Consider how bottles or cans it can hold.

2. Ventilation requirement: Read the product manual before purchasing to make sure your final position has the required airflow for the fridge to run effectively.

3. Ambient temperature rating: One of the most overlooked but necessary factors. Make sure you buy a fridge that is rated to work in temperatures at least as hot as the room where you plan on placing it.

4. Adjustable Temperature Control; Make sure the bar fridge has temperature settings so your drinks stay at the perfect temperature.

5. Energy Efficiency; Think about how energy efficient the bar fridge's to save on energy costs over time. Fridges that use R290-A refrigerant gas will be the cheapest to run.

6. Noise Level; If you're putting the bar fridge in an area where customers will be go for a quieter model to avoid disturbances. Also keep in mind that wooden floors can vibrate and generate excessive noise.

7. Glass Door or Solid Door; Decide if you want a glass door to show off what's inside or a solid door for insulation and saving energy.

8. Shelves and Storage Layout; Check out the shelves and storage options to see if they can hold kinds and sizes of drinks. Some fridges do have wine racks and other types of shelves that can be installed instead of the standard shelves.

9. Brand and Warranty; Pick a known brand with a good warranty, for quality and reliability assurance. We recommend Polar, Thermaster and AG Equipment as the best overall value for money bar fridges with best after-sales support.

By considering these factors you can find a bar fridge that suits your needs and helps improve efficiency in your bar operations.

Some bar fridges are specifically designed to be placed outside however most are not. Bar fridges are built to a price and therefore not built to withstand environmental elements such as direct sunlight and/or rain or other weather conditions. If the fridge will be placed in an indoor/outdoor area but will not be exposed to direct sunlight or rain, then it should be fine, so long as any other guidelines from the manufacturer are adhered to.

Retro styled bar fridges are not something commonly purchased for commercial spaces, however there are occassional models that might suit this brief, such as the Bromic Retro Upright Bar fridge. For Stainless Steel however, most brands have these as options. Stainless Steel exteriors can be easily filtered on our website

When setting up a bar fridge it's advisable to keep a clearance of 10cm-15cm on all sides. This ensures air circulation and ventilation which are key for the fridge to work effectively. Moreover having space around the bar fridge makes cleaning and maintenance tasks more convenient. Following the manufacturers recommendations in each product manual is essential. Factors like ambient temperature and usage habits such as multiple door openeings each hour can influence the space needed. We've checked fridges from Bromic, Polar, Williams and Thermaster and all require similar amounts of space for adequate ventilation.

We don't recommend transporting any fridges or freezers on their sides or lying down. This is what the manufacturers also recommend. Even after upright transportation, it is strongly recommended to let the fridge sit for 12 hours for the gas to settle before turning it on.