Buy Beer Fridges for Bars – Fast Cooling for Busy Service
A beer fridge for bar use is designed to keep bottled and canned drinks at consistent serving temperature during long trading hours. This collection covers commercial back bar fridges and upright beer display units from around 100 to 600 litres for pubs, cocktail bars, hotel bars, clubs and live venues. Units combine glass doors, LED lighting and fan-assisted cooling so staff can see stock instantly and serve quickly during busy service.
You can choose compact under-counter beer fridges for tight back bars, double-door units for higher volume, and triple-door or upright models where maximum display space is required. All are built for frequent door openings and daily cleaning in commercial environments.
Shop Bar Beer Fridges by Capacity and Configuration
Smaller 100-150 litre under-counter beer fridges suit micro pubs, small cocktail bars and back-up storage beneath speed rails. At roughly 60 cm wide and 85 cm high, these single-door units slide neatly under standard bar counters. Mid-range 200-300 litre models, available in single and double-door formats, provide extra capacity for busy city bars and hotel lounges needing more chilled backup without sacrificing floor space.
Larger 400-600 litre back bar or upright beer fridges are suited to high-volume sports bars and music venues. Triple-door back bar units maximise frontage along the counter, while tall uprights create a strong visual display in customer-facing areas. Typical features include LED interior lighting, toughened or double-glazed glass doors, fan-assisted cooling and adjustable shelving for mixed bottle and can formats. Many models achieve A+ or A++ energy ratings and offer digital controllers set around 2-4°C for consistent pouring temperatures.
Choosing the Right Beer Fridge for a Bar
Match capacity to cover numbers, drinks range and service style. A small bar with 40-60 covers may work well with one 150-200 litre fridge, while a busy pub with 100+ covers might require 300-400 litres or multiple units to separate lagers, craft beers and bottled ciders. Measure the bar counter height and under-counter width carefully, and allow at least 5-10 cm clearance at the rear and sides for ventilation. Avoid pushing cabinets tight against walls or boxing in grills, as this increases running costs and reduces cooling performance.
Energy efficiency and noise levels matter in open bar spaces. A 300-litre A++ rated beer fridge might use around 250-320 kWh per year, roughly £75-£100 at typical commercial tariffs. LED lighting, efficient fans and good door seals help maintain low temperatures and reduce compressor cycling during long shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size beer fridge is best for a busy bar?
For a busy bar with strong bottled beer sales, a total of 300-400 litres of back bar refrigeration is often a good starting point. This might be one large double-door unit or a pair of single-door fridges separated by product type. This capacity usually holds 200+ 330 ml bottles, allowing for both service stock and backup within easy reach.
Can I use an upright shop-style fridge behind a bar?
Yes, upright glass door fridges can work behind a bar, provided there is enough ceiling height and space for the door swing. They are useful where under-counter room is limited but vertical space is available. Check that the unit is rated for commercial use, confirm the temperature range is suitable for beer and ensure adequate ventilation around the cabinet in the back bar layout.
