Choosing Commercial Bottle Coolers - The Basics

Commercial refrigeration is a key component for any foodservice business, whether as part of the kitchen set-up or as an element of bar design. While fridges, freezers and prep counters are the norm in the kitchen and serveovers and multidecks common in customer-facing positions, it is commercial bottle coolers that rule the roost behind any bar or counter. Designed to be placed in front of house locations they are a common sight in pubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, bistros, cafes and even shops. The prime purpose is to not only chill and hold drinks at optimum temperatures but to attractively present and display the range of beverages on offer.

What Basics Should You Consider When Choosing a Commercial Bottle Cooler?

There's plenty to think about when deciding which bottle cooler best suits your business needs. Here we offer a brief guide to the primary basics you should be considering.

It's important when choosing a bottle cooler to consider size and capacity in relation to the space you have available and the level of customers you typically receive. If you experience large volumes of custom you're going to need something that can accommodate the necessary level of stock. Thirsty guests don't want to wait for more bottles to cool, so it's essential to have ample stock available pre-chilled and ready to serve.

Size and Capacity - What's available?

• Choose from single, double or triple doors depending on the size and capacity you need.
• Undercounter and upright models are available to sit beneath existing bars and counters or to stand proud as a tall freestanding cabinet.

Top Tip: As there is such a massive range of capacities available, choosing the most suitable can seem like an overwhelming task. A good tip is to pick a cooler with a higher capacity than you are likely to use: it's better to have stock left at the end of the night than to sell out and have to serve guests their second choice.

Another vital area to consider is the design and aesthetics. Customers entering premises with attractive displays are proven to be much more likely to spend their money on the merchandise that's on offer. Back bar coolers are ideal for this purpose. Bottle chillers are available with a number of options.

Design and Aesthetics - What's available?

• Sliding or hinged doors are a common design option. Each of these styles has its own merits. Hinged doors will take up more space when open which may pose a problem in smaller bars. A benefit, however, is that it's rare that doors will accidentally be left open allowing cold air to escape and causing a reduction in efficiency. Sliding doors are valued for saving space as they won’t take up any additional space when open, however, they are easier to accidentally leave open and are more likely to suffer from a build-up of drink residue and dirt in the door tracks leading to difficulty when sliding.
• A choice of colours and finishes are available guaranteeing that there's a commercial drinks fridge to suit every business style and decor.

Another basic consideration that will influence your buying choice is brand and price. With a wide range of bar fridges from leading brands, finding something to suit your budget shouldn't be difficult.

Brand and Price - What's available?

• All bottle coolers and bar fridges can be split generally into budget, mid-range and premium groups. Obviously, where a model appears will bear some reflection on the price range you can expect e.g. chillers in the budget category will be less expensive than those in the premium category. These sections are not set in stone and are to be used more like a broad gauge.
• Shopping on a budget? Read our Top 3 tips on cheap bar fridges - are they the best option?

With so much choice on offer, finding the perfect bar fridge is easy.

For more information about choosing the perfect bottle cooler for your bar, read our comprehensive buying guide detailing everything you need to know before making a purchase.