Buying Guide for the Best Under Bar Refrigerator
Choosing the right under-bar refrigerator is all about finding the best match for your specific needs and available space. Whether you're outfitting a home bar, a busy restaurant, or a cozy café, it’s important to balance storage capacity, temperature control, and ease of use. Begin by thinking about how much and what types of beverages or items you need to store, the space you have under your counter, and how often you’ll be accessing the fridge. Understanding the key features will help you make a decision that keeps your drinks chilled and accessible, while fitting seamlessly into your environment.CapacityThe capacity of an under-bar refrigerator refers to how many beverages or items it can hold, often measured in liters or cubic feet. This spec matters because it determines how much you can store at once, which is especially important if you’re preparing for busy periods or stocking a variety of drinks. Smaller units are best for personal use, apartments, or low-traffic bars, while larger ones are suited to commercial spaces or social home bars that demand more storage. Consider your typical usage—if you regularly host gatherings or operate in a high-volume setting, opt for a higher capacity; if you’re limited on space or only store a few items, smaller will suffice.
DimensionsDimensions measure the physical size of the refrigerator—height, width, and depth—which is crucial because under-bar fridges are designed to fit in specific spots beneath counters. To avoid installation headaches, measure your available space carefully and allow for adequate ventilation gaps as recommended by manufacturers. For tight quarters, slimline models are available, while spacious areas can handle broader units. Match the fridge size to your under-counter space and ensure it won’t obstruct movement or cabinetry.
Temperature RangeTemperature range shows how cold the refrigerator can get, which is essential for keeping drinks and perishables at their best. Ranges vary: some fridges are tailored purely for beverages and sit higher, while others can dip lower for storing sensitive products like craft beer, wines, or even certain snacks. If you plan to chill a variety of drinks, look for an adjustable temperature range to suit sodas, beers, and other items. For simple needs, a basic drink-cooling range often works.
Number of Doors/CompartmentsThe number of doors or internal compartments influences how you organize and access your items. Single-door models maximize storage simplicity and suit smaller setups, while double-door or multi-compartment options are ideal for commercial spaces, letting you separate different drinks or food items for easy reach. Think about whether you need to sort items or prevent temperature fluctuations from frequent opening—multiple compartments and doors help in busier settings.
Cooling System TypeUnder-bar fridges may use different cooling systems, typically either fan-assisted (forced air) or static (convection). Fan-assisted systems provide even, quick cooling, great for environments where doors are opened often and fast recovery is needed. Static systems are quieter and more energy-efficient, better for less hectic situations. Consider your noise sensitivity and how often you’ll access the contents, choosing based on your use case.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency tells you how much power the fridge uses to maintain temperatures. An efficient model saves electricity and operating costs, and is better for the environment. Refrigerators with a good energy rating, LED lighting, and modern insulation are best for long-term use. If the fridge will be on 24/7, prioritize higher efficiency to reduce your running costs without sacrificing performance.
Shelving and Interior LayoutShelving and the internal layout affect how flexible the refrigerator is for organizing bottles, cans, and other items. Adjustable shelves let you reconfigure the space for larger or oddly-shaped products, while fixed shelves provide stability for standard bottles. Slide-out or removable shelves are helpful for cleaning and rearranging. Consider what you’ll store most frequently and opt for a layout that offers simple access and easy organization for your items.
Door TypeDoors can be solid or glass-fronted. Glass doors provide a view of what’s inside—helpful for quickly spotting inventory and creating a display for customers or guests—while solid doors offer better insulation and keep contents hidden. If aesthetics and quick selection matter, choose glass; for better cooling efficiency and subtlety, opt for solid doors.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how much sound the fridge makes during operation, usually measured in decibels. Since under-bar fridges are often installed in social spaces, a quieter unit helps maintain a pleasant atmosphere. If the fridge will go in a living area, noise-sensitive restaurant, or quiet office, seek out models with low noise ratings. For high-traffic or already noisy bars, noise may be less of a concern.