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Must-Have Underbar Equipment for Every Bar
Running a successful bar means staying efficient, organized, and always ready to serve up great drinks. The right underbar equipment plays a huge role in making that happen, optimizing your space and workflow. Setting up a bar can be overwhelming, and knowing exactly what to get might feel like solving a puzzle. Our breakdown is a solid starting point to help you figure out what you really need to keep everything running smoothly behind the bar.
Essential Equipment at a Glance
1. Underbar Sinks & Workstations
An underbar sink and workstation combine multiple essential functions into one unit, keeping your workspace organized and efficient.
- Purpose: Provides space for cleaning glasses, prepping ingredients, and organizing tools.
- Benefits: Keeps everything you need in one spot for quick access. Some stations include additional features like ice compartments, bottle storage, or sinks for washing glasses.
- Ideal for: Bars with high traffic, craft cocktail bars, or places that need extra space for prepping drinks and garnishes.
A good workstation can help your bartenders multitask, streamline drink preparation, and maintain a clean environment even during the busiest hours.
2. Underbar Ice Bin
Ice bins are essential for storing ice, keeping it easily accessible for drink preparation. They ensure your bartenders don’t have to scramble for ice during busy periods.
- Purpose: Stores ice for use in drinks and cocktails.
- Benefits: Helps keep ice organized and readily available. Bins are designed to prevent melting, keeping the ice fresh longer.
- Ideal for: Bars with high drink demand or areas where quick access to ice is essential.
Look for an ice bin with proper drainage to keep things dry and ensure you have enough capacity for your bar’s volume, especially during peak hours.
3. Underbar Storage
Storage space under the bar can help keep everything within arm's reach, organized, and out of sight when necessary. It includes shelves, cabinets, and drawers for liquor, glassware, and other essentials.
- Purpose: Store bottles, glassware, or supplies while keeping the workspace clean and accessible.
- Benefits: Maximizes space and improves workflow by keeping supplies close by.
- Ideal for: Busy bars, cocktail bars, or any high-traffic area where quick access to tools and ingredients is essential.
Using speed rails, bottle racks, and storage drawers will help streamline service and allow bartenders to focus on preparing drinks rather than searching for supplies.
4. Liquor Display Rack
A liquor display rack is an excellent way to showcase your drink selections while keeping bottles organized and easily accessible for your bartenders.
- Purpose: Stores and displays liquor bottles within easy reach of bartenders.
- Benefits: Enhances the appearance of your bar and improves bartender efficiency by keeping liquor bottles visible and accessible.
- Ideal for: Bars with a large selection of liquors, especially cocktail bars that serve a variety of mixed drinks.
A well-organized liquor display not only keeps your bar efficient but can also serve as a focal point that draws customers in. Customize your display rack to match your bar’s design, whether it’s sleek and modern or rustic and vintage.
Bar Customization: Tailoring Equipment to Your Space
Underbar equipment is incredibly versatile and can be customized to meet the specific needs of your bar. Larger bars often require more extensive ice bins and storage solutions to accommodate high traffic and a wide range of ingredients. Smaller bars or craft cocktail establishments, however, may prioritize workstations and display areas to maximize space and highlight signature drinks.
Customization doesn’t just mean choosing the right size equipment—it’s also about aligning the style of your equipment with your bar's overall branding. Whether you’re going for a modern, sleek look or a vintage, rustic feel, the right underbar equipment can elevate your design. For example, a beautifully crafted liquor display rack can become a focal point of the bar, complementing the rest of your décor and giving the space a unique, cohesive character.
Durability and Maintenance: Choosing Long-Lasting Equipment
Durability is crucial when it comes to underbar equipment. These items face heavy use in high-energy, fast-paced environments, so selecting high-quality, robust equipment made from materials like stainless steel or powder-coated finishes is essential. These materials not only ensure longevity but also make cleaning and maintenance easier.
Investing in durable equipment means fewer repairs and replacements, which helps your bar save on long-term costs. Equipment made from high-quality materials can withstand constant wear and tear while continuing to perform at its best, ensuring your bar stays operational through busy nights.
Here are some key maintenance tips:
- Ice Bins: Clean your ice bin regularly to remove any mold, grime, or mildew. Make sure the drainage system is free of blockages to prevent water buildup.
- Liquor Display Racks: Depending on the material, clean your liquor racks with non-abrasive cleaners to prevent rust. For wooden racks, occasional polishing may be needed to maintain their appearance and durability.
- Underbar Sinks: Check for leaks and clean your sink daily to prevent grime or residue buildup. If your sink has a drainboard, ensure it stays dry and free from leftover liquid to maintain proper hygiene.
With the right underbar equipment, your bar will be well-equipped to handle high volumes, stay organized, and maintain a clean, efficient workspace. Whether you're customizing your equipment to suit your bar’s size and style or ensuring its durability with proper maintenance, each piece of equipment plays a vital role in keeping your bar running smoothly. Invest wisely in your underbar solutions, and you’ll see improvements in both your staff’s performance and your customers’ experience.
Ready to upgrade your bar? Check out our selection of essential underbar equipment to boost both your bar’s functionality and style. Shop Nella for everything you need to create the perfect setup today!