Commercial bottle coolers are a great investment for restaurants and bars of all sizes. These specialty refrigerators keep alcoholic and non-alcoholic bottled drinks at just the right temperature for serving.
If you’re just opening a new restaurant or looking to upgrade your current cooler, you may not know what to look for or where to start your search. We’re here to help. Let’s explore the most important things to consider when buying bottle coolers and share our top models.
What to Consider When Buying Bottle Coolers
A bottle cooler fridge is an equipment investment just like anything else in your back-of-house. Taking the time to consider your needs and budget will help you find a suitable model for your restaurant.
While every establishment has its own needs, there are a few basic things that you should keep in mind when buying beer bottle coolers.
Size and Capacity
The first thing you want to consider is size and capacity. How big is your space? What does your volume look like? You'll need to find a model that fits in your restaurant but also meets your capacity needs.
Under bar coolers are the most common option, so it’s a little bit easier to find a unit that will fit in a standard bar setup. There are several lengths to choose from, with the most popular ones being:
- 24 inches
- 36 inches
- 50 inches
- 65 inches
- 80 inches
- 95 inches
Capacities can range anywhere from 3 cubic feet to 25+ cubic feet. Keep in mind that even a 3 cubic-foot cooler can hold 5 cases of 12-oz. Bottles.
Sit down and calculate how much bottle storage you really need. Look at sales from your busiest nights of the week to get a better idea of your demand.
Once you have a size and capacity in mind, you can start considering other details, like energy efficiency and temperature ranges.
Temperature Range
How cold does the bottle fridge get? What do you serve at your bar? Alcohol can usually get stored at any temperature, but beer, cider and some other beverages should be properly chilled.
- Beer should be chilled at 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cider should be chilled at 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit
Most bars and restaurants serve a wide range of beverages, so it’s best to look for a model that will cover all of your bases when it comes to temperature. Coolers that can hold at 39 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler will give you the most versatility.
Doors
Bottle coolers typically have either sliding or swinging doors. Both have advantages, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and your space.
Swing doors are less likely to be left open, but may be a hassle for your staff. Sliding doors are the least obstructive, but are more likely to be left open.
Quality and Durability
Retail beverage coolers are an investment, and naturally, you want your investment to last. When comparing models, consider their quality and durability.
Stainless-steel coolers are ideal because they are resistant to corrosion, long-lasting and easy to keep clean.
When considering durability, don’t forget to look at the cooler’s warranty. Lengthier warranties are often a sign of a quality product and will also give you peace of mind that your purchase is protected.
Our Top Commercial Beer Coolers Reviews
Finding the right cooler doesn’t have to be complicated. We have a number of beer coolers for commercial use in our shop. Let’s look at some of our top models.
Atosa MBC65GR
The Atosa MBC65GR is a stainless steel commercial bottle cooler with a large capacity and modern design.
Two easy-glide lids make it easy to grab what you need and go. Safety lid locks also keep unwanted hands out of the cooler.
When it comes to performance, this cooler is impressive. It features a Dixell digital temperature controller, has a removable compressor for added convenience and uses the eco-friendly R290 refrigerant.
Your staff will appreciate the built-in cap catcher and bottle opener.
The MBC65GR is ideal for storing a wide range of beverages, from ale to water cola and other bottled drinks.
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 64.8” W x 27.8” D x 38.7” H
- Temp range: 33℉ - 40℉
- Weight: 278 lbs.
- Material: Stainless steel
IKON IBC-49
The IKON IBC-49 is a bit smaller than the previous horizontal bottle cooler, but it still has a generous capacity.
The IBC-49 has a self-contained refrigeration system, two sliding doors and LED lighting. Store up to twelve 12-ounce cans or eighteen 12-ounce bottles.
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 49.4” W x 27” D x 35” H
- Temp range: 33℉ - 40℉
- Weight: 309 lbs.
- Material: Stainless steel
Blue Air BBC-36-B-HC
Blue Air’s BBC-36-B-HC cooler is a compact underbar refrigerator that’s ideal for smaller bars, cafes and restaurants. It features a side-mounted compressor and front breathing for great efficiency even in tight spaces. This setup also means that you can service the unit without even having to move it.
But if you do have to move this cooler, it does have casters to make life easier.
The BBC-36-B-HC runs on R-290 refrigerant, which helps increase energy efficiency by up to 25%.
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 28.5” W x 36.75” D x 33.3” H
- Temp range: 33°F - 39°F
- Weight: 141 lbs.
- Material: Stainless steel
Leader ESBC60
The Leader ESBC60 cooler features an all-stainless-steel design and a self-contained refrigerator with a 1/3 HP compressor.
A defrost timer prevents icing, and the interior is insulated with polyurethane foam.
The easy-glide, self-closing lids make it easy for staff to get what they need. They’ll also appreciate the built-in bottle opener and cap catcher.
For easy servicing and cleaning, this cooler sits on five-inch casters.
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 60” W x 36” H
- Temp range: 33°F - 38°F
- Weight: 208 lbs.
- Material: Stainless steel
Beverage Air DW94-B
For high-volume bars and restaurants, the DW94-B is a great option. This unit has an impressive capacity:
- 39 cases of 12-ounce bottles
- 55-3/4 cases of 12-ounce cans
Gliding lids allow staff to grab bottles or cans effortlessly, and wire dividers help keep things organized.
A self-defrosting evaporator uses fans to push chilled air quickly throughout the unit. This system ensures that your beverages chill quickly and stay chilled.
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 95” W x 33-7/8” H
- Temp range: 33°F - 38°F
- Weight: 468 lbs.
- Material: Stainless steel
Final Thoughts
Commercial bottle coolers will keep your bar or restaurant running smoothly by giving your staff quick and easy access to your bottled and canned drinks.
We’ve shared just a few of the many coolers we have in our inventory.
We encourage you to check out all of our bottle coolers and weigh your options to find the right one for your establishment.