Blender Stations

Blender Stations: What You Need to Know

Though blender stations may not be the first consideration in building a bar, these sturdy equipment stands are crucial for establishments offering blended drinks like frozen margaritas and boozy milkshakes. They also come in handy in smoothie shops and kiosks, where their low profiles keep the counter area clear for interactions between customers and employees.

Common Questions About Blender Stations

What is a blender station?

These units are designed and fabricated to hold equipment such as blenders at accessible heights, but low enough they can hide below counters in bars, smoothie shops, and the like. Most are fairly narrow, with widths typically between 12 and 18 inches, so they provide a compact workstation in cramped quarters. Generally, these units have a low shelf on which the blender itself operates, with a step-up behind that has either a storage shelf or small sink. They all offer cutouts for power lines and most have integral utility boxes that can be connected to power supplies running through back-bar chases.

Do I need a bar blender station?

The answer to that question is entirely dictated by what your operation serves, but if your menu does not include blended drinks, it may be worth considering an addition. Frozen beverages are a popular option at bars that offer them and typically are high-profit items, because a significant portion of each drink is ice and patrons don't expect top-shelf liquors in such concoctions. Additionally, having a blender handy equips employees to prepare smoothies, milkshakes, and other drink menu favorites on demand.

Should I get an underbar blender station with a sink?

The sink on a blender station can be used for a wide variety of tasks, including rinsing blender containers, dumping beverages left by patrons, and cleaning garnishes before prep. There's no set indicator for whether a sink is necessary; you just need to think about the workflow in your operation and decide if it would be useful for you. Alternatively, you may want to opt for a step-up shelf provided by a unit without a sink for storing items, including extra containers and mixers.

What else can a bar blender station be used for?

Despite their very specific name, these units can be used to hold most compact appliances that may be needed by a bartender or smoothie maker, including electric juicers and spindle mixers. With their flat work surfaces and cutouts for power cords, they are highly versatile. They can also be used as prep and storage space, while units equipped with sinks can be used to clean garnishes for prep, dumping excess drinks, and washing hands, among other tasks.

Are there underbar blender stations for large blenders or drink machines?

Absolutely. Some units have large shelves and no step-up or sink areas, which is perfect for large blending systems and frozen drink dispensers. Those are equipped with raised lips around their shelves to contain spills, as well as drains that facilitate clearing spills from the work surface. These bar blender stations provide open cabinet storage below their shelves that can keep extra containers, mixers, and other necessary items close and conveniently at hand.