Underbar Equipment

Back Bar Equipment: What You Need to Know

The underbar equipment category encompasses a broad selection, from refrigeration and ice makers to storage and sinks. Belying their name, underbar equipment is not all designed to fit underneath a countertop – many of these pieces, such as the sinks, would be rendered fairly useless with countertops over them. This equipment is made to fit in the narrow confines behind a bar, providing versatility and function to bar operators.

Depending on the needs of your establishment, you'll want different underbar equipment to achieve your goals. Some businesses benefit from having a blender station to make complex mixtures and frozen cocktails, while others would do better to purchase high-end liquor displays to merchandize premium products. Most bars benefit from some refrigerated storage near the point of service to reduce travel time between bar and kitchen, and a dump sink can expedite cleaning.

Common Questions About Underbar Equipment

How is back bar equipment different from normal restaurant equipment?

Underbar equipment is made to be unobtrusive and compact, as most commercial bars have little space upon construction. These underbar-specific pieces are made to be as economical as possible with space, fitting underneath a counter whenever possible. So, back bar refrigerators and storage are small units made to stay out of the way until needed, while blender stations provide their namesake function without disrupting your bar's workflow. Pieces in this category usually are smaller than full-size equipment.

What exactly is a speed rail?

Speed rails are one of the easiest ways to add bar functionality. Instead of installing sizeable new appliances, you simply attach this to your rail for instant access to your most commonly needed bottles. Speed rails can be one or two rows deep, with various lengths to accommodate almost any size bar.

Do I need a dump sink?

Commercial foodservice establishments commonly need multiple sinks. Your dump sink cannot be your handwashing sink and vice versa, which means you'll need at least two. You can find large underbar sinks that keep up with very high-volume drink cleanup or small, single-well units that occupy as little space as possible.

What is a blender station?

Blender stations hold blending equipment at an appropriate height behind a bar, whether that's a standard bar, smoothie shop, or other front-facing establishment. Blender stations keep the equipment low for ease of access and to hide the inner workings of your establishment from your customers. These pieces enable you to present a clean, controlled aesthetic to your customers while providing blended products. Any bar that wants to serve blended drinks could use a blender station, including frozen drinks that provide high profit margins. Blenders and other mixing equipment can also be used to offer smoothies, milkshakes, or whatever other creative concoction you've come up with, without returning to the kitchen, saving time and increasing speed of service.