Best Commercial Back Bar Cabinets for Bars and Restaurants
The best commercial back bar cabinet depends on how much refrigerated storage you need, whether staff benefit from glass-door visibility, and how the unit fits behind or beneath your counter. The Empura 90-inch model is suited to high-volume operations, while the Arctic Air offers stated capacity and temperature details. The Beverage-Air is a pass-through option; ORYMUSE and BODEGA suit buyers prioritizing compact dimensions or solid doors.
| Product | Best For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Empura 90-inch | High-volume beverage storage | Three sections and digital temperature display |
| Beverage-Air BB72HC | Pass-through service layouts | Refrigerated pass-through design |
| ORYMUSE 36-inch | Smaller under-counter spaces | 7.2 cubic feet; two glass doors |
| Arctic Air ABB72G | Visible, organized beverage stock | 20.7 cubic feet; six shelves |
| BODEGA 47-inch | Solid-door storage and work surface | 12 cubic feet; stainless steel top |
Empura 90-Inch Three-Door Back Bar Cooler
The Empura is best for bars, restaurants, or buffets that need substantial beverage inventory close to service. Its 90.4-inch width and three-section cabinet provide broad storage, while swing glass doors let staff see products inside. An electronic thermostat and digital LED display provide temperature monitoring and adjustment.
Foam insulation is specified throughout the cabinet, and the unit uses R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant. Choose this model when storage capacity and visible stock matter more than a compact footprint. Its listed width and 115V electrical requirement mean operators should verify available floor space and electrical arrangements before purchase.
Beverage-Air BB72HC Pass-Through Cabinet
This Beverage-Air model is best for a service layout where a refrigerated pass-through cabinet suits staff workflow. The product is identified as a refrigerated back bar cabinet with a pass-through design. Its listed dimensions are 36 inches high, 72 inches wide, and 25.75 inches deep, with a listed weight of 448 pounds.
Choose it if the pass-through format is a priority and the specified dimensions fit your bar plan. The provided product details do not state storage capacity, temperature range, door configuration, or electrical requirements, so confirm those specifications with the seller before ordering.
ORYMUSE 36-Inch Under-Counter Cooler
The ORYMUSE is best for a smaller bar or shared beverage area needing under-counter storage. It measures 35.43 inches wide, 20.79 inches deep, and 34.06 inches high, with 7.2 cubic feet of capacity. The listed temperature range is 32°F to 64°F, and the cooler includes white LED lighting, a safety lock with keys, adjustable feet, and two glass doors.
Dual-pane glass is described as reducing UV exposure and heat transfer. Choose this unit when visibility and a lockable cabinet matter in a compact footprint. Its stated cooling range extends above typical beverage-serving temperatures, so check that it meets the needs of the products you plan to store.
Arctic Air ABB72G Three-Door Refrigerator
The Arctic Air is best for operators who want a larger glass-door display with stated capacity and temperature information. It provides 20.7 cubic feet of storage and is listed to hold 84 six-packs of 12-ounce cans. Three glass doors make stored products visible, and six included shelves support organization.
The listed operating temperature range is 33°F to 41°F. The unit has a 1.5-inch-thick foamed stainless steel top for workspace and a black powder-coated steel front and sides. Choose it for visible inventory and a usable top surface. Its 73-inch width requires more room than compact under-counter models.
BODEGA 47-Inch Solid-Door Back Bar Cooler
The BODEGA is best for buyers who prefer solid doors and a stainless steel top that can serve as a work surface. It measures 47.24 inches wide, 24.8 inches deep, and 36.81 inches high, with 12 cubic feet of capacity. The listing states capacity for up to 153 bottles or 306 cans and a cooling range of 32°F to 50°F.
Its foam-insulated doors are presented as an alternative to glass-door models, and the unit has a SUS 304 stainless steel top and four casters, including two front casters with brakes. Choose it when concealed storage and a wipeable top are useful. Solid doors do not provide the at-a-glance product visibility of glass doors.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Commercial Back Bar Cabinet
How much capacity and counter space do you need?
Measure the installation area before comparing storage volume. Include width, depth, height, door-swing clearance, and any space needed for staff movement. The 90-inch Empura and 73-inch Arctic Air target larger footprints; the ORYMUSE is a more compact option. Match stated capacity to expected stock and restocking frequency rather than choosing by exterior size alone.
Should you choose glass or solid doors?
Glass doors make products easier to identify without opening the cabinet, which can help staff check stock quickly. Solid doors conceal contents and may suit back-of-house storage. Compare the BODEGA’s solid-door design with the glass-door Empura, ORYMUSE, and Arctic Air, considering visibility, cabinet placement, and the style of service.
What temperature and installation details matter?
Compare the listed temperature range with the requirements of the beverages or foods you intend to store. Check electrical specifications, ventilation needs, dimensions, door clearance, and whether a counter-height top fits the work area. Product information varies: confirm any missing details with the seller or manufacturer before purchase, especially for the Beverage-Air listing.
Is a pass-through design right for your workflow?
A pass-through cabinet may suit a layout where staff need access from more than one side. The Beverage-Air BB72HC is identified as a refrigerated pass-through model, but its supplied details do not describe its capacity or exact door arrangement. Verify the design against your floor plan before selecting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a commercial back bar cabinet?
It is a commercial refrigeration cabinet designed for beverage storage in a bar or service area, often positioned beneath or behind a counter.
Are glass doors useful on a back bar cooler?
Glass doors let staff view stored products without opening the cabinet. They are useful when quick inventory checks and visible beverage presentation are priorities.
What capacity should a bar cooler have?
Choose capacity based on expected beverage inventory, available floor space, and how often staff can restock. Compare cubic feet and stated bottle or can capacity when available.
Can a back bar refrigerator fit under a counter?
Some models are described for under-counter use, including the ORYMUSE. Check the cooler’s height, width, depth, ventilation requirements, and door clearance against the installation space.
Why check the temperature range before buying?
The listed range helps determine whether a cabinet can maintain the conditions needed for the products you plan to store. Compare product requirements with the manufacturer’s stated operating range.