Collection: Back Bar & Bar Refrigerators

Back bar refrigerators keep beer, wine, mixers and garnishes cold under the back counter, within reach of the bartender. This collection includes EFI Versa Chill back bar coolers in solid-door, swing glass-door, sliding glass-door and direct draw versions, from a 24" single-door unit up to 90" three-door models, in black or stainless steel. It also includes Hoshizaki black back bar refrigerators: the BB59, the two-door BB59-G and the three-door BB80-G.

True TBB back bar coolers are listed under Undercounter Refrigerators & Freezers, and wine storage is in Wine Refrigerators. The full cold line is under Refrigeration, Freezing & Ice Equipment.

Types of back bar refrigerators

• Solid-door back bar coolers: EFI models from 48" two-door to 90" three-door for back-up beer, mixers and garnishes that guests do not need to see.
• Swing glass-door coolers: EFI 48" to 90" models and the Hoshizaki BB59-G (59", two doors) and BB80-G (80", three doors) put bottled product on display behind the bar.
• Sliding glass-door coolers: EFI 48", 60" and 72" models with doors that slide rather than swing, which helps where the aisle behind the bar is tight.
• Direct draw coolers: EFI keg coolers from a 24" single-door unit to 90" three-door models, used to supply draft beer through a tower on top. Check each listing for tower, tap and keg-fitting details before ordering.

What to consider when choosing a back bar cooler

• Width and door count: Measure the back bar run. EFI widths step from 24" (one door) to 48" and 60" (two doors) and 72" and 90" (three doors); Hoshizaki offers 59" and 80".
• Bottled or draft: Choose a direct draw cooler for kegs and a tap tower; choose a solid or glass-door cooler for bottles and cans.
• Door style: Glass sells bottled product to guests, solid doors hide back-up stock, and sliding doors keep the walkway clear.
• Finish: Black blends into most bar millwork; stainless suits open or industrial bar designs. Many EFI models come in both.
• Ventilation and clearance: Back bar units often sit under a counter. Check the spec sheet for ventilation and clearance requirements before building one in.
• Peak volume: Size for your busiest night, counting cases and kegs rather than individual bottles.

Related categories

• Undercounter refrigerators & freezers — including True TBB back bar coolers
• Cold beverage machines — including True TDD direct draw beer dispensers
• Wine refrigerators — dual-zone storage for bottles by the glass
• Merchandising refrigerators & freezers — upright glass-door coolers for grab-and-go drinks
• Commercial ice machines and ice bins & dispensers
• Beer mugs & glasses
• Bar serving supplies and ice scoops
• Refrigeration parts & accessories

Buying guides

• Commercial Refrigeration Buying Guide by Operation
• Choose the Perfect True Commercial Refrigerator

Back bar refrigerator FAQs

What is the difference between a back bar cooler and a direct draw cooler?

A back bar cooler stores bottles and cans on shelves. A direct draw cooler holds kegs inside the cabinet and feeds draft beer to a tower mounted on top.

Should I choose glass or solid doors?

Glass doors help sell bottled product facing the guest. Solid doors suit back-up stock and keep the bar looking tidy.

When do sliding doors make sense?

Sliding doors do not open into the aisle, so they suit narrow bars where swing doors would block staff.

Where are the True back bar models?

True TBB back bar coolers are listed in the Undercounter Refrigerators & Freezers collection.