An under bar freezer sits beneath the counter and keeps ice, garnishes, frozen mixers and frosted-glass stock within arm's reach. The first big choice is between a glass door and a solid door. This guide compares them, then covers size, height and ventilation so the unit fits your bar and works the way you serve.
Glass door bar freezer or solid door freezer?
A glass door bar freezer lets staff see what is inside without opening the door. That saves time on busy nights and cuts the amount of cold air that escapes. Glass also works as a display when guests can see the unit.
A solid door freezer hides the contents, holds temperature more easily and suits storage that guests never see. If the unit sits in a sunny or warm spot, solid doors are usually the simpler choice.
- Choose glass when staff or guests benefit from seeing stock
- Choose solid when the unit is out of sight or in a hot position
- Look for double glazing and good door seals on any glass model
What to check on glazing
Single-pane glass transfers more heat than double glazing. Check the specification for the glazing type, whether the glass is heated to reduce condensation, and the quality of the door gasket. Replacement seals and locks are available in our door locks and gaskets range.
Under bar freezer sizes and doors
Under bar models come with one, two or three doors, and some use drawers instead. Wider units hold more but need more bench space. Compare capacity in litres, and measure the full opening before you buy. Our under bar freezers category lets you browse by door count, and you can narrow to single door, double door or triple door models.
Height, depth and clearance
Most under bar freezers are made to fit beneath a standard bench. Check these measurements:
- the stated height, including legs or castors
- the depth, so the door can open fully
- the opening width, with space on each side if the manual requires it
Our bar fridge ventilation guide explains why clearance matters and what front-breathing units need.
Under bench freezer or undercounter freezer: same thing?
The names are used interchangeably. An under bench freezer and an undercounter freezer both fit beneath a work surface. Heights and ventilation designs differ between models, so rely on the specification rather than the name.
Where under bar freezers fit in a bar
Plan the layout around the well. Ice and frosted glassware should be close to the bartender, with fridges nearby for mixers. Pair your freezer with a back bar fridge for bottles, and consider a glass froster if you serve frosted glasses.
Cleaning and care
Wipe the interior and the door seals regularly, and keep the condenser clear of dust. A dirty condenser reduces airflow and makes the compressor work harder. If the freezer has manual defrost, follow the steps in the manual and do not chip ice with sharp tools. Replace worn seals promptly, because a failing seal lets cold air escape and builds frost.
Noise, power and running costs
An under bar freezer runs all day, so energy information matters. Compare the stated power use and the climate class, and check noise information if the bar is a quiet room. A well-sealed unit that is not packed too full runs less often. Glass door models can use more energy than solid door models of the same size, so weigh the display benefit against the running cost.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Measuring the opening but not the delivery path
- Forgetting that legs or castors add height
- Blocking the vents with boxes or joinery
- Choosing a glass door when the unit sits in direct sun
- Overfilling the cabinet so air cannot move
Avoiding these keeps the freezer cooling well and makes it last longer.
Matching the freezer to your menu
Think about what you will store. A bar that serves frozen cocktails and desserts needs more space than one that only holds ice. Drawers suit small items that you want to reach without bending, while doors suit bulky bags. If you are unsure, choose a slightly larger unit, because an overfull freezer cools poorly.
Installation and delivery
Check the doorway, stairs and the path to the bar before delivery day. Let the freezer settle upright for the time stated in the manual before you switch it on, and give it time to reach temperature before loading it. Report any transit damage straight away with photos.
Buying under bar freezers for sale
Before you order, confirm the dimensions, door type, climate class, warranty and delivery terms. If you are fitting out a venue, send your list through the quote form and we will reply with a delivered price. You can also compare models side by side with the compare tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is a glass door or solid door under bar freezer better?
Neither is better for everyone. Glass shows stock and helps staff find items quickly, while solid doors hold temperature more easily and suit stock that customers never see.
How high is an under bar freezer?
Heights vary by model, but many are made to fit beneath a bench of around 900 mm. Always check the stated height, including legs or castors, against your opening.
Do glass door freezers cost more to run?
Glass lets in more heat than a solid door, so a poorly glazed door can use more power. Double glazing, good seals and sensible placement help.
Where can I see under bar freezers for sale?
Our under bar freezers category lists single, double, triple door and drawer models with sizes and prices.