Barkühlschrank: How to Pick One Without Wasting Money
Are you looking for the perfect way to keep your drinks cold? A Barkühlschrank (bar fridge) might be exactly what you need. Whether you want cold beer at your home party or need to serve drinks at your restaurant, this guide will help you make the right choice.
In this blog post, we cover what a bar fridge is, how to choose the best one, and how to avoid common mistakes that cost people money.
What is a Barkühlschrank?
A Barkühlschrank is a special refrigerator made just for drinks. It is smaller than a regular kitchen fridge. You can put it under a counter, behind a bar, or anywhere you need cold drinks fast.
These fridges are popular in bars, restaurants, hotels, and home entertainment areas. They keep drinks at the perfect temperature so your guests always have something cold to enjoy.
How is it Different from a Regular Fridge?
A bar fridge is not the same as the fridge in your kitchen. Here are the main differences:
- Size: Bar fridges are compact and fit in small spaces
- Glass Door: Most have see-through doors so you can see your drinks
- Temperature: Made to keep drinks at 2°C to 10°C (perfect for beverages)
- Design: Looks stylish and professional
- Shelves: Adjustable racks designed for bottles and cans
Types of Bar Fridges You Can Buy
Not all bar fridges are the same. Here are the main types you will find:
1. Single Door Bar Fridge
This is the most common type. It has one door and holds between 100 to 200 liters. Perfect for small home bars or kiosks. Price range: €200 to €500.
2. Double Door Bar Fridge
This type has two doors and holds 200 to 400 liters. Good for restaurants and busy bars. Two doors mean drinks stay colder because you only open half the fridge at a time. Price range: €500 to €1,200.
3. Triple Door Bar Fridge
The biggest option with three doors. Holds 400+ liters. Best for large restaurants, clubs, and hotels. Price range: €1,000 to €2,500.
4. Undercounter Bar Fridge
This type fits under your bar counter. It saves space and looks clean. Popular in modern kitchens and professional bars. Price range: €300 to €800.
5. Drawer Style Bar Fridge
Instead of doors, this type has pull-out drawers. Very easy to organize and find what you need quickly. Popular in cocktail bars. Price range: €600 to €1,500.
How to Choose the Right Bar Fridge
Choosing the right bar fridge is important. A wrong choice can waste your money or not meet your needs. Here is what to look for:
Step 1: Measure Your Space
Before buying, measure where you want to put the fridge. Write down the height, width, and depth. Leave at least 10cm of space behind the fridge for air to flow. This helps the fridge work better and use less electricity.
Step 2: Think About Capacity
How many drinks do you need to store? Here is a simple guide:
- Home bar (1-4 people): 100-150 liters
- Small café or office: 150-200 liters
- Restaurant: 200-400 liters
- Busy bar or club: 400+ liters
Step 3: Choose Your Door Type
Glass Door vs. Solid Door
| Glass Door | Solid Door |
|---|---|
| See drinks without opening | Better insulation |
| Looks attractive | Uses less electricity |
| Best for: Bars, restaurants | Best for: Storage rooms |
Swing Door vs. Sliding Door
- Swing Door: Opens like a normal door. Gives easy access but needs space in front
- Sliding Door: Slides to the side. Saves space. Perfect for tight areas
Step 4: Check Energy Efficiency
A bar fridge runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This means electricity costs add up fast. Look for the energy label. Classes A, B, and C are the most efficient. Class G uses the most power.
Quick tip: A fridge with a glass door uses a bit more electricity, but you open it less often because you can see inside. This can actually save energy in a busy bar.
How Much Electricity Does a Bar Fridge Use?
This is a question many people forget to ask. But electricity costs can be higher than you think over many years.
Here is what you can expect:
| Fridge Size | Yearly kWh | Cost/Year* |
|---|---|---|
| Small (100L) | 150-200 kWh | €60-80 |
| Medium (200L) | 250-350 kWh | €100-140 |
| Large (400L) | 400-500 kWh | €160-200 |
Based on €0.40 per kWh
5 Ways to Save on Electricity
- Keep it away from heat: Do not put your fridge next to an oven, heater, or in direct sunlight
- Leave space behind: Air needs to flow around the fridge to keep it working well
- Set the right temperature: For drinks, 5°C to 7°C is usually perfect. Every degree colder uses 10% more power
- Keep it full: A full fridge holds cold better than an empty one
- Clean regularly: Dust on the back makes the motor work harder
Important Features to Look For
Features You Really Need
- Temperature Display: Shows exactly how cold it is inside
- Adjustable Shelves: Move shelves to fit different bottle sizes
- LED Lighting: Uses less power and shows drinks beautifully
- Auto Defrost: Prevents ice build-up, saves maintenance time
- Door Lock: Keeps drinks safe (important for businesses)
Nice-to-Have Features
- Double-Glazed Glass: Better insulation, less condensation
- Reversible Door: Choose which side the door opens
- Quiet Motor: Important for restaurants where guests sit nearby
- Self-Closing Door: Door closes on its own if left open
7 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make these mistakes when buying a bar fridge. Learn from others so you do not waste money:
- Buying too small: Always buy a bit bigger than you think you need
- Ignoring energy costs: A cheap fridge with high energy use costs more over 10 years
- Forgetting to measure: The fridge does not fit the space you planned
- Wrong temperature range: Some fridges cannot get cold enough for beer
- No warranty: Always buy from sellers who offer at least 2 years warranty
- Putting it in a hot place: Heat makes the fridge work harder and break sooner
- Skipping professional brands: Good brands like Polar, Gamko, and Liebherr last longer
Bar Fridge for Home vs. Business: What is Different?
For Home Use
If you want a bar fridge for your home bar, man cave, or entertainment room:
- You do not need commercial-grade equipment
- A smaller fridge (100-150L) is usually enough
- Look for quiet motors (under 40 dB)
- Style matters more – choose something that looks good
- Budget: €200-500 is enough
For Business Use
If you run a bar, restaurant, or café:
- Buy commercial-grade fridges made for heavy use
- Get bigger capacity (200L or more)
- Stainless steel interior is easier to clean
- Door locks are important for inventory control
- Budget: €500-2000+ depending on size
How to Keep Your Bar Fridge Working Great
A well-maintained bar fridge can last 10-15 years. Here is how to take care of it:
Weekly Tasks
- Wipe down the shelves
- Clean the glass door with a soft cloth
- Remove expired items
Monthly Tasks
- Clean the door seals with warm soapy water
- Check that the temperature is still correct
- Look for any frost build-up
Every 6 Months
- Clean the condenser coils at the back
- Empty the fridge and clean inside thoroughly
- Check the drain hole is not blocked
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should a bar fridge be set to?
For most drinks, set it between 3°C and 7°C. Beer tastes best at 4-6°C. White wine is best at 7-10°C.
Can I use a bar fridge for wine?
For short-term storage (a few weeks), yes. For long-term storage, get a proper wine cooler. Wine needs constant temperature, humidity control, and protection from light.
How long do bar fridges last?
A good quality bar fridge lasts 10-15 years with proper care. Cheaper models may only last 5-7 years.
Is a bar fridge noisy?
Most modern bar fridges are quiet (35-45 dB). This is about as loud as a whisper. Look for models with “silent cooling” if noise is a concern.
Can I put food in a bar fridge?
Yes, but bar fridges are designed for drinks. The shelves are made for bottles. If you need to store food, a regular mini fridge might work better.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Barkühlschrank is not hard when you know what to look for. Remember these key points:
- Measure your space first
- Choose the right size for your needs
- Look at energy efficiency
- Pick glass or solid door based on your use
- Buy from trusted brands with good warranty
A bar fridge is an investment. Spend a little more now on quality, and it will serve you well for many years. Your drinks will always be cold, your guests will be happy, and your electricity bills will stay low.
Now you have all the information you need. Happy shopping!
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