Back bar units are taller and have interior lighting for displaying wine as well as canned and bottled beverages at the bar. Operators often use back bar units in conjunction with beer dispensing systems.
Operators often use reach-in style back-bar coolers in the underbar part of the bar. Despite being called back-bar coolers, operators do not need to locate these units on the back bar. The approximate height of the cabinet is 36 inches if set on the floor or 42 inches if on 6-inch legs.
Undercounter units can be 24 to 108 inches long, but most often measure 28, 36, 48, 60 and 72 inches. The standard depth is about 30 inches, but narrower units that are 27 ½ inches are available. Heights vary from 30 inches for undercounter units to 83 inches. The capacities are up to 5 kegs or up to 33 cases of long neck bottled beer.
Doors are standard, while drawers are optional, and drawer and door combinations are available. Top- and bottom-mount compressors are available.
Back-bar refrigerators have a service life between 12 and 15 years.
The interior should be kept as clean as possible. Operators also should check for broken glass and proper door closing on a regular basis. Gaskets should be checked for tears, since bacteria can grow.
