Ice Bins & Chests
Keep ice within easy reach behind the bar with commercial underbar ice bins and ice chests. Shop stainless steel ice bins in a range of sizes and capacities, with options like built-in cold plates, bottle rails, and divider panels for busy bars, restaurants, and beverage stations.
Underbar Ice Bins and Ice Chests
An underbar ice bin is the center of any busy bar station. It keeps a large supply of ice right at the bartender's fingertips, so drinks and cocktails can be made quickly without trips to the ice machine. Faster drink service means shorter waits, happier guests, and more sales during peak hours.
Ice bins are one of the core pieces of a complete underbar system, working alongside bar sinks, cocktail stations, and blender stations. Together they create an efficient, organized workspace where everything a bartender needs is within arm's reach.
Why Use a Commercial Ice Bin?
Commercial bar ice bins are insulated to slow melting, built from durable stainless steel for constant daily use, and designed to drain meltwater away so ice stays clean and dry. They're used in bars, restaurants, hotels, banquet halls, and catering setups.
How to Choose the Right Ice Bin
Size and Ice Capacity
Ice bins are measured by width and ice capacity in pounds. Choose a size that holds enough ice to get through your busiest rush without constant refilling, and that fits the space available in your underbar layout.
Cold Plates
Some ice bins include a built-in cold plate that chills soda and beverage lines running to a bar gun or dispenser. The ice sitting on the cold plate keeps drinks cold as they're poured, so you don't need a separate chiller. If you use a soda gun, an ice bin with a cold plate is a great space saver.
Bottle Rails
Many ice bins include a bottle rail, also called a speed rail, mounted to the front. It keeps the most-used liquor and mixers in easy reach for faster drink making.
Divider Panels
A divider lets you split the ice bin into sections, such as one side for ice and one side for chilling bottles. This helps keep serving ice separate and organized.
Lids
Sliding or hinged covers help keep ice clean and slow melting during slower periods and after hours.
Construction and Drainage
Look for stainless steel construction, thick insulation, and a reliable drain to carry away meltwater. Adjustable legs help level the unit and line it up with the rest of your underbar equipment. Choose NSF-listed equipment to meet health code requirements.
Keeping Bar Ice Clean and Safe
Ice is considered food, so it should be handled with the same care as any other food item. Following a few simple practices helps keep your ice bin sanitary and your customers safe.
Use the Right Scoop
Always use a dedicated ice scoop, never a glass or bare hands. Glass can chip or break in the ice, and any broken glass in the bin means the entire bin must be emptied, cleaned, and refilled.
Store the Scoop Properly
Keep the ice scoop in a scoop holder or clean container outside the ice, with the handle up. Leaving the scoop buried in the ice can spread germs.
Keep the Bin for Ice Only
Don't store food, garnishes, or bottles directly in serving ice. If you need to chill bottles, use a divider or a separate bin.
Clean the Bin Regularly
Empty, wash, rinse, and sanitize the ice bin on a regular schedule, and check the drain to make sure it's flowing freely. Always follow your local health code and the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
Ice Bin FAQs
What size ice bin do I need for my bar?
It depends on how many drinks you serve during your busiest hours and how much space you have behind the bar. A high-volume bar needs a larger bin, or multiple bins, to keep up without frequent refilling.
What is a cold plate in an ice bin?
A cold plate is a metal plate in the bottom of the ice bin with beverage lines running through it. The ice keeps the plate cold, which chills soda and other beverages as they flow to a bar gun or dispenser.
Do ice bins need to be connected to a drain?
Yes. Ice bins have a drain to carry away meltwater, which should be connected according to local plumbing codes.
How often should I clean my ice bin?
Clean and sanitize your ice bin regularly, and empty and clean it right away if glass breaks near the bin. Follow your local health code requirements and the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
What is the difference between an ice bin and an ice chest?
Underbar ice bins are built into a bar station and are designed for fast drink service. Ice chests are usually freestanding or portable, making them useful for storing ice at events, beverage stations, and catering setups.
