Essential Bar Equipment List: Equipment Needed to Start a Bar

Opening a bar requires a lot more than just shelves for your glasses and refrigerators for your alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, if you don’t do enough research and prepare, you won’t realize all the essential bits and pieces you’re missing before it’s too late.

In the midst of making a cocktail, you reach over for the shaker only to find you don’t have one. Or perhaps one of your guests has cut their finger, but oh no, where’s the first aid kit? 

These are just a few examples of the different kinds of equipment essential for your bar to run smoothly for a long, long time. 

So, while you’re establishing a budget to get your business off of the ground,  write an extensive list of all the bar supplies you will need to make it happen. This should all be in your business plan, which is the very foundation of your establishment and will ensure you have everything covered while preparing for potential obstacles.

Give you and your bar the best chance at success by reading our comprehensive guide on what bar equipment is required to serve food and drinks in a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment that will keep customers coming back for more. 

What’s in This Guide?

• Essential Bar Equipment List

• Bar Equipment Costs

• What to Consider Before Buying Bar Equipment

• Detailed Bar Equipment Checklist

• Begin a Successful Bar Business

• FAQs

What Equipment Do You Need In a Bar

Whether you plan to serve thirsty patrons cocktails or craft beer, you’ll need a shopping list of all the things you’ll need before you even open the doors. 

Make note of the following items and make sure you get all the right tools necessary for your establishment type whether it lean towards a restaurant, club, or somewhere in between.

• Freezers and refrigerators

• Ice maker

• Keg equipment

• Bar accessories

• Coffee brewing equipment

• Espresso machine

• Drip brewer

• Ranges, Grills, and Ventilation

• Gas range

• Flat range

• Induction

• Smokers

• Small-space ventilation

• Microwaves

• Food prep surfaces

• Food prep equipment

• Knives

• Cutting boards

• Pots and pans

• Mixing bowls

• Food processors

• Blenders

• Mixers

• Storage containers and shelving

• Safety equipment

• Gloves

• Aprons

• First Aid Kit

• Date Labels

• Sani-buckets

• Bar rags

• Food-grade chemical supplies

• Chemical Safety Data Sheets

• Sinks

• Compartment sinks

• Disposal sinks

• Handwashing sink

• Dishwashers

• Restaurant point of sale system

• Kitchen Display System (KDS)

• Serviceware

• Table service essentials

• Paper boats, plates, or clamshells

• Utensils

• Napkins or Linen

How Much is Equipment for a Bar

Put simply, depending on how much and what kind of bar equipment you need, it will cost you anywhere between $20,000 and $40,000, and that’s just for back-of-house equipment. 

Different establishment styles will either require a kitchen or not. With the former, you may increase revenue by serving food, but prepare for a long bar equipment list with expensive white goods and more safety supplies.

You should also consider target market and brand. High-class bars will need items that represent the quality through bar furniture, tables, and even the menu presented to guests. 

If you need restaurant or bar financing, check out your options in our Complete Guide to Restaurant Financing and Loans.

Things to Consider Before Buying Restaurant Equipment

The right tools are a valuable investment for your business. For example, buying a load of used refrigeration units that leave you having to maintain them every few weeks will drain all that money initially saved upfront on repairs. 

Put simply, it may cost more upfront to buy high-quality, fresh off the shelf bar equipment, but when you choose options such as this, you will save money down the line. Buying reliable equipment also ensures you’re not left with a broken fridge or faulty speed rails. 

Here are things to keep in mind while you check off your bar equipment list.

1. Quality

Bar equipment will be one of your biggest investments; there’s no doubt about it. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however, as it ensures you are kitted out with each essential tool required to run your bar. 

Bartenders can’t pour cold drinks without ice cube trays or serve the perfect cocktail without a shaker or martini glasses. Buy bartending tools that are high quality as they will be durable, safe, and easy to use, which are all essential for keeping employees and customers happy. 

Extra detail is required when making large purchases that are the backbone of your business workflow. Do plenty of research and talk to others in the industry for valuable insights into what brand of machinery they prefer and what ones to stay away from. 

2. Space

It’s important to consider how much space you will reserve for your bar and refrigeration. Bar equipment that fits into your establishment while being easily accessible helps bartenders get what they need in a quick flow and prevents fire hazards from blocking doorways. 

Guests will also appreciate a neatly organized workspace, even if it’s behind the bar. It shows you have things under control and can keep on top of clutter. 

3. Planning Your Kitchen

Bartenders are skilled at making beverages consistently and efficiently, but even the best workers can’t operate to the best of their abilities with an unorganized bar layout. 

Sit down with your head bartender and organize the workspace layout together to ensure you plan it around the natural flow of your team instead of interrupting their established process and essentially retraining them. Swapping the bottles with the wine glasses or moving the bar top can easily throw off those who are used to a certain layout. 

It’s also a good idea to consult a restaurant or kitchen planner to help bring your vision to life in the current space while using knowledge and experience to remain pragmatic.

4. Use and Cleaning

Maintaining bar equipment, especially refrigeration units, is crucial for their longevity as part of your business. 

When shopping for different kinds of equipment, choose options that are easy to clean and maintain. It’s almost guaranteed that at some point or another, you will have to get stuck in and fix the equipment yourself no matter how high-quality it is. With constant, intensive use, things are bound to get worn out. 

However, by opting for tools and accessories that are easy to maintain and repair, you save money in hiring a professional, sending the equipment away, or buying a replacement.

Make sure your staff, not only your bartenders know how to use and clean bar equipment properly so that it is less likely to break. You can use a log of daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks to keep on top of it. 

Another crucial element of having clean equipment is its compliance with food safety certification standards. Spot this with the NSF symbol on food equipment. 

5. Suppliers

As we’ve established, the success of your business will depend on your access to quality equipment. Therefore, your relationship with an equipment supplier is an important one. 

The best suppliers will be honest about the technology, engineering, and safety of the products they sell. They should also provide reliable installation, maintenance, and repair services. 

Sourcing Restaurant Equipment

So how do you find each essential tool? This is half the battle. Once you have a comprehensive list and a vision for your ideal bar, it’s time to go about purchasing them. 

Local bar and restaurant wholesalers often have good deals. You can also buy bar equipment and accessories from a reputable online retailer or rent items until you can afford to invest. Renting also allows you to trial-run different kinds of equipment before committing. 

New vs. Used Equipment

Even though it’s typically safer to buy new bar supplies, in some cases, buying used may be better. For example, buying expensive and essential items such as a deep freezer or oven that has been carefully maintained over the years could save upfront and future costs. 

Remember, if you are buying used equipment, don’t just look at the wide selection and choose the cheapest or closest option. You must only buy from reputable sellers. 

6. Pricing

It’s easy to get carried away with the different kinds of shiny equipment, but always have your budget in the back of your mind when shopping. Use your available funds to influence what equipment you prioritize and others you leave until your business brings in more revenue. 

7. Financing or Leasing 

Are you beginning to feel the weight of how much this is all going to cost? Don’t worry, you can get a helping hand by financing or leasing bar equipment while your establishment gets off of the ground.

Ultimate Bar Equipment Checklist

It’s all good to know what bar equipment you need, but it’s also important to know why you need each item and what makes them the right tools for your bar. 

This insight allows you to make informed decisions as to which ones to prioritize and problem-solve for alternatives if something were to go awry. 

1. Freezers, Refrigerators, and Ice Makers

Keeping beverages cold is the primary concern for bartenders. You’ll likely be looking at purchasing or leasing multiple types of refrigerators and freezers. 

Consider running keg lines from a large walk-in cooler or, if you offer just a few drafts, from a small cooler under the bar top. Deep coolers are often used to store domestic beers behind the bar, while standard half or full refrigerators are used to store drink ingredients like fruit garnishes.

You might consider space for wine storage as well if your bar focuses on wine service. Storing and serving wine, liquor, and beer at the right temperatures is crucial for the taste and longevity of the products.

While they may seem menial, ice makers are an essential tool for bar success. Research a reliable ice marker and look at different kinds before you make a decision. Also ensure you develop a plan for staff to clean the maker regularly. 

2. Keg equipment

Kegs are required for any bar or restaurant that wants to pour ice old draft beer. Breweries will deliver full kegs, but your bar needs to be able to tap them. Plan to set up keg lines before opening your bar and spring for optional CO2 pressurization to keep kegs fresh for longer. 

3. Bar accessories

The shakers, muddlers, and strainers aren’t just for flair; these items are necessary for bartenders to make both classic beverages and unique cocktails. 

Invest in quality bar accessories with similar styles to your bar furniture to create a cohesive theme. When in doubt, always opt for stainless steel, as it is durable and easy to clean. 

4. Coffee brewing equipment

Espresso martinis have made a come back in a big way but you have to have espresso to ride the trend. Invest in some inexpensive coffee brewing equipment for thirsty patrons that like an Irish coffee or espresso cocktail. 

5. Ovens, ranges, grills, and ventilation

Typical to bars, the kitchens tend to be small yet functional. Even with limited space, you need to be able to offer cocktails, mixed drinks, wine, and beer alongside food. 

Some states require establishments that want to serve alcoholic beverages to have a kitchen open for the duration of service. With this in mind, be sure to do extensive research to ensure you abide by local law. This is what you should know concerning your kitchen appliances: 

Ovens

Commercial convection ovens circulate heat to evenly bake and roast while combination ovens use steam and heat distribution for steaming and roasting.

Gas range

Gas ranges are easy to control, versatile, and reliable. Many chefs prefer to cook over a gas burner than electric or induction. A gas range is always a solid business investment if natural gas cost efficient and sustainable in your area.

Flat range

Flat ranges are sustainable, requiring very little electricity to run for long periods of time. They are an essential tool for preparing certain kinds of food, such as burritos, burgers, and sandwiches.

Induction

Induction burners generate an electromagnetic current to heat a surface. Magnetic metals transfer heat the best and can be used to heat glass or other surfaces. Induction is a sustainable, versatile, space-conscious, and cost-effective option to add to your bar equipment list. 

Ventilation

Successfully running a kitchen requires ventilation. This is to ensure the kitchen and bar don’t get filled with heat and smoke. If you ignore property ventilation methods, not only is it a direct safety risk, but also creates a very unpleasant experience for your guests. 

Consider the size and space of your kitchen and ensure that your ventilation system has enough power to keep smoke and hot air out of the space you or your cooks have to work in.

6. Microwaves

Great for reheating and quickly steaming food, microwaves are the right tools for multiple things. However, they shouldn’t be on the bar top as this takes up space and looks unsightly. Instead, place at least two microwaves in the kitchen. 

7. Food prep surfaces 

When planning the layout of your bar and kitchen, remember to provide surfaces for bartenders and cooks to work on. Running a bar where there is no place to set things down other than in front of customers is a challenge.

Stainless steel prep counters are classic in kitchens because they are easy to sanitize and won’t transfer unwanted heat to products. Poured concrete is a cost-effective alternative to stainless steel and is just as durable, but there are lots of other alternatives, such as wood and granite. Decide what works best for your cooks and bartenders.

8. Food prep equipment

All the little bits and pieces are each essential in their own right. Bar supplies such as mixing bowls, utensils, and small appliances are vital for streamlining your workflow. Spending time searching drawers for a spatula or waiting around for someone to finish using it is a killer in a rush. 

So, make sure you have a wide selection of the necessary tools. It’s also good practice to have multiple of particularly popular items. Here are some necessities to begin with: 

Knives

It may be common sense, but you must invest in a great set of knives. Even if you don’t have a kitchen, you’ll still need them to prepare fruit garnishes or lime juice.

Learn how to keep them sharp with the right tools such as a sharpening stone for both safety and efficiency in the kitchen and behind the bar. 

Also, don’t leave dangerous bar equipment such as knives,  scissors, or lighters on bar furniture and tables. It’s easy to forget these things during a rush, but all it takes is one curious child for things to go wrong. 

Cutting boards

Quality cutting boards make a noticeable difference in the prep experience. Boards with lips around the edge to keep liquid contained or those that have handles are bar and restaurant equipment favorites. 

Make sure to buy various colors for different types of prepped food to follow health and safety protocols. This may look like red for meat, blue for fish, green for veggies, and yellow for chicken.

Pots and pans 

Kitchen and bartending tools are extended to pots and pans. There are a lot to choose from so your decision should be influenced by usability, safety, and styles that fit your theme. 

Choose options that are of high quality as they will last a long time and put up with a lot of use over the span of years. You should also properly maintain your pots and pans by cleaning and storing them correctly. 

Mixing bowls

Mixing bowls come in a wide selection of materials that each have benefits and setbacks. Plastic, stainless steel, ceramic, and glass are all popular options. Decide which combination works for your bar’s menu. 

Food processors

You can’t make soups or sauces without a food processor. You can also mince and chop with them too, making them a must on your bar equipment list. 

Blenders

While they can be expensive, commercial blenders are reliable and powerful machines that will allow your bartenders to make piña coladas and other frozen drinks. You might spring for a drink tumbler if frozen margaritas or daiquiris are a staple of your bar’s menu.

Mixers

A stand mixer might not be essential equipment for a bar, but you could find yourself in need of one. There are powerful handheld electric mixers that do the same tasks for a fraction of the cost (and counter space).

Storage containers and shelving

Storage is always a must, for safety and organization, and the cost can add up quickly. Don’t forget to budget both space and money for storage. The liquor, wine, and beer your bartenders serve have to be kept somewhere. Store ingredients like fresh fruit for mixed drinks carefully so that they stay fresh and keep them properly labeled following food safety standards.

Consider storage for all this equipment, too. The small appliances and accessories all have to have a place in your bar. Keeping things organized will help your bartenders and cooks to work efficiently.

9. Safety equipment

All restaurants are held to food safety standards and must have certain equipment on hand, such as: 

• Gloves

• Aprons

• First Aid Kit

• Date Labels

• Sani-buckets

• Bar rags

• Food grade chemical supplies

• Chemical Safety Data Sheets 

10. Sinks

Sinks are necessary for prep, cleaning, and disposal, and in kitchens sinks must be dedicated for use. You’ll need to equip your bar with a couple of sinks and a few more in the kitchen.

Compartment sinks

Three compartment sinks are a common way to meet food safety standards for washing and sanitizing cutlery, service ware, and kitchen equipment – wash, rinse, sanitize.

Disposal sinks

Disposal sinks, also often called bar sinks, are conveniently located to catch any liquid you need to throw out from washing or

Handwashing sink

Dedicated handwashing sinks must be available for employees in a kitchen space or near the bar so that employees can maintain safe food handling standards. 

11. Sanitizers and Polishers

The large, commercial washing machines that occupy the “dish pit” area of many kitchens is a sanitizer that ensures that equipment and service wear is safe to use for food prep or service. Sanitizers have to be properly operated and maintained – dishes should enter the machine clean so that food waste doesn’t build up in it.

Some bars use polishing machines that steam clean wine glasses to leave them without water spots or fingerprints for service, saving bartenders and service staff a lot of polishing time. 

12. Bar point of sale system

Bar point of sale systems provide a technological answer for a lot of the complexities of operating a bar or any restaurant business. Crucially, they provide a way to integrate inventory management, budgets, sales reports, and communication between the front- and back-of-house operations. Keep everything running smoothly with cutting edge interfaces for service and convenient logistical solutions tailor-made for bar life.

13. Kitchen Display System (KDS)

Kitchen display systems will let your cooks know what customers are ordering in real time – this might not be a concern for some bars without kitchens or table service. Your KDS sends orders to bartenders from servers or from both to the kitchen. They are integrated with your bar’s point-of-sale system to keep everything in order and maintain smooth, efficient service.

14. Serviceware

Glasses and stemware are a necessary, and unfortunately fragile, consideration for any bar. Collins glasses, rocks glasses, wine glasses, and flutes all serve their purpose. It’s important to decide on, and budget for, glassware that is durable and matches the vibe of your bar. 

If you’ll also be operating a kitchen, it’s important to consider all the essentials you’ll need for table or counter service so that your customers can enjoy a meal and drinks in the ambiance of your creation. 

• Table service essentials

• Paper boats, plates, or clamshells for take-out service

• Utensils

• Napkins or Linen

Begin a Successful Bar Business

Now that you know exactly what to consider before putting a bar equipment list together, what pieces you’ll need, and where to get them, you are ready to start the fun part! 

Think of collecting necessary bar supplies as ingredients. You can’t make anything without them, however, it is you or your bartenders that hold the ability to combine them together to create a delicious cocktail or meal. 

As important as it is to get the right tools that match your business plan, you need to incorporate your workspace and staff into your decision making. It’s also important to create a budget and stick to it. To save money, sometimes it’s better to buy secondhand, but only from reputable sellers. 

FAQs

What’s needed in a bar?

All the things required to prepare food and beverages in a safe, practical way. This includes cutting boards, blenders, freezers, and much more. Use your business plan to guide what your bar will need to fufill what guests want and make profit. 

What are the 3 basic parts of the bar?

A standard bar consists of the front bar, the back bar, and the under bar. Each section is relatively self-explanatory. 

• The front bar: Where bar stools are, and customers will rest their drinks there.

• The underbar: This is where bartenders keep their tools and equipment.

• The back bar: The wall where merchandise, accessories, and bottles are displayed. 

What makes a bar a full bar?

A full bar is one that serves a wide selection of drinks, including cocktails, wine, beer, and liquor. They also tend to have bar supplies such as mixers, fruit garnishes, and special glasses.

Related Bar Business Resources

• How to Open a Bar

• How to Write a Bar Business Plan

• Bar Business Plan Template

• Bar Names

• Bar POS System

• Best Bar Websites

• Cost to Open a Bar

• Bar Marketing Ideas

• Bar Design Ideas

• Bar Branding

• Bar Ideas and Concepts

• Bar Licenses and Permits

• Bar Floor Plans

• Best Bar POS Systems

• Bar Supplies