Bar Fridges Guide | From A to Z

Introduction

Welcome to the Complete Bar Fridge Guide: Tips and Maintenance for Optimal Performance! Whether you're setting up a home bar, a cozy entertainment area, or a dedicated outdoor space, having a reliable bar fridge is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about bar fridges, from important features to maintenance tips that will ensure your fridge stays in top condition.

We hope this will help you to make an informed decision into both buying and taking care of your bar fridge. The guide will explore important topics like energy consumption, sunlight exposure, noise levels, ingress protection ratings, and stainless steel surface protection. Get ready to enhance your bar experience and ensure your beverages are always at the perfect temperature with our expert tips and maintenance advice.

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Sunlight Exposure

When it comes to bar fridges, direct sunlight can have a significant impact on their performance. Exposing a glass door fridge to direct sunlight is not recommended as it can cause the internal temperature to rise significantly. In tests conducted, some units reached over 65°C inside the fridge after just an hour of morning sun, which is not ideal for keeping beverages cool.

However, if the fridge is placed in an area that receives secondary sunlight, such as through a clear UV blind shade or roof, it may be able to handle short periods of exposure. It's important to consult with experts to determine the best installation approach for your specific situation.

Solid Door Units for Exposed Alfresco Areas

• Undercover Installation: Solid door units can be suitable for alfresco areas that have overhead coverings, even if the sun passes over the fridge.
  • Positioning the fridge in a way that avoids direct sunlight is key.
  • Consider the IP rating of the unit, especially if it may be exposed to rainwater.
  • The GSP Rhino range offers a high IP rating, allowing the unit to withstand water spray from all directions.

In the below image the outdoor, solid door bar fridge (and other stainless steel cooking equipment) are facing north to south in an uncovered outdoor area. The set up is 5 years old at this point and the stainless steel has suffered only slight ware.

Glass Door Fridges with Secondary Sunlight

• Open Alfresco Areas: Glass door fridges can be used in fully open alfresco areas, provided they are not directly exposed to sunlight.
  • Position the fridge away from direct sunlight and rely on tinted UV windows to limit sun exposure.
  • Consider the IP rating to protect the unit from rainwater, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall.
  • Seek advice from staff to select a fridge with the appropriate IP rating for your installation.

In the below image, a double door glass bar fridge is used in a covered area where the fridge is not exposed to direct sunlight but gets reflected light or sparing light for limited periods of time during the day.

Ingress Protection Ratings

Electric and electronic devices are susceptible to damage or malfunction when exposed to water or dust. To address this, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established ingress protection (IP) ratings. These ratings assess the resistance of device enclosures against the intrusion of liquids and solids, providing a standardized measure of protection.

We have a more complete guide on IP ratings, including the full ratings and their breakdown, which can be viewed or downloaded from the guide link here.

Maintaining Stainless Steel: Tips for Care and Protection

Stainless Steel Grades and Maintenance

• Stainless Steel Components:
   - Your Bar Fridge is equipped with Stainless Steel components, typically using grades 304, 201, 430, or 418. It's important to note that all Stainless Steel grades require a certain level of care and protection to preserve their appearance.
• Corrosion and Maintenance:
   - Contrary to popular belief, Stainless Steel is not immune to corrosion, and regular maintenance is necessary to prevent oxidation and other corrosive issues. Even the highest marine-grade 316 Stainless Steel can rust without proper care.

Brushed Finish and Regular Cleaning

• Modern Aesthetics:
   - For an Alfresco Bar Fridge or BBQ, Stainless Steel with a brushed finish is often preferred. This finish is achieved by subjecting Stainless Steel sheets to an abrasive process that removes the mirror-like shine, resulting in a brushed appearance.
• Frequency of Cleaning:
   - Brushed finish Stainless Steel requires frequent cleaning to maintain its quality appearance. Without adequate care, signs of corrosion can develop over time.

Recommended Care Practices

• Initial Application of Olive Oil:
   - After installation, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of Olive Oil to all exposed Stainless Steel areas using a clean rag. This protective layer should be polished in and buffed off with another clean rag to achieve a non-oily finish. This process helps shield against dirt, corrosive contaminants, and makes subsequent cleaning and fingerprint removal easier. It is advised to repeat this process every 3-4 months.
• Dealing with Surface Rust:
   - In some cases, surface rust, also known as "tea straining," may appear. This can typically be wiped off using hot drinking or tap water and very fine steel wool if necessary. After cleaning, ensure the surface is thoroughly dried with a clean cloth and reapply the olive oil coating.

Maintenance Considerations

• Additional Costs and Time:
   - It's important to factor in the added costs and time required for periodic maintenance when purchasing Stainless Steel products. Properly caring for Stainless Steel surfaces will help ensure their longevity and keep them looking their best for years to come.
• Stainless Steel Passivation:
   - Stainless steel can be passivated using a nitric acid or citric acid solution. This can "refurbish" the stainless steel and is especially useful after the removal of surface rust or where pitting, scratching, or other exposure has occured in the stainless.
   - Always refer to an expert before passivating stainless steel (especially when using nitric acid)
   - Never use hydrochloric acid of any type, as the chlorine will cause extensive rust and ruin the stainless steel.
   - For an in-depth explanation of passivation read our extensive guide here!

By following these care and protection guidelines, you can maintain the visual appeal of your Stainless Steel components, safeguard your investment, and enjoy their durability for many years of use.

Energy Consumption

Understanding the energy consumption of glass door fridges is crucial when making a purchase decision. Surprisingly, two fridges that may appear identical can have up to six times the difference in power consumption. Unfortunately, the classification of glass door drinks fridges as "commercial" exempts them from energy consumption labels, making it challenging for consumers to compare power usage accurately. Unless units undergo MEPS testing and publish the results, there is no standardized way to advertise power consumption. MEPS testing is typically reserved for fridges used to store food and can be costly. However, fridges marketed solely as "drinks fridges" are not subject to MEPS requirements, allowing anyone to import and sell fridges without adhering to energy consumption standards. Consequently, numerous units on the market consume excessive energy without the average consumer being aware. 

The major power-drawing components in a fridge are:

• The Compressor,
• Lighting,
• and Fans.

By focusing on these elements, it becomes easier to assess energy consumption based on their quality. Generally, brand name parts tend to have better ratings compared to cheaper, generic alternatives.

LED lighting, in particular, is:

1. highly efficient,
2. long-lasting,
3. and commonly used in many fridges.

While components play a significant role, the overall design and refrigeration balance of a unit also impact energy consumption. A well-balanced fridge will chill quickly and require less energy, whereas a poorly designed one will need to run for longer periods to reach the desired temperature. Cheaper units often struggle to handle higher ambient temperatures and may use excessive amounts of energy in the process. Our own tests conducted in our certified test room revealed alarming results for some market units, shedding light on this issue.

With over two decades of experience, we have learned that many factories in China still lack a thorough understanding of how to optimize fridge systems by matching compressors and appropriately sized parts. It is common to find commercial fridges from China with compressors operating outside of factory specifications. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that there are significant differences between fridges that may appear similar. Look for units that have proven their ability to efficiently cool in higher temperatures, as this saves working time for parts, reduces energy consumption, and ultimately saves you money.

To help you compare different units on the market, we have created a quick chart based on testing conducted in our certified test room. This allows us to evaluate various factors and continuously improve our own fridges. We want to emphasize that we do not aim to be negative about other brands but rather believe it is crucial for consumers to understand energy consumption levels when making an informed decision.

In our tests, we evaluated units at 25°C and 40°C to demonstrate the effects of heat on energy consumption, using a guide of 0.35c per Kw. Each unit was set to 2°C, and the tester placed the thermometer on the top shelf, typically the warmest position.

Remember, when considering energy consumption, it is important to choose a fridge that not only suits your needs but also operates efficiently, ensuring optimal performance while minimizing energy usage.

Condensation

Understanding condensation is crucial when purchasing a glass door fridge, especially in areas with high humidity. Condensation not only affects the appearance of the fridge but can also lead to water damage on hardwood floors or create dangerously slippery conditions on tiled floors. With the growing popularity of glass door fridges in home renovations and alfresco areas, it's important to be aware of this issue.

Let's explore some key points about condensation and how different features can help mitigate its effects:

Normal Dual Glazed Glass:

• Standard market practice for glass door fridges.
• Condensation typically starts at around 50-55% humidity.
• Excessive condensation occurs at 65-70% humidity.

Triple Glazed Glass:

• Offers improved performance compared to dual glazed units.
• The third layer of glass reduces the coldness of the front pane.
• Condensation usually begins to form at around 60-65% humidity.

LOW E Glass:

• Features a special coating that reflects heat rays 70% better.
• Helps maintain a colder interior and keeps the outer glass warmer.
• Condensation typically starts at 70-75% humidity.

Argon Gas Fill:

• A gas layer inserted between the panes of glass.
• Provides additional insulation, reducing the cooling effect on the front glass.
• Increases the threshold of humidity for condensation by at least 5%.

Heated Glass:

• The most effective solution to eliminate condensation on the glass.
• Utilizes a low-voltage electrical charge (around 50-65W) to heat the glass.
• Energy consumption is significantly increased, usually doubling or tripling.
• Can also prevent condensation on the body or door frame of the fridge.

Condensation on Body and Door Frame:

• Common issue in cheaper units, especially those with poor foaming processes during insulation.
• Coldness from the fridge can transfer to the door frame and sides, leading to condensation.
• Proper insulation techniques and hot pipe placement can help combat this problem.

It's important to be aware of these condensation factors, particularly in areas with consistently high humidity levels like North of Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Far North Queensland. By considering the glass type, additional features, and insulation quality, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a glass door fridge.

The below images show the difference between a normal glass door, a LOW-E glass door and a heated glass door during similar conditions.

Front Venting Compressor Units:

Non-Front Venting Compressor Units:

Integrated Installation with Another Door: