Why not just use a household blender?

Commercial bar blenders are designed for much heavier use than household models. Depending on the model you choose, they also often have a greater jug capacity, and the figure for each one is on its product page. They come with more powerful motors and are made from more resilient materials with bigger blending blades, capable of emulsifying sauces and giving smooth, even results for cocktails and smoothies. They’ll also last longer than your standard household model would, making them a better choice for bars and restaurants.

How do I pick a blender for a cocktail list?

Choosing the right bar blender for your establishment will depend on a few different factors. The first thing you’ll need to consider is what you want to make with your blender and in what sort of quantity. There are numerous varieties of blenders, some of which are specially designed for food like soups and sauces, while others are made more for drinks to blend ice, fruit, and liquor to create smoothies or cocktails. Check the specifications of the bar blender you’re looking at and see if it comes with the functionality you’re looking for - if you’re looking to prepare cocktails in particular, look for one that can blend ice easily. Then, consider the capacity it has. Jug capacities vary considerably across the range, from compact units through to extra-large models, and each product page states the figure — check it against your busiest round rather than your average one. If you have little space or only reach for a blender a few times a shift, a moderate size may be perfectly adequate. Power is another factor when choosing a cocktail blender. Ice and frozen fruit need far more motor behind them than soft ingredients do, so look for a model specified for crushing ice and read the wattage on the product page rather than inferring it from the price. A blender that struggles with ice will not improve with use. Finally, if you’re concerned about the noise level that bar blenders often generate, we recommend looking at models with quiet technology. This makes it far easier to whip up a range of cocktails in your bar, pub or restaurant, all without making as much noise while your customers are waiting for their drinks.

Which commercial bar blenders handle ice and frozen fruit?

All of the bar blenders in our collection are high-powered and resilient, though some are especially well-suited to blend tougher ingredients like ice and frozen fruit. We recommend looking at brands like Hamilton Beach, Benchstar and Vitamix.

Will it keep up with a busy bar?

Our range of bar blenders are designed to be larger than conventional blenders, with greater power output and more built-in functionality, with pre-set options. They make bulk-preparation easy, and can be used again and again in the same shift without wearing out or overheating.

Are there quiet bar blenders for a hotel lounge?

Yes, you can also get options suitable for preparing food items like smoothies, soups and sauces. Many models come with innovative quiet technology, allowing for smooth drinks made without as much disruptive noise. These are ideal for front-of-house drink preparation without disturbing the ambiance or your clientele.

What jug size do I need?

It depends on what you’re preparing and whether you want to pre-make batches of drinks before serving. While some cocktails or smoothies need to be made fresh, some can be bulk-made. For bars and pubs with a happy hour that need higher volumes in one go, opt for a larger jug and check the stated capacity on the product page against your busiest round. Most units in the range prep comfortably in bulk. Equally, looking for models with different settings is important when it comes to giving you the diversity you need to deliver smooth, even drinks.

What else do I need behind the bar?

Depending on what kind of drinks you’re serving, there are a few extra appliances you might want to consider adding to your bar setup. If you’re making bulk frozen cocktails like frozen margaritas, having something to not only keep them cool in but also serve directly from is ideal - you may want to consider adding a slushie machine to your bar setup. If the drinks or cocktails you’re making don’t have a high ice content but still need to be chilled, something like a cosmopolitan or pina colada, a refrigerated drinks dispenser is ideal. You can make them in larger quantities in your bar blender and then store them at the perfect temperature for customers to enjoy. Finally, to rinse out jugs or glasses when you’re making cocktails, having a jug and cup rinser makes the process much faster and easier.

Is a bar blender machine the same as a professional smoothie blender?

Mostly, yes. A bar blender machine and a professional smoothie blender are built the same way: a high-power motor, a heavy jug and blades that cope with ice. A professional bar blender is simply one specified for service rather than home use. A high-power bar blender aimed at cocktails usually adds pulse control and a sound enclosure, which is what you want at a service bar. Round out the station with commercial ice crushers for crushed ice, commercial glass chillers for frosted glassware and commercial food processors for prep that a blender cannot handle.