Metal drawers are an essential component of bar cabinets, providing convenient and organized storage for a variety of bar tools, equipment, and supplies. Understanding the purpose and function of metal drawers in bar cabinets can help you optimize your bar setup.
Introduction
Bar cabinets with multiple drawers are a fixture behind most well-equipped home or commercial bars. The drawers provide easy access to tools, glassware, garnishes, spirits, mixers and more, allowing the bartender quick access to everything they need to make and serve drinks.
Metal drawers are the ideal choice for bar cabinets for a variety of reasons:
Durability
Metal is extremely durable, able to withstand the opening and closing of drawers many times a day without warping, cracking or breaking over time. Quality metal drawers can last decades with proper care.
Stability
Metal drawers slide smoothly on metal glide tracks or rollers. They have a stability and sturdiness that helps them remain aligned and prevents tipping, spilling or dumping the contents.
Cleanability
Metal drawers are easy to keep clean, sanitary and free of moisture damage. Their smooth, non-porous surfaces simply need an occasional wipe down to keep them looking neat and tidy behind the bar.
Customizability
Metal drawers come in a wide range of sizes, configurations and designs. Bartenders can customize them to perfectly fit tools and organizational needs.
Aesthetics
Sleek metal drawers integrate beautifully into upscale bar cabinetry styles, complementing other metal and glass accents behind the bar.
Understanding the key purposes that metal bar drawers serve allows bartenders to optimize the storage and functionality of their bar space.
Uses and Functionality of Metal Bar Drawers
There are several specialized uses and functions of the metal drawers in bar cabinets:
Bar Tools Storage
Metal drawers neatly organize all the essential bar tools in one place and make them easily accessible when needed. Bartenders can store bottle/can openers, corkscrews, strainers, jiggers, stirrers, muddlers, channel knives and other frequently used tools in shallow drawers for grab-and-go convenience.
Glassware Storage
Deeper, wider drawers house glassware, keeping it protected yet handy at arm’s reach beneath the bar top. Stacked pint glasses, cocktail, wine and shot glasses, and other bar glassware are stored securely from breakage while remaining readily available to set up the bar for service.
Garnish Storage
Refrigerated drawers keep fresh garnishes chilled and perky. Limes, lemons, oranges, olives, cherries and other garnishes are kept crisply chilled until ready for service. Other small drawer organizers neatly store non-perishable garnishes like cocktail umbrellas or picks.
Mixer and Supplement Storage
Bottles of popular mixers and drink supplements like club soda, tonic water, bloody mary mix or simple syrup are conveniently stored in metal drawers. This provides easy access when making mixed drinks, saves space elsewhere, and keeps extras at the ready for quick restocking during service.
Liquor Storage
Some bar cabinet styles have slightly deeper drawers designed to neatly store liquor bottles on their sides. Storing spirits horizontally prevents evaporation and leakage as well as breakage if a tipped bottle falls.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Metal drawers are ideal for organizing drink napkins, coasters, swizzle sticks, drink rimmers like salt or sugar, citrus slicers, bottle stoppers, wine charms, pouring spouts, drink recipe cards and books, corks or wine bottle stoppers, and other small bar supplies.
Having a designated spot for each supply category keeps the bar organized, streamlined and operating at peak efficiency.
Ideal Drawer Sizes For Different Bar Storage Needs
Not all bar drawer sizes are created equal. Optimizing drawer dimensions for specific storage needs is an important consideration when outfitting bar cabinets.
Shallow Drawers
Shallow drawers ranging from 2” to 4” deep are best for small bar tools, garnishes, glass rimmers, and other small supplies. Shallow drawers can be subdivided into small customizable compartments.
Medium Drawers
The majority of bar drawers are medium-depth, approximately 5” to 7” deep. This is a versatile depth for storing most glassware, liquor bottles, and bar accessory items. Stackable organizers help maximize the use of space.
Deep Drawers
For oversized items like liquor bottles sideways, chilled wine buckets, or large glassware, deep drawers of 8” or more are useful. Their spacious depth accommodates bulky bar necessities neatly.
Full-Extension Drawers
Full-extension drawer slides allow drawers to be pulled out fully for easy access to back corners. This helps when storing liquor bottles sideways or keeping bar tools readily visible and grab-able.
Extra Wide Drawers
Wider drawers, some spanning the full width of the bar cabinet, provide storage for oversized items. Wine bottles can be stored flat or broad items like cutting boards, bar books or hefty tools stored conveniently.
Combination Drawers
A mix of shallow, medium and deep drawers within the bar cabinet provides the greatest flexibility for storing different sized items in customized zones.
Optimizing drawer size and depth for each intended purpose results in highly efficient use of space and ease of access behind the bar.
Ideal Drawer Materials and Construction
Not all metal bar drawers are equal when it comes to durability and ease of use. Quality materials and construction make a difference in performance and longevity.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel offers the best corrosion resistance and easy sanitizing in the moist bar environment. Brushed stainless provides an attractive look. Solid stainless drawer fronts add weight for smooth operation.
Roller Slides
High-quality ball bearing roller slides allow drawers to glide smoothly. Fully extending slides provide full access to contents. Soft-closing slides prevent jarring slamming.
Reinforced Bottoms
Drawer bottoms should be reinforced for heavy contents like liquor bottles. Interlocking joints add stability. Non-slip liners keep contents in place when moving drawers.
Customizability
Modular drawers with adjustable dividers, trays and compartments allow custom organization of tools, glassware and other supplies.
Alignment and Fit
Properly aligned drawers won’t catch and jam. They should fit the cabinet precisely with uniform spacing and efficient use of space.
Durable Finishes
Powder coated and baked enamel finishes resist staining, corrosion and abrasion from daily use. They are easier to clean and maintain over years of service.
Choosing high-performing, commercial-grade metal bar drawers may cost more up front but saves money over time through sustained quality and service life.
Specialty Drawer Designs for Bars
For specialized bar uses, some creative drawer designs and customizations are worth considering.
Fridge Drawers
Integrated refrigerator drawers keep beer, wine and chilled garnishes icy cold right within the bar cabinetry. Dual temperature zones can separately chill beverages from produce.
Wine Rack Drawers
Specially slotted drawers convert to in-cabinet wine racks, storing bottles neatly on their sides without rolling around. Slots accommodate different bottle sizes.
Double Drawers
One larger drawer front can conceal two stacked drawers, maximizing vertical storage space in the bar cabinet footprint. Double drawers also allow two access points to contents.
Shallow Tip-Out Drawers
Also called false drawers, tip outs swing open like doors. Mounted just behind the bar top, they provide easy-access storage within arm’s reach for most used tools and supplies.
Touch Latch Drawers
Finger-touch latches allow drawers to open with just a light press, eliminating fumbling for hardware. Great for high traffic bars and kitchens.
Scalloped Drawers
The rolled fronts of scalloped drawers add a touch of flair to plain drawer fronts. Made popular in mid-century bar decor.
Thoughtfully designed specialty drawers enhance visual appeal while performing needed functions. Blending form and function makes good use of space.
Ideal Drawer Layout Planning For Bars
Careful planning of the drawer configuration within bar cabinets ensures ideal workflow and efficiency. Considerations include:
Most Used Items at Top
Locate top drawers for tools, glassware and garnishes for easiest access. Saves bending down repeatedly during busy service times.
Liquor Grouped Together
Store liquor bottles together for easy reference and access when making multiple mixed drinks in a row.
Chilled items Below
Situate refrigerated drawers at the bottom, as cold air sinks. This keeps contents chilled without cooling cabinet space above.
Deep Drawers at Bottom
The bottom drawers can be deepest without impacting ergonomics. Big bulky items get stored down low.
Symmetrical Drawer Sides
Balance drawer size and depth on both sides of corner cabinets so contents don’t weigh one side down.
Customize Drawer Usage
Think through ideal drawer use for the anticipated needs of the particular bar space and tailor sizes and position accordingly.
Allow for Flexibility
Consider incorporating some universal medium-depth drawers to allow flexibility as needs shift. Modular dividers also allow customizing drawer sections as needed.
Helpful Accessories For Organizing Bar Drawers
To get the most efficient use out of metal bar drawers, incorporate some handy organizational accessories tailored to the contents.
Cutlery Organizers
Inserts with slots and compartments organize tools and cutlery in an upright position for visibility. Great for shallow drawers.
Dividers
Adjustable metal dividers segment drawers into custom-sized compartments for bottles, tools, glassware and other supplies. Keeps categories separated.
Glass Racks
Racks suspend stemmed glassware so they don’t tip while the drawer is in motion. Nonslip liners also help.
Mixer Caddies
Wire caddies with partitioned cylindrical holes neatly store mixer bottles upright. Transport filled caddies conveniently to restock the bar.
Garnish Bins
Clear plastic bins with moisture-wicking liners safely store cut lemons, limes, oranges and other perishable garnishes. Makes monitoring freshness easy.
Underdrawer Utensil Holders
Suspended under-drawer wire racks vertically hold muddlers, barspoons, thermometers and other small tools right inside the drawer.
Shelf Organizers
Stackable, slotted shelves securely hold bowls, trays and other supplies in place during drawer motion. Great for deep utility drawers.
Nonslip Liners
Anti-skid rubber drawer liners grip glassware, tools and bottles to prevent shifting around in moving drawers.
Handy drawer organizers tailored to the drawer contents help utilize every inch of available space efficiently.
FAQs About Metal Drawers in Bar Cabinets
What size drawers work best in bar cabinets?
A mix of shallow, medium and deep drawers provides the greatest flexibility. Top drawers around 5-6” deep store most used tools and glassware. Medium drawers store liquor bottles, bar accessories and mixers. The deepest drawers at bottom can accommodate wine buckets or oversized items.
How much weight can metal drawers hold?
Quality ball-bearing slides and reinforced metal drawer bottoms can safely hold upwards of 100 pounds in commercial bar drawer stacks. Carefully pack heavier items like liquor bottles toward bottom of the drawer.
How should liquor bottles be stored in bar cabinets?
Storing liquor bottles horizontally on their sides in medium or deep drawers prevents leakage and breakage. If stored vertically, use anti-tip drawer organizers to separate and steady bottles. Refrigerated drawers work well for chilled liquors and mixers.
How can you maximize bar drawer organization?
Use adjustable compartments, dividers and specialist drawer inserts like glassware racks, utensil organizers and mixer caddies to make the most of available space. Take time to think through ideal placement of items for workflow.
Should glassware be stored in bar cabinet drawers?
Yes, medium-depth drawers lined with protective inserts provide safe, convenient glassware storage. Suspended racks support stemware. Nonslip mats prevent sliding. Stacked pint glasses can be stored without racks if packed well.
How can you keep garnishes fresh in bar drawers?
Use refrigerated drawers or unrefrigerated drawers with ventilated plastic garnish bins. Keep citrus in sealed bags with moist towels to extend freshness. Keep track of cut fruit ages and rotate stock.
Should bar tools be stored in drawers or out on the bar?
Personal preference dictates whether to store frequently used tools in shallow drawers or displayed in countertop caddies. Drawer storage eliminates clutter on the bar. For quickest access, consider tip-out doors just below the counter.
What are bar tip-out drawers?
Tip-out drawers are false fronted trays mounted on drawer slides behind cabinet doors. Just tap the door front to access hidden storage within arm’s reach for convenience. Useful for glasses, tools, garnishes or POS supplies.
How can you keep unlabeled liquor bottles organized?
Group liquors by type – vodkas, rums, tequilas, etc. Use adhesive dots color coded by liquor type on bottle caps or necks so you can return bottles to their designated drawer spot.
Maximizing Metal Drawers In Your Bar Setup
Metal drawers are a workhorse component of well-designed bar cabinets. Taking steps to maximize their functionality pays off in bar efficiency and organization. Consider these tips:
- Take measurements and drawer stock into account when designing cabinetry. Mix shallow, medium and deep sizes.
- Customize drawers to suit your specific bar’s needs. Not all spaces are the same.
- Incorporate specialty options like refrigerator drawers or wine racks if helpful.
- Use quality metal and hardware like ball bearing slides for durability. Don’t skimp.
- Keep the best workflow top of mind when deciding drawer contents and organization.
- Use drawer organizers and accessories tailored to the contents for optimal use of space.
- Keep adjusting as needs evolve. Modular components allow drawer reconfiguring down the road.
With mindful planning and customization, the humble metal drawer can be invaluable ally in bar efficiency, organization and performance. Your drink making and service will run smoother as a result!