What For is a Metal Drawer in Bar Cabinets?

A metal drawer is an essential component of many bar cabinets. It serves a variety of important functions for both bartenders and bar owners. Understanding the uses and benefits of a metal drawer can help you maximize its utility in your bar setup.

Introduction

Metal drawers are a staple of bar cabinetry. You’ll find them built into the cabinetry behind most bars, providing convenient and organized storage for a variety of bar tools, supplies, and ingredients. A quality metal drawer slides smoothly, locks securely, and is made of durable materials to withstand heavy daily use.

While made for function over form, metal drawers have an understated aesthetic that works well in modern bar settings. The stainless steel used in many metal drawers provides a clean, professional look. Metal drawers are a workhorse component of the average bar. Learning about their key features and uses can help you get the most out of this essential bar element.

Durability

One of the biggest benefits of metal drawers in bar cabinets is their extreme durability. Metal provides a sturdy construction that stands up well to heavy use. Drawers built of high-quality stainless steel or aluminum can last for many years, even with constant opening, closing, and loading with bottles, tools, and supplies.

The thickness of the metal determines in large part how durable the drawer will be. Look for metal that is 18 gauge or less for optimal sturdiness. Avoid thin metal that will warp or bend easily under the weight of bar contents.

Quality metal drawers slide smoothly on metal roller glides that are made to last. While plastic glides might slide nicely at first, they tend to break down faster than metal. Opting for thick, sturdy metal components throughout the drawer will lead to a longer lifespan.

Easy Cleaning

Keeping bar drawers clean is an essential yet often overlooked part of good bar maintenance. Metal makes this task much easier compared to wood or other materials.

The smooth, nonporous surface of metal drawers is easy to wipe down. A quick scrub with a soapy cloth will remove dried spills, dirt, and sticky buildup. Metal won’t absorb liquids or odors either, further simplifying cleaning.

For more thorough cleaning, most metal bar drawers can handle disinfectants and other commercial cleaning solutions. This allows you to safely sanitize the drawers, eliminating bacteria and odors. Regular cleaning keeps drawers looking fresh and helps remove allergens and germs from your bar space.

Organization

For bartenders working in a fast-paced bar environment, organization is paramount. Metal drawers allow bartenders to neatly arrange all the tools, ingredients, and accessories needed to make drinks quickly. This improves efficiency and minimizes mistakes.

The average bar drawer might hold several bottles of popular liquors and mixers. These can be neatly aligned near the front for easy access. Towards the back, a bartender may store backup product and extra tools. This creates different organizational zones to find exactly what’s needed fast.

Small organizational tools like tray dividers and inserts allow further customization. Bartenders can use these to neatly separate garnishes, straws, citrus, and other items within the drawers. The smooth interior surface of metal drawers accommodates these tools nicely.

Security

Metal bar drawers provide security for valuable drink ingredients and bar electronics. A quality locking drawer protects contents from theft or tampering.

Investing in drawers with locking mechanisms gives bartenders peace of mind. Keys are usually coded so that only trusted staff have drawer access. This prevents unauthorized entry and theft of expensive liquors or small electronics.

An alert bartender will keep drawers locked whenever they step away, even briefly. For extra security, some bars add locking panels over the drawers when closed for the night. This requires both drawer and panel keys to gain entry.

Different Size Options

Bar drawers come in a range of sizes and configurations to suit different needs. Compact drawers work well in smaller bar setups, providing usable space without overwhelming the area. In larger bars, deeper and wider drawers store more volume.

Common standard drawer dimensions include:

• 3 inch height
• 6 inch height
• 9 inch height
• 12 inch height
• 15 inch height
• 18 inch height

Widths often come in 12, 15, 18, and 21 inch options as well. This allows choosing dimensions optimized for the contents being stored. Shorter drawers work well for tools and backups, while taller drawers fit rows of liquor bottles or small kegs.

Don’t overlook drawer dividers as an option too. Some drawers come with vertical dividers, creating organized columns within a single drawer. Others have horizontal dividers for split stacking. This provides additional organization flexibility.

Mix and Match Materials

While metal excels in durability, alternative materials can augment drawer storage in useful ways. For example, a wood or bamboo organizer tray inside a metal drawer adds warmth. Plastic bins provide affordable lightweight storage.

Don’t hesitate to mix materials to enhance organization and function. Just make sure the bulk of the drawer components themselves are metal for maximum longevity. Supplement with other materials as inserts, trays, bins, and dividers to customize utility.

Specialized Uses

In some cases, highly specialized metal drawers have unique purposes:

Refrigerated Drawers

Bars with undercounter refrigeration may have refrigerated drawers. These chilled drawers safely store perishable ingredients at food safe temperatures. Common items kept in refrigerated drawers include dairy products, fresh juices, cut fruits/veggies, and chilled wines.

Heated Drawers

Heated drawers utilize warming elements to keep contents at optimal temperature. Hot towels, soup bowls, and other heated items stay piping hot inside until needed. This reduces waste while allowing rapid retrieval.

Locking Cash Drawers

Bars need secure cash storage. Locking cash drawers protect the money inside from external access. They also log transactions and can integrate with POS systems. An essential for bars of all sizes.

Spice Drawers

Specialized slim drawers designed for spices and seasonings. Removable partitions allow custom organization. Keeps spices sorted, protected, and easily accessible. Great near ovens.

As you can see, the standard metal bar drawer takes on expanded utility when manufacturers augment it for specific purposes. Know your needs and look for drawer options suited for them.

Drawer Customization

For ultimate organization, consider customized drawer builds. While most drawers are factory made, some bars benefit from fully customized drawer dimensions and compartmentalization.

Experienced craftspeople can construct drawers tailored specifically for the bar’s needs. This may involve non-standard sizes, unique drawer formations, built-in organization, and specific locking mechanisms.

Pricing is higher, but the payoff is drawer storage perfectly optimized for the business. This reduces employee hunt time for tools and ingredients. It also streamlines drawer cleaning and restocking processes. Both factors can improve bar operations efficiency.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, metal drawers serve many indispensible functions behind the bar. From increasing durability and security to improving organization and efficiency, few bar components provide as much utility. Investing in quality metal drawers pays dividends for years down the road.

Carefully think through how you’ll use each drawer. Measure the space you have available and configure drawer sizes accordingly. Consider options like drawer dividers, tray inserts, and drawer locks to augment drawer utility. With some forethought, metal drawers become the ultimate bar workhorse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Bar Drawers

Metal bar drawers serve essential functions, but you may still have some questions about getting the most from them. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Are metal or wood drawers better for bars?

Metal is generally the best choice. It’s more durable, easier to clean, and has a professional look. The only exception would be a bar going for a rustic, vintage aesthetic that uses wood throughout.

How do you organize bar drawers?

Use tray organizers, bins, and inserts to create neat compartments for different items. Arrange tools and frequently-used items near the front. Make sure drawers are deep enough for items to lay flat and utilize vertical space.

What’s the most secure locking mechanism for bar drawers?

Locks that require keys or combinations provide the best security. Some high-end drawers have locks that engage multiple rods into the countertop for very secure anchoring. Avoid simple latch mechanisms.

Should refrigerated drawers be metal or plastic?

Metal is preferable for durability, though plastic can work too. Ensure the plastic is food-grade and BPA free. Look for ridged plastic bottoms to elevate contents above collected moisture.

Can you put dividers in a bar drawer?

Yes, many drawer organizers and inserts are designed to add removable dividers. This allows customizing the drawer compartments as needed. Dividers help organize items and prevent them sliding around during opening and closing.

Are custom bar drawers worth the extra cost?

For high volume bars, custom drawers can optimize space usage and efficiency. For most bars, quality off-the-shelf drawers provide excellent utility. Custom builds cost more but do allow full personalization.

How deep should bar drawers be?

Standard depths are 12″, 15″, 18″ and 21″. Shallower drawers around 12″ work well for tools, while 18″-21″ depths are good for bottles and other bulky items. In general, opt for the deepest practical size to maximize storage capacity.

How do you clean sticky bar drawers?

Use a degreasing cleaner and a sturdy scrub pad to remove sticky buildup. Soak any stubborn spots to soften before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. Prevent future stickiness by using drawer liners and keeping lids on all bottles and mixers.

Should you keep bar drawers open or closed?

Keep them closed whenever the bar is unattended and outside business hours. This reduces fire hazards, theft risks, and accidents. It also improves security, cleanliness, and pest control. Open them only when the bar is staffed.

With the right practices, you can keep those essential metal bar drawers in top working order for the long haul. Invest in quality materials, organize them strategically, and maintain them properly. Your bartenders will thank you!