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Think about a busy Friday night at a bar — the last thing you want is a bottleneck at the station where drinks are built. A high-quality ice bin or combination cocktail station keeps ice accessible, sanitary, and ready for the rush. It’s the unsung hero that keeps cocktails cold, salad bars crisp, and prep stations moving at pace.
Before you buy, know what matters. Stainless steel construction resists rust and cleans easily. NSF or equivalent certification means the bin meets safety standards. Drainage, insulation, and a tight-fitting lid prevent waste and contamination. Think through size — a 48-inch unit suits moderate traffic while a 72-inch combo station is meant for high-volume bars and catering setups.
Stainless steel is the default for a reason: it’s durable, sanitary, and looks professional. Powder-coated or painted steels can work in lower-exposure environments, but they won’t last like stainless in a wet, salty, or high-use setting.
Insulation keeps ice from melting into a puddle. Look for foam insulation in walls and lids. Capacity is often shown by dimensions; a 48-inch ice well will hold noticeably less ice than a 72-inch model. When estimating needs, think in pounds of ice — how many drinks per hour? — and choose a bin that holds at least one to two hours of peak service ice.
Walmart is a go-to for many operators who need value and convenience. Their catalog includes commercial-style pieces like stainless steel combination cocktail stations in popular sizes, such as 48-inch and 72-inch configurations. These units often combine an ice well with liquor display areas or underbar storage, making them a compact choice for smaller establishments or event setups.
A 48-inch stainless steel combination cocktail station typically fits underbar spaces and works well where counter depth is limited. It provides a single ice well plus a drip tray and sometimes a small liquor display. For small restaurants, cafes, or mobile bars, it’s the sweet spot between capacity and footprint.
If you’re serving a high-volume crowd, a 72-inch cocktail station with an 18-bottle liquor display gives both storage and showcase capabilities. That extra width translates to more ice capacity and better organization, so bartenders don’t waste seconds hunting for bottles during a rush.
Beyond Walmart, a number of US-based suppliers focus squarely on commercial food-service equipment. These vendors offer broader selections, parts, and service options for businesses that need robust, long-term solutions.
WebstaurantStore stocks a huge range of commercial ice bins, drop-in wells, and underbar combo stations. They cater to restaurants and caterers who need specific sizes, NSF-rated models, and replacement parts. Their search filters make it easy to compare inch-by-inch dimensions and capacities in pounds.
KaTom focuses on professional restaurant-grade equipment and often carries brand-name ice wells from manufacturers like Beverage-Air and True. If you want a trusted brand with warranties and service options, KaTom is worth checking.
Restaurant Depot is a membership-based cash-and-carry where bar and kitchen operators can find heavy-duty combo stations and modular ice units. It’s ideal if you’re furnishing multiple locations and want to inspect units in person at a warehouse location.
For custom or industrial applications — think large catering trucks or stadium concessions — suppliers like Uline offer rugged bins, specialized drains, and spare parts. They’re a good fit when standard designs don’t match your workflow or space constraints.
Not every ice storage solution is the same. Knowing the main types helps you match a product to your operation’s rhythm.
Underbar bins are installed beneath the bar top and are ideal for bartenders who build drinks in place. They maximize counter space while keeping ice reachable. Sizes typically range from 24 inches to 72 inches wide; choose based on bartender count and traffic.
Combination stations blend an ice well with bottle display, storage shelves, and sometimes refrigerated compartments. They’re the Swiss Army knife for bartenders — offering ice, staging, and service all in one 48-inch or 72-inch footprint.
Drop-in wells are recessed into counters and are common in salad bars and beverage islands. Countertop portable bins work for temporary setups or pop-ups; they’re less permanent but flexible for events.
How do you pick the right size? Start by estimating peak demand. How many drinks per hour at rush? Multiply by average ice per drink — many cocktails use between 1 and 3 ounces of ice, but crushed ice bars might consume more. Convert that to pounds, and factor in a safety margin.
A proactive guideline: for a small bar (one bartender), a 48-inch unit is often enough. For medium operations with two to three bartenders, a 72-inch station or multiple smaller bins helps avoid reloading during service. If you cater events or run a high-turnover venue, allow for 50–100 pounds of ice per hour of peak service.
Measure floor and underbar space carefully. A 72-inch station needs adequate depth and legroom, plus access to a drain and service clearance. Don’t squeeze in an oversized unit that will be a maintenance headache.
Proper installation keeps your ice tasting clean and lasting longer. Think plumbing, leveling, and sanitation.
Commercial ice bins should have an accessible drain that ties into a floor drain or an appropriate wastewater system. Some models include integrated drainage kits; others require a plumber. Ensure the slope of the drain pan prevents standing water.
Cleaning frequency depends on use, but a daily wipe and weekly deep clean is common in food-service settings. Use food-safe sanitizers and rinse thoroughly. Replace any rubber seals or worn gaskets to prevent leaks and contamination.
Use lids during downtime and minimize open-air exposure. If you store scoop-only ice, keep scoops on a chain or mount to avoid cross-contamination. Insulation and quick access are the best defenses against ice clumping and melt-down.
You can find a functioning ice bin for a low upfront cost, but premium models bring better long-term value. Let’s break the trade-offs down.
Lower-cost options — often available at big-box retailers like Walmart — are great for small businesses, pop-ups, and low-traffic bars. They provide the essential features but may use thinner steel or have less robust insulation.
Mid-range and premium stations from specialty suppliers offer thicker gauge stainless steel, better insulation, NSF listings, and more refined drains and lids. They hold temperature better, resist dents, and usually include replaceable parts and longer warranties.
Use this checklist at purchase time — it keeps decision-making crisp and fast.
- Measure space in inches (width, depth, height).
- Confirm drain location and plumbing needs.
- Check material: 18-gauge or 16-gauge stainless preferred for heavy use.
- Verify NSF certification if required by local health codes.
- Assess insulation and lid quality.
- Compare capacity estimates in pounds.
- Look for replaceable parts and available service.
- Factor in shipping and installation access for a 48-inch or 72-inch unit.
Comparison sites aggregate listings from Walmart, WebstaurantStore, KaTom, Restaurant Depot, and industrial suppliers, making side-by-side price checks easy. Read customer reviews to learn about durability, real-world capacity, and any recurring issues like drain clogging or dent-prone panels. Reviews often highlight how a 48-inch unit performs in a small cocktail bar versus how a 72-inch model survives a nightclub environment.
Small additions can dramatically improve workflow. Think about integrated liquor displays, cutting boards that fit over the ice well, stainless steel splash guards, and drain strainers. For mobile setups, a lockable lid and caster kit can make transport and setup smoother.
Some combination stations offer refrigerated drawers or cold plates for perishable garnishes. If you’re running a high-spec cocktail program, these extras keep ingredients fresh without adding additional footprint.
Choose vendors that make parts available — hinges, gaskets, and drains wear out. WebstaurantStore and KaTom often stock replacement components, while local repair shops can handle in-warranty work for branded units.
Energy efficiency matters, especially in large operations. Look for units with superior insulation to reduce ice melt and the need to produce more ice. Efficient drainage and fewer service calls also reduce resource waste and lower lifecycle costs.
If you’re serving thousands of guests, every gallon counts. Opt for bins that minimize runoff and use lids to reduce melt. Regular maintenance prevents leaks that can waste water and energy.
Here are quick pairings to help visualize the right choice.
Choose a 48-inch stainless steel combination station with a small liquor display. It keeps the bartending line tight and offers enough ice for steady service.
A 72-inch station or two 48-inch bins spaced along the bar prevents queuing and doubles as staging for garnish and glassware.
Portable countertop ice bins with lockable lids and cased drains work best. Add a caster kit and spare parts for on-site repairs.
Buying an ice bin is about balancing footprint, capacity, durability, and budget. Walmart offers accessible combos for operators getting started or running smaller venues, while specialized suppliers provide heavy-duty, serviceable units for growing operations. Measure in inches, think in pounds of ice, and pick a supplier that supports replacement parts and straightforward installation.
With the right ice bin or combination cocktail station in place, your service flows smoother, drinks taste better, and staff can focus on speed and hospitality rather than juggling supplies. Ready to upgrade your ice game?
From compact 48-inch stainless steel combo stations to expansive 72-inch cocktail islands with liquor displays, the right ice bin transforms how a bar or kitchen operates. Big-box retailers like Walmart are a solid starting point for budget-friendly options, while specialty suppliers such as WebstaurantStore, KaTom, and Restaurant Depot offer professional-grade choices and parts support. Measure your space in inches, estimate ice needs in pounds, and prioritize stainless steel, insulation, and proper drainage. With the right selection and care, your ice station will be a reliable partner through every rush and event.
| Ice Bins | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Kffkff 250lbs 24h Commercial Ice Maker Storage Bins Stainless Steel Anti-slip Rubber Feet Storage Bins Only | $ 248,- |
