SHOP NOW:
Commercial bar blender: a smart purchase for your bar
Whether you are making smoothies, cocktails or whipped cream, a professional blender is an essential piece of equipment for any restaurant or bar.
A commercial bar blender is the perfect tool for frozen cocktails such as daiquiris and margaritas: it helps you get blended drinks to your customers faster and keeps your bar running more smoothly.
Because it is a key purchase for your business, there are several things worth considering before you buy.
What will you use the bar blender for?
A few questions to ask yourself:
- What kinds of food and drinks will you be blending?
- How often will the blender be used?
Your answers will determine the type of blender you choose and whether you need a light-duty or a heavy-duty model.
Some models also offer special features such as timers and programmable controls. If you prepare the same recipes day after day, these features can save you time and effort, and ultimately money.
Consider power, capacity and durability
Power, capacity and durability are the most important factors when buying a commercial blender.
High-performance blenders have powerful motors that can handle almost anything you put in them. The more powerful the motor, the smoother the blend. As a rule of thumb:
- 1/2 HP: best for light food preparation, up to 50 servings a day.
- 1–1.5 HP: best for medium-duty preparation, up to 75–80 servings a day.
- 2 HP: ideal for medium to heavy-duty preparation, up to 100 servings a day.
- 3.5 HP: best for heavy-duty preparation, can handle more than 100 servings a day.
Capacity refers to the size of the jar. If you plan to make small portions at a time, a smaller jar will do and will keep the purchase price down, but bar blenders are also available with much larger jars.
Durability obviously matters too. Look for a model that can withstand the heavy use of a commercial setting: a commercial-grade blender with solid construction is always the best choice.
SHOP NOW:
Look for easy cleaning and maintenance
Choose models that are easy to clean, from manufacturers that offer after-sales service, especially if you run a busy bar. The blender should be easy to take apart and the jar should be dishwasher safe; models with a removable base are the easiest to wash.
A well-built blender should have blades that last a long time, although they may need occasional sharpening. Make sure you know how and when to sharpen them.
Choosing the right jar
Things you may want to consider include:
- Material: jars come in a range of materials, from polycarbonate to stainless steel. Depending on use and volume, one material may suit your venue better than another.
- Handles: large jars usually have handles to make lifting and pouring easier, while smaller jars may not. Handle-free jars are easier to stack and clean, so if you only prepare a few servings at a time, a model without handles can be a good option.
- Measurement markings: many jars have measurement markings to make preparation easier. If you make the same recipes every day, they save time and mean one less measuring jug to wash.
Choosing the right type of controls
Several types of controls are available, from programmable and electronic controls to paddle and toggle switches. Each has its pros and cons, so think about the needs of your bar when choosing.
- Paddle/toggle switches: ideal when you do not need precise control over speed and timing. These basic models are best for low-volume kitchens, are less expensive and are easy to use.
- Programmable controls: mainly used in busy, high-volume kitchens or bars that make the same drinks and dishes over and over. Power levels and blending times can be preset, and most models can store recipes for more efficient use. They cost more, but they are more efficient and save more time.
- Electronic controls: offer more control than paddle or knob models. Some have automatic timers, adjustable power levels and touchpad start/stop buttons.
The type of controls you choose will largely depend on your volumes and on the food and drinks you prepare. Busy bars and smoothie shops, for example, may be better off with a programmable model, while a restaurant that only occasionally serves a frozen drink may only need a blender with paddle controls.
Bar blender Tempest H-Performance
On our website you will find one of the best commercial blenders on the market, with excellent value for money: the Tempest H-Performance bar blender, a professional machine with a 64 oz (approx. 1.9 litre) polycarbonate jar and four stainless steel blades. The jar pad detects when the container is not properly fitted and switches off the motor to prevent excessive wear on the clutch. Ingredients can be added while blending through the removable filler cap. Find out more about the product here.