Single Door vs Double Door Bar Fridges — Size & Capacity Guide

How Many Doors Do You Actually Need?

Bar fridges come in 1-door, 2-door, and even 3-door configurations. More doors means more capacity, but also more space and more money. Here's how to decide.

Single Door Bar Fridges

The standard. A single door bar fridge typically holds 70–200L and is the most versatile option.

Typical Specs

• Capacity: 70L–200L (about 80–230 cans)
• Width: 460–600mm
• Height: 500–900mm (under-bench) or 900–1800mm (upright)
• Price: $400–$1,500

Best For

• Under-bench installations (kitchens, bars, outdoor kitchens)
• Small to medium spaces — apartments, offices, bedrooms
• Solo use or couples who entertain occasionally
• Budget-conscious buyers who want quality at the lowest entry point

Double Door Bar Fridges

Double door (2-door) bar fridges step up to 200–350L and are built for serious entertaining or commercial use.

Typical Specs

• Capacity: 200L–350L (about 230–400 cans)
• Width: 800–1200mm
• Height: 820–900mm (under-bench) or up to 1800mm (upright)
• Price: $1,200–$2,500

Best For

• Entertaining spaces — man caves, pool areas, dedicated bar setups
• Small commercial venues — cafes, bars, function rooms
• Families who go through drinks quickly
• Dual-zone configurations — one side beer, one side wine

Triple Door Bar Fridges

The 3-door bar fridge is the king of capacity. These are commercial-grade units for people who take entertaining seriously.

Typical Specs

• Capacity: 300L–600L+ (about 350–700+ cans)
• Width: 1200–1800mm
• Height: 820–900mm
• Price: $2,000–$4,000+

Best For

• Large outdoor entertaining areas
• Commercial bars and restaurants
• Events and catering
• Anyone who regularly hosts 15+ people

Capacity Quick Reference

Guest calculation: 2 drinks/person/hour over a 3-hour session = 6 drinks per guest.

Space Planning

Before you buy, measure your space. Here's what you need to account for:

• Width: The fridge itself, plus 20–50mm each side for ventilation (unless front-venting)
• Depth: Most bar fridges are 500–620mm deep. Add 50mm for rear ventilation if not front-venting
• Height: Under-bench models need to fit under 900mm standard bench height, including ventilation clearance
• Door swing: Single-hinge doors need full clearance to open 90°+. Consider reversible hinges if wall-adjacent

The Decision Framework

• 1 door: You entertain 1–2x/month with <10 people, or it's for personal/daily use
• 2 doors: You entertain weekly, host 10–15 people regularly, or want dual-zone capability
• 3 doors: You're serious about hosting, have a dedicated bar area, or it's for commercial use