Commercial Upright Back Bar Cooler | Bar Fridge | 490 Litre Capacity | Hinged Doors | Polar GJ449

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Overview Features Specifications Reviews Compare Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Thinking about giving your bar area a serious upgrade? The Polar GJ449 is a beast of a back bar cooler, designed from the ground up to handle the relentless pace of a busy British pub, club, or hotel bar. It’s all about massive capacity, stylish presentation, and rock-solid reliability, ensuring every single drink you serve is perfectly chilled, even on the busiest Saturday night.

This isn't just for the big players; any venue that prides itself on serving perfectly cold bottled drinks will find this an invaluable asset. With its sleek black finish and bright LED lighting, this commercial upright back bar cooler doesn't just perform brilliantly—it makes your bestselling drinks look fantastic, encouraging those impulse buys and keeping customers happy. It’s the silent, hardworking hero every bar manager dreams of.

Featuring eight adjustable shelves, you have complete freedom to organise your stock exactly how you want it, from craft ales to prosecco. The lockable double-glazed doors add a layer of security overnight, while the user-friendly digital controls make temperature management an absolute doddle. If you’re ready to stop worrying about fridge space and start focusing on service, this is the solution you've been waiting for.

Key Features and Benefits

Massive 490-Litre Capacity: Holds more stock, meaning fewer trips to the cellar.
Fan-Assisted Cooling: Ensures rapid temperature recovery, even during the busiest periods.
8 Adjustable Shelves: Customise your layout for bottles and cans of all sizes.
Digital Temperature Control: Set and monitor the internal temperature with total precision.
Energy-Efficient LED Lighting: Showcases your products beautifully without hiking up your energy bills.
Lockable Double-Glazed Doors: Keeps your valuable stock secure and improves thermal efficiency.
Automatic Defrost: Minimises maintenance and ensures the cooler runs efficiently.
Easy-Clean Construction: Spend less time cleaning and more time serving customers.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Polar
SKU: GJ449
Capacity: 490 Litre
Dimensions: 1880(H) x 920(W) x 514(D) mm
Temperature Range: 2°C to 8°C
Power: 400W
Power Supply: 230V, 13 amp plug fitted
Refrigerant: R600a
Weight: 139kg
Colour & Material: Black Painted Steel
Defrost Type: Automatic
Max Ambient Temperature: 32°C
Shelves: 8 adjustable

The Polar Advantage: Built for Britain's Busiest Bars

When you choose a Polar fridge, you're investing in more than just metal and refrigerant; you're buying into a reputation for incredible reliability. Polar has become a cornerstone brand in UK hospitality because their equipment is built to withstand the daily grind of a busy commercial setting without faltering. The GJ449 embodies this ethos. It’s not just about the large capacity or the efficient cooling; it’s about the peace of mind that comes from knowing it will perform consistently, night after night. This long-term dependability means fewer service calls, less downtime, and no lost sales from unhappy customers being served a warm drink. For a business owner, that operational consistency is priceless, making this hinged door bar cooler a smart, strategic investment for any serious venue.

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Expert Review and Insights

The Polar GJ449 really hits the sweet spot between colossal storage and a manageable footprint. It’s a proper workhorse. For venues that have the vertical space, it’s a far better solution than multiple under-counter units, delivering consistent cooling and superior display in one robust package. It’s built for the high-turnover reality of UK hospitality.

Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →

Pros: The fan-assisted cooling is excellent for rapid pull-down times during busy service.
Cons: At 139kg, you’ll want to plan its final position carefully; it’s heavy.

Who Should Buy This?

Busy Pubs & Bars: Keep your best-selling beers, ciders, and soft drinks perfectly chilled and ready for non-stop service.
Hotels & Function Rooms: Ideal for bar areas or event spaces needing high-capacity, reliable drink refrigeration for guests.
Sports & Social Clubs: Effortlessly cater to thirsty members after a match with a well-stocked and perfectly cooled display.
Bottle Shops & Micropubs: The perfect commercial bar display fridge to showcase a wide range of craft ales and specialist drinks.

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Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Queen's Arms, a popular gastropub in Bristol, was struggling with insufficient fridge space, leading to stock issues and lukewarm drinks during peak summer weekends. They needed a high-capacity solution that could keep up.

"Our old under-counter fridges just couldn't cope with the demand. We were constantly restocking mid-service. The Polar upright back bar cooler has completely streamlined our bar operation. Everything is ice-cold, all the time, and the display looks fantastic."

- Sarah Jones, Pub Manager

Since installation, the pub has eliminated restocking during service hours and reports a noticeable increase in customer satisfaction regarding drink temperature.

How Fan-Assisted Cooling Keeps Drinks Colder, Faster

Ever noticed how some fridges have warmer spots, especially near the door? Fan-assisted cooling solves that. Inside this Polar upright back bar cooler, a small fan constantly circulates the cold air, ensuring every nook and cranny maintains the exact same temperature. Think of it like a convection oven, but for chilling! The real magic happens when you're busy. Every time you open the door, warm air rushes in. This system kicks in immediately to pull the temperature back down rapidly, meaning the last drink you grab is just as cold as the first. It's a simple feature that makes a huge difference to service quality.

Installation and Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

Leave at least 20cm of space around the unit, especially at the back, for ventilation. Don't block the air vents!
Position the cooler on a flat, level surface using the adjustable feet. This prevents strain on the door hinges.
After positioning, let the unit stand for at least 4 hours before plugging it in to allow the refrigerant to settle.
Once on, let it reach the desired temperature before loading it with stock for the best initial results.

Keeping It Going

Wipe down the door seals weekly with a damp cloth to ensure they remain clean and effective.
Every month, carefully brush or vacuum the condenser coils to remove dust build-up, which improves efficiency.
Regularly check the automatic defrost drain is clear to prevent any water pooling inside the unit.
Clean the interior surfaces and shelves regularly with a food-safe cleaner to maintain hygiene.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Bar Fridge

Not sure which back bar cooler is the right fit for your venue? Here are a few things to consider to make sure you get the perfect match.

Capacity vs. Footprint

Think about your peak service needs. A larger capacity unit like this one saves on restocking time, but make sure you've measured your floor and height clearance first.

Hinged vs. Sliding Doors

Hinged doors, like on this model, typically offer a better seal. They are perfect for when you have enough space for the door to swing open without obstruction.

Energy Efficiency

Look at features like LED lighting and double-glazing. An efficient fridge costs less to run over its lifetime, which is a big win for your bottom line.

Security Features

If your cooler is in an accessible area, lockable doors are a must-have. It's a simple feature that protects your valuable stock out of hours.

Durability and Cleaning

Commercial environments are tough. Look for sturdy construction (like painted steel) and features like removable shelves that make daily cleaning quick and simple.

See all Back Bar Bottle Coolers - Double Door

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'fan-assisted cooling' actually do?

A: It uses a fan to circulate cold air throughout the cabinet, ensuring a consistent temperature on all shelves and helping the cooler get back to temperature quickly after the door has been opened.

Q: Are the 8 shelves included and are they adjustable?

A: Yes, this model comes with 8 sturdy shelves, and they are fully adjustable so you can customise the interior to fit different sized bottles and cans.

Q: What kind of plug does it come with?

A: The Polar GJ449 comes fitted with a standard UK 3-pin, 13-amp plug, so you can plug it straight into a normal socket.

Q: Is it suitable for storing food like sandwiches or milk?

A: This unit is designed as a bottle cooler for drinks. For perishable foods, we recommend a dedicated commercial catering refrigerator that can maintain stricter temperature controls.

Q: How often do I need to defrost it?

A: You don't! This model features an automatic defrost cycle that regularly melts any ice build-up, saving you time and effort.

Q: Can I build this fridge into a cabinet or under a counter?

A: No, this is a freestanding commercial upright back bar cooler. It requires adequate ventilation (around 20cm) on all sides to operate correctly and should not be enclosed.

Q: Are the doors reversible?

A: The hinged doors on this specific model are not designed to be reversible.

Q: Is this unit noisy?

A: As a commercial refrigeration unit with a fan, it will produce some operational noise, comparable to other professional bar fridges. It's designed for a bustling commercial environment.

What Customers Are Saying

"An absolute workhorse. Swallowed up all our bottled stock with room to spare. The fan keeps everything consistently cold even when we're slammed."

- Mark R – The Railway Inn, Crewe

"Great fridge, looks smart and the LED lights really make the drinks pop. It's quite tall, so just make sure you measure your space first!"

- Chloe T – Village Social Club, Leeds

"This Polar GJ449 bar fridge is a fantastic bit of kit. We run a busy bistro and it hasn't missed a beat. Easy to clean and the lockable doors are a great feature."

- Ben Carter – Carter's Bistro, Brighton

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