The Ultimate Guide to Bar Counter Drip Tray: All You Need To Know
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The beer drip tray is an overlooked part of draft beer dispensing equipment. It’s designed to catch dripping beer from a beer faucet after pouring. A bar drip tray is essential in maintaining cleanliness and preventing damage from spilled draft beer on countertops in various drinking establishments.
Having the right drip tray will make sure beer doesn’t leak and spills on the bar countertop, and there’s no extra cleanup.
Beer drip trays come in many variations; surface mount, recessed, or flush mount, with glass rinsers and all sorts of shapes. Yet, after reading this you’ll know which beer drip trays are best for different scenarios. As well as the main categories in which they come in. Let’s go…
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Stainless Steel Beer Drip Tray With Drain
Most bar drip trays come with a drain in the center. The drain can be a welded piece of tubing ½” to ¾” long. You can slide a piece of tubing over the drain and put the end piece into a drain bottle, bucket, or floor drain. Another way is a threaded piece that screws into the bottom of the drip tray. This threaded drain piece is around 3.5 inches long by 1/2 “ wide. Once the shaft threads in. There’s usually a panel washer nut and washer assembly that will hold the drip tray under the counter. This is another popular drain assembly with bar drip trays. Keep in mind sometimes the shaft of the drain may need to be longer depending on the thickness of the countertop. It all depends on where the drip tray will rest and the thickness of the countertop.
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Countertop Drip Tray
These drip trays are great to use on kegerators or draft beer towers with 1-3 beer taps. They will vary in size but are somewhere around 12 inches in length. On the bottom of the trays rubber or silicone stoppers are there so they don't slide. The beer trays sit on top of the counter or kegerator. There is no drain with these. Surface mounts are very easy to clean.
One popular model is the cutout surface mount drip tray. The cutout piece allows a small draft beer tower to rest inside. This draft tower is typically a 3" column. The cutout also picks up the splashing and dripping from beer faucets. A great option from Amazon is below.
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To clean, pull out the drip tray insert. Carry the tub part of the emptied empty tray to a sink and dump down the drain. Wash with a cleaning soap like Dawn to clean the drip tray. Dry after, the drip tray is clean and ready. Again, a great alternative for someone that has a few taps. Great for home kegerators and establishments. Quick to clean, but also a reliable drip tray if you don't need to plumb up a drain system.
Wall Mount Drip Tray
These are great for bar owners with direct-draw beer systems. Where beer faucets are coming out of the wall or off a refrigerator that is converted to a beer kegerator. These drip trays can come with screw holes that make it easy to install. Usually set up for 2 or 3 beer taps. Custom mounts can be made but there is also another option. This option is usually for many beer faucets.
These wall mount drip trays can also incorporate beer taps, backsplash, and drip tray all in one. This is usually the more popular of the two. Also used at home, as well as breweries, bars and commercial establishments.
Beer Glass Rinsers Drip Tray
These drip trays give users the opportunity to rinse and cool a beer glass before beer pours into it. Glass rinsers are more common in the commercial side of the line of things. Glass rinsers also prevent beer from foaming on a warm glass surface. It's nice to have these built into drip trays.
Most of the beer glass rinsers come pre-built into the drip trays, and purchased off the shelf. Also added separately when needed. Most of the time the rinsers rest outside the farthest beer tap. From experience, this seems to be the best location. If beer rinsers sit in the center of a drip tray they tend to malfunction more often. It could be because of the beer falling on the rinser and drying up the liquid. I've seen occasions where bartenders go to rinse a glass and it gets stuck spraying water. This is usually related to neglect of equipment if anything else. It also could be wear and tear from bartenders using the glass rinsers. From my experience, it seems the outside glass rinsers seem to last longer. Compared to rinsers placed in the center of a drip tray.
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One thing to keep in mind is the rinser itself will need a replacement. Like any other piece of equipment in constant use wear and tear will take its toll. Working with pubs and breweries it seemed these rinsers were being replaced annually. The nice thing about the rinsers is they aren't too difficult to replace.
Overall, a great drip tray that has more capability than the standard drip tray we've talked about above.
Flush Mount Beer Drip Tray
Flush mount or recessed countertop drip trays that keep the drip tray flush with the existing countertop or bar top. These drip trays look the best aesthetically in my opinion. The tough thing about these trays is you’ll need to cut into the countertop or bartop. This requires cutting into stone or stainless steel. I’d always have contractors do this on my commercial projects, but it can be done with someone having the right tools.
The cut needs to be slightly bigger than the footprint of the drip tray. This will allow the drip tray to slide into the cut and the flanged surface will the drip tray in place. With these flush mount drip trays. I’d always recommend glass rinsers too. This gives the user a clean and professional drip tray. With the ability to prep glasses before beer pours. I’d recommend looking at Micro Matic for these trays.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing a countertop drip tray is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Before installation, ensure that the surface is clean and dry. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific installation requirements. Typically, the drip tray is placed under the faucet or beer tower, and the drain is connected to a sink or drainage system.
To maintain your countertop bar drip tray well, regular cleaning is essential. Remove any debris or spills immediately, and wash the tray with soap and warm water. For stainless steel drip trays, a gentle stainless steel cleaner can be used to remove any stubborn stains. Dry the tray thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots. Regular maintenance not only keeps your bar area looking pristine but also extends the life of your drip tray, ensuring it continues to function efficiently.
Accessories and Replacement Parts
To enhance the functionality of your bartender or countertop drip tray, consider adding accessories such as glass rinsers or drain assemblies. Glass rinsers make it easy to clean glasses and prevent water spots, while drain assemblies ensure that spilled beer is diverted away from the counter, keeping your bar area tidy.
If you need to replace parts or accessories, look for high-quality stainless steel components that match your drip tray’s specifications. Replacing worn-out parts can help maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of your drip tray. High-quality stainless steel parts are durable and resistant to corrosion, ensuring your drip tray remains in top condition for years to come.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues with countertop drip trays include clogged drains, water spots, and uneven installation. To troubleshoot these issues, check the following:
- Clogged drains: Check the drain assembly for blockages and clean out any debris. Ensure that the drain is properly connected to the sink or drainage system.
- Water spots: Dry the drip tray thoroughly after cleaning, and consider using a water-repellent coating to prevent water spots.
- Uneven installation: Check the surface for levelness and adjust the drip tray accordingly. Ensure that the drip tray is securely fastened to the counter to prevent movement.
By addressing these common issues promptly, you can ensure your drip tray continues to function effectively, keeping drinks in your bar area clean and efficient.
Where to Buy and How to Get the Best Value
When purchasing a countertop drip tray, customers look for reputable suppliers that offer high-quality products and excellent customer service. Consider factors such as material, size, and features when selecting a drip tray. Stainless steel drip trays are a popular choice due to their durability and ease of cleaning.
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To get the best value, compare prices from different suppliers and look for discounts or promotions. Consider purchasing a drip tray with accessories, such as glass rinsers or drain assemblies, to enhance its functionality.
Some popular places to buy countertop drip trays include online retailers, specialty food and beverage stores, and restaurant supply stores. Be sure to read reviews and check the details of the product’s warranty before making a purchase. By following these tips, you can find the perfect countertop drip tray for your bar or restaurant and enjoy the benefits of easy cleaning, efficient beer serving, and a clean and tidy bar area.
Summary
Drip trays come in various styles, each suited for specific needs. The main categories include surface mount drip trays without drains, flush mount options, and those equipped with glass rinsers. Each type offers unique advantages, catering to different bar setups and preferences. This comprehensive guide has provided insights into selecting the ideal drip tray for your establishment, ensuring efficient spill management and maintaining a clean bar environment.