Whose Bar Equipment is Best: Krowne vs Perlick vs Glastender

Joel Phillips • January 1, 2000
Whose bar equipment is best? Would you believe that there are only three companies worthy of consideration? If you’re in the market for bar equipment, you might be surprised to know that in my book, there are only three legitimate choices. There’s a lot to know when making a decision to purchase bar equipment, and the information can be overwhelming. My goal is to help you streamline the decision-making process. Later in this article, I’ll tell you my favorite bar equipment company._x000D_ My name is Rick Uzubell and I’m a professional bar designer. I’ve been in this professional practice since 2006 and have worked for some incredible clients. Please allow me to be your personal consultant today._x000D_
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How Many Companies Manufacture Bar Equipment in the U.S.?

_x000D_ This is a loaded question, because there are many companies that manufacture bar equipment. However, to those of us who design bars professionally, there are only three companies worthy of consideration. Why? Because according to most insiders, there are only three major players in the bar equipment industry in the U.S. and they are: Glastender, Krowne and Perlick. By now, you must be wondering about all those other names you’ve noticed. Let me explain…_x000D_ _x000D_
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FULLY INTEGRATED COMPANIES

_x000D_ You say, ‘Rick, there’s only three major players? Aren’t there other companies that build bar equipment?’ The answer is yes, but with a caveat. While there are many choices, the other companies have limited or specialized product lines. Glastender, Krowne and Perlick are the only bar equipment companies that are fully integrated:_x000D_ _x000D_ They have a comprehensive line of underbar stainless steel products, each fabricates specials, and each offers a comprehensive line of refrigeration products and draft beer systems. _x000D_ _x000D_ Sure, there are many other companies in this sector, such as AdvanceTabco, Eagle Group, etc., but their product lines are limited, as they don’t offer refrigeration (or have fragmented refrigeration offerings) and draft beer systems and their technology offerings are narrow. Because of these limitations, I don’t normally consider any of these companies for our clients. While we’re at it, let me tell you about a few other popular brands…_x000D_
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Other Familiar Bar Equipment Industry Names

_x000D_ For the record, there are several other U.S. bar equipment manufacturers you may have heard of, such as:_x000D_ _x000D_
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_x000D_ _x000D_ The above-mentioned companies are among a vast number of bar equipment manufacturers, but they’re all specialty companies, primarily known for their refrigeration products (none of them produce underbar stainless steel products). I don’t specify these refrigeration products, because many models don’t fit the modern 24″ built-in profile I strongly recommend, while others don’t offer low-profile underbar products. I’ve never been inclined to mix-and-match manufacturers of bar equipment products. I want our clients to enjoy the aesthetics offered by a single brand, because I strongly feel that the turnkey solution yields the best overall result. Besides, you’ll likely realize better savings by purchasing your equipment from a single manufacturer._x000D_ _x000D_
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WHAT ARE THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES IN QUALITY IN BAR EQUIPMENT?

_x000D_ How does one differentiate quality in bar equipment? As I mentioned earlier, the only fully-integrated bar equipment companies are Glastender, Krowne and Perlick. What sets each apart from the others? I’ll tell you one thing – they all have a wealth of industry experience…_x000D_

What Constitutes Bar Equipment Industry Experience?

_x000D_ In terms of age, all these companies have been in business for generations._x000D_ _x000D_ I don’t place trust in any bar equipment company that’s been in business for less than 10 years. _x000D_ _x000D_ The above companies are family-owned and have been manufacturing bar equipment for more than 50 years, and all have a presence in every corner of the hospitality industry. Perlick is the oldest – going back to the 1920’s with their beer dispensing products. Krowne was established 75 years ago and Glastender 55 years ago. Each company has gone through growth spurts and have recognized the need to maintain relevance through periodic innovation. However, as with many generations-old companies, some become myopic – losing their vision for necessary, continued growth._x000D_

What Are The Categories of Bar Equipment Products?

_x000D_ When evaluating quality purely on the basis of products, all three companies cover the main categories:_x000D_ _x000D_
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How do We Evaluate Bar Equipment Manufacturers?

_x000D_ When evaluating which bar equipment manufacturer is best, there’s a bit more to know. Here’s how I break it down. Let’s face it, quality and innovation are the mainstays by which many are judged, no matter the industry. While some companies have established long and solid reputations, resting on one’s laurels isn’t enough for today’s consumers.  Companies that continually offer high-quality products, coupled with innovation, enjoy the lion’s share of business. Now let’s take a closer look at how I differentiate these competitors from one another (ref. Figure 1 (below))._x000D_ _x000D_
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BEST BAR EQUIPMENT COMPARISON FEATURES
TABLE 1. A capability comparison between Krowne, Perlick and Glastender
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REFRIGERATION WARRANTY

_x000D_ Krowne has clearly given this issue serious thought. Their coolers come with a 2-year warranty on parts and labor, with an option for a third year. When I think of extended warranties, I think of new cars. A manufacturer has to feel very confident in their products to make such a promise to consumers. On the other hand, Perlick and Glastender only offer one year._x000D_ _x000D_
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KROWNE'S BAR EQUIPMENT REMINDS ME OF A FERRARI
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Premium 300 Series Stainless Steel Construction

_x000D_ Folks, this is a huge feature to me, because it screams quality. When I saw Krowne’s display at NAFEM 23, I was overwhelmed. It’s difficult to describe what I witnessed, but Krowne’s finish is so superior to that of its competitors’ bar equipment that I can hardly put describe it in words. Let me put it to you this way. If you’ve ever seen a new red Ferrari, it will take your breath away. I had a similar feeling when I saw Krowne’s equipment. Under 3rd-generation owners, Krowne made a bold move a few years ago by upgrading their equipment’s finish to 301 and 304 stainless steel. For those unaware, these are the highest grades featured in the bar equipment industry. They utilize a considerable amount of chromium and nickel, and to an engineer such as myself, I can spot it a mile away. Krowne’s equipment has a bright, buttery-finish._x000D_

LESSER GRADES OF STAINLESS STEEL ARE NO COMPARISON

_x000D_ Glastender and Perlick look less polished because they utilize lesser grades of stainless steel. Notice the differences in the equipment shown in Figures 2, 3 & 4 (below) – the Glastender and Perlick products are new installations – theirs are no comparison to Krowne! I encourage you to review the downloadable below to understand the differences in stainless steel grades._x000D_ _x000D_
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June 2, 2026
There is a moment in nearly every construction project where uncertainty quietly enters the conversation. A client looks at a technical drawing and struggles to imagine the finished space. An investor questions whether the design vision can truly translate into commercial value. A planning board hesitates because the proposal still feels abstract. Contractors interpret details differently. Stakeholders approve concepts without fully seeing what they are committing to. This is where architectural renderings become far more than visual enhancements. Modern renderings have evolved into strategic communication tools that help project teams secure approvals, win bids, attract investors, and align stakeholders long before construction begins. They bridge the gap between technical intent and human understanding. More importantly, they reduce friction during decision-making. In an industry where confidence can determine whether a project moves forward or stalls, visual clarity has become a competitive advantage. Why Visualization Matters More Than Ever Construction projects have become increasingly complex. Owners expect faster timelines, investors demand clearer projections, and clients want greater involvement in the design process. Traditional 2D drawings remain essential, but they are often insufficient for communicating the emotional and functional experience of a space. Renderings solve this challenge by transforming technical information into something accessible and persuasive. Instead of asking stakeholders to interpret elevations, sections, and material schedules independently, renderings allow them to experience the vision before a single material is ordered or installed. This shift changes conversations significantly. Projects move from "What will this look like?" to "How do we optimize this further?" That difference can save time, prevent redesign cycles, and improve project outcomes. The Competitive Edge in Winning Bids Construction and development proposals are highly competitive. Firms are not only evaluated on pricing and capability but also on how effectively they communicate their vision. A detailed rendering can immediately separate one proposal from another. When clients review competing bids, visuals help them understand scope, quality, atmosphere, and usability. A technically strong proposal may still lose momentum if decision-makers cannot emotionally connect with the concept. Renderings create that connection. They communicate professionalism, preparedness, and confidence. They demonstrate that the project team has thought through design intent, spatial relationships, finishes, lighting, and user experience. For developers and contractors pursuing high-value opportunities, visualization often becomes a silent differentiator. Improving Stakeholder Alignment Misalignment is one of the most expensive risks in construction. Architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, owners, and end users may all interpret drawings differently. Even minor misunderstandings can result in delays, RFIs, rework, or budget increases. Visualization minimizes ambiguity. Photorealistic renderings and coordinated BIM-supported models provide a shared visual reference for everyone involved in the project lifecycle. Stakeholders gain a clearer understanding of scale, circulation, finishes, and design intent. This improves communication across disciplines and supports more productive collaboration during pre-construction. Teams that establish alignment early are typically better positioned to maintain schedule integrity and budget control later in the project. Supporting Faster Approvals Planning boards, municipalities, investors, and regulatory bodies are frequently tasked with reviewing large amounts of technical documentation within limited timeframes. Technical drawings alone may not fully communicate the project’s impact or design quality. Renderings help reviewers quickly understand: Site integration Building massing Public-facing aesthetics Material intent Environmental context User experience This can significantly improve presentation effectiveness during approvals and stakeholder reviews. For hospitality, commercial, mixed-use, and residential developments, visualization often becomes one of the strongest tools for gaining early project buy-in. Investor Confidence Begins with Clarity Investors evaluate more than design quality. They evaluate risk. The clearer a project appears during the pre-construction phase, the easier it becomes for investors to understand the opportunity and feel confident about execution. Renderings support investor presentations by helping communicate: Brand identity Market positioning Spatial experience Commercial appeal Customer experience potential Operational functionality A compelling rendering can transform an abstract concept into something tangible and commercially believable. This is particularly important in hospitality and experiential projects where atmosphere and user perception directly influence revenue potential. The Relationship Between BIM and Visualization  The strongest visualization workflows are not isolated from technical production. They are integrated into the broader project delivery process. That is where BIM and coordinated modeling become especially valuable. When visualization is supported by BIM workflows, project teams gain greater consistency between design intent and constructability. Models can support clash detection, coordination reviews, shop drawing development, and construction sequencing while also generating highly accurate visual outputs. This integrated approach improves both presentation quality and project coordination. At ADDMORE Services, visualization is approached as part of a larger technical ecosystem rather than a standalone creative exercise. The company supports global AEC firms through architectural drafting, BIM, rendering services, quantity takeoffs, project management support, MEP coordination, and construction documentation. Their offshore outsourcing model allows firms to scale technical production efficiently while maintaining quality control and operational flexibility. Rather than simply producing attractive imagery, the focus is placed on creating visuals that support real project delivery objectives. Visualization as a Communication Tool One of the most overlooked benefits of renderings is their ability to improve communication with non-technical audiences. Not every stakeholder has experience reading architectural documentation. Clients, investors, community representatives, and end users often respond more effectively to visuals than technical drawings. Renderings simplify complex discussions without oversimplifying the project itself. This creates more productive conversations around: Design intent User experience Material selections Branding opportunities Operational flow Future development potential The result is stronger engagement and better-informed decision-making. Reducing Costly Changes Later Late-stage revisions are expensive. When stakeholders cannot fully visualize the final outcome early in the process, concerns often emerge after construction documentation is completed or after construction has already begun. Renderings reduce this risk by helping teams identify concerns sooner. Clients can review layouts, finishes, lighting conditions, circulation, and aesthetics earlier in the process. Design refinements happen before they become costly field modifications. This proactive approach contributes to smoother project execution and stronger client satisfaction. The Future of Architectural Presentation The role of visualization continues to evolve rapidly. Interactive walkthroughs, immersive experiences, real-time rendering, and AI-assisted visualization technologies are reshaping how projects are communicated and evaluated. Yet the core objective remains unchanged. People need confidence before they commit resources, approvals, or investment. Renderings help provide that confidence. As competition increases across the AEC industry, firms that communicate clearly and visually will continue to gain an advantage in winning projects and building stronger client relationships. Final Thoughts Architectural renderings are no longer optional presentation extras. They are strategic assets that influence approvals, strengthen collaboration, improve stakeholder confidence, and support better project outcomes. The ability to communicate a project clearly before construction begins has become one of the most valuable advantages in modern project delivery. For firms navigating complex timelines, demanding stakeholders, and increasingly competitive markets, visualization is not simply about making projects look impressive. It is about helping projects move forward with clarity and confidence. If your team is looking for reliable support in architectural drafting, BIM coordination, rendering services, construction documentation, or project-specific offshore outsourcing, ADDMORE Services provides scalable technical solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the AEC industry. Contact us for a free consultation and discover how the right technical partner can help strengthen your project delivery workflow while maintaining quality, coordination, and efficiency.
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