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Jarvis

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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Commercial Back Bar Cooler | Bottle Fridge | 198 Litre Capacity | Hinged Doors | Polar GL012. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

Jarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535

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Polar In Stock

Commercial Back Bar Cooler | Bottle Fridge | 198 Litre Capacity | Hinged Doors | Polar GL012

SKU: GL012
£918.27 / exc vat
£1,101.92/ inc vat
  • Generous 198L Capacity
  • Fan-Assisted Cooling
  • Adjustable Shelving
  • Lockable Double-Glazed Doors

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Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Looking for a reliable way to keep your bestsellers perfectly chilled and  ready to serve? Meet the Polar GL012, a robust and  stylish commercial back bar cooler designed to work as hard as you do. With its sleek black finish and  generous capacity, it fits seamlessly behind any bar, showcasing your drinks in the best possible light while keeping them at the ideal temperature.

This unit is an absolute essential for pubs, bustling bars, restaurants, and  social clubs that need dependable cooling without taking up a huge amount of floor space. The 198-litre capacity, combined with four fully adjustable shelves, gives you fantastic flexibility to store a mix of bottles and  cans. It’s the perfect solution for businesses that want to maximise their drink sales through an attractive and  efficient commercial bottle display fridge.

Engineered for the demands of a commercial environment, this hinged door bar bottle cooler features fan-assisted cooling for rapid temperature recovery, lockable double-glazed doors for security, and  user-friendly digital controls. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss workhorse that ensures every drink you serve is refreshingly cold. Ready to upgrade your bar service?

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Generous 198L Capacity: Holds plenty of stock, reducing trips to the storeroom.
  • Fan-Assisted Cooling: Chills drinks quickly and  keeps the temperature consistently even.
  • Adjustable Shelving: Customise the layout to fit different sized bottles and  cans.
  • Lockable Double-Glazed Doors: Keeps your valuable stock secure overnight and  improves efficiency.
  • Interior LED Lighting: Showcases your products beautifully to entice customer purchases.
  • Digital Temperature Control: Easily set and  monitor the ideal temperature for your beverages.
  • Automatic Defrost: Saves you time and  effort on maintenance and  cleaning.
  • Easy-Clean Construction: Painted steel finish makes wiping it down a simple job.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Polar
  • SKU: GL012
  • Dimensions: 850(H) x 900(W) x 520(D) mm
  • Capacity: 198 Litres (approx. 117 x 330ml bottles)
  • Power: 230W, 1.8A - Plugs into a standard 13-amp socket
  • Temperature Range: 2°C to 8°C
  • Refrigerant: R600a
  • Weight: 75kg
  • Doors: 2 Hinged, Lockable
  • Colour: Black
  • Material: Painted Steel
  • Insulation: 40mm
  • Max Ambient Temperature: 38°C

Expert Review and  Insights

The Polar GL012 is a real workhorse. It’s a popular choice for good reason: it does the fundamentals exceptionally well without any unnecessary frills. Its rapid cool-down time and  ability to hold its temperature in a warm environment make it a solid, reliable investment for any busy venue looking for performance they can count on, night after night.

Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →

  • Pros: The fan-assisted cooling recovers temperature impressively fast after busy periods.
  • Cons: While sturdy, its painted steel exterior can scratch without care.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Queen's Head, a popular city-centre pub in Leeds, found their old under-counter fridge was struggling to keep up during their busy Friday and  Saturday night services, leading to complaints about lukewarm drinks.

"The Polar GL012 has been brilliant. It keeps everything consistently ice-cold, even when we're flat out. The LED lighting makes the bar look sharper, and  our customers have definitely noticed the difference in the quality of the serve."

Anika Patel – General Manager, The Queen's Head

Since installing the new cooler, the bar team has been able to serve perfectly chilled drinks 30% faster during peak weekend hours, improving customer satisfaction and  speeding up service.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • After delivery, let the unit stand upright for at least 4 hours before plugging it in to allow the refrigerant to settle.
  • Position the cooler on a flat, level surface using the adjustable feet to prevent vibration and  ensure the door seals correctly.
  • Leave a gap of at least 20cm around the back and  sides for ventilation. Good airflow is key to efficient cooling!
  • Once plugged in, allow the fridge to reach its operating temperature before loading it with stock.

Keeping It Going

  • Wipe down the door seals weekly with a damp cloth to keep them clean and  effective.
  • Every few months, carefully brush or vacuum the condenser coils at the back to remove dust build-up.
  • Check that the automatic defrost drain hole inside is clear and not blocked by debris.
  • Regularly clean the interior surfaces and  shelves with a mild, food-safe detergent.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Bottle Cooler

Not sure what to look for? Picking the right commercial back bar cooler can make a huge difference. Here are a few tips to help you decide.

Capacity vs. Footprint

Measure your under-bar space carefully. Think about your busiest service – will a smaller unit need constant restocking? Balance the biggest capacity you can get with the space you actually have available.

Hinged vs. Sliding Doors

Hinged doors, like on this Polar GL012 back bar fridge, often provide a better seal. Sliding doors are great for tight walkways where you don't have space for a door to swing open.

Temperature Range

Most drinks are best served between 2°C and  8°C, which this unit handles perfectly. If you're storing specialist items like red wine, you might need a dual-zone cooler with a different range.

Lighting and  Display

Good internal lighting doesn't just help staff see what's inside; it's a sales tool. A well-lit display of premium drinks can significantly boost impulse buys. LED is the modern, energy-efficient choice.

Security

If your cooler is in an area with public access or you want to secure high-value stock overnight, lockable doors are a non-negotiable feature. Always check for this.

See all Double Door Back Bar Bottle Coolers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many 330ml bottles can the Polar GL012 hold?

A: It has a capacity for approximately 117 standard 330ml bottles, plus room for cans, depending on how you arrange the adjustable shelves.

Q: Can the doors be locked?

A: Yes, this model comes with lockable double-glazed doors and  keys are supplied, providing excellent security for your stock.

Q: Is the temperature easy to set?

A: Absolutely. It features a user-friendly digital control panel and  display, allowing you to set and  monitor the temperature precisely between 2°C and  8°C.

Q: What kind of power socket does it need?

A: It's very simple to install. The cooler comes fitted with a standard UK 3-pin, 13-amp plug, so no special wiring is required.

Q: Does it have to be defrosted manually?

A: No, this unit features an automatic defrost function which runs periodically to prevent ice build-up, saving you time and  hassle.

Q: Are the shelves fixed or can they be moved?

A: The cooler includes four sturdy shelves that are fully adjustable, so you can easily configure the interior to fit tall bottles, cans, or a mixture of both.

Q: Can this fridge be used in a hot kitchen environment?

A: It's designed to operate effectively in ambient temperatures up to 38°C, making it suitable for most busy bar areas and  some cooler kitchens.

Q: Is the internal light replaceable?

A: Yes, it uses an energy-efficient LED light which has a very long lifespan, but it can be replaced if needed.

What Customers Are Saying

"Does exactly what it says on the tin. Keeps drinks cold, the light is great for display, and  it was easy to set up. A solid bit of kit for our club bar."

Brian T. – Sports Club, Liverpool

"Really happy with this 198 litre bar fridge. It's quiet and  efficient. My only small gripe is that the shelves can be a little fiddly to adjust, but once they're in, they're solid."

Maria C. – Bistro Owner, Brighton

"A fantastic bottle fridge for bars. The lockable doors give us peace of mind, and  the capacity is excellent for its footprint. Highly recommended."

David Chen – Pub Landlord, Newcastle

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The Polar Advantage: Reliability When It Matters Most

When you choose a Polar fridge, you're investing in more than just a box that keeps things cold; you're buying peace of mind. For years, Polar has been a cornerstone brand in UK hospitality, known for building robust, no-nonsense equipment that stands up to the rigours of daily commercial use. The real value of the GL012 isn't just in its spec sheet, but in its unwavering consistency. It's the confidence that on the busiest Saturday night, your drinks will be perfectly chilled, service won't be compromised, and  your customers will be happy. This focus on long-term reliability means fewer breakdowns, lower maintenance stress, and  a better return on your investment, allowing you to focus on what you do best: running your business.

Explore more from Polar

How Fan-Assisted Cooling Keeps Drinks Colder, Faster

Ever notice how a fan oven cooks more evenly than a regular one? Fan-assisted cooling in a fridge works on a similar principle. Instead of just letting cold air sit (which can create warmer and  colder spots), a small internal fan actively circulates the chilled air throughout the entire cabinet. This means there are no 'weak spots' where drinks don't get properly cold. More importantly, when you open the door to grab a round of drinks and  warm air rushes in, the fan kicks in to restore the ideal temperature much, much faster than a standard fridge. It’s this rapid recovery that makes it perfect for a busy bar.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Pubs & Bars: Perfect for keeping your most popular beers, ciders, and  soft drinks chilled and  accessible under the counter.
  • Restaurants & Bistros: An ideal bottle fridge for bars to store white wines, prosecco, and  bottled water at the perfect serving temperature.
  • Hotels & Guesthouses: A great addition to a hotel bar or function room for offering guests a selection of cold beverages.
  • Social Clubs & Event Venues: Reliably serves high volumes of chilled drinks to members and  guests during busy events and  match days.
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Get the Polar GL012 Commercial Back Bar Cooler delivered fast and  keep your bestsellers perfectly chilled. Order today for a cooler, quicker service!

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  • #PolarCooler
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