Glass Chillers & Frosters

A glass chiller and mug froster is a refrigerated cabinet that keeps glassware at sub-freezing temperatures so mugs, steins, and pint glasses arrive at the bar with a frost coating already formed. The frosted surface slows temperature transfer from the hand to the drink and keeps beer, cocktails, and frozen beverages colder longer without added ice. Bars, brewpubs, sports venues, and ice cream shops use these units to maintain glassware staging directly at the point of service.

Arctic Air, Atosa, Beverage-Air, Glastender, True Refrigeration, Turbo Air, and U-Star manufacture commercial glass chillers and mug frosters for bars, restaurants, and high-volume beverage operations.

Underbar and Back-Bar Configurations

Glass frosters are built in two primary formats based on where they fit in the bar layout. Standard back-bar models stand independently and are designed to be visible behind the bar, typically in black vinyl or stainless steel finishes that match other back-bar equipment. Underbar models are purpose-built to slide beneath the speed rail, keeping frosted glassware within arm's reach of the bartender without taking up above-counter or back-bar real estate. Beverage-Air's underbar frosters are a dedicated example of this format, sized specifically for integration into an underbar system.

Sizing and Capacity

Width is the starting point for sizing, with units available from 24" to 50", but capacity in this category is measured in mugs and steins rather than cubic footage. A 24" unit typically holds in the range of 48–90 eight-inch mugs depending on shelf configuration, while 48–50" units accommodate significantly more. The number of shelves matters as much as the width, since more shelves let you stage deeper inventory at different heights for mixed glassware types. Units with two lids allow access to one side while the other stays sealed, which helps maintain temperature during peak service when the cabinet is opened frequently.

What to Consider When Choosing a Glass Froster

Beyond size and format, exterior finish is a practical consideration. Black vinyl is the standard finish and matches most back-bar equipment, while stainless steel commands a price premium but suits operations where the unit is prominently visible or needs to match an all-stainless bar build-out. For bars outfitting a full cold storage setup, our bar refrigeration category includes back bar coolers, bottle coolers, and ice bins that pair with glass frosters at the bar. Browse our complete refrigeration equipment for all commercial cooling needs.

Shop commercial glass chillers and mug frosters above to find the right size, configuration, and finish for your bar.