Looking to create a complete outdoor bar setup?
Well, in that case… You’re going to need some accessories.
Sure, you could just use it as an outdoor island to kick back with your loved ones.
But honestly… What’s an outdoor bar without all the bartending equipment?
If you truly want to go all-out on your new bar island… Some outdoor bar accessories are in order.
And believe it or not, there’s more to these accessories than just refrigerators or sinks. There’s actually 3 complete categories to consider as you browse accessories.
So in this article… We’ll cover all manner of fun outdoor bar accessories to consider, product recommendations, and much more.
Let’s talk about that.
Quicklinks:
- Appliances vs Accessories for Outdoor Bar: What’s the Difference?
- Refrigeration Appliances that Transform Your Island into a Fully Functioning Outdoor Bar
- Practical Accessory Choices for Your Outdoor Bar
- Cool Outdoor Bar Accessories that Make You a Master Bartender
- The All-in-One Solution for Your Custom Bar Island
Outdoor Bar Accessories vs Appliances: What’s the Difference?
Before we truly begin in earnest… There’s an FAQ we have to quickly clear up.
You may see the terms “outdoor bar accessories” and “outdoor bar appliances” used interchangeably. (You’ll see this in the context of an outdoor kitchen.)
So, what’s going on here?
Well, outdoor bar appliances can also be considered accessories.
After all, any appliances you install are the accessories for your bar island.
But to make it slightly more complex… Outdoor bar accessories aren’t limited to just appliances. Barware, wine glasses, and so much more falls under this umbrella.
Point is, while you might see “accessories” and “appliances” used interchangeably… When you hear “appliances”, you know what you’re getting. When you hear “accessories”, that can mean both appliances and other bar-related items.
Got it?
Now, let’s turn our attention to the first category of outdoor patio bar accessories.
Outdoor Bar Essentials: Refrigeration Station
To kick off this buying guide, we’ll start with the most quintessential of outdoor bar appliances.
Because more likely than not… You want your home bar to be a convenient access point for your favorite beverages.
And in order to do that, you need refrigeration!
Starting with…
Outdoor Refrigerators are Essential
Putting an outdoor refrigerator in your bar might be so obvious as to seem boring or passe… But this accessory remains solidly relevant, and for good reason!
If you’re looking to do any amount of bartending or hosting… Adding a fridge to your layout is simply a no-brainer.
And if you don’t add one… You’ll be sorely missing it!
The convenience of being able to grab a can of your drink of choice is simply unmatched.
Not to mention, bartending condiments are easily stowed away in your fridge for a relaxing day al fresco.
Our Pick: Coyote 24” Outdoor Refrigerator
Product Highlights
Size: 24”
Materials: 304 Stainless Steel
Capacity: 5.5 cubic foot
For plentiful outdoor refrigeration at your fingertips… We wholeheartedly recommend the Coyote 24” outdoor refrigerator.
This appliance is packed with a 5.5 cubic foot capacity… Allowing you to store up to 165 cans of your favorite drinks.
Plus, this fridge is outdoor-rated and constructed with a 304 stainless steel exterior.
So you won’t have to worry about your compressor fizzling out with constant temperature fluctuations… And that exterior will look brand new for years to come.
With ample storage and a crowd-pleasing finish… The Coyote outdoor refrigerator is an easy purchase.
Kegerator for Beers (And More!) on Tap
If you’re a veritable beer connoisseur… You might be after a bit more than easy access to your favorite beer.
You want to share your favorite brew with the whole crew… On tap.
And an outdoor kegerator is the easiest way to accomplish exactly that.
This accessory supplies constant refrigeration for your cherished beer… And some models allow you to store multiple kegs, with multiple taps.
It’s also worth mentioning that beer doesn’t have a monopoly on kegerator use!
Any carbonated beverage will perform well in these units… Hard cider, kombucha, and seltzer are all excellent options.
Some homeowners even use their kegerator to dispense ultra-caffeinated cold brew!
So if you’re just not a beer fan… Don’t let that steer you away from the experience a kegerator can provide you.
Our Pick: Summerset Outdoor Kegerator
Summerset’s outdoor kegerator is an excellent option in the premium price range.
This 25” kegerator can hold up to a half barrel keg… And is able to be fitted with either a single or double tap.
Just like Coyote’s outdoor refrigerator… This kegerator is outdoor rated and designed to perform in the outdoor environment.
Plus, the high quality 304 stainless steel exterior leaves little to be desired!
Wine Cooler for Outdoor Tasting Parties
On the other end… Let’s look at an option for the wine aficionados out there.
Whether you have a collection of vintage wines or simply appreciate a wide spectrum of varieties… An outdoor wine cooler will beautifully facilitate your tastes.
All of your best harvests will be readily available, right outdoors.
Additionally, a wine cooler in your outdoor bar will create the perfect excuse for tasting parties.
Simply lay out a spread of charcuterie… And pour perfectly-chilled wine into your best glasses.
Is there much more you could ask for? (We think not.)
Our Pick: Perlick 24” Signature Series Wine Reserve
Product Highlights
Temperature Range: 45-65 Degrees Fahrenheit
Storage: Up to 20 bottles
Materials: Stainless steel exterior
This luxurious wine cooler will do far more than just keep your wines at the optimal storage temperature… It will vastly enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor bar.
Equipped with a see-through glass door… This wine cooler would undoubtedly be a classy addition to your bar island.
This cooler offers a temperature range of 45°F – 65°F… Making it ideal for storing either red or white wines.
All said and done… You can be storing over 20 bottles of your best varieties, right outdoors.
And being outdoor rated with a stainless steel exterior… This cooler should perform well for years to come. (You’ll want to check with Perlick on the exact grade of stainless steel.)
Ice Maker for Constant Access to Refreshment
If traditional refrigeration simply isn’t enough for you… An ice maker may be in order.
This is important if you plan on making cocktails, and serving lots of scotch… On the rocks.
The more guests you serve, the more ice you’ll need.
So having a dedicated outdoor ice maker completely removes careful calculation from the equation.
When you need ice… It will be there. (And in large quantities!)
Our Pick: Perlick Signature Series Ice Maker
Product Highlights
Ice Storage Capacity: 22lbs
Amount of Ice Created: 55lbs per day
Materials: Outdoor Rated Stainless Steel
This impressive outdoor ice maker can dish out up to 55 lbs of ice a day… Ensuring you’ll never run out of supply.
And when you’re not cranking out cocktails… This ice maker from Perlick has a storage capacity of 22 lbs.
Aside from being outdoor rated and constructed with stainless steel (check with Perlick on the grade)… We love that this appliance creates distinctive, top hat shaped ice.
And likely, you’ll recognize this very same shape from drinks at your local bar… Creating an added layer of authenticity to your homemade cocktails.
Ice Bin as a Standard Refrigeration Alternative
There’s one caveat to a traditional refrigerator we haven’t discussed… And depending on your plans, it can be a big one.
Unsurprisingly, outdoor fridges need access to electricity to function.
If you’d rather avoid spending the time and money on getting your outdoor bar hooked up to the grid… You don’t have to drop the concept of refrigeration entirely.
Adding a drop in cooler to your bar is an excellent alternative!
Rather than lugging out the ol’ cooler or ice bucket… You can incorporate this accessory directly into your bar.
It will be a cohesive aspect of your outdoor bar design… And it will keep beverages and condiments cool for most of the day.
Our Pick: Coyote Drop-In Cooler
Product Highlights
Ice Amount: 12 glass bottles full
Capacity: 2.1 cubic foot
Material: 304 Stainless Steel
When it comes to the Coyote drop-in cooler… Simple and clean is the name of the game.
This solidly constructed 304 stainless steel cooler is perfect for your refrigeration needs, sans electricity.
This cooler comes with a 2.1 cubic foot capacity… Which comfortably holds 12 glass bottles filled to the brim with ice.
And being fully insulated, this cooler will keep your beverages refreshingly cold for hours on end.
With a built-in drain hole and matching lid for storage… This accessory is stunningly easy to maintain.
Functional Outdoor Home Bar Accessories: Sinks & More
Now let’s focus our attention on some less glamorous appliances… But make up for it with immense functionality.
These accessories will give you far more functionality than a bar cart… And look fantastic in your space.
Outdoor Sink for Convenient Handwashing
If you try your hand at bartending outdoors… You’ll quickly realize how essential it is to have a sink on hand.
How are you going to rinse out your shaker tins?
What about rinsing glasses for reuse?
Or maybe you just get some simple sugar on your hands… And you’re desperate to wash the stickiness off.
All of these annoyances are completely solved with an outdoor sink.
If you want maximum efficiency and want to avoid running into your house… An outdoor sink is a no-brainer for peace of mind.
Our Pick: Coyote 21” Sink
While an outdoor sink may seem like a simplistic appliance… Some options will come with more “bells and whistles” than others.
In fact, many outdoor sinks just include the basin… With no faucet or anything!
This sink from Coyote couldn’t be more different.
This 21” sink includes a sizable basin, faucet, cover, soap dispenser… And is even able to be hooked up for cold and hot water.
So washing hands or rinsing glasses will be absolutely effortless.
And with complete 304 stainless steel construction… What’s not to love?
Bar Center for the Optimal Bartending Experience
Is a well-equipped sink simply not enough?
A full-on refreshment center might be more your speed.
And while the features will vary across brands… These appliances will often include a sink, bottle opener, towel holder, and bottle rack all in one unit.
This allows you to have all the bartending essentials you need… Right at your fingertips.
Rinse off glasses at the sink, grab your mixers at the bottle rack, and pop open bottles with the bottle opener.
With a bar center equipped in your island… You’ll look like a professional bartender, with hardly any effort!
Our Pick: Coyote Refreshment Center
Product Highlights
Special Features: Integrated cutting board and drop in cooler
Materials: 304 Stainless Steel
The Coyote refreshment center is one of a kind… And features even more functionality than your typical bar center.
You’ll get the sink, bottle rack, towel holder, and bottle opener… But this accessory also comes with an integrated cutting board, and a drop in cooler with a condiment tray!
So you can slice up lemons, toss them in the tray… And also keep bottles and cans available, right in the cooler.
The only ding on this accessory is that the sink is rather small… But for everything else you get, it may as well be a starter kit for aspiring home bartenders.
And constructed with 304 stainless steel… This refreshment center will give you years of excellent service.
Luxurious Outdoor Bar
Doors & Drawers for Accessory Storage
While we’ve primarily discussed appliances that will be built into your island thus far… There are also many freestanding accessories you’ll want to buy for your bar.
And where will you put said accessories?
You could store them inside the house, and haul them out when needed… But it is so much easier to keep them right inside your bar.
So while they’re not the most exciting add-ons in the world, don’t neglect storage.
When you begin to wonder where you’ll store all that drinkware… You’ll be glad that you sprang for storage.
Our Pick: Coyote 31” Dry Pantry
This fully-sealed 304 stainless steel storage unit will keep your accessories perfectly dry, no matter the weather.
And while it’s primarily designed for storing dry goods and condiments… This pantry provides great versatility for your standard bar accessories.
The left side is equipped with two roll-out drawers for easy access to your bartending gadgets.
To the right side, you’ll have access to shelving that’s perfect for storing glassware, napkins, and other accessories.
Roll-Out Trash Bins for Easy Cleanup
Arguably, the worst part about hosting a party is the cleanup.
Despite your best effort… Trash gets littered everywhere, and it’s a pain in the neck to deal with.
But if you build a trash bin right into your outdoor bar… You can greatly cut down on the waste in your outdoor space.
Plus, you won’t have to mess with an unwieldy, and unsightly trash bin in your backyard.
It’s a win for all involved.
Our Pick: Coyote Dual Pull Out Trash & Recycle
Product Highlights
Materials: 304 Stainless Steel
Features: Two bins (trash and recycle)
Once again, Coyote swoops in to save the day with their 304 stainless steel trash and recycle unit.
This unit has two separate trash bins which make it painless to separate regular trash from your recyclables.
And with smooth roll out drawers on each side… It’s easy, dare we say, satisfying, to toss cans and paper towels out of sight.
Bartending Accessories for an Outdoor Bar: Your Backyard as the Neighborhood Hangout
Speaking of bartending… You can’t get the job done if you don’t have the tools of the trade!
Let’s review the accessories you need for your patio bar.
Classy Glassware for Serving
With all this talk about drinks… It’s obvious you’ll need some glassware to serve them in.
And while you could just bring in the glasses you already own from inside… There are some compelling reasons to spring for a dedicated, outdoors-only set.
For one, it’s more convenient. You don’t want to constantly have to shuttle in and out of the house for more glasses.
And more annoyingly… You’ll have to carry all those dirty glasses back inside for washing.
But if you have an outdoor sink… You can wash your second set right outdoors, without ever stepping foot inside.
And if your indoor set of glassware is particularly fragile… It’s not worth the extra risk of bringing them outside.
As long as you’ve got the storage space… Keeping a set (or multiple sets) of glassware outdoors is a smart choice.
Our Pick: Bormioli Rocco Romantic Tumbler Glasses
Product Highlights
Materials: Soda Lime Glass
Durability: Italian-made, dishwasher safe
These stunningly designed tumbler glasses aren’t just pretty… They’re extremely durable!
This set is made from tempered soda lime glass, which is among the most resistant to breakage and chipping.
Bormioli Rocco’s Italian-made glassware is a popular choice in restaurants and bars for this exact reason… It can be handled quite roughly!
So you can rest assured, these tumblers are not likely to crack under pressure.
And even if you’re not partial to the artisanal, Victorian appearance… Bormiolo Rocco has a wide variety of styles available.
Bartending Set for Unbelievably Good Cocktails
While it’s possible to serve up cocktails without the help of a cocktail shaker… It’s certainly a lot more difficult without one!
And the same could be said of all the other accessories that come with a good bartending set: tongs, strainers, liquor pourers, muddlers, wine openers, jiggers… All of these items are vital for a good bartending experience.
So why bother going without?
All these items will get tons of use… And make you a better bartender, while you’re at it.
Our Pick: Esmula Bartender Kit with Bamboo Stand
Product Highlights
Material: Stainless Steel
Included Components: 25 oz Cocktail Shaker, Double Jigger, Ice Tongs, Strainer, Liquor Pourer, Bottle Stopper, Muddler, Spoon, Wine Opener, Bamboo Stand, Cocktail Recipes
In our minds, this bar set really kicks things up a notch.
Not only does this kit include all the essential outdoor bar supplies… It comes with a bamboo stand for neat and tasteful organization.
So you’ll never have to fumble for the tool you need in that “everything drawer”!
Keep it sitting on your bar top… And let the good times roll.
This stainless steel kit from Esmula includes a cocktail shaker, double jigger, strainer, ice tongs, muddler, spoon, 2 liquor pourers, 2 bottle stoppers, a wine opener, the bamboo stand, and a cocktail recipe booklet.
Outdoor Drink Dispenser for Effortless Refills
If you’re getting tired of pouring drink after drink… Why not make a big batch of sangria or margaritas?
They’re both crowd-pleasing beverages… And once you make the initial batch, your guests can refill themselves!
Talk about easy.
Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to the aforementioned cocktails… You could even go non-alcoholic, filling them to the brim with fresh lemonade or sweet tea.
Our Pick: Anchor Hocking 2 Gallon Beverage Dispenser
This product from Anchor is the perfect way to dispense cold drinks at your bar area.
We love that this dispenser is fully constructed with glass… Including the decorative lid!
And with a 2 gallon capacity, you’ll have plenty of your preferred mix on hand for even the largest parties. (3 quart, 1/2 gallon, and 1 gallon sizes are available as well.)
Bar Stools for Function and Comfort
If you plan on encouraging your guests to stick around for a while… You’ll need to provide them with seating!
While some of us may be content to stand around for most of the day… Eventually, your legs will get tired. It’s inevitable.
So throw yourself and your loved ones a bone by adding some bar stools to your setup.
Aside from providing much more comfort… This patio furniture will also make your bar station look more complete.
Because, honestly… What’s an outdoor bar without stools tucked underneath?
Our Pick: Polywood Contempo Saddle Bar Stools
Product Highlights
Warranty: 20 Years
Materials: Recycled Plastic
Overall Dimensions: 20.5″ x 29.75″ x 15.75″
There’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to selecting a good bar stool.
It should look appealing, be comfortable to sit on… And it should also be resilient to the outdoor environment.
Bar stools can get expensive, especially when you’re buying 4-6 or even more of them. So if they start crumbling on you in a year or two… That hurts.
Hence, why we’re avid cheerleaders of Polywood’s modern bar stools. Made from recycled plastic, these weather-hardy stools are backed by a 20 year warranty.
And with integral colors embedded into the plastic itself… You’ll never have to worry about the hue chipping off or fading away.
Speaking of colors… There’s a whopping 14 options available for you to choose from.
Ready to Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space?
Now that you’ve seen all the best outdoor bar accessories out there… What if you don’t have the actual outdoor bar part of the equation settled?
Well, that’s where we come in!
Our outdoor bar solution is truly a cut above the rest… And we can prove it.
But hold up. What is it exactly?
It’s a ready to assemble outdoor bar kit.
We construct panels out of high performance concrete that’s rated for 100 years… Your choice of finish style is fully integrated into the panel… And we ship it all to you, complete with countertops, and premium appliances from Coyote Outdoor Living.
And at this point… You’ve seen quite a few impressive appliances from Coyote!
Every accessory is constructed with top notch 304 stainless steel… And comes backed with a lifetime warranty for optimal peace of mind. (Our islands come backed with a limited lifetime structural warranty, as well.)
So you’re getting the best of the best… With a luxurious aesthetic, to boot.
If you really want to take it to the next level… Consider converting your standalone bar into an outdoor kitchen bar.
You can add an entire world of functionality to your already versatile bar island.
We’re talking pizza ovens, BBQ grills, side burners, pellet smokers, and so much more.
With all this cooking potential… Your bar tabletop can also double as an outdoor dining table!
So rather than just having a bar… You can give your space a cozy, bistro feel.
It doesn’t get much more functional than that.
So if you think you might be ready to take the plunge…
Check out our free online design tool to create your own custom design… And we’ll be in touch.
