Drainboards are the flat stainless steel surfaces in the underbar run that slope toward a drain. They look like filler between sinks and ice bins, but they do real work: holding dirty glasses before washing, air drying clean glasses after sanitizing and giving the bartender a wet work surface that does not flood the floor. Where you put them changes how smoothly the bar runs.
For storing glass racks under the bar, see the GSC-2224 glass rack storage cabinet.
What a Drainboard Does
A drainboard catches water and spills and sends them to a drain instead of the floor. It gives glass racks a flat home. It also creates a boundary between dirty and clean zones. Without drainboards, staff pile wet glasses on the bar top, the floor behind the bar stays wet and clean glasses sit next to dirty ones.
EKQ-UD3S underbar drainboard, 20-gauge type 304 stainless steel with 3″ backsplash, NSF certified
Put One on Each Side of the Three Compartment Sink
The most important placement is around the glass washing sink. One drainboard on the dirty side receives glasses from the bar. One on the clean side lets sanitized glasses air dry. Glasses move in one direction: dirty, wash, rinse, sanitize, clean. That flow keeps clean glassware from picking up contamination.
S3C-101410-R-F three compartment under bar sink
Next to the Ice Bin
A drainboard beside the ice bin gives the bartender a place to build drinks, set down tins and stage glasses. It catches spills that would otherwise run into the ice. Put it on the side opposite the dump sink so building and dumping happen on different sides.
Recessed vs Flat
A recessed drainboard has a lower surface with a lip around it, which holds more water and keeps glasses from sliding off. A flat drainboard is simpler and works well when paired with glass racks. If your staff sets glasses directly on the surface, recessed is often the better pick.
Recessed underbar drainboard with 3″ backsplash, 304 stainless steel NSF
What to Put Under Them
The space under a drainboard is useful storage. Common uses:
- A glass rack cabinet for clean racks.
- A trash module for citrus rinds and napkins.
- Backup well bottles on an undershelf.
GRSC-2224 glass rack storage cabinet with rack slides
UBT-1822 24″ underbar trash module
Size and Fit
Drainboards come in several widths. A standard glass rack is about 20 inches square, so a drainboard at least that wide holds one full rack. Wider drainboards hold two racks side by side. Check the height and depth on each product page to match the rest of your underbar run so the surfaces line up.
Draining and Plumbing
Every drainboard drain must connect to an approved drain. Many jurisdictions require an indirect connection with an air gap for bar equipment. A licensed plumber should handle the hookup and confirm it with local code.
A Quick Placement Rule
- Every sink should have a drainboard on at least one side.
- The glass washing sink should have one on both sides.
- The ice bin should have a work surface or drainboard beside it.
- No drainboard should sit directly next to the hand sink without a splash guard.
Next Steps
Lay out your sinks and ice bins first, then fill gaps with drainboards. Browse underbar drainboards and bar sinks to complete the run. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Express KitchQuip Underbar Drainboard – 20-Gauge Type 304 Stainless Steel with 3″ Backsplash, NSF Certified (model EKQ-UD3S)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Commercial underbar drainboard in 20-gauge Type 304 stainless steel with a corrugated top, 3″ backsplash and 9.
- Galvanized legs with adjustable bullet feet, H-brace, and a 1″ x 1.
- 5″ IPS drain included.
Stainless Steel Underbar Drainboard – NSF Certified Bar Sink Shelf (36” x 18”) (model UD-1836)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
S3C-101410-R-F Three Compartment Under Bar Sink (model S3C-101410-R-F)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Three Compartment Under Bar Sink Stainless steel 22-gauge, three deep bowls, right drainboard, includes faucet & basket drain.
Recessed Underbar Drainboard with 3″ Backsplash – 304 Stainless Steel Bar Drain Station NSF
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Recessed Underbar Drainboard built from durable 304 stainless steel with a removable perforated drainboard, 3″ backsplash, and side splashes.
- Designed for busy bars and restaurants, this NSF certified unit provides efficient glass drying, spill containment, and long-lasting commercial performance.
Stainless Steel Glass Rack Storage Cabinet with Rack Slides (model GRSC-2224)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Glass Rack Storage Cabinet
- Integrated drain plumbing
- Adjustable rack slides
UBT-1822 24″ Underbar Trash Module (model UBT-1822)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Stainless Steel Construction: Built with heavy-duty commercial-grade stainless steel to resist rust, stains, and rigorous daily wear in high-humidity bar environments.
- Space-Saving 12″ Deep Profile: Carefully engineered with a slim 12-inch depth to integrate perfectly behind tight underbar spaces without obstructing staff movement.
- NSF Certified: Meets strict sanitation and public health protection standards required for commercial restaurant approval.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.