Home bar equipment

The equipment behind a home bar is a short list. Tools and glassware covers the shaker, jigger, strainers, and citrus tools, plus the three glass shapes worth buying first. Ice and refrigeration covers freezer molds, clear ice, ice machines, and beverage centers, along with what built-in units need for water, drains, and ventilation.

Refrigeration and ice machines shape the build as much as the tools shape the drinks. Check their sizes against the dimensions guide and their water and power needs against the plumbing and electrical basics before you order cabinets, since a 15-inch ice machine with a drain changes the layout under the counter. Gray Kangaroo's equipment guides describe what each unit needs in general terms, and the installation manual has the final numbers.