A drainboard tray is a multifunctional stainless steel bar station component that combines a work surface with an integrated drainage system — all liquid spilled on the surface is automatically collected and directed through a drainage channel directly into the drainage system or a collection tray. This solution is particularly suitable for busy bars where spills and splashes are inevitable, but the bartender cannot constantly stop to clean the surface. Integrated drainage ensures a consistently dry and clean work surface without additional maintenance. The BHS range includes the drainboard tray in the extensive Bar Station component range.
BHS offers tables with a drainboard tray to HoReCa businesses across Europe. Additionally, separate drip trays for a bar and work surfaces without drainage are available.
A drainboard tray is a practical solution for a bar station, driven by efficiency — it reduces the time staff spend cleaning surfaces during busy shifts. In restaurants, hotels and bars where bartenders prepare dozens or hundreds of drinks a day, every minute saved on cleaning directly impacts the overall workflow. A one-piece stainless steel construction with an integrated drainage groove or channel ensures a consistently clean bar work surface.
Product range
The drainboard tray range includes models of various sizes to suit the layout and usage intensity of the bar work area.
Compact models are ideal for small bar work areas or as an addition to a larger bar station configuration — for example, a cocktail preparation zone or a glass-washing area.
Wider models provide a larger drainage area, covering a greater portion of the work surface and collecting liquids from a broader surrounding area. Such models are popular in high-volume bars with a large number of drinks served.
Combined models, where the drainboard tray is integrated with a basin or an ice basin, provide a fully functional bar work area in minimal space.
How to choose a drainboard tray
The main criterion is the width of the drainage area — it should match the active serving or cocktail preparation zone of the bar. The drainage system is only effective if the liquid reaches the area it covers.
The second aspect is the type of drainage connection — whether the liquid drains through a pipe to the sewer system or collects in a removable tray. A pipe connection is more convenient for intensive use but requires plumbing work during installation.
The third criterion is surface durability and hygiene compliance. Stainless steel models with a one-piece welded construction have no gaps where bacteria or dirt can accumulate.
- Ensure the drainage width covers the active bar serving area
- Choose pipe drainage for intensive use, and a collection tray for easier installation
- Check the quality of one-piece welding for hygiene
- Ensure a connection to the sewer or water system during installation
Drainage efficiency in a busy bar
A table with an integrated drainboard tray solves one of the most practical daily problems in a busy bar — the constant accumulation of liquids on the work surface. Every bartender leaves drops and splashes when serving drinks; every step in cocktail preparation creates small liquid spills. A table with integrated drainage automatically collects these liquids, ensuring the work surface stays dry without additional cleaning. Actively operating restaurant bars and cocktail bars value this solution as an investment that pays off in a smooth workflow and a positive impression on customers.
Hygiene requirements and cleaning the drainage system
A drainboard tray is a critical hygiene component — liquids collected in the drainage channel can become a breeding ground for bacteria if the channel is not cleaned regularly. A stainless steel drainage channel is less prone to bacterial invasion than plastic alternatives, but regular cleaning remains essential. Sanitary standards in the HoReCa sector require regular maintenance of drainage systems. It is recommended to rinse the channel with hot water at the end of each shift and disinfect it with a specialised solution once a week.
Drainage connection to the sewer system
A drainboard tray with a pipe connection requires a proper sewer outlet — liquids continuously drain through the pipe instead of collecting in a tray. This solution is ideal for bars with a high volume of liquids, as it eliminates the need to empty a container during a shift. During installation, ensure the drainage pipe has the correct slope so that liquids flow freely without stagnation.
Drainboard tray in a café coffee zone
In addition to its use in bar stations, the drainboard tray is widely used in café coffee preparation areas — under an espresso machine or milk frother, where the number of drops is high. A one-piece stainless steel surface with an integrated drainage channel keeps the coffee zone clean and dry, even when the barista works with multiple machines simultaneously. Cafés and specialty coffee shops choose this solution as an aesthetically appealing and practically effective alternative to separate drip trays under each piece of equipment.
Frequently asked questions
How to clean the drainboard tray channel?
To clean the drainage channel, it is recommended to rinse it with hot water at the end of each shift and treat it with a disinfectant solution once a week. In models with a removable channel cover, cleaning is easier. BHS can recommend suitable cleaning accessories for a specific model.
Can a drainboard tray be integrated into an existing bar work surface?
If the existing work surface allows for a cut-out or replacement of a surface segment, a drainboard tray can be integrated even in renovation projects.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.