Choosing the right drop in ice bin for your bar or restaurant is more than just picking a stainless steel box. The brand you choose affects durability, drainage efficiency, ease of cleaning, and long-term cost. In this guide, we compare four leading brands: Regency, Glastender, Krowne, and Advance Tabco.
Why Brand Matters When Choosing a Drop In Ice Bin
Not all ice bins are built the same. Here's why the brand matters:
Durability & Material Quality
Commercial ice bins endure constant moisture, ice scoops, and cleaning chemicals. Premium brands use 16 or 18-gauge stainless steel, while budget options may use thinner 20-gauge steel that dents easily and rusts faster.
Drainage & Ease of Cleaning
A well-designed drain prevents standing water, which reduces bacterial growth. Better brands feature sloped bottoms and larger drain fittings for faster water evacuation. Some also include removable false bottoms to keep ice above meltwater.
Regency Drop In Ice Bin Review
Regency is a well-known name in commercial kitchen equipment, offering reliable products at mid-range prices.
Key Features (sizes 18x12 / 18x24)
- 18-gauge stainless steel construction
- Available in 18"x12" and 18"x24" sizes
- 3/4" drain fitting included
- Sloped bottom for complete drainage
- Removable perforated false bottom
- 1-year commercial warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros: Good build quality, easy to clean, reasonable price point, widely available.
Cons: Not as heavy-duty as premium brands, drain fitting is plastic (not brass).
Best for: Mid-volume bars, restaurants, and outdoor kitchens.
Glastender Drop In Ice Bin Review
Glastender is a premium American brand known for high-end bar equipment. Their ice bins are built to last decades.
Key Features
- 16-gauge stainless steel (thicker than Regency)
- Full perimeter flange for stable mounting
- Brass 3/4" NPT drain fitting
- Aggressive bottom slope (10°)
- NSF certified standard
- 3-year commercial warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional durability, best drainage design, made in USA, long warranty.
Cons: Premium price (often 2x Regency), longer lead times.
Best for: High-volume bars, luxury hotels, venues requiring NSF certification.
Krowne Drop In Ice Bin Review
Krowne specializes in bar and beverage equipment, offering a balance between Glastender's quality and Regency's pricing.
Key Features
- 18-gauge stainless steel (16-gauge optional)
- Patented "Stay-Dry" drain system
- Removable ice scoop holder
- 3/4" brass drain fitting standard
- Optional lids and accessories
- 2-year warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros: Excellent drain design, good mid-range pricing, wide accessory ecosystem.
Cons: Slightly thinner steel than Glastender, some parts are proprietary.
Best for: Bars that want Glastender-like features at a lower price point.
Advance Tabco Drop In Ice Bin Review
Advance Tabco focuses on budget-friendly commercial kitchen equipment. Their ice bins are basic but functional.
Key Features
- 20-gauge stainless steel (thinner than competitors)
- Basic drop-in design with no frills
- Plastic drain fitting
- Flat bottom (minimal slope)
- 30-day warranty
Pros & Cons (budget focus)
Pros: Lowest price point, good for light-duty use, readily available from multiple distributors.
Cons: Thin steel dents easily, poor drainage leads to standing water, short warranty.
Best for: Home bars, low-volume kiosks, temporary setups, or budget-constrained buyers.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Regency | Glastender | Krowne | Advance Tabco |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material gauge | 18-gauge | 16-gauge | 18-gauge | 20-gauge |
| Bottom slope | 5° | 10° | 7° | 0° (flat) |
| Drain fitting | Plastic | Brass | Brass | Plastic |
| False bottom | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| NSF certified | Optional | Yes | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 1 year | 3 years | 2 years | 30 days |
Which Brand Should You Choose for Your Bar?
Use this quick decision guide:
- Best overall value: Regency – Good quality for the price, suitable for 80% of bars.
- Best for high volume / luxury: Glastender – Pay more, get decades of use.
- Best drain design on a budget: Krowne – Sweet spot between Regency and Glastender.
- Best for home or light duty: Advance Tabco – Cheap and functional, but not for daily commercial pounding.
Where to Buy Stainless Steel Drop In Ice Bins (B2B)
We supply commercial-grade drop in ice bins from Regency, Glastender, Krowne, and equivalent OEM models. Contact us for:
- Bulk pricing on 5+ units
- Custom dimensions and logo embossing
- NSF certification upon request (fees apply)
- Fast shipping to commercial addresses
Contact our B2B sales team for a quote →
shop Regency drop in ice bins →
FAQ
Q: Which brand is the most durable?
A: Glastender, due to 16-gauge steel and brass drain fittings.
Q: Can I get NSF certification with Regency or Advance Tabco?
A: We can assist with certification upon request. Fees and testing costs are customer-borne. Contact us for details.
Q: Do all brands include a drain?
A: Yes, all commercial drop in ice bins include a drain fitting. The material (plastic vs brass) varies by brand.
