14 Best Speed Rails For Organizing Bottles In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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With so many things in the bar, it’s important to be organized with the help of certain bar tools and equipment , such as speed rails or speed racks. They hold frequently used liquor bottles within reach, resulting in efficient service.
Speed racks are usually placed behind the counter and near the ice well so bartenders can easily assemble delicious cocktails like a well-oiled machine. This post will feature the best speed rails for bars and how to choose the ideal one for you. Let’s dive in!
Our Top Picks
| Best Overall: Winco SPR-22S Speed Rail Best Double Hold: Update International SR-22DN Double Speed Rail Best for Standard Bottles: ExcelSteel Speed Rail Barware Easiest to Maintain: Winco SPR-42S Single Speed Rail Best Single Hold: San Jamar B5532 Single Speed Rail Best Value: New Star Foodservice 48162 Speed Rail Best Ergonomic: Winco SPR-32S Single Speed Rail Most Versatile: San Jamar B5522D Double Rail Speed Most Attractive Finish: Winco SPR-22D Double Speed Rail Best Professional Grade: Carlisle B5542 Single Rail Speed Most Spacious: Winco SPR-32D Double Speed Rail Best for Small Bars: HUBERT Single Bar Speed Rail Most Convenient: Update International Single Hold Speed Rail Most Sturdy: San Jamar B5522 Stainless Steel Single Rail Speed |
1. Best Overall: Winco SPR-22S Speed Rail
Why We Think It’s Great
- SOLID STAINLESS STEEL: 22-gauge thickness ensures reliability and long-lasting usage.
- PRE-DRILLED MOUNTING HOLES: Saves you time manually punching holes.
- MOUNTS ON ANY SURFACE: Place it anywhere you want, on a wall or underbar counters.
- FITS 1-LITER BOTTLES: Wide and deep enough to accommodate bottles up to 1,000-ml capacity.
What We Don’t Like
- It can rust over time.
What Our Editors Say“We appreciate how easy it is to mount this speed rail on a wall and underbar counter without having to do additional work, thanks to the already punched holes. When inflicting pressure on its surfaces, it does not bend, thus proving its sturdiness. We’re certain this can carry a lot of bottles without breaking its shape.” |
Manufactured: USA | Length: 22” | Number of Tiers: 1 | Dishwasher Safe: No
Related: Best Bar Mats for Tidy and Spill-Free Countertops
2. Best Double Hold: Update International SR-22DN Double Speed Rail
Why We Think It’s Great
- DOUBLE HOLD DESIGN: Offers optimal space and clearly displays bottles with its two stair-step compartments.
- STORE TEN 1-LITER BOTTLES: Fits five bottles each in the lower and upper compartments.
- PRE-DRILLED MOUNT HOLES: Designed with three mounting holes to offer better support for bottles.
- 22 INCHES LONG: Perfect for anyone looking for a short but spacious speed rail.
What We Don’t Like
- The welds on this double-speed are flimsy.
What Our Editors Say“We love that this speed rail doesn’t fall apart when placed with ten bottles because of its triple mounting holes. However, we wish there was a pre-drilled hole on the bottom shelf as it would provide extra support and help eliminate the rattling when putting the bottles back in place.” |
Length: 22” | Number of Tiers: 2
3. Best for Standard Bottles: ExcelSteel Speed Rail Barware
Why We Think It’s Great
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: Long-lasting material offers reliability.
- INSTALLS ON ANY SURFACE: Mount this anywhere with screws, anchors, or a hanger strap.
- PROFESSIONAL LOOK: Sleek, professional, and looks more expensive than it is.
What We Don’t Like
- Its width doesn’t accommodate bigger bottles.
What Our Editors Say“The material is solid enough to last us several years if maintained well. We think the construction and design are well done, but the opening could be wider. Its finish also looks smooth, adding to its overall appeal. There were no sharp edges too, which shows the brand’s dedication to crafting a well-functioning and attractive product.” |
Length: 22” | Number of Tiers: 1
4. Easiest to Maintain: Winco SPR-42S Single Speed Rail
Why We Think It’s Great
- WITHSTANDS HEAVY VOLUME: Constructed with sturdy materials to hold out against the weight of numerous liquor bottles.
- EASY AND QUICK MOUNTING: Comes with mounting and hanger strap holes to install in minutes.
- VERSATILE: Fits various liquor bottles and other containers, like snow cone syrups, spices, oil, condiments, and more.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: Easy to clean, despite its long-form factor, saving you time when closing the bar.
What We Don’t Like
- The surface is prone to bending and scratches.
What Buyers Say“We set up different bottles inside this speed rail, and we’re glad that they all fit the entrance and stood inside the rail securely. However, it was only able to take 750-ml bottles, and anything beyond that is too big for it. The hanger strap holes also make it tightly screwed on any surface easily.” |
Manufactured: USA | Length: 42” | Number of Tiers: 1 | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Related: Download Bar Cleaning, Closing & Setup Checklist for FREE
5. Best Single Hold: San Jamar B5532 Single Rail Speed
Why We Think It’s Great
- WIDE OPENING: Designed to fit bottles between 750 ml and 1 liter.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Hand washing and immediately drying are beneficial to avoid rusting.
- HOLDS UP TO 8 BOTTLES: Fits many bottles with ample space between each to avoid clang and clatter.
- COMPATIBLE WITH HANGER STRAPS: Easily installed with straps, making it portable.
What We Don’t Like
- It leaks if the bottles drip or spill.
What Buyers Say“We use this beautifully well-made product at home to keep the squeeze bottles organized on the countertop. It prevents oils and liquids from leaking all over the counter, and it is easy to clean! We also find the stainless steel construction very sturdy, but the sticker can be difficult to remove.” |
Manufactured: USA | Length: 32” | Number of Tiers: 1 | Dishwasher Safe: No
6. Best Value: New Star Foodservice 48162 Speed Rail
Why We Think It’s Great
- 18/8 STAINLESS STEEL: Ensures years of service even in hectic bars.
- CLEANS UP EASILY: It only takes a minute to wipe it clean with an absorbent cloth.
- SATIN FINISH: Clean and sleek look at all times, minimizing fingerprints.
- 42 INCHES LONG: Fits about 10 liquor bottles.
What We Don’t Like
- The welds are not sealed well and may leak.
What Our Editors Say“We were surprised how this 42-inch speed rail is more affordable than smaller models, which is good if you prefer long racks with great value. The quality of the metal is also decent, and we appreciate its sleek look and overall functionality. Because it is longer, you only need one rack to fit all your most used bottles, saving you space and money.” |
Length: 42” | Number of Tiers: 1 | Dishwasher Safe: No
Related: Best Bar Mops
7. Best Ergonomic: Winco SPR-32S Single Speed Rail
Why We Think It’s Great
- SPOT WELDED: Securely put together to ensure a well-functioning product.
- NO SHARP EDGES: Smoothened out properly, making it safe and easy to use.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Back wall mounting holes for permanent surface attachment and hanger strap holes for portable installation.
What We Don’t Like
- The back wall feels flimsy and thin.
What Buyers Say“We are pleased with this heavy gauge and reasonably priced speed rail. It is spot welded on the back fold and has a sufficient depth, allowing it to support the weight of full bottles without flexing. It was also easy to mount and perfectly fit our home cocktail area.” |
Manufactured: USA/India | Length: 32” | Number of Tiers: 1 | Dishwasher Safe: No
8. Most Versatile: San Jamar B5522D Double Rail Speed
Why We Think It’s Great
- DOUBLE COMPARTMENT DESIGN: Divider type gives double the capacity of a single-speed rail.
- RESISTS RUSTING AND CORROSION: Made of high-quality stainless steel that doesn’t corrode or rust for at least a few years.
- FITS QUART/LITER BOTTLES: Houses numerous bottles in various sizes.
- HOLDS UP TO 10 BOTTLES: Each compartment can snuggly accommodate five bottles.
What We Don’t Like
- It could use a middle mounting hole to provide extra support.
What Our Editors Say“We like this rail’s 8-inch depth as it offers extra security for taller bottles. Quality-wise, we think it can hold up against the heaviness of 10 bottles or more. It will also last for years without rusting with proper maintenance, Sometimes, the hand gets caught between the front and back bottle due to its divider-type design. Nevertheless, this speed rail allows us to organize liquor bottles however we like.” |
Manufactured: USA | Length: 22” | Number of Tiers: 2
9. Most Attractive Finish: Winco SPR-22D Double Speed Rail
Why We Think It’s Great
- DOUBLE STAIR-STEP DESIGN: Gives a spacious room for keeping and displaying bottles.
- 22 INCHES LONG: Great maximizing space in small bars.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: Constructed from heavy-duty metal.
- PROFESSIONAL LOOK: Sleek design makes any setting more appealing and sophisticated.
What We Don’t Like
- It rusts easily if not properly maintained.
What Buyers Say“Ever since we got this speed rail, it has been performing admirably. Given that it’s made from a solid piece of metal, it is sturdy and performed well in a commercial bar or a tiki bar setup. It’s also great for backup bottle stock.” |
Manufactured: USA | Length: 22” | Number of Tiers: 2 | Dishwasher Safe: No
10. Best Professional-Grade: Carlisle B5542 Single Rail Speed
Why We Think It’s Great
- TRIPLE MOUNT HOLES: Extra mounting hole in the middle gives better support.
- 10-BOTTLE CAPACITY: 42-inch length provides ample space for standard and 1-liter bottles.
- HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION: High-quality stainless steel ensures sturdiness and durability.
- INSTRUCTION GUIDE: Comes with a manual to set up the item conveniently.
What We Don’t Like
- It is prone to bending and dents.
What Our Editors Say“We think it’s a smart choice that the manufacturer added a third mounting hole in the middle since this is a 42-inch speed rail. Without it, this would flex in the middle with all the heavy volume weighing it down. Plus, the stainless steel feels solid and thick, adding to its overall appeal.” |
Manufactured: USA | Length: 42” | Number of Tiers: 1
11. Most Spacious: Winco SPR-32D Double Speed Rail
Why We Think It’s Great
- TWO-TIER STRUCTURE: Designed like a staircase to accommodate 16 bottles.
- WIDE ENOUGH FOR 1-LITER BOTTLES: Designed with versatility to house big bottles.
- DOUBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Mounting holes can be used with a standard screw, anchor, or hanger strap.
What We Don’t Like
- The lip of the rail is not even, making one side deeper than the other.
What Buyers Say“We have already ordered three of these rails because they are a bargain and very helpful to our home bar. They are also easy to hang and clean. This seemed reliable enough for us as it can fit 1-liter bottles and is fully equipped to withstand the heavy volume of 16 of them. We also appreciate how the third mount hole helps carry the overall weight.” |
Manufactured: China | Length: 32” | Number of Tiers: 2
Related: How To Build A DIY Home Bar: Step-by-Step Guide
12. Best for Small Bars: HUBERT Single Bar Speed Rail
Why We Think It’s Great
- 22 INCHES LONG: Holds about five to six bottles, depending on their size.
- 18/8 STAINLESS STEEL: Highly durable and resists rust and corrosion.
- QUICK INSTALLATION: It comes with predrilled holes.
What We Don’t Like
- The quality is sometimes inconsistent.
What Our Editors Say“We appreciate how this speed rail comes with no dents or scratches, making it look sleek and very professional. This product is ideal for anyone with a small space but requires a sturdy tool. Attaching it to the surface is also hassle-free and can be done quickly.” |
Manufactured: USA | Length: 22” | Number of Tiers: 1
13. Most Convenient: Update International Single Hold Speed Rail
Why We Think It’s Great
- 32 INCHES LONG: Enough to handle eight quarter/liter bottles.
- PREDRILLED HANGER STRAP HOLES: Punched with multiple holes allowing for two mounting options.
- SLEEK AND PROFESSIONAL: Displays a well-polished finish that looks elegant.
What We Don’t Like
- The material is a bit thin.
What Buyers Say“This was welded and put together very well; however, we noticed that the material was quite flimsy. We were expecting a bit thicker material for this model, considering that this is designed to hold eight bottles. Nevertheless, this speed rail’s appearance looks very professional and expensive. It’s well-polished and will surely make your bar look more sophisticated.” |
Manufactured: USA | Length: 32” | Number of Tiers: 1
14. Most Sturdy: San Jamar B5522 Single Rail Speed
Why We Think It’s Great
- 22 GAUGE STAINLESS STEEL: Thick enough to withstand the rigors of 24/7 bar service.
- EXCELLENT RUST-RESISTANCE: Strong material withstands rust formation.
- FIVE-BOTTLE CAPACITY: Holds up against the high volume of five 1-quart bottles.
What We Don’t Like
What Buyers Say“We were surprised that this speed rail is not flimsy and looks very high-end. The stainless steel feels solid with its 22-gauge thickness, making sure it’ll give you years of service whether for home or commercial use. Its depth measures approximately four inches, which is adequate because it’s not too deep nor too shallow to keep the bottles secure.” |
Manufactured: USA | Length: 22” | Number of Tiers: 1
Final Verdict
Speed rails may not be seen as much as other bar tools, but they help bartenders and mixologists in more ways than one—keeping them organized by having all the bottles they need in one place.
Out of all the featured items, the Winco SPR-22S Speed Rail is the best overall because it is cost-effective, withstands several bottles for extended periods, and can either be mounted or hung easily.
Best Speed Rails for Bars Buying Guide
Despite having little variety on speed rails, there are still a few things to keep in mind before buying one to help optimize your workspace. Here are some things to consider:
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Size
It’s crucial to check a speed rail’s specific dimensions as they contribute to functionality and convenience. The ideal length is enough to fit all the liquor bottles or syrups you plan to use. The usual lengths of speed rails are 22 inches, 32 inches, and 42 inches.
You might think buying a long-speed rail is wise as you’ll have extra space for future uses. However, you need to see if your hand can reach each end of the speed rail by taking only one to two steps. If you still need to take another step to reach the end of the speed rail, that would defeat its purpose.
Depth-wise, the speed rail needs to be enough to hold fragile bottles securely, but not too much that the bottles would get dragged before being taken out.
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Material
Lydia Martin, Founder of Liquor Laboratory , says, “A high-quality speed rail should be made from quality material and should be ergonomically planned for the fullest efficiency possible. While there are speed rails readily available, each speed rail should be unique to the design and size of the bar.”
Speed rails are usually made with stainless steel, 18/8 or 22-gauge. This makes the product strong enough to hold heavy bottles while being hung, durable for many years, and easy to clean.
Choose a speed rail resistant to rust or corrosion, especially since liquor bottles can drip. Also, check if the edges are rounded to avoid injuries if you bump into them.
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Ease of Installation
Most speed rails already come with mounting holes and screws, which provide convenience to the installation process. However, it’s not common for speed rails to have holes for hanger straps. These holes will come in handy if you want to take your speed rail anywhere since hanger straps make them portable.
According to Tanner Agar, Co-Owner of Apothecary , “It needs to be the exact length of the well it is being attached to and have very secure mountings. It would be a two-tier model to maximize storage and you should add labels to it so that every bottle is always in the exact same place regardless of who is working that well.”
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Capacity
Speed rails can either be single (one rack) or double (two racks). 22-inch speed rails can often fit five to six bottles, while 32-inchers can hold eight bottles. Furthermore, 42-inch speed racks can house up to 10 bottles.
“I always look for single-level solid stainless rails that are easy to remove, and do not have gaps. The dual-level rails have a tendency to warp and bend the mounting, as well as create an accessibility issue for shorter bartenders. The gaps have made cleaning more manageable, but do not allow you to hold some skinny 375ml or other lower-volume bottles you may want,” says Oliver Sovol, Head Bartender at Observatory Eleven in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Price
Speed rails can range in price from $40 to $100 and up, depending on the size and number of racks. Since it can be pricey, it's important to find one that fits your budget and suits your needs.
If you have a small bar or a home bar , it’s better to get a 22-inch or 32-inch rail. But if you have a full-on bar or restaurant , the 42-inch or double rack is ideal.
Speed Rail FAQ
1. What are the benefits of using a speed rail in my bar?
Speed rails offer many benefits to bars, including improved efficiency and faster service. They also help keep liquor bottles organized and easily accessible, saving time when making drinks. Additionally, speed rails can help prevent spills and messes by keeping bottles securely in one place.
2. How do I install a speed rail in my bar?
Installing a speed rail in your bar is relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps.
First, mark the speed rail's location on your bar's wall. They are commonly installed on the side or front of the ice well, 3-compartment sink, drain board, or under the bat. Then, drill pilot holes into the marked spots and insert wall anchors. Lastly, screw the speed rail into the wall anchors.
3. What are some tips for using a speed rail in my bar?
Ensure the bottles in your speed rail are properly secured, so they don’t fall out or get knocked over. It will also be easier to remember a specific liquor’s position if you arrange the bottles categorically. You can line up your liquors first, then your liqueurs and other mixers .
If you have a double rack, you can put the alcoholic ones in the first rack and the non-alcoholic drinks in the second one. Finally, keep an eye on your speed rail and restock it as needed, so you always have enough ingredients.
4. Which liquor bottles should I put in my speed rail?
Since speed rails can only hold several bottles simultaneously, maximizing the space is important.
Normally, you would put classic liquors like rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila, as well as liqueurs like triple sec, Irish cream, coffee, etc. You can also make room for sweeteners like simple syrup and grenadine syrup.
Why Trust Advanced Mixology?
We believe that our readers should have access to unbiased, well-informed reviews when deciding which products to buy, and we work hard to provide that type of content. Our editorial team is experienced and passionate about mixology and bar equipment. In addition, we often consult with industry professionals when gathering information, which gives us an insider's perspective on the products we're reviewing.
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