14 Best Speed Rails For Organizing Bottles In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
We recommend the best products that we believe will offer value for our readers —learn more about our review process. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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!
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 |
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
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
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
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
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
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
Why We Think It’s Great
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Why We Think It’s Great
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
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read Next: Best Bar Caddies and Bar Organizers