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Lift assists for bar and countertop openings are crucial in modern taverns, kitchens, and restaurants. While they add aesthetic appeal, their main value lies in functionality.
However, supporting heavy countertop materials can be risky. It increases strain on supports and mechanisms, which may lead to damage or failure.
Thankfully, counterbalancing technology effectively handles these challenges. Bar countertop hinges are invaluable for designers across various industries.
But how does this motion control technology actually work? Let’s dig into that answer:
What Are Bar Countertop Hinges?
Countertop pass-through hinges make it easier to open moving countertops in:
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Kitchens
These bar flap hinges are designed to offset weight using heavy-duty springs and other mechanisms. The hinge pushes the countertop open using little effort on the user's end, regardless of how heavy it is. For example, stone, granite, and quartz countertops usually require a force of between 85 lbs. and 160 lbs -- yet all can be counterbalanced with the right equipment (and physics).
Heavy countertops bring up safety concerns, as they can degrade the support mechanism over time and even hurt users who drop the gate. However, your motion control engineer can design a countertop pass-through hinge to handle weight capacities up to hundreds of pounds. The level of support you need will depend on your gate's size and material -- counterbalances for granite countertops will have more work to do than one attached to a maple countertop.
4 Pros of Bar Countertop Hinges:
Counterbalance lift hinges have many benefits, including new opportunities for the hospitality industry. By incorporating these hinges, businesses can benefit from these four benefits:
- Safety
- Space
- More Design Options
- Improved Productivity
Safety
Even the lightest lift-up countertop can weigh dozens of pounds, making it potentially too heavy for some users, especially those who are tired or have limited strength.
As a result, someone might accidentally drop the counter top, potentially causing serious injuries to employees and patrons. This could also lead to significant damage to the counter itself.
Fortunately, the right hinge design in a bar lift gate makes even the heaviest countertops feel as light as a feather, reducing the risk of damage and injury.
Interested in learning more about how bar counter hinges can also work in the hospitality industry? Download our free resource below:
Space
A pass-through can be an inefficient use of space in your restaurant bar counter design. It's likely that your staff frequently keeps the gate open, often using makeshift solutions, to reduce the inconvenience.
But what if your bar flap could easily and safely be closed when not in use? This flexibility would allow for more counter space and maximize your square footage.
More Design Options
Counterbalanced countertop technology provides lift assist for bar and countertop openings making it possible to lift heavier materials. This means that you can use more luxurious options for a bar counter design for a restaurant such as granite and quartz, which look great but are extremely heavy.
Improved Productivity
Heavy lift-up countertops can be an inconvenience for restaurant and bar servers. They make it difficult to get through the counter, and the seconds spent opening and closing them add up to hours of wasted time over the course of a week.
They may also place strain on exhausted employees, making them less productive and even resulting in extended time off and insurance claims down the road.
A hinged countertop simplifies use by allowing easy access to both sides of the counter, which helps employees save valuable time and effort.
A Wide Range of Applications:
Counterbalance lift assistance has applications in virtually anything that involves a counter or cover. Bar flap hinges and kitchen pass-through countertop hinges ease traffic in busy restaurants and create more space.
This technology also has many potential uses as establishments further adapt their seating arrangements with COVID-19 still fresh in everyone’s minds. More and more members of the hospitality and entertainment industry are building outdoor seating areas, and this technology can help save space on seats, tables, and other covers.
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What are the installation requirements or challenges for different types of bar countertop hinges, and how can they be addressed? Installation requirements for bar countertop hinges can vary depending on the type and design of the hinge. Common challenges include:
To address these issues, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines. For more complex installations, consulting with a professional or referring to detailed installation guides can provide additional support. How do bar countertop hinges compare in terms of durability and performance across different manufacturers or brands? Bar countertop hinges from different manufacturers or brands can vary significantly in durability and performance. Key factors to consider include:
Higher-quality hinges, often made from robust materials like stainless steel or brass, tend to offer better performance and longevity. Reviewing product specifications and customer reviews can help in assessing how well a hinge performs over time and whether it meets specific needs or expectations. Are there specific design considerations or restrictions when integrating bar countertop hinges into custom bar designs or renovations? When integrating bar countertop hinges into custom bar designs or renovations, several design considerations and restrictions must be taken into account. These include:
Additionally, it is important to consider the weight and size of the countertop to select a hinge that can support it effectively. Planning for these factors in advance and consulting with a designer or architect can help ensure that the hinges fit well within the design and function as intended. |
Heavy-Duty Bar Countertop Hinges: A Crucial Asset
Lift assists for bar and countertop openings should always include a heavy-duty hinge. They make using lift-up countertops easy, keep users safe, and boost employee productivity.
Now all you need is a little engineering. To calculate the necessary lid torque to counterbalance your next lift gate design, use the free tool below:
This article was originally published in May 2022 and was recently updated to reflect current industry trends.
