The inflatable serving bar is one of the best features at summer parties. These serving bars come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, and while they’re meant to keep drinks and foods cold, they can be used for other creative purposes. While most come in plain white (you can decorate these yourself if you want), some come themed for specific holidays and events.
While traditional closed-top coolers have their benefits, inflatable buffet coolers work very differently. While their purpose is to keep food and drinks cold, they don’t keep things fresh as long because of their open, lid-free design. However, for this same reason, they also keep food and drinks on display, making it easier for partygoers to access them.
More than anything, an inflatable serving bar works as a party decoration in and of itself. Children or partygoers can decorate or sign the cooler as an activity, and if you arrange your food and drinks attractively enough, it can work as a centerpiece, too.
As with any object that can hold water, you should be aware of the risk of drowning, especially for small children and pets. Always be sure to keep your inflatable tabletop cooler safely on a table or countertop, as the name suggests, and supervise children who get food or drinks from it.
(You can also use your inflatable serving bar while using Best Inflatable Swimming Platforms)
In case of a child falling into a pool, immediate action is necessary. This website also has an interactive resource for US Drowning Statistics, Worldwide Drowning Statistics, and Drowning Prevention in case of a child or pet falling in.
Everything you will learn here
- Why Choose an Inflatable Buffet Cooler?
- Jasonwell Inflatable Serving Bars
- Moon Boat Inflatable Serving Bar
- Novelty Place Inflatable Ice Serving Buffet Bar
- HabiLife 3 Pack Inflatable Serving Bar
- Tifeson Luau Inflatable Serving Bar
- Juvale Inflatable Serving Bar and Buffet Cooler
- Chuzy Cef Inflatable Pool Table Serving Bar
- iBaseToy Inflatable Palm Tree Cooler
- Heart Blow Up Cooling Tub by Big Mo’s Toys
- Best Inflatable Serving Bars Comparison Chart
- Conclusion: Inflatabel Serving Bar
Why Choose an Inflatable Buffet Cooler?
You probably don’t have an inflatable cooler sitting around in your home, though you may already have a traditional, hard-sided cooler. Why, then, would you spend extra money on a soft cooler like this that will only see a few uses?
While a hard cooler will keep food cooler, an inflatable buffet cooler puts the food on display. It makes food and drinks more accessible to partygoers, too. A partygoer might wonder if they’d be allowed to access the drinks in a traditional cooler, for example, or they might not even see them!
When everything’s on display, on the other hand, it’s clear what’s available to whom, and guests can see what’s on offer from across the room. You aren’t likely to be stuck with cans upon cans of extra soda after your party if you use an inflatable serving bar.
This applies to foods that you have to keep cold, too. For example, if you have salads or desserts that need to stay cold at your party, you can either leave them in the fridge or load them into their own cooler. However, it can be awkward directing your guests to serve themselves from your fridge, and stacking food in a cooler is never a good idea – it could end up squished!
Fortunately, a large, flat, inflatable cooler is the best of all worlds: not only does it display your food and drinks for all guests to see and access, but it also keeps them nice and fresh. The cooling effect lasts even longer if you place these coolers out of direct sunlight, such as in a garage, under a tent, or entirely indoors.
(You might be interested in reading about the Best Inflatable Hammocks)
Jasonwell Inflatable Serving Bars
- Extra Large & Flodable --- Outside dimensions is about 51.5”L x 24.5”W and 4.5”H, Internal size is 44.1''L x 17.1''W. Big enough to hold plenty of serving bowls salad drinks fruits beers etc. Easy to inflate deflate and fold. Easy to carry around and take it on your trip.
- Ultimate Bar ---The inflatable serving bar can be used indoors and outdoors, can even float in you pool. An excellent addition to summer pool party, BBQ, picnic, cookouts, birthday party, graduation party, beach wedding, camping, family reunions etc.
- Ice Cooler -- Fill ice into it. It will keep salad, fruit, beers, soda and all beverages cold for hours.
These inflatable serving bars from Jasonwell come in a two-pack, making this an excellent solution for large parties and larger displays. These buffet coolers are white, collapsible, lightweight, and buoyant – you can even use them to float beer or hors d ‘oeuvres in pools!
While these coolers excel as tabletop buffets, they work great behind the bar to keep stronger beverages cold, too. Since this package contains two medium-sized inflatable serving bars, they can be used for several flexible purposes.
The measurements of this serving bar set are:
- Length: 51.5″
- Width: 24.5”
- Height: 4.5″
Notably, this tabletop bar is BPA-free, meaning this buffet is completely food-safe – you don’t have to worry about toxins leaking into your snacks. Both units come with a drain plug to make emptying them more manageable, too.
Since these inflatable serving bars have a non-rigid, flat bottom, they’re great for holding food and drinks steady on flat surfaces. However, this means the unit can be a bit flimsy, too. It’s not a good idea to attempt to carry these units outside while they have liquid or ice inside of them – hence the drainage holes in these.
The best part about these servers is that they keep buffet lines at parties moving swiftly, and they’re great for holding easily-accessible finger foods and snacks. You can even put them right in the middle of the action on tables instead of off to the side. Keep in mind that they can be prone to punctures and leaks, though.
Moon Boat Inflatable Serving Bar
- Package Includes: 3 inflatable serving bars and a pump (random color as a gift); ideal for keeping food and drinks chilled with ice for hours, whether indoors or outdoors
- Convenient Drainage: Features a clear plug at the bottom for easy draining of excess liquids or ice water; quick to inflate and deflate
- Reusable Design: Simply drain, deflate, dry, and store for your next gathering
This serving bar assortment is just slightly more expensive than the previous Jasonwell set, yet it comes with three serving bars and a bonus hand pump. It’s easy to inflate and deflate with the hand pump, even for those who have trouble filling things on lung power alone, and it also comes with a built-in drainage plug.
These inflatable buffets are about the same size as the last set. The walls of these units are slightly higher than the Jasonwell coolers, meaning they hold ice and liquid inside even better. The measurements are as follows:
- Length: 51.5″
- Width: 24.5”
- Height: 5″
Like the previous models, this cooler has a flat, somewhat-flimsy base layer that doesn’t inflate. These buffets can also be prone to leaks, so it’s a good idea to keep a patch kit or some duct tape handy. They can be a bit of a pain to deflate, too, though inflating them is easy because of the included hand pump.
Unlike the previous set, though, this serving buffet set is not advertised as BPA-free. As such, it may be a good idea to keep any food from directly touching the buffet when serving. That aside, these buffet bars are great for all parties, whether indoors or out. At the lowest cost per unit on this list, they’re a great value, too.
Novelty Place Inflatable Ice Serving Buffet Bar
- Convenient Cooler - Keep food and drinks cool and fresh for hours by filling ice into it. This serving bar is convenient, inflatable and portable.
- Drain plug - Yes! There is a drain plug at the bottom to easily remove extra water if you need to refill with ice. The drain plug is located at a corner so you can slightly shift the inflatable tray off the table and drain into a bucket.
- Party delight - This is such a no-brainer for a great and fancy party! Definitely float it on the pool if you are throwing out a pool party. An excellent addition to any indoors and outdoors summer party and impress your guests.
Unlike the others we’ve seen so far, this inflatable serving buffet only comes in a single pack. While it’s about the same price as a three-pack regularly, if you can catch it while it’s on sale, it’s still a decent value. This is because, unlike the other inflatable serving bars above, this unit comes with a satisfaction guarantee; if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, Novelty Place will replace it fast and free of charge.
The title of this serving bar is a bit misleading, as its “large size” is the same as the two we’ve looked at already. The measurements of this unit are as follows:
- Length: 51″
- Width: 24”
- Depth: 4″
Per the manufacturer, this unit weighs less than one pound, and it comes with a drain, too. The drainage hole on this unit is in the corner instead of in the center, making it easy to drain it without shifting it too much.
Aside from the manufacturer guarantee that comes with this unit, it’s not anything special, however. Unless you need precisely one of these serving bars for your party, it’s a much better value to purchase the two-pack or the three-pack we looked at earlier.
As far as build quality goes, this serving bar is just as prone to leaks as any other. It’s lightweight and a bit flimsy, though the corner-situated drainage hole is useful to have.
HabiLife 3 Pack Inflatable Serving Bar
- ULTIMATE BAR: Keeps your food and beverages chilled. Lightweight, inflatable, and extremely portable. It features a clear drain plug on the bottom for quick and easy draining if you need to refill with ice. this inflatable buffet server can even float in your pool!
- SAVE TIME: No need to worry about how to keep your salads, fruits, dips, and drinks fresh and cool when you are throwing a party, camping, having a picnic, luau, BBQ, large gathering, or other special occasions with family, friends, or co-workers. This Inflatable Serving Table is here to save the day!
- CONVENIENT: No need to buy and carry a bunch of heavy ice coolers anymore. This serving bar is convenient, inflatable, and portable. inflatable buffet trays weights less than 1 pound and can be fully inflated in a few seconds with an air pump. You can also inflate it by mouth, which takes a few minutes.
This three-pack of serving bars from HabiLife is another excellent value, though it’s a tad more expensive than the Moon Boat three-pack we looked at before. These serving bars are sturdy and serve their purpose well, and the size is nearly identical to the serving bars we’ve already seen.
The measurements of this unit are as follows:
- Length: 52.75″
- Width: 25.3”
- Height: 4.7″
These serving bars also weigh less than a pound when empty, and they’re easy to inflate. If you want to fill them quickly, these serving bars are compatible with hand-held and automatic air pumps, but or you can always inflate them by mouth. This package comes with a small hand pump, but it’s so inefficient that you’d be better off filling them manually.
These inflatable buffets also have corner drainage holes, and they can each hold about two pounds of food and drinks safely. Of course, if you don’t plan to lift the unit, it can hold quite a bit more, but since the bottom is thinner than the sides, it won’t hold that weight without support.
These buffets can be a bit difficult to inflate, but they’re thankfully easy to clean. Additionally, the manufacturer is very responsive, and they will reimburse your purchase or send you a new unit if one of yours is faulty.
Like the last few inflatable tabletop coolers, this is not labeled as BPA-free, so it’s a good idea to keep food from coming in direct contact with it. Other than that, it’s still a functional, economical deal.
Tifeson Luau Inflatable Serving Bar
- LARGE SIZE INFLATABLE BUFFET COOLER: 53in x 24in after inflated, extra large to accomodate multiple serving bowls, tray food, can beer, drink and so on. Enjoy this cool summer time with family friends!
- WITH DRAIN PLUG ON THE BOTTOM: Easily drain excess liquids or ice water in seconds. Convenient to refill with ice. Keep your beer, cola, salad food always cool!
- UNIQUE EYE-CATCHING DESIGN: Compare to other white inflatable serving bar, our inflatable buffet cooler printed Flamingo, Pineapple, Monstera. Can creat more aloha tropical atmosphere to your summer party!
Unlike the other four serving bars we’ve looked at so far, this variety from Tifeson features an attractive tropical design. While the title says “Luau,” that’s not the only thing you can use this serving bar for! The tropical pattern has pineapples, palm fronds, and flamingos, making it suitable for any summer party.
This serving bar is about the same size as the others we’ve looked at so far. The exact measurements are as follows:
- Length: 52.7″
- Width: 24.4”
- Height: 5.9″
While this unit isn’t a great value – you can get a pack of three plain white serving bars for less than the cost of two of these – the unique design makes it a bit more attractive and ready-to-go for parties. You can always decorate the plain white serving bars on your own, but you can’t go wrong with the attractive pattern on these if you’re willing to spend the extra money.
Fortunately, this serving bar makes the price a bit more worthwhile by being durable and eye-catching. It holds up well to long summer days, and per the manufacturer, it can hold up to 110 pounds of ice, food, and drinks as long as it has a table to support it.
Of course, as with any inflatable goods, be sure to check for leaks before using this product. This unit also comes with a corner drainage hole, making clean-up after your party easy. This serving bar is also one of the deepest we’ve seen so far at nearly six inches, so it can hold quite a bit of food, drinks, and ice.
Juvale Inflatable Serving Bar and Buffet Cooler
- Inflatable Cooler: Fill this handy inflatable cooler with ice and keep your alcohol (or food) chilled for hours to come
- Perfect for Graduation: Keep guests refreshed at outdoor graduation parties as well as other summer events
- Ready for the Party: Inflate the cooler and fill it with ice and drinks, it will serve a large gathering without leaking on your table
This inflatable serving bar from Juvale also comes with its own unique design: a graduation theme. This theme is a bit less reusable, as you’ll likely only be throwing one graduation party in a given year, but if you don’t mind the design, you can still use it for other events.
The size of this unit is similar to the others we’ve seen so far, but the specific measurements are as follows:
- Length: 54″
- Width: 26”
- Height: 5″
Unfortunately, the monetary value for this serving bar just isn’t there – it costs nearly as much as a three-pack of plain white coolers does (though keep in mind that this is a two-pack). However, the designs are attractive for a graduation party, though we’re not quite sure why a big “Congratulations” is printed in the center area of this cooler. There’s no way you’ll see it with ice, food, and drinks in it anyway.
This serving bar also has a corner drainage hole to make clean-up easy, and it can be deflated, packed up, and saved for future graduation parties if you’d like. Alternatively, if you don’t mind the “congratulations” designs on it, you can use it for other purposes, such as a floating pool cooler.
All in all, this seems to be a fairly sturdy cooler, though you should be prepared for leaks, as with any inflatable device.
Chuzy Cef Inflatable Pool Table Serving Bar
These serving bars are available in plain white, “flag” patterned, and “flower” patterned. They’re also available in both single and double-packs. Fortunately, this is the second serving bar option on this list that’s advertised as BPA-free, so you can feel confident even when putting food on display.
These inflatable serving bars are similar in size to the others we’ve seen, even though the manufacturer calls them “larger than average.” In actuality, they’re slightly shorter than some of the others we’ve looked at so far. The specific measurements are:
- Length: 51″
- Width: 24”
- Height: 4.5″
Like the other serving bars, this has a corner drainage hole that can be used to eliminate water as your ice melts. By leaving this drainage hole open, you can drain right into a sink or bucket (or even straight onto the ground), making it so your food and drinks don’t get soaked as the day goes on.
The “flag” pattern on this serving bar mimics an American flag, making it an excellent option for Independence Day parties, cookouts, and any summertime activities. The “flower” version is perfect for springtime celebrations, birthday parties for young girls, and anything feminine.
We wouldn’t recommend buying the white version of this serving bar, as you can get them cheaper from different sources.
iBaseToy Inflatable Palm Tree Cooler
This cooler from iBaseToy is a genuinely unique offering among inflatable coolers. Instead of shallow, long, and rectangular like the other options on this list so far, this cooler is round, cylindrical, and features a palm tree in the center!
As you might expect, this cooler is great for any tropical or summer party. However, while it’s a great serving cooler for drinks, it’s not so great for serving food due to its shape and depth. It’s also best kept on the ground instead of on top of tables.
This unit can be a bit difficult to inflate, as each ring must be blown up separately. However, this means that the unit as a whole is less likely to spring a leak that makes it unusable.
This unit is a completely different shape than the other coolers we’ve seen so far, and as such, its measurements are different, too. These measurements are as follows:
- Diameter: 35.4″
- Depth: 14.9″
- Palm tree height: 36.2″
It doesn’t get much more fun than a palm tree drink cooler for tropical parties, and this cooler can be used as a drink holder for parties of a more exciting nature, too. Surprisingly, this cooler also comes with a drainage valve on the bottom for easy emptying, and it also comes with a suction cup to help hold it in place.
As you might expect, this serving bar is a bit expensive – it only comes in single packs, and it’s the most expensive option on this list by a significant margin. However, this can be a fun novelty item for adult parties as well as a good conversation piece.
Heart Blow Up Cooling Tub by Big Mo’s Toys
When we updated the article, we noticed, that this product is currently not available.
This inflatable buffet is similar in size and shape to the other options on this list, but it brings another unique design to the table: a white and grey “hearts” design. This inflatable buffet is great for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, weddings, and even small, romantic picnics.
Because the romantic theme of this buffet can be applied year-round, this design has more re-usability than many of the other designs featured in this guide. Its size and shape are fairly standard, and the specific measurements are:
- Length: 54″
- Width: 28”
Unfortunately, this is one of the only inflatable buffet coolers we’ve seen without a drainage valve. To empty this unit, you’ll have to tip the entire thing over. As such, it works best for outdoor use, where dumping it won’t make a big mess.
According to the manufacturer, this cooler is designed to be non-toxic and safe for children, though it doesn’t specifically say BPA-free. As such, we’d still recommend using caution when placing food in this serving tray.
The value of this unit is quite good as far as patterned serving trays go, though you can still get plain white ones for less. If you’re throwing an outdoor party for an important loved one, this is an excellent option.
Best Inflatable Serving Bars Comparison Chart
| Product Name | Price | Size in Inches (LxWxH) | Item Weight | Distinct Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasonwell Inflatable Serving Bars | $ | 51.5''x24.5''x4.5'' | 2.49 lbs | This tabletop bar is BPA-free, meaning buffet is completely food-safe |
| Moon Boat Inflatable Serving Bar | $ | 51.5''x24.5''x5'' | 0.7 lbs | Lightweight, portable and waterproof |
| Novelty Place Inflatable Ice Serving Buffet Bar | $ | 51''x24''x4'' | 2.4 lbs | Drain plug at bottom for easily remove extra water |
| HabiLife 3 Pack Inflatable Serving Bar | $ | 52.75''x25.3''x4.7'' | 0.4 lbs | Compatible with hand-held and automatic air pumps |
| Tifeson Luau Inflatable Serving Bar | $ | 52.7''x24.4''x5.9'' | 0.75 lbs | It can hold up to 110 pounds of ice, food, and drinks |
| Juvale Inflatable Serving Bar and Buffet Cooler | $ | 54''x26''x5'' | 2.29 lbs | It Has a corner drainage hole to make clean-up easily,deflated, packed up, and saved for future parties |
| Chuzy Cef Inflatable Pool Table Serving Bar | $ | 51''x24''x4.5'' | 0.9 lbs | Made by 100% BPA-free strong PVC material |
| iBaseToy Inflatable Palm Tree Cooler | $ | 36''x36''x14.9'' | 3.19 lbs | Made from tough .25mm thick PVC |
| Heart Blow Up Cooling Tub by Big Mo•s Toys | $ | 54''x38''4'' | 1.32 lbs | It is Non-Toxic and High Quality material |
Conclusion: Inflatabel Serving Bar
All in all, we’ve looked at some great options for tabletop serving bars on this list. There are plenty of themed party options out there, but if you’d rather save a bit of money, you can purchase a white one and decorate your own just as easily.
As far as value is concerned, the best option is the 3-pack of Inflatable Serving Bars from Moon Boat. While you may not need three full serving bars, this pack contains the cheapest serving bars per unit, and it’s always good to have extras on hand in case one springs a leak.
If you’re looking for a drink cooler for an adult party, we recommend considering the Inflatable Palm Tree Cooler from iBaseToy. While this cooler is the most expensive we’ve reviewed, it’s also incredibly fun, and truly appropriate for a fun summer party! This cooler is a bit more limited functionally, though; it can’t be used in pools or placed on tables due to its shape and height.
If you’re looking for just one inflatable serving cooler, consider purchasing the Tifeson Luau Inflatable Serving Bar. This inflatable cooler is relatively inexpensive for one unit, and it comes with an ever-attractive design that’s always suitable for summer.
All of the inflatable tabletop coolers on this list are excellent options, and different consumers will find that different coolers work best for them. One important thing to remember is that, aside from the palm tree cooler, all of them tend to be roughly the same size and shape, so make sure to consider this when deciding where to put your tabletop cooler.
Last update on 2024-12-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
