How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
If you're planning for an unexpected emergency or simply need to stockpile summer frozen ice cream, an ice chest freezer is a handy appliance. Choosing the best model for your needs involves considering capacity, storage and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The goal is to keep food in a stable, consistent temperature with minimal maintenance over time. Find models that have simple digital controls, adjustable mechanical thermostats, and power indicator lights.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is a crucial factor to consider. These freezers offer much greater storage capacities than fridge freezers that are standard. They can even provide additional space making them ideal for large households or people who like to entertain. The capacity of chest freezers can vary between 5 cubic feet and 22 cubic foot. Some models have compartments or racks to aid in organizing your frozen food and keep it separated into various types of freezers to make it easier to find them.
When shopping for a new freezer, make sure to measure the area in which it will be placed so that you know how big or small to purchase. Based on the amount of space you have, you might want to choose a smaller model that can be a supplement to your fridge freezer, or a bigger one that is a great standalone unit for your garage or laundry room.
When deciding the size of your freezer the best rule of thumb is to leave at least three inches of space along both sides and the back. This allows you to pull the freezer in and out of the space without having to move other furniture or appliances.
Certain models come with bright interior lighting, which is helpful for sorting through your frozen dinners and bags of ice. Some models have a multi-angle hinge that is counterbalanced that allows the lid to be opened at any angle between 45 degrees and 75 degrees.
The energy efficiency of a chest freezer is another aspect to think about. If you're looking for ways to cut down on your energy bills choose ENERGY STAR-certified freezers. These models meet the government's standards to be energy efficient and can save you up to $500 in energy costs over the life of the freezer. Other features worth considering are the use of rollers to move around as well as power indicator lights and external temperature controls. Some freezers come with an adjustable basket separator and a hand that is recessed to make it easy to lift. There are freezer uk of options available for you, whether you're looking for an ordinary chest-style freezer or one that can fit in your garage.
Style
Chest freezers differ from conventional freezers in that they can be lifted like a treasure chest. They are generally larger and more spacious than a refrigerator freezer. They are a good option for those who wish to buy in large quantities or store items that cannot fit in a typical refrigerator freezer.
They also tend to be quieter than upright models. They have thick insulation that keeps the cold air from surrounding food and helps keep it frozen longer, even in power outages. This makes them a great option for those who often stock up on meats at a discount from the butcher, or even harvest their own food in bulk.
A chest freezer isn't the simplest kitchen appliance, but it can be an excellent addition to your home when you frequently cook large batches of food and have extras to keep in a storage. The freezer is great to store stews, soups, casseroles, and other food items that you can freeze for later use. It is also possible to keep your pantry well-stocked with staples such as bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
When looking for a chest freezer, you should look for models that have adjustable storage baskets for simple organization and bright interior lighting. This will let you find what you need faster without having to open and close the lid constantly. Some models also have an internal lock that is keyed and a temperature display for added security and convenience.
If you're on a budget, look for a chest-freezer that comes with scratch-and-dent discount. Many stores offer discounted models with scratches. This can save you up to 15% on a fridge that's guaranteed to prove useful. Be sure to take measurements of the freezer prior to purchasing to ensure that it can fit into your basement or garage. Be aware of any doors you will need to open in order to move the freezer. It's important to locate the freezer away from heat sources, including windows, for proper operation and safety. In hot environments, freezers can also lose efficiency and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for a new freezer, you might want to think about the energy efficiency of the model you select. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified use less energy, which could save you money on energy bills over the course of time. The size of your chest freezer is important to take into consideration for its energy efficiency, so be sure to take measurements of the space you plan to place it to ensure it will fit.
You could also consider the capability of your freezer to defrost by itself or manually. Some freezers require manual defrosting. This can be a hassle when you need to defrost frequently your freezer. Certain models come with automated defrost features and can save a lot of time.
If you're a busier family, you can use the extra freezer space to store meals and snacks in a freezer that you can heat up when you don't have the time to cook. A chest freezer is a great way to make the most out of an abundant crop by freezing vegetables and fruits to use later.
There are many sizes of freezers available, so it's easy to find the ideal one for your needs. You can buy a small 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your apartment or a larger 30 cubic foot model to store food items in your restaurant.
The best chest freezers provide constant temperatures, without hot spots and are reliable. Based on your requirements you may also think about an option with additional features such as an inside lighting system and storage baskets that can be arranged to keep your most frequently used food items and ingredients easily accessible. There are also chest freezers that come with labels and dividers that aid in keeping all your items in order and organize them according to type or season.
Storage
A chest freezer can offer plenty of storage space. This type of freezer can be used to store large amounts of food. It is ideal for those who have a large household or buy in bulk. It is possible to use a chest freezer to store items or ingredients that aren't available at your local grocery store. This could include items like imported specialty meats, speciality cheeses and unique frozen desserts. A stock of these ingredients can make cooking easier and will help you save money over time.
The amount of storage space you require to meet your freezer's needs depends on the frequency and kinds of foods you store. For example, if you are planning to stock up on fresh seafood when it's in season and then freeze it for future use, you will need more storage space than if you just store frozen leftovers.
Chest freezers tend to have more usable storage capacity than upright models because they are laid horizontally, not vertically. They are more difficult to access than upright models with shelves and drawers. If you're looking for an upright freezer, look for one with interior lighting. This feature is useful in the event that your freezer is placed in a dark garage or basement and can aid in sifting through the various items.
If you have children in your home, look for a freezer that is secured with child safety locks. These safeguards are important because young children can climb into a freezer and get trapped in it, resulting in suffocation and death. It's important to keep a list of the things you keep in your freezer as well as keep track of your food expiration dates. This will help you avoid buying or storing food items that is past its prime, and reduce waste.
When you're looking for a chest freezer, ensure you leave enough space in your garage or basement to accommodate it. You should have at minimum three inches of clearance on the sides and the back of the freezer to ensure you are able to move it around. Also, ensure that your new freezer is able to fit through the doorway you plan to put it. This could require removing doors or moving items away from the way.