How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
Whether you're planning for an emergency situation that's unexpected or want to stockpile your summer ice cream, a freezer chest is a useful tool. The ideal model to meet your needs is about considering storage capacity, capacity, and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The goal is to store food in a stable, consistent temperature that requires minimal maintenance over time. Look for models with simple-to-use controls, adjustable thermostats and lighting indicators for power.
Size
The capacity of the chest freezer is an important aspect to think about. They typically have larger storage capacities than refrigerator freezers in the standard model and some even provide some extra space which makes them ideal for large families or people who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of chest freezers can vary from 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models include storage racks or compartments that help you organize your frozen food and keep it separated into different kinds to make it easier to find them.
The space you will be purchasing a freezer in to determine how large or small it should be. You may choose a small model to go with your fridge freezer, or larger ones for the garage or laundry area.
When deciding on the size of your freezer the best rule of thumb is to leave at least three inches of clearance on both sides and back. This gives you the ability to move the freezer in and out of a space without the need to move heavy furniture or other appliances.
Certain models come with bright interior lighting that is useful for separating your frozen meals as well as bags of ice. Others feature a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge design that can open the lid at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it much easier to get to your supplies.
The energy efficiency of chest freezers is another factor to consider. If you're looking to lower your energy costs, select freezers that are Energy STAR certified. These models meet the government's standards for energy efficiency, and can save you up to $500 on energy costs over the life of the freezer. Some other features to consider are the use of rollers to move around as well as power indicator lighting and temperature controls that are external to the freezer. Some freezers feature an adjustable basket separator and a recessed hand for easy lifting. There are many options available, whether you want a simple chest-style freezer or one that can fit in your garage.
Style
In contrast to a conventional freezer chest freezers can be opened from the top, much like a treasure chest. They are typically larger and more spacious than refrigerator freezers. This makes them a great option for those who buy in bulk and want to store larger items that won't fit in a traditional freezer.
They are also quieter than upright models. They have thick insulation that keeps the cold air around food and helps it stay longer in the freezer, even during power outages. This makes them an ideal choice for those who regularly stock up on cheap meats from the butcher or harvest their own produce in bulk.
A chest freezer might not be the most popular appliance in your kitchen, but it's a great addition if you cook a lot of food and want to store extras. The freezer is ideal for storing stews, soups as well as casseroles and other meals that you can freeze for later use. You can also keep your pantry stocked with staples like cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.
Look for best freezers uk -freezer with removable baskets that facilitate organization and also interior lighting that is bright. You will be able to find what you are looking for faster by not having to continually open and close the lid. Some models also feature an internal lock that is keyed and a temperature display for added security and convenience.
If you're on a budget, think about buying a chest freezer with a scratch and dent discount. Many retailers offer discounted models with scratches. This can save you as much as 15% on a fridge that's guaranteed to be useful. Just be sure to check the measurements prior to purchasing to ensure that it can fit in your basement or garage. Also be aware of any doors that you'll need to clear in order to get the freezer in and out of place. It is essential to position the freezer away from sources of heat such as windows, for proper operation and safety. In hot environments, freezers can also lose efficiency and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You may want to think about energy efficiency when you are shopping for a new freezer. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified use less energy, which could help you save money on your energy bills over the course of time. The size of your chest freezer is also important to consider to maximize its energy efficiency, so make sure you measure the space where you plan to put it to ensure that it will fit.
Check if your freezer is able to defrost manually or automatically. Some freezers require manual defrosting, which could be a hassle when you must regularly defrost your freezer. Certain models come with auto defrost, which can save many hours.
If you're a busy family, additional freezer space can be handy for storing frozen meals as well as prepared snacks that are easy to microwave when you don't have the time or energy to cook. If you're a gardener a chest freezer can help you make the most of a bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruit for later consumption.
There are a variety of sizes of freezers on the market which makes it easy to find the right one for your needs. You can purchase a smaller 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your apartment or a larger 30-cubic foot model to store perishables in your restaurant.
The best chest freezers are reliable with consistent temperatures throughout the unit and with no hot spots. You may also want to look at one that comes with additional features, like an interior light or storage baskets. These can be coordinated to ensure that you have the most frequently used food items and other ingredients in reach. There are chest freezers that have labels and dividers, so you can keep track of the items and organize them by kind or season.
Storage
A chest freezer can provide a lot of storage space. This type of freezer can be used to store large quantities of food. It is ideal for those who have a large household or who buy large quantities. You can use a chest-freezer to store unique items or ingredients not available at your local grocery store. This can include things like specialty meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. The fact that you have these ingredients in your pantry will make cooking more convenient and can save you money over time.
The amount of storage space you require to meet your freezer's requirements is contingent on how often and the kinds of food items you freeze. For instance, if plan to stock up on fresh seafood that is in season and then freeze it for future use, you'll need more storage space than if you simply store leftovers from frozen meals.
Chest freezers usually have more storage capacity than upright models because they lay horizontally rather than vertically. However, they can be harder to access than upright freezers with shelves and drawers. If you are looking for an upright freezer, look for one with interior lighting. This feature is useful if you plan to store your freezer in an unlit garage or basement. It can also make it easier to sort through the supplies.
If you have children at home, search for a chest freezer that is secured with child security locks. These safeguards are important since children are able to climb into a freezer and get trapped, leading to suffocation and death. Keep track of what you keep in your freezer, and keep track of the expiration dates. This will help you avoid buying or storing food past its prime and prevent waste.
Be sure to allow enough space in your garage or basement for the chest freezer you pick. You should leave at minimum three inches between the freezer and the wall to give you enough space to move around. Additionally, make sure your new freezer is able to fit through the doorway you plan to put it. This may require removing some doors or moving things away from the way.