How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest can be useful to have in your kitchen, whether you’re making plans for an emergency, or simply want to keep the summer ice cream you’ve made. The best choice for your needs requires considering capacity, storage and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The goal is to store food at a consistent, reliable temperature that requires little maintenance over time. Look for models that have easy-to-use controls, adjustable thermostats and power indicator lamps.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is an important factor to consider. They usually have larger capacities for storage than refrigerator freezers in the standard model and some even provide an extra space that makes them perfect for large families or those who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of a chest freezer will differ, however, ranging from 5 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet. Some models include storage racks or compartments that aid in organizing your frozen food and separate different kinds to make it easier to access.
The space you will be buying a freezer in to determine how big or small it will need to be. You may choose a small model to go with your fridge freezer, or larger ones for the garage or laundry room.
When deciding the size of your freezer the best rule of thumb is to leave at least three inches clearance along both sides and the back. This lets you take the freezer in and out of a space without the need to move other appliances or bulky furniture.
Some models have bright interior lighting that could be helpful for sifting your frozen meals and bags of ice. Some models have a multi-angle hinge that is counterbalanced that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees.
Another thing to take into consideration is the energy efficiency of a chest freezer. If you’re looking to save on your energy costs make sure you choose ENERGY START-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 include rollers for mobility and lighting for power indicators. Some freezers come with an adjustable basket separator and a recessed handle for easy lifting. There are many options available, whether you want a simple chest-style freezer or one that fits in your garage.
Style
In contrast to a conventional freezer chest freezers can be opened from the top freezer brands like a treasure chest. They are generally larger and longer than refrigerator freezers. They are an excellent choice for people who want to purchase in large quantities or store items that cannot fit into a standard refrigerator freezer.
They are also quieter than upright models. They have thick insulation that keeps the cold air around food and helps keep it longer in the freezer, even during power outages. This makes them a great option for those who often buy cheap meats from the butcher or who harvest their own produce in huge quantities.
A chest freezer isn’t the most common kitchen appliance, but it can be a great option for your home if you often make large batches of food and have extras to store. The freezer is perfect for storing stews and soups. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. You can also keep your pantry stocked up with staples like cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.
When shopping for a chest freezer, choose a model with adjustable storage baskets for simple organization and bright interior lighting. You will be able to find what you are looking for faster by not having to constantly open and close the lid. Some models also have keys for locks and an internal temperature display for added security and convenience.
If you’re on a tight budget, search for a chest-freezer with scratch-and-dent discounts. There are many retailers that offer discounted models with blemishes. This can save you 15% or more on a freezer that’s sure to prove useful. Make sure you take measurements of the freezer prior to purchasing to ensure that it will fit in your basement or garage. Also, be aware of any doorways that you’ll need to clear in order to move the freezer into and out of place. It is crucial to place the freezer away from heat sources, including windows, for proper operation and digital freezers safety. Freezers in hot areas may also lose effectiveness and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
When looking for a new freezer, it is a good idea to think about the energy efficiency of the freezer you choose. Digital Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified use less energy, which can reduce your utility bills over time. The size of your chest freezer is also important to consider to ensure its energy efficiency therefore, you should determine the area you plan to place it to ensure it will fit.
Think about whether your freezer can defrost either manually or automatically. Some freezers require manual defrosting. This could be a hassle particularly if you own a freezer that needs to be defrosted regularly. Certain models have an automated defrost features which can save you many hours.
If you’re a busy family, you can make use of the extra freezer space to store meals and snacks in a freezer that you can microwave in the event that you don’t have time to cook. If you’re a gardener a chest freezer can help you make the most of a bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruits for later consumption.
Freezers come in a range of sizes, so choosing the best one for your home or business is easy. You can buy a small 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your home or a larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables in your restaurant.
The best chest freezers are reliable and provide steady temperatures throughout the freezer and with no hot spots. You might also want to look at a model that has additional features, like an interior lighting system or storage baskets. They can be arranged to keep your most frequently used food items and other ingredients in reach. You can also find chest freezers that have labels and digital Freezers dividers to aid in keeping the track of your belongings and arrange them according to type or season.
Storage
A chest freezer can provide plenty of storage space. This type of freezer can be used to store large quantities of food items. It is perfect for people who have a large family or buy in large quantities. You can also use a chest freezer to store specialty items or ingredients that are not easily available at your local grocery stores. This can include things like special meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients can help cook more easily and will save you money.
The amount of storage space you require to meet your freezer’s requirements will depend on the frequency and types of foods you freeze. For instance, if you plan to store up on fresh seafood when it’s in season and then freeze it for future use, you’ll require more storage space than if you only keep frozen leftovers.
Chest freezers typically have more storage capacity than upright models due to the fact that they are laid horizontally, not vertically. They are more difficult to access than upright models that have shelves and drawers. If you are shopping for a chest freezer, look for one with interior lighting. This feature is useful if you plan to store your freezer in the dark basement or garage. It will also make it easier for you to locate the necessary items.
If you have children at home, look for a freezer that is secured with child safety locks. These safety measures are crucial because children can get trapped in a chest freezer, which could cause suffocation or death. Keep track of the items you have in your freezer, and keep track of the expiration dates. This will prevent you from buying or storing food items that is not in good condition and will reduce the amount of the amount of waste.
Be sure to leave enough space in your basement or garage for the chest freezer you select. It should have at least three inches of space along the sides and back of the freezer, so that you can move it around. Also, ensure that your new freezer is able to fit through the doorway into which you plan to put it. This may require removing some doors or moving objects out of the way.