How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest can be a useful appliance for planning for an emergency or simply want to keep the summer ice cream you've made. The best choice for your needs requires considering storage capacity, capacity, and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The aim is to keep food at a consistent, reliable temperature with minimal maintenance over time. Look for models with easy-to-use digital controls, adjustable mechanical thermostats and power indicator lights.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is an important aspect to think about. They usually have larger storage capacities than refrigerator freezers in the standard model, and some even offer some extra space which makes them ideal for large families or those who love to entertain. The capacity of chest freezers ranges from 5 cubic feet to 22 cubic foot. best freezers uk include storage racks and compartments that help you organize your frozen foods and to separate different types of food items for quick access.
Measure the space you will be purchasing a freezer in to determine how large or small it will need to be. Based on the amount of space you have available, you may opt for a smaller model that can augment your fridge freezer, or a larger model that can be a perfect stand-alone unit in the garage or laundry room.
A good rule of thumb to follow when deciding on the size of your freezer is to allow for three inches of clearance along the sides and back. This allows you the freedom to move the freezer in and out of an area without the need to move heavy furniture or other appliances.
Certain models come with bright interior lighting, which can be helpful when you are sifting through your frozen dinners and bags of ice. Others have a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge that can open the lid at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it easier to access your items.
The energy efficiency of a chest freezer is another aspect to take into consideration. If you're looking to save on your energy bills, look for ENERGY STAR-certified freezers. These models meet the requirements of the government for energy efficiency and could save you up to $500 in energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Other features worth considering include rollers for mobility and power indicator lights. Some freezers come with an adjustable basket separator and an recessed handle for simple lifting. If you're looking for a basic chest freezer or a larger garage-ready model, there are options that will fit into any budget and space.
Style
In contrast to a conventional freezer, chest freezers lift open from the top like a treasure chest. This is why they are generally larger and shorter than fridge freezers. They are a great option for those who want to purchase in bulk or store large items that aren't able to fit into a standard refrigerator freezer.
Chest freezers also tend to run more quiet than upright models. They are insulated with thick walls that helps keep cold air in food items and allows them to stay frozen for longer even during power outages. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who frequently stock up on meats at a discounted price from the butcher, or even harvest their own food in the bulk.
A chest freezer isn't the simplest kitchen appliance however it can be an excellent option for your home when you frequently cook large batches of food and have extras to store. The freezer is great for storing stews and soups. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It can also help you keep your pantry stocked with essentials like bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
Find a chest freezer with removable baskets to facilitate organization and interior lighting that is bright. You will be able to find what you are looking for quicker by not having to continually open and close the lid. Some models feature locks that are keyed and an internal temperature monitor to provide added security and ease of use.
If you are on a budget, look for a chest-freezer that comes with a scratch-and dent discount. Many retailers sell damaged models at reduced prices. You can save up to 15 percent on a fridge you're certain to utilize. Just be sure to check the measurements before buying to ensure it's suitable in your garage or basement. Be aware of any doorways you'll have to clear to move the freezer into and out of its place. To ensure safety and proper operation, it's important that the freezer is kept away from heat sources. This includes windows. In hot environments, freezers can also lose efficiency 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 model you select. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified consume less energy, which could reduce your costs for utilities over time. The size of your chest freezer is important to take into consideration to maximize its energy efficiency, therefore, you should measure the space where you plan to put it to ensure it will fit.
Check if your freezer is able to defrost manually or automatically. Certain freezers require manual defrosting, which could be a hassle when you have to regularly defrost your freezer. There are models with built-in automated defrost features, which can save you a lot of hassle.
If you're a busier family, you can use the extra freezer space to keep frozen meals and snacks that you can microwave when you don't have the time to cook. If you're a gardener, a chest freezer can assist you in making the most of your bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruits to be used later.
There are a variety of sizes of freezers on the market and it's easy to find the right one for your needs. You can purchase a compact 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your home or a larger, 30-cubic-foot model to store food items in your restaurant.
The most reliable chest freezers are durable and provide consistent temperatures throughout the unit and without hot spots. Depending on your needs you may want to consider a model with additional features, such as an interior lighting system and baskets for storage which can be coordinated to keep your most frequently used food items and ingredients within reach. There are chest freezers with labels and dividers so that you can track the things you need and organize them by type or season.
Stores
A chest freezer can provide a lot of storage space. This kind of freezer is ideal to store large amounts of food items, particularly if you have a large family or like to buy in bulk. It is possible to use a chest freezer to store special products or ingredients that are not readily available at the local supermarket. This could include specialized meats, imported chees and unique frozen desserts. The fact that you have these ingredients in your pantry will make cooking more convenient and can help you save money over time.
The amount of storage space you'll need to meet your freezer's requirements depends on how often and what types of foods you freeze. If you plan to freeze fresh seafood in its season and then use it later, you will require more storage space.
Chest freezers typically have more storage capacity than upright models due to the fact that they lay horizontally rather than vertically. They are more difficult to access than upright models that have shelves and drawers. When looking for a chest-freezer make sure you choose one with interior lighting. This feature is beneficial in the event that your freezer is located in an area that is dark, such as a basement or garage and can make it easier to sift through the various items.
Find a chest freezer with child security locks if you have kids at home. These security measures are vital as children can become trapped in a chest freezer, which could cause the death of a person or their suffocated body. It's also a good idea to keep an inventory list of what you store in your freezer as well as a record of the dates on which food expires. This will prevent you from buying or storing food items that is past its prime and will reduce the amount of the amount of food waste.
When shopping for a chest freezer ensure that you have enough room in your basement or garage to accommodate it. You should leave at least three inches between the wall and the freezer so that you have enough room to move around. Make sure that the new freezer can fit through the opening where you plan to install it. This could mean removing some doors or moving objects away from the way.