How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer

A freezer chest can be useful for preparing for an emergency or simply want to keep your summer ice cream. The best choice for your needs is about considering storage capacity, capacity, Frydge and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.

The aim is to keep food at a consistent, reliable temperature over time with minimal maintenance. Find models that have simple-to-use digital controls, programmable mechanical thermostats and power indicator lights.

Size

The capacity of a chest freezer is a crucial factor to consider. They usually have larger capacity than refrigerator freezers that are standard and some offer a little extra space that makes them perfect for large families or people who love to entertain. The capacity of chest freezers can vary from 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models include storage racks and compartments that help organize your frozen foods and separate different types of food items for quick access.

When looking for a brand new freezer, be sure to measure the area in which it will be placed to are aware of the size or capacity to purchase. Based on the space you have available, you may opt for smaller models that will enhance your fridge freezer or a bigger one that can be a perfect standalone unit for the garage or laundry room.

A good rule of thumb when deciding the size to purchase is to allow for three inches of space between the sides and back. This allows you the freedom to move the freezer into and out of an area without the need to move heavy furniture or other appliances.

Certain models come with bright interior lighting that could be helpful for sifting your frozen meals as well as bags of ice. Others have a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge design that holds the lid open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it easier to reach your food items.

The energy efficiency of a chest freezer is another factor to consider. If you're looking to save on your energy bills make sure you choose ENERGY START-certified freezers. These models meet the requirements of the government for energy efficiency and can save you up to $500 in energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Some other features to consider include rollers that allow for mobility, power indicator lights and external temperature controls. Some freezers come with an adjustable basket separator and a recessed handle for easy lifting. There are a variety of options available for you to choose from a basic chest-style freezer, or one that fits in your garage.

Style

Contrary to conventional freezers, chest freezers lift open from the top, much like a treasure chest. They are therefore usually larger and longer than refrigerator freezers. They are an excellent choice for those who want to buy in large quantities or store items that will not fit in a standard refrigerator freezer.

They also tend to be quieter than upright models. They have thick insulation which keeps cold air from getting around foods and helps them remain frozen for longer even in power outages. This makes them an ideal choice for those who often purchase cheap meats at the butcher or who harvest their own produce in large quantities.

A chest freezer might not be the most used appliance in your kitchen, but it's an ideal addition if cook a lot of food and want to store extras. The freezer is great 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.

Look for a chest-freezer with removable baskets to facilitate organization and interior lighting that is bright. This will let you find what you require quicker without having to open and close the lid continuously. Some models also have keys for locks and an internal temperature gauges for increased security and convenience.

If you're on a budget, think about buying an upright freezer that comes with a scratch and dent discount. Many stores offer damaged models at reduced prices. This can save you 15% or more on a freezer that's sure to come in handy. Be sure to take measurements of the freezer prior to purchasing to ensure that it will fit in your basement or garage. Be aware of the doors you'll need to open to move the freezer. It is crucial to place the freezer away from heat sources such as windows, for safety and proper operation. Refrigerators in hot locations may also lose effectiveness and cause freezer burn.

Energy Efficiency

When looking for a new freezer, you might want to consider the energy efficiency of your choice. Freezers that have ENERGY STAR certification use less energy and could save you money over the long run. It is also important to measure the size of your chest-freezer to determine its energy efficiency.

You could also consider the capability of your freezer to defrost by itself or manually. Certain freezers require manual defrosting, which could be a hassle if you must regularly defrost your freezer. There are models that come with built-in automatic defrost capabilities, which can help you avoid many headaches.

If you are a busy family, extra freezer space can be handy to store frozen meals and pre-made snacks that are easy to microwave when you don't have the time or energy to cook. If you're a gardener an appliance like a chest freezer can aid you in making the most of your bumper harvest by freezing your vegetables and fruits to eat later.

Freezers come in a variety of sizes, so locating the right one for your home or business is straightforward. You can purchase a small 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your apartment or opt for the larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables for your restaurant.

The best chest freezers offer constant temperatures, without hot spots and are reliable. You may also want to consider an option with additional features, like an interior lighting system or storage baskets. These can be arranged to keep your most frequently used food items and ingredients within reach. You can also find chest freezers with labels and dividers to aid in keeping all your items in order and organize them according to season or type.

Stores

A chest freezer can offer a lot of storage space. This kind of freezer is ideal for storing large quantities of food, especially when you have a large family or like to buy in large quantities. You can use a chest-freezer to store special items or ingredients not available at your local grocery store. This could include specialized meats, imported chees and unique frozen desserts. A stock of these ingredients can make cooking easier and can save you money over time.

How often you store food and what you freeze will depend on the amount of space you require. For example, if you are planning to buy fresh seafood that is in season and then freeze it for future use, you'll require more storage space than if you just store leftovers from frozen meals.

Chest freezers tend to have more 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. When you are looking for a chest freezer make sure you choose one with interior lighting. This feature can be useful in the event that you intend to keep your freezer in an unlit garage or basement. It will also make it easier to organize the items.

If you have children at home, look for a chest freezer with child safety locks. These safety measures are crucial because young children can enter a freezer and become trapped, leading to suffocation and death. It's important to keep a list of the things you keep in your freezer and a record of dates on which food expires. This will prevent you from buying or storing food that is no longer in use and will reduce the amount of the amount of food waste.

When you're looking for a chest freezer ensure you leave enough space in your garage or basement to accommodate it. It is recommended to leave at least three inches between the freezer and the wall to allow room to move around. Also, ensure that your new freezer can fit through the doorway that you intend to install it. This could mean removing some doors or moving things away from the way.