How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest can be a useful appliance, whether you are preparing for an emergency or simply want to keep up summer ice cream. Choosing the best model for your needs involves considering storage capacity, capacity, and energy efficiency, according to Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The aim is to keep food at a consistent, reliable temperature with minimum maintenance. 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 standard fridge freezers. They can even provide additional space, making them ideal for large families or those who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of chest freezers can vary between 5 cubic feet and 22 cubic feet. Some models also include storage racks and compartments that help you organize your frozen foods and to separate different types of food items for quick access.
Take note of the space you'll be purchasing a freezer for to determine how large or small it needs to be. Based on the amount of space you have, you might opt for smaller models that will enhance 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, a good rule of thumb is to leave at least three inches of space across both sides and the back. This allows you the freedom to move the freezer into and out of the space without the need to move heavy furniture or other appliances.
Some models feature bright interior lighting, which is helpful for sorting through your frozen dinners and bags of ice. Others have a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it easier to get to your supplies.
freezers uk of a chest freezer is another aspect to take into consideration. If you are looking to cut down on your energy costs, select freezers that are energy STAR certified. These models meet government standards for energy efficiency and can save you up to $500 in energy costs over the life of the freezer. Other features worth considering include rollers that allow for mobility as well as power indicator lighting and temperature controls on the outside. Some freezers feature an adjustable basket separator, and a recessed hand for easy lifting. There are a variety of options available, whether you want an ordinary chest-style freezer or one that fits in your garage.
Style
Contrary to conventional freezers chest freezers can be opened from the top like a treasure chest. Because of this, they are generally larger and smaller than fridge freezers. They are a great option for people who want to purchase in large quantities or store items that cannot fit into a standard 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 it stay frozen longer, even in power outages. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who frequently stock up on meats at a discount from the butcher shop, or harvest their own food items in the bulk.
A chest freezer may not be the most used appliance in your kitchen, but it is an ideal addition if make large quantities of food and want to store extras. The freezer is ideal for storing stews and soups. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It can also help you keep your pantry full of essentials like cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.
When shopping for a chest freezer, you should look for one that has adjustable storage baskets for simple organization and bright interior lighting. You can find what you are looking for quicker by not having to continually open and close the lid. Some models feature keys for locking and an internal temperature gauge to offer additional security and ease of use.
If you are on a tight budget, search for a chest-freezer with a scratch-and dent discount. Many retailers offer discounted models that have blemishes. You can save up to 15 percent on a freezer that you're sure to use. Make sure you test the freezer before buying it to ensure that it can fit into your garage or basement. Be aware of the doors you'll need to open in order to move the freezer. To ensure safety and proper operation, it's important that the freezer is located away from heat sources. This includes windows. Freezers that are located in hot environments can also decrease their effectiveness and can create freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You might want to consider the energy efficiency when buying an appliance. Freezers with ENERGY STAR certification consume less energy and can save you money over the long run. It is also essential to measure the size of your chest freezer to determine its energy efficiency.
Consider whether your freezer can defrost by hand or automatically. Some freezers require manual defrosting. This is a pain, particularly if you own a freezer that needs to be regularly defrosted. However, there are models with built-in automated defrost features, which can save you lots of trouble.
If you are a busy family, extra freezer space can be handy for storing frozen meals and 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 assist you in making the most of your bumper harvest by freezing your vegetables and fruit to be used later.
There are a variety of sizes of freezers on the market, so it's easy to find the right one for your needs. You can purchase a smaller 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 with constant temperatures throughout the unit and with no hot spots. You might also want to consider a model that has additional features, such as an interior light or storage baskets. They can be arranged to ensure that you have the most frequently used food items and ingredients within reach. You can find chest freezers with dividers and labels so you can track the things you need and organize them by kind or season.
Storage
A chest freezer can provide a lot of space for storage. This kind of freezer is ideal for storing large quantities of food, particularly when you have many children or like to buy in bulk. You can also make use of a chest freezer to store items of a special kind or ingredients that are not readily available in your local grocery stores. This can include specialty meats, imported chees and unique frozen desserts. A stock of these ingredients can make cooking easier and will help you save money over time.
How often you freeze food items and the type of food you freeze depends on the space you require. If you intend to freeze fresh seafood during its season and use it later, you will require more storage space.
Because they are horizontally positioned, chest freezers are able to store more. However, they can be harder to access than upright freezers with shelves and drawers. When looking for a chest-freezer, look for models with interior lighting. This feature can be useful if you plan to store your freezer in an unlit garage or basement. It will also make it easier for you to locate the necessary items.
If you have children at home, search for a freezer that is secured with child safety locks. These safety measures are crucial because children could get into the freezer and get trapped which can lead to suffocation or death. It's important to keep an inventory list of the items you keep in your freezer as well as a record of the dates for expiration of food. This will stop you from purchasing or storing food that is no longer in use, and reduce the amount of waste.
When shopping for a chest freezer, ensure you leave enough room in your garage or basement to accommodate it. You should have at minimum three inches of clearance along the sides and back of the freezer to ensure you are able to move it around. Additionally, make sure that your new freezer is able to fit through the doorway into which you plan to put it. This could require removing doors or moving items away from the way.