How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
Whether you're planning for an unexpected emergency or want to stockpile your summer ice cream, a freezer chest is a useful appliance. 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 maintain food at a constant, reliable temperature with minimal maintenance. Look for models that have easy-to-use controls, adjustable thermostats and lighting indicators for power.
Size
The capacity of a chest-freezer is an important factor to take into consideration. These freezers often have significantly larger storage capacities than standard refrigerator freezers and some even provide a little extra space that 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 foot. Some models also include storage racks and compartments to aid in organizing your frozen food and separate different types of food items to make them easier to access.
Measure the space you will be buying a freezer in to determine how large or small it needs to be. Depending on how much space you have available, you may prefer an a smaller model to be a supplement to your fridge freezer, or a larger model that will be an ideal standalone unit for the garage or laundry room.
When deciding on the size of your freezer the best rule of thumb is to allow at least three inches of space across both sides and the back. This allows you to take the freezer in and out of a space without the need to move other furniture or appliances.
Some models feature bright interior lighting, which can be helpful when you are sifting through your frozen dinners and bags of ice. Some models 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.
Another aspect to be aware of is the energy efficiency of a chest freezer. If you're looking for ways to cut down on your energy bills make sure you choose ENERGY START-certified freezers. These models meet the government's requirements to be energy efficient and can save you up to $500 on energy costs over the life of the freezer. Other features worth considering are the use of rollers to move around as well as power indicator lights and temperature controls that are external to the freezer. Some freezers feature an adjustable basket separator, and a hand that is recessed to make it easy to lift. There are a myriad of options, whether you want a simple chest-style freezer or one that can fit in your garage.
Style
Unlike a standard freezer, chest freezers lift open from the top, much like a treasure chest. This is why they are generally larger and shorter than a fridge freezer. This makes them an excellent option for those who buy in bulk and want to store more large items that wouldn't fit into a standard freezer.
They are also quieter than upright models. They are insulated with thick walls that helps keep cold air in foods and helps them keep frozen longer, even during power outages. This makes them an excellent option for those who often stock up on meats at a discount from the butcher shop, or eat their own food in the bulk.
A chest freezer may not be the most common appliance in your kitchen, but it's an excellent addition if you prepare large quantities of food and have to store extras. The freezer is perfect to store stews and soups. cheap freezer uk can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It can also help you keep your pantry stocked with essentials like cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.
When looking for a chest freezer, you should look for models that have adjustable storage baskets for simple organization and bright interior lighting. This will let you locate what you require faster without having to open and close the lid constantly. Certain models also come with keys for locks and an internal temperature gauges for increased security and convenience.
If you're on a tight budget, search for a chest-freezer with a scratch-and dent discount. Many stores offer damaged models at a reduced price. You could save up to 15 percent on a freezer that you're certain to use. Be sure to take measurements of the freezer prior to purchasing to ensure that it can fit in your basement or garage. Be aware of any doors that you'll need to clear in order to allow the freezer to be moved in and out of the way. It is crucial to place the freezer away from sources of heat such as windows, for proper operation and safety. Refrigerators in hot locations may also lose efficiency and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for a freezer, it is a good idea to consider the energy efficiency of your choice. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified use less energy, which could save you money on utility bills over time. The size of your chest freezer is also important to consider to maximize its energy efficiency, so make sure you determine the area you plan to put it to ensure it will fit.
Consider whether your freezer can defrost manually or automatically. Certain freezers require manual defrosting. This could be a hassle particularly if you own a freezer that must be regularly defrosted. Some models have automatic defrost built in, which can save lots of time.
If you have a busy family, extra freezer space can be handy for storing frozen meals and ready-to-eat snacks that are simple to microwave when you don't have the time or energy to cook. If you're a gardener the chest freezer can help you make the most of your bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruit to be used later.
Freezers are available in a variety of sizes, so locating the best one for your business or home is simple. 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 best chest freezers offer steady temperatures with no hot spots and are reliable. Depending on your needs you may also think about a model with additional features such as an inside light and storage baskets that can be arranged to keep your most frequently used ingredients and foods in reach. There are also chest freezers with labels and dividers to aid in keeping all your items in order and arrange them according to season or type.
Stores
A chest freezer can provide lots of storage space. This type of freezer is able to store large amounts of food items. It is perfect for those who have a large family or buy in bulk. It is also possible to utilize a chest freezer for store special items or ingredients that aren't readily available in your local grocery stores. This can include specialty meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients can simplify cooking and save you money.
The amount of storage space you'll need to meet your freezer's requirements will depend on how often and the kinds of food items you freeze. For instance, if plan to buy fresh seafood when it's in season and then freeze it for later use, you will need more storage space than if you simply keep frozen leftovers.
Since they are horizontally positioned and positioned horizontally, chest freezers are able to store more. They can be more difficult to access than upright models that have shelves and drawers. When you are looking for a chest freezer, look for models with interior lighting. This feature is useful when your freezer is located in a dark garage or basement and it can also help you sort through supplies.
If you have children at home, look for a freezer with child security locks. These safety measures are crucial since children are able to get into the freezer and get trapped in it, resulting in suffocation and death. It's also a good idea to keep a record of the things you keep in your freezer and keep track of your dates for expiration of food. This will prevent you from buying or storing food that is not in good condition and also reduce the amount of food waste.
When you're looking for a chest freezer ensure you leave enough room in your basement or garage to accommodate it. You should leave at minimum three inches between the wall and the freezer to allow room to move around. Make sure that the freezer you purchase can be inserted into the opening in which you intend to install it. This may require removing some doors or moving objects out of the way.