How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
Whether you're planning for an unexpected emergency or simply need to stockpile summer Ice cream, a freezer chest is a handy appliance. The ideal model to meet your needs involves 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 with minimal maintenance over time. Look for models with simple-to-use digital controls, programmable mechanical thermostats and power indicator lights.
Size
The capacity of the chest freezer is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. These freezers often have significantly larger capacity than refrigerator freezers in the standard model and some even provide an extra space that makes them perfect for large families or people who love entertaining. The capacity of chest freezers ranges from 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models also include storage racks and compartments to help you organize your frozen foods and to separate different types of food items for easy access.
When shopping for a new freezer, make sure to measure the space in which it will be placed so that you are aware of the size or capacity to buy. 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 standalone unit for your garage or laundry room.
A good rule of thumb to follow when deciding the size to purchase is to allow three inches of clearance along the sides and back. This gives you the ability to move the freezer in and out of an area without the need to move heavy furniture or other appliances.
Some models have bright interior lighting, which can be useful for sifting through your frozen meals and bags of ice. Some models have a counterbalanced, multi-angle hinge that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 degrees and 75 degrees.
The energy efficiency of the chest freezer is a different aspect to think about. If you are looking to cut down on your energy consumption, you should choose freezers that are Energy STAR certified. These models meet the government's 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 mobility rollers and power indicator lights. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator, and a recessed hand to make it easy to lift. There are a variety of options available for you, whether you're looking for a simple chest-style freezer or one that can fit in your garage.
Style
Chest freezers differ from conventional freezers in that they lift up like a treasure box. This is why they are usually wider and shorter than fridge freezers. cheap freezer for sale are a good option for those who wish to purchase in bulk or store large items that will not fit in a standard refrigerator freezer.
Chest freezers also tend to run more quiet than upright models. They are insulated with thick walls that keeps the cold air in food items and allows it to stay longer in the freezer, even during power outages. This makes them a great option for those who frequently purchase cheap meats from the butcher shop or harvest their own produce in bulk.
A chest freezer isn't the simplest kitchen appliance however, it is an ideal addition to your home when you frequently cook large batches of food and have extras to store. The freezer is ideal for storing stews and soups. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It is also possible to keep your pantry well-stocked with staples such as bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
Look for a chest-freezer with removable baskets to simplify organization, and interior lighting that is bright. This will allow you to find what you require quicker without having to open and close the lid on a regular basis. Certain models have locks that are keyed and an internal temperature monitor to give you added security and convenience.
If you're on a budget, look for a chest-freezer with scratch-and-dent discounts. Many retailers offer blemished models at reduced prices. This could save you 15% or more on a fridge that's guaranteed to come in handy. Make sure you take measurements of the freezer prior to purchasing to ensure that it will fit in your basement or garage. Be aware of any doorways you'll need to clear to get the freezer in and out of the way. For safety and proper operation, it's important that the freezer is kept away from heat sources. This includes windows. Refrigerators in hot locations may 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 freezer you choose. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified consume less energy, which could reduce your costs for utilities over time. It is also crucial to gauge the size of your chest freezer to determine its energy efficiency.
You could also consider the ability of your desired freezer to defrost either automatically or manually. Certain freezers require manual defrosting, which could be a hassle if you need to defrost frequently your freezer. However, there are some models with built-in automated defrost capabilities, which can save you a lot of hassle.
If you're a busy family, you can make use of the extra freezer space to store frozen meals and snacks that you can heat up when you don't have the time to cook. If you're a gardener an appliance like a chest freezer can assist you in making the most of a bumper harvest by freezing your vegetables and fruit for later consumption.
There are a variety of sizes of freezers to choose from which makes it easy to find the ideal one for your needs. You can buy a smaller 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your home or opt for an even larger 30 cubic feet model to store perishables in your restaurant.
The best chest freezers are reliable with consistent temperatures throughout the unit and without hot spots. Based on your requirements you may want to consider an option with additional features like an interior lighting system and storage baskets 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 items and organize them by the type or season.
Stores
A chest freezer can offer 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 household or purchase in large quantities. You can use a chest-freezer to store special items or ingredients that aren't available at the local supermarket. This can include specialty meats, imported chees, and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients can help cook more easily and save you money.
How often you store food items and what you store will depend on the space you need. For instance, if you plan to store up on fresh seafood when it is in season and then freeze it for future use, you'll require more storage space than if you just store frozen leftovers.
Since they are horizontally positioned, chest freezers are able to store more. However, they are more difficult to access than upright freezers that have shelves and drawers. If you are shopping for a chest freezer, search for one that has interior lighting. This feature is useful if your freezer will be situated in the dark basement or garage and can make it easier to sift through supplies.
If you have children in your home, look for a freezer with child security locks. These safeguards are important because children could enter a freezer and get trapped in it, resulting in suffocation and death. It's important to keep a list of what you store in your freezer, as well as a record of the food expiration dates. This will stop you from buying or storing food that is past its prime and also reduce the amount of food waste.
Be sure to leave enough space in your basement or garage for the chest freezer you choose. It should have at least three inches of space along the sides and back of the freezer so that you are able to move it around. Also, ensure that your new freezer will fit into the doorway that you plan to put it. This could require removing doors or moving objects out of the way.