How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest can be an essential appliance, whether you are preparing for an emergency or simply want to keep your summer ice cream. The ideal model to meet your needs involves 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 throughout the time, with minimal maintenance. Look for models with simple-to-use digital controls, programmable mechanical thermostats and power indication lights.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is a crucial factor to consider. They have larger capacity than standard fridge freezers. Some even offer extra space, making them ideal for large households or people who like to entertain. The capacity of chest freezers can range between 5 cubic feet and 22 cubic foot. Some models come with compartments or storage racks that can help you organize your frozen food and keep it separated into different types to make it easier to find them.
When you are looking for a new freezer, make sure to measure the space where it will go so you are aware of the size or capacity to purchase. You may choose a small model to go with your fridge freezer or a larger one for the garage or laundry room.
A best rule of thumb for deciding how big to get is to allow for three inches of space between the sides and back. This gives you the flexibility to move the freezer into and out of an area without having to move bulky furniture or other appliances.
Some models feature bright interior lighting, which can be helpful for sorting through your frozen meals and bags of ice. Certain models come with an adjustable hinge with a counterbalance that allows the lid to be opened at any angle between 45 degrees and 75 degrees.
Another aspect to be aware of is the energy efficiency of a chest-freezer. If you want to reduce your energy bills, choose freezers that are Energy STAR certified. These models meet the requirements of the government to reduce energy consumption and could 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 light indicators for power. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator and a hand
upright freezers that is recessed to make it easy to lift. There are a myriad of options for you, whether you're looking for a simple chest-style freezer or one that will fit in your garage.
Style
Chest freezers are different from conventional freezers in that they lift up like a treasure box. They are therefore usually larger and more spacious than a refrigerator freezer. They are a good option for those who want to purchase in large quantities or store items that will not fit in a typical refrigerator freezer.
Chest freezers are also known to operate more quietly than upright models. They have thick insulation which keeps cold air from getting around food items and allows them to keep frozen longer, even during power outages. This makes them an ideal choice for those who often purchase discounted meats from the butcher or harvest their own produce in bulk.
A chest freezer isn't the simplest kitchen appliance, but it can be an ideal addition to your home when you frequently cook large quantities of food and have leftovers to store. The freezer is great for storing soups, stews or casseroles, as well as other meals that you can freeze for later use. It can also help you keep your pantry stocked with staples such as bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
When shopping for a chest freezer, choose a model with removable storage baskets for easy organization and bright interior lighting. You'll be able to find what want faster by not having to continuously open and close the lid. Some models also have a keyed lock and internal temperature gauges for increased security and convenience.
If you're on a tight budget, look for a chest-freezer that comes with scratch-and-dent discount. Many stores offer damaged models at lower prices. This could save you up to 15% on a fridge that's guaranteed 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 any doors you'll need to open to move the freezer. For safety and a safe operation, it's crucial that the freezer is kept away from heat sources. This includes windows.
industrial freezers in hot locations can also decrease their effectiveness and can create freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You might want to think about energy efficiency when shopping for an appliance. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified use less energy, which can help you save money on your costs for utilities over time. It is also important to determine the size of your chest-freezer to determine its energy efficiency.
You may also think about the ability of your desired freezer to defrost either automatically or manually. Some freezers need manual defrosting. This could be a hassle especially if you have a freezer that must be defrosted regularly. Certain models have an auto defrost, which can save a lot of time.
If you are a busy family, extra freezer space can be handy to store frozen meals and ready-to-eat snacks that are simple to microwave when you don't have time or energy to cook. If you're a gardener an appliance like a chest freezer can aid you in making the most of a bumper harvest by freezing your vegetables and fruit to eat later.
There are many sizes of freezers on the market, so it's easy to find the right one for your needs. You can buy a smaller 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your apartment or opt for a larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables for your restaurant.
The best chest freezers are reliable and
upright freezers provide constant temperatures throughout the unit and without hot spots. Based on your requirements you may want to consider the addition of additional features such as an inside lighting system and storage baskets that can be arranged to keep your most frequently used food items and ingredients within reach. There are chest
freezers on sale with labels and dividers, so you can keep track of your items and arrange them according to kind or season.
Storage
A chest freezer can offer a lot of storage space. This type of freezer is ideal to store large amounts of food, particularly when you have a large family or like to buy in bulk. You can use a chest-freezer to store unique items or ingredients that aren't available at the local supermarket. This could include specialized meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients will simplify cooking and will save you money.
How often you store food and what you freeze depends on the space you need. If you plan to freeze fresh seafood during the season and then use later, you will require more storage space.
Chest freezers usually have more usable storage capacity than upright models because they are laid horizontally instead of vertically. However, they can be more difficult to access than
upright freezers which have shelves and drawers. If you are looking for an upright freezer, look for one that has interior lighting. This feature is useful in the event that you intend to keep your freezer in an unlit garage or basement. It can also make it easier to locate the necessary items.
Choose a chest freezer that has child safety locks if you have children at home. These safeguards are essential since children could get trapped in a freezer, resulting in suffocation or death. It's important to keep a record of what you store in your freezer and keep track of your dates on which food expires. This will help you avoid purchasing or storing food beyond its expiration date and help prevent the waste.
