How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest is an essential appliance for making plans for an emergency, or just want to stock your summer ice cream. The ideal model to meet your needs requires considering capacity, storage and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The aim is to keep food at a consistent, reliable temperature that requires little maintenance over time. Find models that have easy-to-use digital controls, adjustable mechanical thermostats and power indicator lights.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is an important factor to consider. These freezers have much larger storage capacities than standard fridge freezers. Some even offer extra space, making them ideal for large households or those who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of a chest freezer will differ, however, from about 5 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet. Some models also have compartments and storage racks to help you organize your frozen foods and separate different kinds of food items for easy access.
When shopping for a new freezer, be sure to measure the space in which it will be placed so that you are aware of the size or capacity to purchase. Based on the space you have available, you may opt for an a smaller model to augment 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 A good rule of thumb is to allow at least three inches of space on both sides and back. This gives you the ability to move the freezer in and out of a space without having to move bulky furniture or other appliances.
Certain models come with bright interior lighting, which can be useful for sifting through your frozen meals and bags of ice. Certain models come with a multi-angle hinge that is counterbalanced that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees.
Another aspect to be aware of is the energy efficiency of a chest freezer. If you're looking to cut down on your energy bills choose ENERGY STAR-certified freezers. These models meet the government's requirements for energy efficiency and can save up to $500 in energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Other features worth considering include mobility rollers and light indicators for power. Some freezers come with an adjustable basket separator, as well as an recessed handle for simple lifting. It doesn't matter if you want a basic chest freezer or a spacious garage-ready model there are options to will fit into any budget and space.
Style
Unlike a standard freezer chest freezers open from the top like a treasure chest. This is why they tend to be larger and smaller than a fridge freezer. They are a good option for people who want to buy in large quantities or store items that cannot fit in a standard refrigerator freezer.
They also tend to be quieter than upright models. They have thick insulation which keeps the cold air in food and helps it stay frozen for longer, even during power outages. This makes them an ideal choice for those who regularly purchase cheap meats from the butcher shop or harvest their own produce in bulk.
A chest freezer might not be the most common appliance in your kitchen, but it is an ideal addition if cook a lot of food and have to store extras. The freezer is ideal to store stews and soups. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It is also possible to keep your pantry stocked with staples like cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.
Look for a chest-freezer with removable baskets that facilitate organization and interior lighting that is bright. You can find what you want faster by not having to continuously open and close the lid. Certain models also come with a keyed lock and internal temperature gauges for increased security and convenience.
If you are on a tight budget, search for a chest-freezer that comes with scratch-and-dent discount. Many retailers offer discounted models with blemishes. You can save as much as 15% on a freezer you're sure to use. Be sure to test the freezer before buying it to ensure that it will fit into your basement or garage. Be aware of the doors you'll have to open to move the freezer. For safety and a safe operation, it's crucial that the freezer is placed away from sources of heat. This includes windows. Freezers in hot locations can also lose their efficiency and can create freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You may want to think about energy efficiency when buying the best freezer. Freezers with ENERGY STAR certification consume less energy and can save money over the long run. It is also essential to determine the size of your chest freezer to determine its energy efficiency.
You might also consider the capability of your freezer to defrost either automatically or manually. Some freezers require manual defrosting. This can be a hassle when you need to defrost frequently your freezer. Some models have automatic defrost built in and can save many hours.
If you're a busy family, additional freezer space can come in handy for storing frozen meals as well as 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, a chest freezer can aid you in making the most of your bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruit to eat later.
There are a variety of sizes of freezers available which makes it easy to find the ideal one for you. 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 offer steady temperatures with no hot spots and are reliable. You might also want to look at a model that has additional features, like an interior light or storage baskets. These can be coordinated to keep your most frequently used foods and ingredients within reach. You can also find chest freezers that come with labels and dividers that help you keep track of your items and arrange them according to season or type.
Stores
A chest freezer can offer a lot of storage space. This type of freezer is able to store large quantities of food items. It is ideal for those who have a large household or who buy large quantities. You can also utilize a chest freezer for store special items or ingredients that are not easily available at your local supermarket. This could include specialized meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients will make cooking easier and save you money.
How often you store food items and what you store is contingent on the amount of space you require. For example, if you are planning to store up on fresh seafood when it's in season and then freeze it for future use, you'll need more storage space than if you just keep frozen leftovers.
Chest freezers usually have more usable storage capacity than upright models because they are laid horizontally instead of vertically. They can be more difficult to access than upright models with shelves and drawers. If you are shopping for a chest freezer, look for one with a built-in lighting. This feature can be useful in the event that you intend to keep your freezer in a dark basement or garage. 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, which can cause death or suffocation. Keep an inventory of what you have in your freezer, and note the expiration dates. This will prevent you from purchasing or storing food that is past its expiration date, and also help avoid food waste.
Make sure you have enough space in your garage or basement for the chest freezer you select. You should have at least three inches of clearance along the sides and the back of the freezer, so that you can move around it. Make sure that the freezer you purchase will fit through the opening where you plan to put it. This might mean removing doors or moving things away from the way.