How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest is an essential appliance for making plans for an emergency, or simply want to keep your summer ice cream. The best choice for your needs involves taking into consideration storage capacity, capacity and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The goal is to store food at a consistent, reliable temperature that requires little maintenance over time. Look for models with easy-to-use digital controls, adjustable mechanical thermostats and power indicator lights.
Size
The capacity of the chest freezer is an important aspect to think about. These freezers offer much greater capacity storage than conventional fridge freezers. They can even provide additional space, making them ideal for large households or people who like to entertain. The capacity of a chest freezer can differ, however, ranging between 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models come with storage racks or compartments that help you organize your frozen food and separate different types to make it easier to find them.
Measure the space you will be purchasing a freezer for to determine how large or small it needs to be. You can pick a smaller model to match your fridge freezer, or larger ones for the garage or laundry room.
When deciding 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 allows you to take the freezer in and out of the space without having to move other appliances or bulky furniture.
Some models have bright interior lighting that is helpful for sifting your frozen meals and bags of ice. Others feature a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge design that holds the lid open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it easier to access your items.
Another factor to be aware of is the energy efficiency of a chest-freezer. If you want to reduce your energy consumption, you should choose freezers that are Energy STAR certified. These models meet the requirements of the government 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 for mobility and lighting for power indicators. Some freezers come with an adjustable basket separator, and a hand that is recessed for easy lifting. If you're looking for a basic chest freezer or a larger garage-ready model, there are options that can be adapted to any budget and size.
Style
Chest freezers are different from regular freezers because they lift up like a treasure chest. freezer on sale are typically larger and longer than refrigerator freezers. They are an excellent choice for people who want to purchase in bulk or store large items that will not fit in a typical 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 longer in the freezer, even during power outages. This makes them a great option for those who regularly stock up on meats at a reduced price from the butcher shop, or harvest their own food items in bulk.
A chest freezer isn't the simplest kitchen appliance, but it can be a great addition to your home in the event that you often cook large quantities of food and have extras to store. The freezer is perfect to store stews, soups, casseroles, and other meals that you can freeze to use later. It can also help you keep your pantry full of staples such as bread, cereal, and canned vegetables.
When you are looking for a chest freezer, look for a model with adjustable storage baskets for simple organization and bright interior lighting. You can find what you are looking for quicker by not having to constantly open and close the lid. Some models also feature a keyed lock and internal temperature gauges for increased security and convenience.
If you're on a budget, consider shopping for a chest freezer with a scratch and dent discount. Many retailers offer blemished models at lower prices. This could save you 15% or more on a fridge that's guaranteed to come in handy. Be sure to verify the measurements before buying to ensure it will fit in your basement or garage. Be aware of any doors you'll have to open to move the freezer. To ensure safety and proper 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 may cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You may want to consider the energy efficiency when shopping for a new freezer. Freezers that have ENERGY STAR certification use less energy and could save you money over time. The size of your chest freezer is important to consider for its energy efficiency, so be sure to measure the space where you intend to put it to ensure it will be able to fit.
Check if your freezer is able to defrost either manually or automatically. Some freezers require manual defrosting. This could be a hassle particularly if you own an appliance that has to be defrosted regularly. There are models with built-in automated defrost features, which can save you a lot of hassle.
If you're a busier family, you can utilize the extra freezer space to store meals and snacks in a freezer that you can microwave in the event that you don't have time to cook. A chest freezer is a great way to get the most out of an abundant crop by freezing fruits and vegetables to use later.
There are a variety of sizes of freezers on the market and it's 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 food items in your restaurant.
The best chest freezers are reliable with steady temperatures throughout the freezer and with no hot spots. Based on your requirements you may also think about an option with additional features like an interior light and baskets for storage that can be arranged to keep your most frequently used foods and ingredients within reach. There are chest freezers that have labels and dividers so that you can keep track of the things you need and organize them by kind or season.
Stores
A chest freezer can provide a lot of storage space. This kind of freezer is able to store large quantities of food items. It is ideal for those who have a large family or who buy large quantities. You can use a chest-freezer to store unique products or ingredients that are not readily available at the local supermarket. This could include things like imported specialty meats, speciality cheeses, and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients will simplify cooking and also save you money.
The amount of storage space you require to meet your freezer's needs will depend on the frequency and kinds of foods you store. For instance, if you plan to stock up on fresh seafood that is 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 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 an upright freezer, look for one with a built-in lighting. This feature is helpful in the event that your freezer is located in an area that is dark, such as a basement or garage and can aid in sifting through the contents.
If you have children at home, search for a chest freezer that has child safety locks. These security measures are essential because young children can get into the freezer and get stuck which can lead to suffocation or death. It's important to keep an inventory list of what you store in your freezer, as well as a record of food expiration dates. This will help you avoid buying or storing food that is past its expiration date, and also help avoid waste.
Make sure you have enough space in your garage or basement for the chest freezer you pick. You should have at minimum three inches of clearance along the sides and back of the freezer, so that you can move around it. Also, ensure that your new freezer is able to fit through the doorway into which you plan to put it. This may require removing some doors or moving items out of the way.