How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest is an essential appliance to have in your kitchen, whether you're planning for an emergency or simply want to keep the summer ice cream you've made. The ideal model to meet your needs is about taking into consideration storage capacity, capacity and energy efficiency, according to Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The goal is to keep food at a consistent, reliable temperature that requires minimal maintenance over time. Look for models that have simple-to-use controls, adjustable thermostats and power indicator lamps.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. They have larger capacity than standard fridge freezers. They can even provide additional space making them ideal for large households or people who love to entertain. The capacity of chest freezers ranges from 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models come with compartments or storage racks that help you organize your frozen food and separate different kinds to make it easier to find them.
Take note of the space you'll be purchasing a freezer in to determine how large or small it will need to be. Based on the space you have, you might opt for a smaller model that can be a supplement to your fridge freezer, or a larger model that will be an ideal standalone unit for the garage or laundry room.
A good rule of thumb to follow when deciding on the size of your freezer is to leave three inches of space between the sides and back. This lets you move the freezer into and out of a space without the need to move other appliances or bulky furniture.
Certain models come with 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 design that holds the lid open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it much easier to reach your food items.
Another factor to consider is the energy efficiency of a chest-freezer. If you want to reduce your energy costs, select freezers that are energy STAR certified. These models meet government standards 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 for mobility and power indicator lights. Some freezers feature an adjustable basket separator, and a recessed hand for easy 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
Chest freezers are different from conventional freezers in that they can be lifted like a treasure chest. They are typically larger and more spacious than a refrigerator freezer. This makes them a good option for those who purchase in bulk and need to store larger items that aren't able to fit into a traditional freezer.
Chest freezers are also known to operate more quietly than upright models. They have thick insulation that keeps the cold air from surrounding food items and allows it to stay frozen longer, even in power outages. This makes them a great option for those who regularly purchase cheap meats from the butcher shop or harvest their own produce in 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 want to store any leftovers. The freezer is great to store stews and soups. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It can also help you keep your pantry stocked with staples like bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
When shopping for a chest freezer, you should look for models that have adjustable storage baskets for simple organization and bright interior lighting. You will be able to find what you are looking for faster by not having to continuously open and close the lid. Certain models come with locks that are keyed and an internal temperature gauge to give you added security and convenience.
If cheap freezer for sale on a tight budget, look for a chest-freezer that comes with scratch-and-dent discounts. Many stores offer damaged models at reduced prices. You could save up to 15 percent on a fridge you're sure to use. Be sure to verify the measurements prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your garage or basement. Be aware of any doors that you'll need to clear in order to get the freezer in and out of place. It's important to locate the freezer away from heat sources, including windows, for proper operation and safety. Freezers that are located in hot environments can also lose their efficiency and may cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for a freezer, you might want to consider the energy efficiency of the model you select. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified consume less energy, which could help you save money on your utility bills over time. The size of your chest freezer is also important to consider to ensure its energy efficiency so be sure to take measurements of the space you intend to put it to ensure that it will fit.
Consider whether your freezer can defrost by hand or automatically. Some freezers require manual defrosting, which can be a hassle if have to regularly defrost your freezer. Certain models have an automated defrost features, which can save many hours.
If you're a busier family, you can make use of 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 the abundance of crops by freezing fruit and vegetables to use later.
Freezers come in a variety of sizes, so locating the best one for your business or home is straightforward. You can get a 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your home or opt for a larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables in your restaurant.
The best chest freezers are reliable and provide constant temperatures throughout the unit and with no hot spots. It is also possible to look at a model that has additional features, like an interior lighting system or storage baskets. They can be arranged to ensure that you have the most frequently used foods and ingredients within reach. You can find chest freezers with labels and dividers so that you can keep track of your items and arrange them according to the type or season.
Storage
A chest freezer can offer plenty of storage space. This kind of freezer is perfect for storing large quantities of food items, particularly if you have an entire family or prefer to purchase in large quantities. A chest freezer can be used to store special products or ingredients that are not readily available at the local supermarket. This could include specialized meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients can make cooking easier and also save you money.
The amount of storage space you need to meet your freezer needs depends on the frequency and kinds of food items you freeze. If you intend to freeze fresh seafood during the season and then use later, you will require more storage space.
Since they are horizontally positioned, chest freezers have more storage space. They can be more difficult to access than upright models that have shelves and drawers. When looking for a chest-freezer, look for models with interior lighting. This feature is useful if your freezer will be situated in an area that is dark, such as a basement or garage and it can also aid in sifting through supplies.
Choose a chest freezer that has child safety locks if you have kids at home. These safeguards are essential as children can become trapped in a freezer, resulting in death or suffocation. It's important to keep a record of what you store in your freezer as well as keep track of your dates for expiration of food. This will help you avoid buying or storing food that is past its expiration date, and also help avoid the 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 least three inches between the freezer and the wall to allow space to move around. Additionally, make sure your new freezer is able to fit through the doorway into which you intend to install it. This may require removing some doors or moving objects away from the way.