How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
If you're planning for an emergency situation that's unexpected or want to stockpile your summer Ice cream, an ice chest freezer is a handy appliance. Vincent Finazzo, a specialist grocer at Riverwards Produce, says that when selecting the best model, you should consider capacity, storage, and energy efficiency.
The goal is to store food in a stable, consistent temperature that requires minimal maintenance over time. Look for models with simple-to-use digital controls, programmable mechanical thermostats, and power indicator lights.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is important to consider. These freezers offer much greater capacity storage than conventional fridge freezers. Some offer additional space making them ideal for large households or people who like to entertain. The capacity of a chest freezer can differ, however, ranging from 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models also have storage racks and compartments to help you organize your frozen foods and to separate different types of food items for quick access.
When you are looking for a new freezer, be sure to measure the area in which it will be placed so that you can determine how large or small to purchase. Based on the space you have, you might prefer an a smaller model to augment your fridge freezer, or a larger model that is a great standalone unit for the garage or laundry room.
A good rule of thumb to follow when deciding the size to purchase is to allow three inches of space along the sides and back. This allows you to move the freezer into and out of the space without having to move other furniture or appliances.
Certain models come with bright interior lighting that is helpful for sifting your frozen meals as well as bags of ice. Others feature a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge that holds the lid open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it easier to access your items.
Another factor to consider is the energy efficiency of a chest freezer. If you are looking to cut down on your energy consumption, you should choose 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 to consider include rollers that allow for mobility as well as power indicator lights. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator, as well as an recessed handle for simple lifting. Whether you need a simple chest freezer or a larger garage-ready model, there are options that fit any budget and space.
Style
Chest freezers are different from standard freezers in that they can be lifted up like a treasure chest. This is why they are usually wider and shorter than fridge freezers. This makes them a great option for those who purchase in bulk and wish to store larger items that wouldn't fit into a traditional freezer.
Chest freezers are also known to operate more quietly than upright models. They have thick insulation which keeps the cold air from surrounding food items and allows it to stay frozen longer, even in power outages. This makes them a great alternative for those who frequently buy meats at a reduced price from the butcher or harvest their own food items in large quantities.
A chest freezer might not be the most used appliance in your kitchen, but it is a great addition if you prepare large quantities of food and want to store any leftovers. The freezer is great to store stews, soups, casseroles, and other meals that you can freeze to use later. It can also help keep your pantry full of staples such as bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
Choose a chest-freezer that has removable baskets that simplify organization, and the interior lighting is bright. This will let you find what you need faster without having to open and close the lid on a regular basis. Certain models also come with a keyed lock and internal temperature display for additional security and convenience.
If you are on a tight budget, search for a chest freezer with scratch-and-dent discounts. Many stores offer damaged models at a reduced price. This can save you up to 15% on a fridge that's guaranteed to come in handy. Just be sure to check the measurements prior to purchasing to ensure that it can fit in your garage or basement. Also, be aware of any doors that you'll need to clear in order to allow the freezer to be moved in and out of place. For safety and proper operation, it's important that the freezer is placed away from heat sources. This includes windows. Freezers in hot areas may also lose efficiency and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
It is possible to consider the energy efficiency when you are shopping for a new freezer. Freezers with ENERGY STAR certification consume less energy and can save you money over the course of time. It is also important to measure the size of your chest-freezer to determine its energy efficiency.
Check if your freezer is able to defrost manually or automatically. Certain freezers require manual defrosting. This can be a hassle when you have to regularly defrost your freezer. Certain models have an automated defrost features which can save you lots of time.
If you're a busier family, you can utilize the extra freezer space to keep frozen meals and snacks that you can heat up in the event that you don't have time to cook. If you're a gardener, a chest freezer can help you make the most of your bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruits for later consumption.
There are a variety of sizes of freezers to choose from and it's easy to find the right one for your needs. You can purchase a compact 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your home, or Frydge a larger 30 cubic foot model to store food items in your restaurant.
The best chest freezers offer steady temperatures with no hot spots and are reliable. You may also want to consider an option with additional features, like an interior lighting system or storage baskets. These can be arranged so you have your most frequently used foods and ingredients at hand. There are also chest freezers that come with labels and dividers to help you keep all your items in order and organize them according to season or type.
Stores
A chest freezer can offer plenty of storage space. This type of freezer is able to store large quantities of food. It is perfect for those who have a large family or purchase in large quantities. A chest freezer can be used to store special items or ingredients that aren't available at the local supermarket. This could include special meats, imported chees and unique frozen desserts. The fact that you have these ingredients in your pantry will make cooking more efficient and can save you money over time.
How often you store food and what you freeze is contingent on the amount of space you require. If you intend to freeze fresh seafood in the season and then use later, you will require more storage space.
Because they are horizontally placed and positioned horizontally, chest freezers have more storage space. They are more difficult to access than upright models with shelves and drawers. When looking for a chest-freezer make sure you choose one with interior lighting. This feature is useful when you intend to store your freezer in a dark basement or garage. It also makes it easier for you to organize the items.
If you have children in your home, look for a freezer that has child security locks. These safety measures are crucial since children are able to get into the freezer and become trapped which can lead to suffocation or death. Keep an inventory of what you keep in your freezer, and note the expiration dates. This will prevent you from purchasing or storing food past its prime and prevent waste.
When shopping for a chest freezer, ensure you leave enough room in your garage or basement to accommodate it. It should have at least three inches of clearance along the sides and back of the freezer so that you can move it around. Also, ensure that your new freezer can fit through the doorway that you plan to put it. This might require removing doors or moving things out of the way.