How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer

A freezer chest is a useful appliance, whether you are preparing for an emergency or just want to store the summer ice cream you've made. Vincent Finazzo, a specialist grocer at Riverwards Produce, says that when selecting the best model, you must think about storage capacity, capacity and energy efficiency.

The aim is to keep food at a consistent, reliable temperature throughout the time, with minimum maintenance. Look for models that feature simple digital controls, adjustable mechanical thermostats and chest freezers power indication lights.

Size

The capacity of a chest-freezer is an important factor to take into consideration. These freezers offer much greater storage capacities than fridge freezers that are standard. Some even offer extra space making them ideal for large households or people who love to entertain. The capacity of chest freezers can vary from 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic foot. Some models have compartments or storage racks that help you organize your frozen food items and also separate different kinds for easy access.

When looking for a brand new freezer, be sure to measure the space in which it will go so you know how big or small to buy. You can choose a smaller model to match your fridge freezer or larger ones for the garage or laundry area.

A good rule of thumb when deciding on the size of your freezer is to allow three inches of space along the sides and back. This lets you take the freezer in and out of a space without having to move other appliances or bulky furniture.

Certain models come with bright interior lighting that can be useful for separating your frozen meals as well as bags of ice. Others have a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it easier to get to your supplies.

The energy efficiency of chest freezers is another factor to consider. If you're looking to lower your energy consumption, you should choose freezers that are Energy STAR certified. These models meet the requirements of the government to be energy efficient and can save up to $500 on energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Other features to consider include mobility rollers and lighting for power indicators. Some freezers even have an adjustable basket separator as well as a recessed handle for easy lifting. If you're looking for a basic chest freezer or a spacious garage-ready model, there are options that will fit into any budget and space.

Style

In contrast to a conventional freezer, chest eco-friendly freezers lift open from the top, much like a treasure chest. They are therefore usually larger and longer than a refrigerator freezer. This makes them a great choice for people who buy in bulk and wish to store larger items that won't fit in a standard freezer.

Chest freezers also tend to run more quiet than upright models. They have thick insulation that keeps the cold air in food and helps keep it frozen longer, even in power outages. This makes them a good choice for those who frequently purchase cheap meats at the butcher shop or harvest their own produce in huge quantities.

A chest freezer isn't the most popular kitchen appliance however, it is a great addition to your kitchen if you often make large batches of food and have leftovers to keep in a storage. The freezer is great for storing stews, soups as well as casseroles and other meals that you can freeze for later use. It can also help keep your pantry full of staples such as cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.

Look for a chest-freezer with removable baskets that facilitate organization and the interior lighting is bright. You'll be able to find what are looking for quicker by not having to continuously open and close the lid. Certain models have keys for locking and an internal temperature monitor to provide added security and ease of use.

If you're on a budget, look for a chest-freezer that comes with a scratch-and dent discount. Many retailers sell damaged models at reduced prices. This could save you as much as 15% on a freezer that's sure 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. Be aware of any doors you'll have to open to move the freezer. It is essential to position the freezer away from heat sources, including windows, for safe operation and security. Freezers that are located in hot environments can also lose their efficiency and may cause freezer burn.

Energy Efficiency

It is possible to consider the energy efficiency when you are shopping for the best freezer. 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 take into consideration for its energy efficiency, so make sure you measure the space where you plan to place it to ensure that it will fit.

You could also consider the capability of your freezer to defrost either automatically or manually. Some freezers require manual defrosting, which can be a hassle if you have to regularly defrost your freezer. However, there are some models that have built-in freezers automatic defrost features, which can help you avoid many headaches.

If you're a busy family, you can use 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 assist you in making the most of a bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruit for later consumption.

There are many sizes of freezers available which makes it easy to find the right one for your needs. You can buy a smaller 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your apartment, or go for a larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables for your restaurant.

The best chest freezers are reliable with 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 chest freezers storage baskets. They can be arranged to ensure that you have the most frequently used food items and other ingredients in reach. There are also chest freezers that have labels and dividers to help you keep track of your items and organize them according to season or type.

Storage

A chest freezer can offer a lot of storage space. This kind of freezer is able to store large quantities of food items. It is perfect for those who have a large family or who buy large quantities. It is also possible to use a chest freezer to store specialty items or ingredients that aren't readily available in your local supermarket. This could include items like special meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients can make cooking easier and also save you money.

The amount of storage space you require to meet your freezer needs depends on the frequency and kinds of foods you store. If you are planning to freeze fresh seafood in the season and then use later, you will require more storage space.

Chest freezers usually have more storage capacity than upright models since they are laid horizontally instead of vertically. They can be more difficult to access than upright models that have shelves and drawers. When you are looking for a chest freezer, look for models with interior lighting. This feature can be beneficial when you intend to store your freezer in an unlit garage or basement. It also makes it easier for you to sort through the supplies.

Choose a chest freezer that has child safety locks if you have children at home. These safeguards are important since children are able to get into the freezer and get trapped which can lead to suffocation or death. It's important to keep an inventory list of the items you keep in your freezer and a record of the dates for expiration of food. This will stop you from buying or storing food that is past its prime and also reduce the amount of food waste.

Make sure you have enough space in your basement or garage for the chest freezer you select. You should leave at minimum three inches between the freezer and the wall to allow space to move around. Make sure that the freezer you purchase will fit through the opening you intend to place it. This may require removing some doors or moving objects away from the way.