How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer

A freezer chest is a useful appliance for preparing for an emergency or just want to store up 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 aim is to keep food at a steady, stable temperature throughout the time, with minimal maintenance. Look for models that feature simple-to-use digital controls, programmable mechanical thermostats and power indication lights.

Size

The capacity of the chest freezer is an important aspect to think about. These freezers often have significantly larger storage capacities than refrigerator freezers that are standard and some even provide an extra space that makes them perfect for large families or people who love to entertain. The capacity of chest freezers ranges from 5 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet. Some models also include storage racks and compartments to help you organize your frozen foods and to separate different types of food items for easy access.

Measure the space you will be purchasing a freezer in to determine how large or small it needs to be. You can pick a smaller model to match your fridge freezer or a larger one for the garage or laundry room.

When deciding the size of your freezer A good rule of thumb is to leave at least three inches of space across both sides and the back. This allows you to pull the freezer in and out of the space without having to move other furniture or appliances.

Some models have bright interior lighting, which is 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 be opened at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees.

The energy efficiency of chest freezers is another aspect to take into consideration. If you're looking to cut down on your energy costs choose ENERGY STAR-certified freezers. These models meet government requirements for energy efficiency and can save you up to $500 in energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Some other features to consider are rollers for mobility, power indicator lights and temperature controls on the outside. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator and a recessed handle for easy lifting. It doesn't matter if you want a basic chest freezer or a spacious garage-ready model There are options to fit any budget and space.

Style

Contrary to conventional freezers, chest freezers lift open from the top like a treasure chest. They are typically larger and longer than refrigerator freezers. They are an excellent choice for those who want to buy in large quantities or store items that aren't able to fit in a typical refrigerator freezer.

Chest energy-saving freezers are also known to operate more quiet than upright models. They have thick insulation that keeps the cold air from surrounding food and helps keep it longer in the freezer, even during power outages. This makes them a good choice for those who often buy cheap meats at the butcher shop or harvest their own produce in bulk.

A chest freezer may not be the most used appliance in your kitchen, but it's an excellent addition if you prepare large quantities of food and need to store any leftovers. The freezer is ideal for storing stews and soups. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It can also help you keep your pantry stocked with essentials like cereal, bread and canned vegetables.

When shopping for a chest freezer, look for one that has removable storage baskets to facilitate organization and bright interior lighting. This will let you locate what you require faster without having to open and close the lid on a regular basis. Some models also feature an internal lock that is keyed and a temperature display for added 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 reduced prices. You can save as much as 15 percent on a freezer that you're sure to use. Make sure you check the measurements prior to buying to ensure it's suitable in your basement or garage. Also, be aware of any doorways you'll have to clear to allow the freezer to be moved in and out of the way. For safety and proper operation, it's important that the freezer is placed away from heat sources. This includes windows. In hot environments, freezers can also lose efficiency and cause freezer burn.

Energy Efficiency

You might want to take into consideration the energy efficiency when buying an appliance. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified use less energy, which could help you save money on your costs for utilities over time. It is also essential to determine the size of your chest-freezer to determine its energy efficiency.

Check if your freezer is able to defrost either manually or automatically. Certain freezers require manual defrosting, which could be a hassle if you have to regularly defrost your freezer. Certain models come with auto defrost which can save you lots of time.

If you are a busy family, extra freezer space can be handy for storing frozen meals and ready-to-eat snacks that are simple to microwave when you don't have time or energy to cook. A chest freezer is a great way to get the most of the abundance of crops by freezing fruit and vegetables for later use.

Freezers are available in a range of sizes, so choosing the right one for your business or home is simple. You can get a 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your home or opt for the larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables in your restaurant.

The best chest freezers are reliable with constant temperatures throughout the unit and without hot spots. Based on your requirements you may also think about an option with additional features like an interior light and storage baskets that can be arranged to keep your most frequently used ingredients and foods in reach. You can also find chest freezers that have labels and dividers to help you keep the track of your belongings and arrange them according to type or season.

Stores

A chest freezer can offer lots of storage space. This kind of freezer is perfect to store large amounts of food, particularly when you have many children or like to buy in bulk. You can also utilize a chest freezer for store special items or ingredients that aren't readily available in your local supermarket. This could include things like specialty meats, imported cheeses, and unique frozen desserts. The fact that you have these ingredients in your pantry will make cooking more convenient and can save you money over the course of time.

How often you store food and what you freeze depends on the amount of space you require. If you intend to freeze fresh seafood in its season and then use later, you will require more storage space.

Chest freezers typically have more storage capacity than upright models since they lay horizontally rather than vertically. However, they may be more difficult to access than upright freezers that have shelves and drawers. If you are looking for an upright freezer, look for one that has interior lighting. This feature can be beneficial when you intend to store your freezer in the dark basement or garage. It also makes it easier for you to organize the items.

If you have children at home, search for a chest freezer that has child security locks. These security measures are vital because children can get trapped in a freezer, which can cause suffocation or death. It's important to keep a list of the items you keep in your freezer, chest freezers as well as keep track of your dates on which food expires. This will help you avoid purchasing or storing food beyond its expiration date and help prevent the waste.

When you are looking for a chest freezer ensure you leave enough space in your garage or basement to accommodate it. You should have at least three inches of space along the sides and back of the freezer, so that you are able to move it around. Also, ensure that your new freezer will fit into the doorway into which you plan to put it. This may require taking doors off or moving things out of the way.