Choosing an Outbuilding Freezer

Many people make use of a garage or outbuilding as a freezer. They can be a huge aid during busy times when you need meals quickly and easily.

Freezers are designed to function in temperatures of 0-110 degrees Fahrenheit (-18-43 degrees Celsius). If they are placed in an environment that is not suitable, they must work harder, use more energy and wear out more quickly.

Location

A freezer that is outdoors must be placed in a location that can ensure it is running efficiently. This is because freezing appliances work best when they are in cool conditions This is a consideration to be considered when deciding the location to put the freezer. The freezer features should also be protected from direct sunlight as this can cause it to lose energy efficiency and result in an increase in the cost of electricity. Freezers that are placed in direct sunlight may also be prone to temperature spikes that can cause unnecessary stress on the appliance and result in premature wear.

The choice of where to put the freezer is also affected by accessibility and convenience. For instance, a fridge located in a garage or shed, which is accessible through the kitchen, might work well. A freezer located in a shed that requires you to go outside in the snow or rain to access it may not be as convenient.

A cover can protect the freezer from weather, compact freezers debris, and backyard animals. This is particularly important for those living near the ocean, as the salty air can damage the freezer's components.

Size

When you shop, it is important to select the correct size freezer. You want to be sure the freezer is large enough for your needs and can be able to accommodate the food consumption of your family. A freezer that has a large capacity is a great investment that can help you save money when you purchase in bulk.

As a rule of thumb, you should allow 2.5 cubic feet for each household member. This will allow you to store a variety of frozen food, including vegetables and meats, and desserts drinks, as well as other protein-rich foods. Begin by measuring the area in your shed or garage to determine the size of freezer you'll need.

If you don't have plenty of space, you can consider smaller or compact freezers, such as the GE Garage Ready 17.3 Cu Frost Free upright freezer. It is small and has doors that can be opened left or right. It is equipped with high-quality insulation that shields the freezer from extreme temperatures and ensures consistent operation. It also comes with a built-in defrost timer that eliminates ice automatically and helps prevent overflow.

Larger freezers, such as the Frigidaire EFRF696 AMZ upright freezer, offer plenty of storage space for your favourite drinks and food items. This model is specifically designed for use in cold environments and has a temperature range between -10C and -18C making it suitable for cold garages and outbuildings. It has a spacious interior that can accommodate up 20 bags of ice, and also has removable wire shelves that can be used to store items in a variety of ways.

If you're looking for an appliance that can withstand freezing temperatures, check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure that the appliance will work in your outbuilding or garage. The manufacturer will provide the freezer's temperature class and the temperature that it must be for it to operate safely in a non-heated environment. Certain brands, like Beko have freezers that can run in temperatures of -15C using their FreezerGuard technology. You should always check the warranty of the manufacturer to ensure that the freezer will stand up to the conditions of your garage or outside.

Energy efficiency

You'll want to select an energy-efficient model if plan to use the freezer in a shed, garage or another space that isn't climate-controlled. These models will be better insulated than other freezers and will not lose as many cold air when they're opened. They are also more efficient to run as they use less energy. It is also recommended to choose a model with low frost technology, which requires less defrosting and save your energy costs.

You can choose from a variety of energy-efficient freezers in different sizes. They are available in traditional brick-and-mortar shops like Walmart, Best Buy, and Home Depot, as well as online retailers like Amazon and eBay. Certain local utility companies offer rebates on freezers that meet specific efficiency criteria.

It is crucial to be aware of the size of your freezer and how much electricity it will consume to freeze food items. You can also use an energy calculator to figure out how much a freezer will cost annually to operate.

Freezers consume close to their listed wattage when they are actively cooling, but this isn't a constant. When they reach their desired temperature, their components will be in idle mode (such as the evaporator or compressor fan motor).

Be aware of the ENERGY STAR rating when you are choosing a freezer. This certification signifies that the freezer meets certain energy usage guidelines that are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy. This is especially crucial if you intend on using the freezer in a garage or shed that is not climate controlled, as these units are more energy-intensive than a standard freezer.

Also, look for a freezer that has an assurance against power outages and a high-temperature alarm or light to ensure that it will continue to function in the event of a power outage. There are freezers that feature a self-defrost option which can reduce the frequency of defrosting and lower your energy costs.

Warranty

While most freezers are designed to be kept in a closed space, some people require larger models that can be placed in their shed or garage. The freezer could be damaged or stop working in the event that the temperature gets too low in this kind of environment. To avoid this problem you should consider purchasing an appliance that comes with a warranty that will cover it if it fails when it is used in an outbuilding.

Many manufacturers have started to realize that their clients are often restricted on space, so have produced chest freezers that can be placed in garages and other outbuildings. They are constructed with a 'freezer-protection technology' which means they can operate even at temperatures as low as -10degC. Brands such as Beko, Ice King and Russell Hobbs now all offer this type of freezer for use in outbuildings.

Certain companies are specialized in outdoor freezers, like Montpellier. It offers a 99-litre white freestanding chest freezer that can be used for outbuildings or garages. It is classified as A+ energy efficient and comes with FreezerGuard. It comes with NordMende's standard warranty of 3 years. The site is a reputable online retailer with positive reviews from customers and compact freezers has been operating since the year 2014. It is also a Trusted Shops member.