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 drawers is a useful appliance. Choosing the best model for your needs is about 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 constant, reliable temperature with minimal maintenance. Find models with easy-to-use controls, adjustable thermostats and power indicator lamps.

Size

The capacity of a chest freezer is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. These freezers have much larger storage capacities than conventional fridge freezers. Some offer additional space which makes them suitable for large households or those who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of a chest freezer will differ, however, between 5 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet. Some models have compartments or racks to can help you organize your frozen food and keep it separated into different kinds for easy access.

When shopping for a new freezer, make sure to measure the space where it will go so you know how big or small to purchase. Based on the amount of space you have available, you may want to choose a smaller model that can enhance your fridge freezer or a larger model that can be a perfect standalone unit for your 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 gives you the ability to move the freezer in and out of an area without the need to move heavy furniture or other appliances.

Some models feature bright interior lighting that is useful in separating your frozen meals as well as bags of ice. Certain models come with a counterbalanced, multi-angle hinge that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees.

The energy efficiency of a chest freezer is another aspect to take into consideration. If you're looking to cut down on your energy bills, look for ENERGY STAR-certified sleek freezers. These models meet government requirements to reduce energy consumption and could save you up to $500 in energy costs over the life of the freezer. Other features to think about are the use of rollers to move around, power indicator lights and external temperature controls. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator and a recessed hand to make it easy to lift. Whether you need a simple chest freezer or a spacious garage-ready model there are options to fit any budget and space.

Style

Chest Stylish freezers are different from conventional freezers in that they can be lifted like a treasure chest. They are typically larger and longer than refrigerator freezers. This makes them an excellent option for those who purchase in bulk and want to store more large items that aren't able to fit into a standard freezer.

They are also quieter than upright models. They have thick insulation that keeps the cold air from surrounding food and helps keep it frozen longer, even in power outages. This makes them an excellent option for those who regularly purchase meats at a reduced price from the butcher, or harvest their own food items in the bulk.

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

Choose a chest-freezer that has removable baskets that facilitate organization and interior lighting that is bright. This will allow you to find what you need faster without having to open and close the lid on a regular basis. Some models feature a keyed locking system and an internal temperature monitor to give you added security and ease of use.

If you're working on a tight budget, you might want to consider buying a chest freezer with a scratch and dent discount. Many stores offer discounted models with blemishes. This could save you as much as 15% on a fridge that's guaranteed to come in handy. Be sure to take measurements of the freezer prior to purchasing to ensure that it can fit in your basement or garage. Also, be aware of any doors you'll need to clear to allow the freezer to be moved in and out of place. For safety and a safe operation, it's crucial that the freezer is placed away from heat sources. This includes windows. In hot environments, freezers can also lose effectiveness and cause freezer burn.

Energy Efficiency

When you are looking for a freezer, you might want to think about the energy efficiency of your choice. Freezers that have ENERGY STAR certification use less energy and can save you money over the long run. The size of your chest freezer is important to take into consideration to maximize its energy efficiency, so be sure to determine the area you plan to put it to ensure it will be able to fit.

You could also consider the ability of your desired freezer to defrost automatically or manually. Certain freezers require manual defrosting. This could be a hassle especially if you have a freezer that must be regularly defrosted. Certain models come with automatic defrost built in and can save lots of time.

If you're a busy family, additional freezer space can come in handy for storing frozen meals as well as ready-to-eat snacks that are simple to microwave when you don't have the time or energy to cook. If you're a gardener the chest freezer can assist you in making the most of a bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruits to be used later.

There are a variety of sizes of freezers on the market which makes it easy to choose the best one for your needs. You can purchase a small 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your home or opt for an even larger 30 cubic feet model to store perishables for your restaurant.

The best chest freezers provide steady temperatures with no hot spots and are reliable. It is also possible to consider an option with additional features, such as an interior light or storage baskets. These can be arranged so you have your most frequently used foods and ingredients at hand. You can also find chest freezers that have labels and dividers that aid in keeping track of your items and arrange them according to type or season.

Stores

A chest freezer offers lots of space for storage. This type of freezer is perfect to store large amounts of food items, particularly if you have an entire family or prefer to purchase in large quantities. It is possible to use a chest freezer to store items or ingredients not available at your local grocery store. This could include things like specialty meats, imported cheeses, and unique frozen desserts. Having these ingredients on hand can make cooking easier and will save you money over time.

The amount of storage space you'll need to meet your freezer's requirements is contingent on how often and what kinds of food items you freeze. For example, if you intend to stock up on fresh seafood when it's in season and then freeze it for future use, you will need more storage space than if you just store leftovers from frozen meals.

Chest freezers usually have more usable storage capacity than upright models since they lay horizontally rather than 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 useful when you intend to store your freezer in a dark basement or garage. It also makes it easier for you to sort through the supplies.

If you have children at home, search for a freezer that has child security locks. These safety measures are crucial because children can get trapped inside a freezer, which could cause death or suffocation. It's important to keep a record of the things you keep in your freezer and keep track of your food expiration dates. This will help you avoid purchasing or storing food past its prime and prevent food waste.

Make sure you have enough space in your garage or basement for the chest freezer you pick. You should leave at least three inches between the freezer and the wall to give you enough room to move around. Additionally, make sure your new freezer can fit through the doorway that you plan to put it. This may require removing some doors or moving things away from the way.