How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer

Whether you're planning for an unexpected emergency or need to stockpile summer frozen ice cream, an ice chest freezer is a handy appliance. The best choice for your needs involves considering capacity, storage and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.

The goal is to maintain food at a constant, reliable temperature throughout the time, with minimum maintenance. Find models that have easy-to-use digital controls, adjustable mechanical thermostats and power indicator lights.

Size

The capacity of the chest freezer is a crucial aspect to think about. These freezers have much larger storage capacities than conventional fridge freezers. They can even provide additional space which makes them suitable for large households or those who love to entertain. The capacity of a chest freezer will differ, however, ranging between 5 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet. Some models include compartments or storage racks that can help you organize your frozen food items and also separate different types to make it easier to find them.

Measure the space you will be buying a freezer in to determine how large or small it will need to be. Based on the space you have available, you may opt for a smaller model that can augment your fridge freezer, or a bigger one 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 between the sides and back. This lets you move the freezer into and out of the space without having to move other appliances or bulky furniture.

Some models have bright interior lighting, which is useful for sifting through your frozen dinners 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 degrees and 75 degrees.

Another aspect to take into consideration is the energy efficiency of a chest freezer. If you're looking to save on your energy bills choose ENERGY STAR-certified freezers. These models meet the government's requirements for energy efficiency, upright freezers and can save you up to $500 on energy costs over the life of the freezer. Other features worth considering are the use of rollers to move around as well as power indicator lights and temperature controls that are external to the freezer. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator as well as 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 can be adapted to any budget and size.

Style

Chest freezers are different from conventional freezers in that they lift up like a treasure box. They are typically larger and longer than refrigerator freezers. They are a good option for those who wish to buy in bulk or store large items that aren't able to fit in a typical refrigerator freezer.

Chest freezers are also known to operate more quiet than upright models. They have thick insulation that keeps cold air around food items and allows them to keep frozen longer even during power outages. This makes them a great option for those who often buy cheap meats from the butcher or who harvest their own produce in large quantities.

A chest freezer may not be the most used appliance in your kitchen, but it's an ideal addition if make large quantities of food and have to store extras. The freezer is perfect to store stews, soups as well as casseroles and other meals that can be frozen for later use. It is also possible to keep your pantry well-stocked with staples such as cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.

Choose a chest-freezer that has removable baskets to make organization easier and interior lighting that is bright. You will be able to find what you want faster by not having to continuously open and close the lid. Some models also have a keyed lock and internal temperature gauges for increased security and convenience.

If you are on a tight budget, search for a chest freezer with a scratch-and Upright Freezers dent discount. Many retailers offer discounted models with blemishes. This can save you as much as 15% on a freezer that's sure to come in handy. Make sure you measure the freezer before purchasing to ensure that it will fit in your garage or basement. Be aware of the doors you'll have to open to move the freezer. It is crucial to place the freezer away from heat sources including windows, to ensure safety and proper operation. Freezers in hot locations can also decrease their effectiveness and cause freezer burn.

Energy Efficiency

You may want to think about energy efficiency when buying the best freezer. Freezers with ENERGY STAR certification use less energy and can save money over the course of time. It is also essential to gauge the size of your chest-freezer to determine its energy efficiency.

You could also consider the ability of your desired freezer to defrost by itself or manually. Some freezers require manual defrosting, which can be a hassle if must regularly defrost your freezer. Certain models come with automatic defrost built in and can save many hours.

If you're an active family, the extra freezer space can be handy for storing frozen meals and pre-made snacks that are easy to microwave when you don't have time or energy to cook. A chest freezer is a great way to get the most out of the abundance of crops by freezing vegetables and fruits for later use.

There are a variety of sizes of frost-free freezers available, so it's easy to find the ideal one for your needs. You can purchase a small 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your apartment, or go for a larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables in your restaurant.

The best chest freezers offer steady temperatures with no hot spots and are reliable. Based on your requirements you may also think about a model with additional features like an interior light and baskets for storage which can be coordinated to keep your most frequently used ingredients and foods easily accessible. You can also find chest freezers with dividers and labels to help you keep the track of your belongings and organize them according to season or type.

Storage

A chest freezer can provide plenty of space for storage. This kind of freezer is perfect for storing large quantities of food, especially when you have many children or like to shop in large quantities. It is also possible to use a chest freezer to store specialty items or ingredients that are not easily available at your local supermarket. This can include specialty meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. A stock of these ingredients will make cooking more convenient and will save you money over the course of time.

How often you store food items and the type of food you freeze is contingent on the space you require. If you plan to freeze fresh seafood in its season and then use it later, you'll require more storage space.

Chest freezers usually have more usable storage capacity than upright models because they lay horizontally rather than vertically. However, they may be harder to access than upright freezers with shelves and drawers. When you are looking for a chest freezer make sure you choose one with interior lighting. This feature is helpful in the event that your freezer is placed in a dark garage or basement and can make it easier to sift through the contents.

Find a chest freezer with child security locks if you have kids at home. These safety measures are crucial because children could enter a freezer and become trapped, leading to suffocation and death. It's important to keep a record of the things you keep in your freezer as well as a record of the dates on which food expires. This will prevent you from buying or storing food that is not in good condition and will reduce the amount of waste.

When shopping for a chest freezer ensure you leave enough room in your garage or basement to accommodate it. You should have at minimum three inches of space along the sides and the back of the freezer so that you can move it around. Make sure that the new freezer can fit through the opening in which you intend to install it. This could mean removing some doors or moving things out of the way.