How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
Whether you're planning for an emergency situation that's unexpected or want to stockpile summer ice cream, an ice chest freezer is a handy appliance. The ideal model to meet your needs involves considering storage capacity, capacity, and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The goal is to maintain food at a steady, stable temperature with minimum maintenance. Look for models with easy-to-use controls and thermostats that can be adjusted and power indicator lamps.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is an important aspect to take into consideration. These freezers offer much greater capacity than standard fridge freezers. They can even provide additional space, making them ideal for large families or those who love to entertain. The capacity of chest freezers can vary between 5 cubic feet and 22 cubic feet. Some models also include compartments and storage racks to help organize your frozen foods and to separate different types of food items for easy access.
When you are looking for a new freezer, be sure to measure the space where it will be placed so that you know how big or small to buy. Depending on how much space you have available, you may prefer a smaller model that can be a supplement to your fridge freezer, or a larger model that will be an ideal standalone unit 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 lets you move the freezer into and out of a space without having to move other appliances or furniture that is bulky.
Some models feature bright interior lighting, which can be helpful for sorting through your frozen dinners and bags of ice. Certain models come with a counterbalanced, multi-angle hinge that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 degrees and 75 degrees.
Another factor to take into consideration is the energy efficiency of a chest freezer. If you're looking to cut down on your energy bills make sure you choose ENERGY START-certified freezers. These models meet the government's standards for energy efficiency and can save up to $500 on energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Other features worth considering include rollers that allow for mobility as well as power indicator lighting and temperature controls on the outside. Some freezers feature an adjustable basket separator, and a hand that is recessed to make it easy to lift. There are a variety of options available for you, whether you're looking for a basic chest-style freezer, or one that will fit in your garage.
Style
Contrary to conventional freezers chest freezers can be opened from the top like a treasure chest. Because of this, they are usually wider and shorter than a fridge freezer. This makes them a great choice for people who buy in bulk and wish to store more large items that won't fit in a standard freezer.
They also tend to be quieter than upright models. They have thick insulation that keeps cold air around food items and allows them to stay frozen for longer, even during power outages. This makes them a great option for those who regularly stock up on cheap meats at the butcher shop or harvest their own produce in large quantities.
A chest freezer isn't the most common kitchen appliance however, it is an excellent addition to your kitchen when you frequently cook large batches of food and have extras to keep in a storage. The freezer is ideal to store stews, soups, casseroles, and other food items that you can freeze for later use. It is also possible to keep your pantry well-stocked with staples like bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
Look for a chest-freezer with removable baskets that simplify 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 continuously. Certain models come with locks that are keyed and an internal temperature gauge to offer additional security and convenience.
If you're on a budget, you might want to consider buying an upright freezer that comes with a scratch and dent discount. Many retailers offer blemished models at a reduced price. This could save you up to 15% on a freezer that's bound to come in handy. Make sure you take measurements of the freezer prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit into your basement or garage. Be aware of any doors you'll need to open in order to move the freezer. To ensure safety and proper operation, it's crucial that the freezer is kept away from heat sources. This includes windows. Freezers located in hot areas are also less efficient and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You may want to think about energy efficiency when you are shopping for a new freezer. Freezers that have ENERGY STAR certification consume less energy and can save money over the course of time. It is also important to gauge the size of your chest freezer to determine its energy efficiency.
You could also consider the capability of your freezer to defrost automatically or manually. Certain freezers require manual defrosting, which could be a hassle when you need to defrost frequently your freezer. Certain models have an automated defrost features which can save you many hours.
If you have a busy family, you can utilize the extra freezer space to store frozen meals and snacks that you can heat up when you don't have the time to cook. If you're a gardener, an appliance like a chest freezer can assist you in making the most of your bumper harvest by freezing your vegetables and fruit to be used later.
Freezers are available in a range of sizes, so finding the right one for your home or business is simple. You can buy a smaller 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your home, or go for an even larger 30 cubic feet model to store perishables in your restaurant.
The best chest freezers offer steady temperatures with no hot spots and are reliable. You might also want to look at a model that has additional features, such as an interior lighting system or storage baskets. They can be arranged to ensure that you have the most frequently used foods and other ingredients in reach. There are chest freezers with labels and dividers so that you can keep track of the items and arrange them according to kind or season.
Stores
A chest freezer can provide plenty of storage space. This type of freezer is able to store large quantities of food. It is perfect for people who have a large family or buy in bulk. A chest freezer can be used to store special items or ingredients not available at your local grocery store. This could include items like specialty meats, imported cheeses, and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients will make cooking easier and save you money.
The amount of storage space you'll need to meet your freezer needs depends on how often and what types of foods you freeze. For instance, if are planning to store up on fresh seafood when it's in season and then freeze it for future use, you'll require more storage space than if you only keep frozen leftovers.
Chest freezers usually have more usable storage capacity than upright models because they are laid horizontally instead of vertically. However, best freezer uk are more difficult to access than upright freezers which have shelves and drawers. When shopping for a chest-freezer, look for models with interior lighting. This feature is helpful if your freezer will be placed in the dark basement or garage and it can also help you sort through the various items.
If you have children at home, search for a chest freezer that has child security locks. These safety measures are crucial since children could get trapped inside a freezer, which can cause suffocation or death. Keep track of the items you keep in your freezer, and record the expiration dates. This will help you avoid purchasing or storing food past its prime and prevent food waste.
Be sure to leave enough space in your garage or basement for the chest freezer you select. You should leave at least three inches between the wall and the freezer to give you enough room to move around. Additionally, make sure that your new freezer will fit into the doorway you intend to install it. This may be a matter of taking doors off or moving things away from the way.