How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest can be useful, whether you are preparing for an emergency or just want to stock up summer ice cream. Choosing the best model for your needs requires taking into consideration storage capacity, capacity and energy efficiency, according to Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The goal is to maintain food at a consistent, reliable temperature over time with minimal maintenance. Look for models with easy-to-use controls and thermostats that can be adjusted and the power indicator lamps.
Size
The capacity of a chest-freezer is important to consider. They have larger capacity than fridge freezers that are standard. Some even offer extra space, making them ideal for large households or people who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of a chest freezer can differ, however, ranging from about 5 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet. Some models include compartments or racks to can help you organize your frozen food and keep it separated into different kinds to make it easier to find them.
Measure the space you will be purchasing a freezer in to determine how big or small it needs to be. You may choose a small model to match your fridge freezer, or a larger one for the garage or laundry room.
A best rule of thumb for deciding on the size of your freezer is to allow for three inches of space along the sides and back. This gives you the ability to move the freezer in and out of the space without the need to move heavy furniture or other appliances.
Certain models come with bright interior lighting that is helpful for sifting your frozen meals and bags of ice. Others feature a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge design that holds the lid open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it easier to access your items.
The energy efficiency of a chest freezer is another aspect to take into consideration. If buy freezer uk are looking to cut down on your energy consumption, you should choose freezers that are Energy STAR certified. These models meet the requirements of the government for energy efficiency, and can save up to $500 on energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Other features to consider include rollers for mobility and light indicators for power. Some freezers feature an adjustable basket separator, and a hand that is recessed to make it easy to lift. Whether you need a simple chest freezer or a large garage-ready model, there are options that will fit into any budget and space.
Style
In contrast to a conventional freezer, chest freezers lift open from the top like a treasure chest. They are typically larger and more spacious than a refrigerator freezer. This makes them a great choice for people who buy in bulk and need to store larger items that aren't able to fit into the standard freezer.
Chest freezers also tend to run more quiet than upright models. They have thick insulation that helps keep cold air in foods and helps them stay frozen for longer, even during power outages. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who frequently stock up on meats at a discounted price from the butcher or eat their own food items in bulk.
A chest freezer isn't the simplest kitchen appliance however, it is an ideal addition to your home if you often make large batches of food and have extras to keep in a storage. The freezer is great to store stews, soups, casseroles, and other meals that you can freeze for later use. You can also keep your pantry stocked with staples such as cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.
Find a chest freezer with removable baskets that facilitate organization and the interior lighting is bright. This will let you locate what you require faster without having to open and close the lid on a regular basis. Some models also have an internal lock that is keyed and a temperature gauges for increased security and convenience.
If you're working on a tight budget, think about buying an upright freezer that comes with a scratch and dent discount. Many retailers offer blemished models at lower prices. You can save up to 15% on a freezer you're certain to utilize. Make sure you check the measurements prior to purchasing to ensure that it can fit in your garage or basement. Also be aware of any doorways you'll need to clear to get the freezer in and out of the way. It is crucial to place the freezer away from sources of heat such as windows, for safety and proper operation. Freezers located in hot areas can also lose their efficiency and may cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You may want to take into consideration the energy efficiency when buying a new freezer. Freezers that have ENERGY STAR certification consume less energy and could save you money over the long run. The size of your chest freezer is also important to take into consideration to ensure 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 by itself or manually. Some freezers require manual defrosting, which could be a hassle if must regularly defrost your freezer. Certain models come with automated defrost features, which can save a lot of time.
If you are an active family, the extra freezer space can be handy to store frozen meals and pre-made snacks that are easy to microwave when you don't have the time or energy to cook. If you're a gardener, a chest freezer can assist you in making the most of your bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruits to be used later.
There are a variety of sizes of freezers available and it's easy to find the right one for you. You can get a 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your apartment, or go for a larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables for your restaurant.
The best chest freezers provide constant temperatures, without hot spots and are reliable. Based on your requirements you may also think about an option with additional features like an interior lighting system and baskets for storage that can be coordinated to keep your most frequently used ingredients and foods within reach. You can also find chest freezers that have dividers and labels to aid in keeping the track of your belongings and organize them according to type or season.
Stores
A chest freezer offers lots of space for storage. This kind of freezer is able to store large quantities of food items. It is perfect for people who have a large family or buy in bulk. You can use a chest-freezer to store unique items or ingredients that aren't available at your local grocery store. This could include special meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. Having these ingredients on hand will make cooking more efficient and help you save money over time.
How often you store food items and the type of food you freeze depends on the space you need. If you are planning to freeze fresh seafood in the season and then use later, you will require more storage space.
Chest freezers typically have more storage capacity than upright models since they are laid horizontally instead of vertically. However, they may be harder to access than upright freezers which have shelves and drawers. When shopping for a chest-freezer make sure you choose one with interior lighting. This feature can be useful when you intend to store your freezer in an unlit garage or basement. It will also make it easier to locate the necessary items.
If you have children in your home, look for a chest freezer that has child security locks. These safety measures are crucial because young children can get into the freezer and get trapped which can lead to suffocation or death. It's also a good idea to keep a list of what you store in your freezer and a record of the dates on which food expires. This will prevent you from purchasing or storing food past its prime and prevent the waste.
When shopping for a chest freezer, ensure you leave enough room in your basement or garage to accommodate it. It should have at least three inches of space along the sides and back of the freezer to ensure you can move around it. Make sure that the new freezer can fit through the opening you intend to install it. This could mean removing some doors or moving items away from the way.