How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest is an essential appliance, whether you are planning for an emergency or simply want to keep your summer ice cream. Choosing the best model for your needs involves 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 consistent, reliable temperature over time with minimum maintenance. Look for models with easy-to-use controls and thermostats that can be adjusted and lighting indicators for power.
Size
The capacity of a chest-freezer is an important factor to take into consideration. These freezers offer much greater storage capacities than standard fridge freezers. Some even offer extra space, making them ideal for large families or those who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of a chest freezer will differ, however, from about 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models include compartments and storage racks to aid in organizing your frozen food and separate different kinds of food items to make them easier to access.
When looking for a brand new freezer, be sure to measure the space where to buy fridge freezer it will be placed so that you are aware of the size or capacity to buy. Based on the space you have available, you may prefer smaller models that will augment your fridge and freezer freezer, or a bigger one that is a great standalone unit for the garage or laundry room.
A best rule of thumb for deciding the size to purchase is to allow for three inches of clearance along the sides and back. This allows you the freedom to move the freezer in and out of the space without having to move bulky furniture or other appliances.
Certain models come with bright interior lighting, which can be useful for sifting through your frozen meals and bags of ice. Some models have an adjustable hinge with a counterbalance that allows the lid to be opened at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees.
The energy efficiency of chest freezers is another aspect to think about. If you’re looking for ways to cut down on your energy bills make sure you choose ENERGY START-certified freezers. These models meet government requirements for energy efficiency and can save you up to $500 in energy costs over the life of the freezer. Other features worth considering are rollers for mobility as well as power indicator lights and external temperature controls. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator and a recessed handle for easy lifting. There are a myriad of options for you to choose from a basic chest-style freezer, or one that fits in your garage.
Style
Chest freezers are different from conventional freezers in that they can be lifted up like a treasure chest. Because of this, they are usually wider and shorter than fridge freezers. This makes them an excellent option for those who purchase in bulk and need 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 it stay longer in the freezer, even during power outages. This makes them a great option for those who regularly buy meats at a reduced price from the butcher, or harvest their own food items in large quantities.
A chest freezer isn’t the most common kitchen appliance, but it can be an ideal option for your home in the event that you often cook large batches of food and have extras to keep in a storage. The freezer is ideal for storing stews, soups as well as casseroles and other meals that can be frozen to use later. It can also help you keep your pantry full of essentials like cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.
Choose a chest-freezer that has removable baskets to facilitate organization and the interior lighting is bright. This will help you locate what you require faster without having to open and close the lid on a regular basis. Certain models come with a keyed locking system and an internal temperature gauge to offer additional security and convenience.
If you are on a budget, look for a chest-freezer with a scratch-and dent discount. Many retailers offer blemished models at a reduced price. This can save you up to 15% on a freezer that’s bound to come in handy. Be sure to verify the measurements prior to buying to ensure it’s suitable in your garage or basement. Be aware of any doors you’ll have to open to move the freezer. It’s important to locate the freezer away from sources of heat including windows, to ensure proper operation and safety. Refrigerators in hot locations may also lose efficiency and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You may want to take into consideration the energy efficiency when shopping for the best freezer. Freezers that have ENERGY STAR certification consume less energy and could save you money over time. The size of your chest freezer is also important to consider to maximize its energy efficiency, so make sure you take measurements of the space you plan to put it to ensure that it will be able to fit.
Consider whether your freezer can defrost manually or automatically. Some freezers require manual defrosting. This can be a hassle if must regularly defrost your freezer. Certain models come with automatic defrost built in, which can save a lot of time.
If you’re a busy family, you can make use of the extra freezer space to keep frozen meals and snacks that you can heat up in the event that you don’t have time to cook. If you’re a gardener an appliance like a chest freezer can assist you in making the most of a bumper harvest by freezing your vegetables and fruits to be used later.
Freezers are available in a variety of sizes, so choosing the ideal one for your business or home is straightforward. You can get a 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your apartment or opt for an even larger 30 cubic feet model to store perishables for your restaurant.
The best chest freezers provide consistent temperatures without hot spots and are reliable. You might also want to look at one that comes with additional features, where to buy fridge freezer such as an interior light or storage baskets. These can be arranged so you have your most frequently used food items and ingredients at hand. There are also chest freezers that come with dividers and labels to aid in keeping track of your items and organize them according to season or type.
Stores
A chest freezer can provide lots of storage space. This type of freezer is able to store large amounts of food. It is ideal for those who have a large household or purchase in large quantities. You can use a chest-freezer to store unique items or ingredients that aren’t available at your local grocery store. This could include items like specialty meats, imported cheeses, and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients will help cook more easily and also save you money.
How often you store food items and what you store depends on the amount of space you need. If you plan to freeze fresh seafood during its season and then use it later, you’ll require more storage space.
Chest freezers typically have more usable storage capacity than upright models because they lay horizontally rather than vertically. They can be more difficult to access than upright models that have shelves and drawers. If you are looking for an upright freezer, look for one that has interior lighting. This feature is beneficial if your freezer will be placed in the dark basement or garage and it can also make it easier to sift through the various items.
Find a chest freezer with child safety locks if you have kids at home. These security measures are vital because children can get trapped in a chest freezer, which can cause suffocation or death. It’s also a good idea to keep a record of the items you keep in your freezer and a record of dates on which food expires. This will help you avoid buying or storing food items that is past its prime and also reduce the amount of food waste.
When shopping for a chest freezer be sure to leave adequate room in your garage or basement to accommodate it. It is recommended to leave at least three inches between the wall and the freezer so that you have enough room to move around. Ensure that your new freezer can fit through the opening you intend to install it. This may require removing some doors or moving items out of the way.
