How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest can be a useful appliance, whether you are making plans for an emergency, or simply want to keep the summer ice cream you've made. Choosing the best model for your needs involves considering capacity, storage and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The goal is to store food in a stable, consistent temperature with minimal maintenance over time. Find models that have simple digital controls, adjustable mechanical thermostats and power indication lights.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is important to consider. They have larger capacity storage than fridge freezers that are standard. They can even provide additional space making them ideal for large households or those who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of a chest freezer can vary, however, from 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models come with compartments or racks to can help you organize your frozen food and separate different types to make it easier to find them.
When you are looking for a new freezer, make sure to measure the area in which it will be placed to can determine how large or small to buy. Based on the space you have, you may want to choose smaller models that will be a supplement to your fridge freezer, or a larger model that is a great stand-alone unit in the garage or laundry room.
When deciding on the size of your freezer, a good rule of thumb is to leave at least three inches clearance on both sides and back. This lets you pull the freezer in and out of the space without the need to move other furniture or appliances.
Some models feature bright interior lighting that is useful in separating your frozen meals and bags of ice. Others feature a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge that holds the lid open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it much easier to get to your supplies.
Another thing to take into consideration is the energy efficiency of a chest-freezer. If you're looking for ways to cut down on your energy bills, look for ENERGY STAR-certified freezers. 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 think about are the use of rollers to move around, power indicator lights and temperature controls on the outside. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator, and a recessed hand for easy lifting. There are a variety of options available for you to choose from a simple chest-style freezer or one that can fit in your garage.
Style
Chest freezers differ from conventional freezers in that they lift up like a treasure box. Because of this, they are generally larger and smaller than a fridge freezer. They are a great option for those who wish to purchase in bulk or store large items that will not fit in a standard refrigerator freezer.
Chest freezers are also known to operate more quietly than upright models. They have thick insulation which keeps cold air from getting around food items and allows them to remain frozen for longer even during power outages. This makes them a good choice for those who often buy discounted meats from the butcher or who harvest their own produce in large quantities.
A chest freezer isn't the most common kitchen appliance, but it can be a great option for your home if you often make large batches of food and have extras to store. The freezer is great for storing soups, stews or casseroles, as well as other meals that you can freeze to use later. It is also possible to keep your pantry stocked up with staples such as bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
When looking for a chest freezer, you should look for models that have removable storage baskets to facilitate organization and bright interior lighting. This will help you locate what you require faster without having to open and close the lid continuously. Some models also have a keyed lock and internal temperature display for added security and convenience.
If you're on a tight budget, search for a chest-freezer that comes with a scratch-and dent discount. There are many retailers that offer discounted models with scratches. freezer for sale can save as much as 15% on a freezer you're certain to use. Be sure to verify the measurements prior to buying to ensure it's suitable in your basement or garage. Be aware of any doors you'll need to open in order to move the freezer. It's important to locate the freezer away from heat sources such as windows, for safe operation and security. Freezers in hot areas may also lose effectiveness and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You might want to consider the energy efficiency when you are shopping for an appliance. Freezers with ENERGY STAR certification use less energy and can save you money over the course of time. It is also crucial to gauge the size of your chest-freezer to determine its energy efficiency.
Think about whether your freezer can defrost either manually or automatically. Certain freezers require manual defrosting. This is a pain, particularly if you own a freezer that needs to be regularly defrosted. Some models have automated defrost features which can save you a lot of time.
If you are a busy family, extra freezer space can come in handy to store frozen meals and ready-to-eat snacks that are simple to microwave when you don't have the time or energy to cook. A chest freezer is a great method to get the most out of a bumper crop by freezing vegetables and fruits to use later.
Freezers come in a variety of sizes, so locating the right one for your business or home is straightforward. You can buy a small 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your apartment or a larger, 30-cubic-foot model to store perishables in your restaurant.
The most reliable chest freezers are durable, providing constant temperatures throughout the unit and with no hot spots. Depending on your needs you may want to consider a model with additional features, such as an interior light and baskets for storage that can be arranged to keep your most frequently used food items and ingredients within reach. You can find chest freezers that have dividers and labels so you can keep track of your items and organize them by kind or season.
Stores
A chest freezer provides lots of space for storage. This type of freezer is perfect to store large amounts of food, particularly when you have an entire family or prefer to buy in bulk. A chest freezer can be used to store unique items or ingredients that aren't available at your local grocery store. This could include specialized meats, imported chees, and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients will help cook more easily and save you money.
The amount of storage space you'll need to meet your freezer needs depends on how often and the kinds of foods you store. For example, if you are planning to stock up on fresh seafood that is 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 due to the fact that they are laid horizontally, not vertically. They can be more difficult to access than upright models that have shelves and drawers. When you are looking for a chest freezer make sure you choose one with interior lighting. This feature is useful in the event that you intend to keep your freezer in an unlit garage or basement. It also makes it easier to organize the items.
If you have children at home, look for a freezer that has child safety locks. These safeguards are essential since children could get trapped in a chest freezer, which could cause suffocation or death. It's also a good idea to keep a list of the things you keep in your freezer as well as keep track of your food expiration dates. This will prevent you from purchasing or storing food beyond its expiration date and help prevent food waste.
When you are looking for a chest freezer ensure that you have enough room in your garage or basement to accommodate it. It should have at least three inches of space along the sides and back of the freezer so that you can move around it. Make sure that the freezer you purchase can fit through the opening in which you intend to place it. This could mean removing some doors or moving objects out of the way.