How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer

Whether you're planning for an emergency situation that's unexpected or want to stockpile your summer ice cream, a freezer chest is a useful tool. The ideal model to meet your needs involves considering storage capacity, capacity, and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.

The aim is to keep food at a steady, stable temperature with minimal maintenance. Find models that have simple-to-use digital controls, programmable mechanical thermostats and power indication lights.

Size

The capacity of the chest freezer is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. They usually have larger capacity than refrigerator freezers that are standard, and some even offer a little extra space that makes them ideal for large families or [empty] individuals who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of a chest freezer can vary, however, between 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models include storage racks and compartments that help organize your frozen foods and separate different kinds of food items to make them easier to access.

Measure the space you will be purchasing a freezer in to determine how big or small it should be. Based on the amount of space you have, you might opt for an a smaller model to augment your fridge freezer, or a bigger one that will be an ideal standalone unit for your garage or laundry room.

A best rule of thumb for deciding how big to get is to allow three inches of clearance along the sides and back. This gives you the flexibility to move the freezer into and out of the space without having to move bulky furniture or other appliances.

Certain models come with bright interior lighting that is useful for separating your frozen meals as well as 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 reach your food items.

The energy efficiency of the chest freezer is a different aspect to think about. If you're looking for ways to cut down on your energy costs 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 include mobility rollers and light indicators for power. Some freezers even have an adjustable basket separator, as well as a recessed handle for easy lifting. If you're looking for a basic chest freezer or a large garage-ready model There are options to will fit into any budget and space.

Style

Chest freezers are different from standard freezers in that they can be lifted up like a treasure box. They are generally larger and longer than a refrigerator freezer. They are a great option for those who want to purchase in bulk or store large items that will not fit in a typical refrigerator freezer.

They also tend to be quieter than upright models. They have thick insulation that keeps the cold air from surrounding food and helps keep it longer in the freezer, even during power outages. This makes them a great alternative for those who frequently buy meats at a reduced price from the butcher, or eat their own food items in the bulk.

A chest freezer isn't the most popular kitchen appliance, but it can be an excellent 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 soups and stews. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It can also help keep your pantry full of staples like bread, cereal, and canned vegetables.

When looking for a chest freezer, look for models that have removable storage baskets for easy organization and bright interior lighting. You will be able to find what you are looking for faster by not having to continuously open and close the lid. Some models feature locks that are keyed and an internal temperature monitor to offer additional security and ease of use.

If you're on a tight budget, consider shopping for an upright freezer that comes with a scratch and dent discount. There are many retailers that offer discounted models with scratches. This can save you up to 15% on a fridge that's guaranteed to prove useful. Make sure you measure the freezer features before purchasing to ensure that it will fit into your basement or garage. Be aware of any doors that you'll need to clear in order to get the freezer in and out of its place. It is essential to position the freezer away from heat sources, including windows, for proper operation and safety. Freezers located in hot areas can also lose their efficiency and cause freezer burn.

Energy Efficiency

You may want to consider the energy efficiency when shopping for a new freezer. Freezers with ENERGY STAR certification use less energy and can save you money over the course of time. The size of your chest freezer is also important to take into consideration to ensure 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.

You might also consider the ability of your desired freezer to defrost automatically or manually. Certain freezers require manual defrosting. This is a pain, particularly if you own a freezer that must be regularly defrosted. Certain models come with automatic defrost built in which can save you lots of time.

If you're a busier family, you can make use of the extra freezer space to store meals and snacks in a freezer that you can heat up when you do not have time to cook. If you're a gardener the chest freezer can help you make the most of your bumper harvest by freezing your vegetables and fruit to eat later.

Freezers come in a range of sizes, so choosing the right one for your business or home is simple. You can get a 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your home or opt for an even larger 30 cubic feet model to store perishables for your restaurant.

The best chest freezers are reliable freezers with steady temperatures throughout the freezer and with no hot spots. Depending on your needs you may also think about a model with additional features like an interior lighting system and baskets for storage that can be arranged to keep your most frequently used food items and ingredients in reach. You can find chest freezers with labels and dividers, so you can track the things you need and organize them by kind or season.

Stores

A chest freezer offers lots of storage space. This type of freezer is perfect to store large amounts of food items, particularly if you have an entire family or prefer to shop in large quantities. You can also make use of a chest freezer to store specialty items or ingredients that aren't easily available at your local grocery store. This can include specialty meats, imported chees and unique frozen desserts. Having these ingredients on hand will make cooking more convenient and will save you money over the course of time.

The amount of storage space you require to meet your freezer needs will depend on how often and the kinds of foods you store. If you intend to freeze fresh seafood during its season and then use it later, you'll require more storage space.

Because they are horizontally positioned, chest freezers have more storage space. However, they may be harder to access than upright freezers which have shelves and drawers. When you are looking for a chest freezer, look for models with interior lighting. This feature is useful when your freezer is situated in an area that is dark, such as a basement or garage and can help you sort through the contents.

If you have children in your home, look for a chest freezer that has child security locks. These safety measures are crucial since children are able to enter a freezer and get stuck, leading to suffocation and death. Keep track of the items you keep in your freezer, and keep track of the expiration dates. This will prevent you from buying or storing food that is past its prime and prevent waste.

Be sure to leave enough space in your garage or basement for the chest freezer you pick. You should have at least three inches of space along the sides and the back of the freezer so that you are able to move it around. Make sure that the new freezer can be inserted into the opening where you plan to install it. This could require removing doors or moving items away from the way.