How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer

Whether you're planning for an unexpected emergency or simply need to stockpile summer Ice cream, the freezer chest is a useful tool. Vincent Finazzo, a specialist grocer at Riverwards Produce, says that when selecting the best model, you must consider capacity, storage, and energy efficiency.

The goal is to store food in a stable, consistent temperature that requires little 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 a crucial factor to consider. They typically have larger storage capacities than standard refrigerator freezers and some even provide an extra space that makes them perfect for large families 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 also include storage racks and compartments that help you organize your frozen foods and to separate different types of food items for quick access.

Measure the space you will be purchasing a freezer in to determine how large or small it needs to be. Based on the space you have, you might want to choose an a smaller model to enhance your fridge freezer or a bigger one that is a great stand-alone unit in the garage or laundry room.

When deciding the size of your freezer the best rule of thumb is to allow at least three inches of clearance along both sides and the back. This gives you the ability to move the freezer in and out of an area without the need to move heavy furniture or other appliances.

Some models have bright interior lighting that can be useful for separating your frozen meals as well as bags of ice. Some models have a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge design that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it easier to access your items.

Another factor to take into consideration is the energy efficiency of a chest-freezer. If you're looking to lower your energy consumption, you should choose freezers that are Energy STAR certified. These models meet the requirements of the government to be energy efficient and can save up to $500 on energy costs over the life of the freezer. Other features to think about are rollers for mobility, power indicator lights and temperature controls that are external to the freezer. Some freezers come with an adjustable basket separator and an integrated handle for effortless lifting. It doesn't matter if you want a basic chest freezer or a large garage-ready model There are options to will fit into any budget and space.

Style

Unlike a standard freezer chest freezers can be opened from the top like a treasure chest. This is why they tend to be larger and smaller than a fridge freezer. This makes them a great choice for people who buy in bulk and need to store more large items that aren't able to fit into the standard freezer.

They are also quieter than upright models. They are insulated with thick walls that helps keep cold air in foods and helps them keep frozen longer even during power outages. This makes them an ideal choice for those who often purchase cheap meats at the butcher or freezer Drawers harvest their own produce in bulk.

A chest freezer isn't the most popular kitchen appliance, but it can be an ideal addition to your kitchen when you frequently cook large batches of food and have leftovers to keep in a storage. The freezer is great for storing stews, soups as well as casseroles and other meals that can be frozen to use later. You can also keep your pantry stocked up with staples such as bread, cereal and canned vegetables.

Choose a chest-freezer that has removable baskets that simplify organization, and the interior lighting is bright. You will be able to find what you are looking for faster by not having to continually open and close the lid. Some models also feature keys for locks and an internal temperature display for additional security and convenience.

If you are on a tight budget, search for a chest-freezer that comes with a scratch-and dent discount. Many stores offer damaged models at lower prices. You can save as much as 15 percent on a freezer that you're certain to utilize. Just be sure to check the measurements before buying to ensure that it can fit in your garage or basement. Also be aware of any doors you'll need to clear to move the freezer into and out of the way. For under-counter freezers safety and proper operation, it's essential that the freezer is placed away from heat sources. This includes windows. Refrigerators in hot locations may also lose efficiency and cause freezer burn.

Energy Efficiency

You might want to consider the energy efficiency when buying an appliance. Freezers that have ENERGY STAR certification consume less energy and can save money over the course of time. It is also essential to measure the size of your chest-freezer to determine its energy efficiency.

You may also think about the ability of your desired freezer to defrost either automatically or manually. Certain freezers require manual defrosting. This is a pain, especially if you have a freezer that must be regularly defrosted. However, there are models with built-in automated defrost functions, which could save you a lot of hassle.

If you are a busy family, extra freezer space can come in handy for storing frozen meals and prepared snacks that are easy to microwave when you don't have the time or energy to cook. If you're a gardener the chest freezer can assist you in making the most of a bumper harvest by freezing your vegetables and fruits to be used later.

There are a variety of sizes of freezers to choose from which makes it easy to find the right one for your needs. You can purchase a smaller 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your home or a larger 30 cubic foot model to store food items in your restaurant.

The top chest freezers have consistent temperatures without hot spots and are reliable. You might also want to consider an option with additional features, such as an interior lighting system or storage baskets. These can be coordinated so you have your most frequently used food items and ingredients within reach. You can also find chest freezers that come with labels and dividers that aid in keeping track of your items and arrange them according to season or type.

Storage

A chest freezer can provide a lot of storage space. This type of freezer is able to store large amounts of food. It is perfect for those who have a large household or purchase in bulk. It is also possible to use a chest freezer to store special items or ingredients that aren't readily available in local grocery store. This could include things like imported specialty meats, speciality cheeses and unique frozen desserts. A stock of these ingredients will make cooking more efficient and can save you money over the course of time.

How often you freeze food and what you freeze depends on the space you need. If you are planning to freeze fresh seafood in its season and then use it later, you'll require more storage space.

Chest freezers tend to have more usable storage capacity than upright models since they are laid horizontally instead of vertically. However, they are more difficult to access than upright freezers (obtainablebrake.ob.s.c.E.n.e.f.r.i.e.n.d.s.e) that have shelves and drawers. If you are shopping for a chest freezer, look for one that has interior lighting. This feature is beneficial if your freezer will be placed in an area that is dark, such as a basement or garage and it can also aid in sifting through the contents.

Find a chest freezer with child safety locks if you have children at home. These security measures are essential because young children can get into the freezer and get trapped, leading to suffocation and death. Keep track of what you have in your freezer, and record the expiration dates. This will stop you from buying or storing food items that is not in good condition, and reduce waste.

Be sure to leave enough space in your garage or basement for the chest freezer you choose. You should leave at least three inches between the wall and the freezer so that you have enough space to move around. Make sure that the new freezer can be inserted into the opening where you plan to put it. This might mean removal of doors or moving objects out of the way.