How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer

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

The goal is to keep food at a consistent, reliable temperature that requires minimal maintenance over time. Look for models that feature simple-to-use digital controls, programmable mechanical thermostats and power indicator lights.

Size

The capacity of a chest freezer is an important aspect to take into consideration. These freezers often have significantly larger storage capacities than standard refrigerator freezers and some even provide a little extra space that makes them ideal for large families or people who love entertaining. The capacity of a chest freezer will differ, however, ranging between 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models also 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 large or small it should be. You may choose a small model to complement your fridge freezer or a larger one for the garage or laundry area.

A best rule of thumb for deciding on the size of your freezer is to leave three inches of clearance along the sides and back. This allows you to take the freezer in and out of a space without the need to move other furniture or appliances.

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

Another thing to take into consideration is the energy efficiency of a chest-freezer. If you're looking to save on your energy bills, look for ENERGY STAR-certified under-counter freezers. These models meet the requirements of the government for energy efficiency and can save you up to $500 in energy costs over the life of the freezer. Other features to consider include rollers that allow for mobility as well as lighting for power indicators. Some freezers come with an adjustable basket separator and a recessed hand to make it easy to lift. There are a myriad of options for you to choose from a simple chest-style freezer or one that fits in your garage.

Style

Contrary to conventional freezers chest freezers can be opened from the top like a treasure chest. Because of this, they are usually wider and smaller than a fridge freezer. This makes them an excellent option for those who buy in bulk and want to store larger items that wouldn't fit into a standard freezer.

Chest Quiet Freezers are also known to operate more quietly 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 an ideal choice for those who often purchase cheap meats from the butcher shop or harvest their own produce in bulk.

A chest freezer isn't the most common kitchen appliance however, it is a great addition to your kitchen in the event that you often cook large batches of food and have extras to keep in a storage. The freezer is perfect for storing soups and stews. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It can also help you keep your pantry stocked with essentials like bread, cereal and canned vegetables.

Find a chest freezer with removable baskets to facilitate organization and Quiet freezers also interior lighting that is bright. You can find what you are looking for quicker by not having to continuously open and close the lid. Some models also feature a keyed lock and internal temperature display for added security and convenience.

If you are on a tight budget, look for a chest freezer with scratch-and-dent discount. Many retailers sell damaged models at a reduced price. This could save you 15% or more on a freezer that's bound to be useful. 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 doors you'll need to clear to get the freezer in and out of its place. It is essential to position the freezer away from sources of heat including windows, to ensure safe operation and security. Freezers that are located in hot environments are also less efficient and can create freezer burn.

Energy Efficiency

When shopping for a freezer, it is a good idea to consider the energy efficiency of the model you select. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified consume less energy, which can reduce your costs for utilities over time. The size of your chest freezer is important to consider for its energy efficiency, so make sure you take measurements of the space you plan to place it to ensure that it will be able to fit.

Check if your freezer is able to defrost by hand or automatically. Certain freezers require manual defrosting, which could be a hassle when you have to regularly defrost your freezer. However, there are some models that have built-in automatic defrost features, which can help you avoid a lot of hassle.

If you have a busy family, you can use the extra freezer space to keep frozen meals and snacks that you can microwave in the event that you don't have time to cook. A chest freezer is a great way to get the most of an abundant crop by freezing vegetables and fruits for later use.

Freezers are available in a range of sizes, so choosing the right one for your business or home is straightforward. You can get a 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your apartment or opt for Quiet Freezers a larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables in your restaurant.

The best chest freezers are reliable and provide consistent temperatures throughout the unit and with no hot spots. You might also want to consider one that comes with additional features, such as an interior lighting system or storage baskets. These can be arranged so you have your most frequently used food items and other ingredients in reach. There are also chest freezers that have dividers and labels to help you keep track of your items and organize them according to season or type.

Storage

A chest freezer can provide a lot of storage space. This kind of freezer is perfect to store large amounts of food, especially when you have many children or like to shop in large quantities. It is also possible to utilize a chest freezer for store special items or ingredients that are not easily available at your local supermarket. This could include things like imported specialty meats, speciality cheeses and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients can simplify cooking and will save you money.

How often you freeze food items and what you store depends on the space you require. For example, if you intend to store up on fresh seafood when it's in season and then freeze it for later use, you will need more storage space than if you just store frozen leftovers.

Chest freezers tend to have more usable storage capacity than upright models because they are laid horizontally instead of vertically. They are more difficult to access than upright models with shelves and drawers. If you are looking for a chest freezer, look for one that has interior lighting. This feature is useful when your freezer is located in the dark basement or garage and it can also make it easier to sift through supplies.

Find a chest freezer with child security locks if you have kids at home. These safeguards are important because young children can climb into a freezer and get trapped in it, resulting in suffocation and death. It's important to keep a list of the items you keep in your freezer and keep track of your dates on which food expires. This will help you avoid purchasing or storing food past its prime and prevent the waste.

Be sure to allow enough space in your garage or basement for the chest freezer you select. It should have at least three inches of clearance along the sides and back of the freezer to ensure you can move around it. Additionally, make sure that your new freezer will fit into the doorway you intend to install it. This may require removing some doors or moving things out of the way.