Chest Freezers For Outbuildings
A chest freezer lets you keep food items that you don't use all year round and help reduce trips to the supermarket. It can also make cooking in bulk easier.
If you're planning to put your freezer in a garage or outbuilding that is warm, search for models that are specifically made for this kind of environment. Also, look for one that has wire storage baskets to help keep your food items in order.
Size
They are often located in outbuildings and garages, chest freezers are ideal for those who love to accumulate bargains that can be frozen. They are generally less expensive than upright freezers and provide plenty of storage (around five bags) for the cost. This Currys own brand model, for instance is a good value, with a a counterbalanced lid that is easier to open than most. It is also equipped with an A+ rating for energy efficiency, which means it is inexpensive to run.
For those who want to make use of the chest freezer in their outbuildings, look for models with wire storage baskets that can be placed over the edge. These baskets will keep everyday items, such as chopped vegetables, from the mess of frozen food. They are especially helpful when you're freezing meat as it can be difficult to reach the top of your freezer.
Due to their dimensions and footprint, the majority of chest freezers are put in the basement or garage to conserve kitchen space. However, more manufacturers are making freezers that are specifically designed to stand up to the wild temperature swings of a garage or outbuilding. These freezers are generally advertised as 'garage-ready', and can handle temperatures down to -22degC.
The size of the freezer you purchase will depend on the space you have available, as well as your budget. There are a lot of excellent freezer deals available however, it's essential to find one that's right for you and where you will make use of it.
If you plan to keep your freezer in the garage or outbuilding, you should consider a model that comes with a high-temperature alarm. This feature will alert you if your freezer is over the safe temperature range. This can occur if, for instance, you forget to shut the door after you've loaded it with food. It could also happen if it gets warmer in the course of defrosting process. It's recommended to buy a freezer with a lock, so that you can prevent unauthorised access to your frozen goodies. These features may seem like a small consideration however they can make a huge difference in the end.
Convenience
The addition of a freezer in your home can help save money on groceries buy more groceries that are on sale and cook food in large quantities for later use. Despite their larger size chest freezers can fit into small spaces in garages or outbuilding, and are ideal for those who have limited storage.
Many people are hesitant to purchase chest freezers, fearing that it could be too big and difficult to access or manage. There are many options with user-friendly features that come in a variety of sizes. This Northair chest freezer is among the smallest options on our list but it is capable of holding lots of food items. It also comes with an easy lid to open and counterbalanced so that you don't accidentally close it as you go through its contents.
Another option is this GE model that can handle temperatures of up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It also provides the largest storage space of any freezer on this list. The door opens wide and is lockable, and the interior LED light helps you stay on track when finding your frozen sweets.
Upright freezers look a lot like refrigerators and are more organized than chest freezers, but they may not be as effective in handling temperatures outside. Some models, like this one from Whynter, have bins that help with organization and also let you customize the food storage to maximize capacity.
Consider a standing refrigerator with wire baskets that are removable and can be used to move heavier items like bags of frozen oven chips and vegetables out of the way.
Freezers with baskets help you quickly find what you need and are usually more adept at handling external temperatures than freezers that only have shelves. Additionally, certain brands, such as Beko and Russell Hobbs (a Currys own brand), offer freezers that can operate safely down to -15C so they are ideal for cold garages or outbuildings. However, it is always recommended to verify the warranty of the manufacturer as they may not cover freezers stored in unheated spaces.
Energy efficiency
The chest freezer is among the most energy efficient freezers. Its airtight seal is a great way to conserve cold air, which conserves energy and cuts back on utility bills. Contrary to single-door freezers, single-door freezers suffer from leakage that causes their compressors to work harder to keep an even temperature. Many chest freezers also have low-frost technology, which reduces defrosting frequency and lowers energy costs still further.
A chest freezer will also help you save energy by being better insulated than upright freezers. This is important if it will be kept in a garage or another area that can get very warm.
As far as storage is concerned, chest freezers can be just as handy and accessible as upright models. Be aware that you'll have to bend and reach into the freezer to grab your food. They aren't suitable for people with mobility problems. Additionally, most chest freezers require manually defrosted (you'll need to unplug the appliance, then open it up, and let the ice melt). If that sounds like an inconvenience, you can find units with
built-in freezers drains or wheels for more mobility.
Freezers are known for using lots of electricity, and it's a good idea to look for an appliance with a lower energy consumption, such as chest freezers. There is an annual consumption figure, usually listed in kWh,
Freezers for the majority of models on their energy labels or product manuals.
When you're looking for a chest freezer it's important to know what climate class it meets before purchasing. For instance, a fridge that is classified as class SN can store frozen food in temperatures up to -10 degrees Celsius. This makes it a great choice for a garage, or an outbuilding.
If you're in the market for a chest freezer to use in your outbuilding, it's worth spending the time to look through the numerous options available. There's a chest freezer that meets your needs, whether you want to store summer ice cream, or make-ahead freezer meals for a bustling household. A chest freezer is a great investment, due to its a space-saving design and an energy-efficient design.
Maintenance
Regardless of which type of freezer you decide to purchase, it's important that you place it in an area that is easily accessible. A garage or an outbuilding is a great option. Be aware that chest freezers could suffer damage if exposed to temperatures beyond their recommended range.
It's a good thing to know that more manufacturers are noticing this problem and making their products more suitable for garages and outbuildings. Look for models that are "garage optimized." These freezers are constructed with specialized compressors, a thick insulation, and triple-sealed gaskets that ensure they maintain a consistent internal temperature even in extreme heat or cold. The name of the product will usually include the phrase "garage-ready" or include it in the specifications.
Both chest and upright
deep freezers require maintenance in order to continue functioning properly. If you opt for one that has manual defrost, it's going to need to be regularly cleaned of ice to prevent the freezer from freezing. However, upright freezers are generally self-defrosting and contain fewer components that could require maintenance over time.
