How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest is useful to have in your kitchen, whether you're preparing for an emergency or simply want to keep the summer ice cream you've made. Vincent Finazzo, a specialist grocer at Riverwards Produce, says that when choosing the right model, you need to take into consideration storage capacity, capacity, and energy efficiency.
The goal is to store food at a consistent, reliable temperature that requires minimal maintenance over time. Find models that have easy-to-use digital controls, adjustable mechanical thermostats and power indication lights.
Size
The capacity of the chest freezer is an important factor to consider. They usually have larger capacities for storage than refrigerator freezers in the standard model, and some even offer a little extra space that makes them perfect for large families or those who love to entertain. The capacity of a chest freezer can differ, however, ranging from about 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models also have compartments and storage racks to help organize your frozen foods and separate different types of food items to make them easier to access.
Take note of the space you'll be purchasing a freezer in to determine how large or
small freezers it will need to be. You may choose a small model to go with your fridge freezer, or a larger model for your garage or laundry area.
A best rule of thumb for deciding how big to get is to leave three inches of space along the sides and back. This lets you pull the freezer in and out of a space without having to move other furniture or appliances.
Certain models come with bright interior lighting, which is helpful when you are sifting through your frozen meals and bags of ice. Some models have a counterbalanced, multi-angle hinge that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 degrees and 75 degrees.
Another factor to consider is the energy efficiency of a chest-freezer. If you are looking to cut down on your energy bills, choose freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified. These models meet the government's requirements to be energy efficient and can save you up to $500 in energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Other features worth considering include mobility rollers and lighting for power indicators. Some freezers come with an adjustable basket separator and a recessed hand for easy lifting. There are a myriad of options, whether you want an ordinary chest-style freezer or one that will fit in your garage.
Style
Chest freezers are different from conventional freezers in that they can be lifted like a treasure box. They are therefore usually larger and longer than refrigerator freezers. They are a good option for those who wish to purchase in bulk or store large items that will not fit in a typical refrigerator freezer.
Chest freezers also tend to run more quiet than upright models. They are insulated with thick walls which keeps cold air from getting around food items and allows them to remain frozen for longer even in power outages. This makes them a great option for those who often stock up on meats at a reduced price from the butcher shop, or eat their own food in the bulk.
A chest freezer isn't the most popular kitchen appliance, but it can be a great addition to your home in the event that you often cook large quantities of food and have extras to store. The freezer is great to store stews and soups. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It is also possible to keep your pantry stocked up with staples like bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
Look for a chest-freezer with removable baskets to facilitate organization and interior lighting that is bright. This will help you find what you need faster without having to open and close the lid constantly. Certain models come with locks that are keyed and an internal temperature monitor to give you added security and ease of use.
If you're on a tight budget, think about buying a chest freezer with a scratch and dent discount. There are many retailers that offer discounted models with blemishes. This can save you up to 15% on a freezer that's bound to be useful. Make sure you check the measurements before buying to ensure it will fit in your basement or garage. Be aware of any doors you will need to open in order to move the freezer. For safety and a safe operation, it's crucial that the freezer is kept away from heat sources. This includes windows. In hot environments,
top-Rated Freezers freezers can also lose efficiency and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
When you are looking for a freezer, you may want to think about the energy efficiency of the freezer you choose. Freezers that have ENERGY STAR certification use less energy and can save money over the long run. The size of your chest freezer is also important to take into consideration to ensure its energy efficiency so be sure to measure the space where you intend to put it to ensure that it will fit.
You could also consider the ability of your desired freezer to defrost by itself or manually. Some freezers require manual defrosting, which could be a hassle when you must regularly defrost your freezer. Some models have automatic defrost built in and can save many hours.
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 microwave when you don't have the time to cook. If you're a gardener the chest freezer can aid you in making the most of your bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruits to eat later.
There are a variety of sizes of
Top-Rated Freezers available which makes it easy to find the ideal one for you. You can purchase a smaller 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your home, or a larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables in your restaurant.
The most reliable chest freezers are durable with constant temperatures throughout the unit and with no hot spots. You might also want to look at a model that has additional features, such as an interior light or storage baskets. These can be arranged so you have your most frequently used foods and other ingredients in reach. There are chest freezers that have labels and dividers so that you can keep track of your items and arrange them according to the type or season.
Stores
A chest freezer can offer plenty of storage space. This type of freezer is ideal to store large amounts of food, particularly when you have an entire family or prefer to buy in bulk. It is also possible to use a chest freezer to store items of a special kind or ingredients that are not easily available at your local grocery stores. This could include things like special meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients can help cook more easily and also save you money.
How often you store food items and the type of food you freeze is contingent on the space you need. For instance, if you are planning to store up on fresh seafood when it is in season and then freeze it for future use, you'll require more storage space than if you only store leftovers from frozen meals.
Chest freezers tend to have more storage capacity than upright models because they are laid horizontally instead of vertically. However, they may be harder to access than
upright freezers that have shelves and drawers. When you are looking for a chest freezer make sure you choose one with interior lighting. This feature is helpful in the event that your freezer is placed in the dark basement or garage and can make it easier to sift through supplies.
If you have children in your home, look for a freezer that is secured with child safety locks. These security measures are essential since children are able to climb into a freezer and become trapped which can lead to suffocation or death.
