Choosing an Outbuilding Freezer
Many people use their garage or an outbuilding as an freezer. They can be a huge help during busy times, when you must prepare meals quickly.
Freezers are designed for operation at temperatures ranging from 0 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (-18-43 degrees Celsius). When they are placed in a non-suitable environment, they must perform harder,
compact freezers consume more energy and wear out more quickly.
Location
A freezer that is outdoors must be located in an environment that will ensure it is operating efficiently. This is because freezers are most effective in cool environments. This is why it is crucial to take this into consideration when deciding where to install the outdoor freezer. The freezer must be kept away from direct sunlight, as this could cause it to lose efficiency, which can result in a higher electrical bill. Refrigerators that are in direct sunlight are also prone to temperature spikes. This could cause unnecessary wear and tear on the appliance.
The location of the freezer can also be influenced by convenience and access. A freezer in a shed or garage that is accessible from the kitchen might be a good choice. However, a freezer located in a separate shed, that requires a trip outside in the rain or snow to access, might not be as convenient as one that is located indoors.
If the possibility of theft or backyard animals is an issue, a cover that shields the freezer from the elements and debris can help keep it safe. This is especially important for those who live near the ocean, as the salty air can harm the freezer's components.
Size
When shopping, it is crucial to select the appropriate size of freezer. It is essential to ensure that the freezer you pick will be large enough to fit your family and needs. A freezer that has a large capacity can be a good investment, and can will save you money by purchasing in large quantities.
As a rule of thumb, you should allow 2.5 cubic feet for every household member. This will allow you to store a variety of frozen food items, including meats, vegetables, food items, desserts, drinks, and more. Begin by measuring the space in your garage or shed to determine the size of the freezer you require.
If you don't have plenty of room, try smaller or
compact freezers such as the GE Garage Ready 17.3 Cu Frost Free upright freezer. This freezer is able to fit into a small space and has an open door that can be opened left or right. It is equipped with high-quality insulation to shield the freezer from extreme temperature fluctuations and ensures consistent operation. It has a built in defrost clock that removes ice in a timely manner and stops overflow.
Frigidaire upright freezers EFRF696AMZ are larger and offer more storage space. This model is ideal for cold climates. It can be used in a temperature range of 10C to 18C. It has a spacious interior that can hold up to 20 bags of ice, and also has removable wire shelves that can be used for storage.
Check the specifications of the freezer's manufacturer to ensure that it can work in the garage or outside of the building. The manufacturer will list the freezer's temperature class as well as the temperature that it must be for it to function safely in a non-heated environment. Certain brands, like Beko offers freezers that can run in -15C temperatures with their FreezerGuard technology. You should always look over the warranty offered by the manufacturer to make sure that the freezer can be able to withstand the temperature of your garage or outbuilding.
Energy efficiency
If you are going to use an outbuilding freezer in a shed or
compact freezers garage that isn't climate-controlled it is recommended to look for an energy efficient model. These models will be more insulated than other freezers and will not lose as much cold air when they are opened. They are also less expensive to run as they require less energy. Choose models with low-frost technology to conserve energy and reduce defrosting.
There are numerous energy efficient freezers available to choose from in different sizes. You can find them in traditional brick and mortar stores like Walmart, Best Buy and Home Depot as well as online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Some local utility companies offer rebates on freezers that meet certain efficiency criteria.
It is important to know the size of your freezer as well as how much electricity it will require to freeze food items. You can make use of an energy calculator to calculate the cost of running a freezer each year.
Freezers are within their advertised power consumption when they're cooling. However it's not a constant. Once they reach a set temperature the components (such as the compressor motor and the motor for the evaporator) will enter in idle mode.
Be aware of the ENERGY STAR rating when you are choosing the right freezer. This certification means that the freezer meets certain energy usage guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy. This is especially important if you are planning on using the freezer in a garage or shed that isn't climate controlled because these freezers tend to consume more energy than a standard freezer.
Additionally, look for a refrigerator that comes with a power outage guarantee and a high-temperature alarm or light to ensure that it will continue to function even in the event of an electrical outage. There are also freezers that have self-defrost functions which can reduce the frequency of defrosting and your energy costs.
Warranty
Although freezers are usually designed to be kept indoors, some people need an additional freezer that can be placed in their garage or shed. The freezer can fail or even break if the temperature drops too low in this type setting. Think about purchasing a refrigerator that is covered by the warranty to cover any problems that might arise if it is installed in an outbuilding.
Many manufacturers have begun to realize that their clients are often constrained by space, so have produced chest freezers that can be safely placed in garages or other outbuildings. These freezers have been constructed with a specific 'freezer protection technology' that allows them to operate at temperatures as low as -10degC. Brands such as Beko, Ice King and Russell Hobbs now all offer this type of freezer for outbuilding use.
Some companies, like Montpellier has a specialization in outdoor
built-in freezers. It is a 99-litre freestanding chest freezer in white that can be used in garages and outbuildings. It is A+ energy efficient and comes with FreezerGuard. It comes with NordMende’s standard 3-year warranty. The site is a trusted online retailer with positive customer reviews and has been in operation since the year 2014. It is also a member of Trusted Shops.