How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer
A freezer chest is useful for preparing for an emergency or just want to store the summer ice cream you've made. Choosing the best model for your needs is about taking into consideration storage capacity, capacity and energy efficiency, according to Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The goal is to maintain food at a steady, stable temperature with minimal maintenance. Look for models with simple digital controls, adjustable mechanical thermostats and power indication lights.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is an important aspect to think about. They usually have larger capacity than refrigerator freezers that are standard and some offer an extra space that makes them perfect for large families or individuals who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of a chest freezer can differ, however, from about 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models include compartments or storage racks that can help you organize your frozen food and keep it separated into different types for easy access.
When you are looking for a new freezer, be sure to measure the area in which it will be placed to are aware of the size or capacity to purchase. Depending on how much space you have available, you may want to choose smaller models that will enhance your fridge freezer or a larger model that will be an ideal standalone unit for your garage or laundry room.
When deciding the size of your freezer A good rule of thumb is to allow at least three inches clearance on both sides and back. This allows you to take the freezer in and out of the space without having to move other appliances or bulky furniture.
Some models have bright interior lighting, which can be helpful for sorting through your frozen meals and bags of ice. Some models have a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge that holds the lid open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it much easier to access your items.
The energy efficiency of chest freezers is another aspect to take into consideration. If you're looking to lower your energy consumption, you should choose freezers that are Energy STAR certified. These models meet government requirements for energy efficiency and can save you up to $500 in energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Some other features to consider are the use of rollers to move around, power indicator lights and temperature controls that are external to the freezer. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator and an recessed handle for simple lifting. Whether you need a simple chest freezer or a larger garage-ready model, there are options that fit 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 are usually wider and shorter than a fridge freezer. This makes them an excellent choice for people who buy in bulk and need to store larger items that wouldn't fit into a standard freezer.
freezer for sale near me are also known to operate more quietly than upright models. They have thick insulation which keeps cold air from getting around foods and helps them keep frozen longer even during power outages. This makes them a great option for those who regularly buy discounted meats from the butcher or harvest their own produce in large quantities.
A chest freezer may not be the most common appliance in your kitchen, but it is a great addition if you prepare large quantities of food and want to store extras. The freezer is perfect for storing soups, stews or casseroles, as well as other food items that you can freeze for later use. It is also possible to keep your pantry stocked up with staples like bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
Find a chest freezer with removable baskets that make organization easier and also interior lighting that is bright. This will let you find what you need faster without having to open and close the lid constantly. Certain models come with a keyed locking system and an internal temperature monitor to give you added security and ease of use.
If you're on a budget, think about buying an appliance that has a scratch and dent discount. Many retailers sell damaged models at a reduced price. You can save as much as 15% on a freezer you're sure to use. Just be sure to check the measurements before buying to ensure it will fit in your basement or garage. Also be aware of any doorways you'll have to clear to allow the freezer to be moved in and out of the way. It's important to locate the freezer away from sources of heat, including windows, for safety and proper operation. Freezers that are located in hot environments can also decrease their effectiveness and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You might want to think about energy efficiency when shopping for a new freezer. Freezers with ENERGY STAR certification consume less energy and can save you money over time. The size of your chest freezer is important to take into consideration to ensure its energy efficiency therefore, you should measure the space where you intend to put it to ensure it will fit.
Consider whether your freezer can defrost either manually or automatically. Some freezers require manual defrosting, which can be a hassle if must regularly defrost your freezer. There are models that have built-in automatic defrost features, which can save you lots of trouble.
If you're a busy family, you can use the extra freezer space to store meals and snacks in a freezer that you can heat up when you do not have time to cook. A chest freezer is a great way to make the most of the abundance of crops by freezing vegetables and fruits to use later.
Freezers are available in a variety of sizes, so locating the right one for your business or home is simple. You can buy a smaller 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your apartment, or go for the larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables for your restaurant.
The best chest freezers provide constant temperatures, without hot spots and are reliable. You might also want to look at a model that has additional features, such as an interior light or storage baskets. These can be coordinated so you have your most frequently used foods and ingredients at hand. You can find chest freezers that have dividers and labels so you can keep track of your items and arrange them according to type or season.
Storage
A chest freezer can offer lots of storage space. This kind of freezer can be used to store large amounts of food. It is ideal for those who have a large family or who buy large quantities. It is possible to use a chest freezer to store products or ingredients that are not readily available at the local supermarket. This can include specialty meats, imported chees, and unique frozen desserts. Having these ingredients on hand will make cooking more efficient and will help you save money over time.
How often you freeze food items and what you store will depend on the amount of space you require. If you intend to freeze fresh seafood during the season and then use it later, you'll require more storage space.
Because they are horizontally positioned they have a larger storage capacity. They are more difficult to access than upright models that have shelves and drawers. If you are shopping for a chest freezer, look for one with interior lighting. This feature is beneficial in the event that your freezer is placed in a dark garage or basement and can aid in sifting through the various items.
If you have children at home, look for a chest freezer that has child safety locks. These safeguards are important because young children can enter a freezer and get trapped, leading to suffocation and death. Keep an inventory of what you have in your freezer, and keep track of the expiration dates. This will stop you from buying or storing food items that is no longer in use, and reduce the amount of waste.
Be sure to allow enough space in your garage or basement for the chest freezer you pick. You should have at minimum three inches of space along the sides and back of the freezer so that you are able to move it around. Additionally, make sure your new freezer will fit into the doorway into which you are going to install it. This may be a matter of taking doors off or moving things out of the way.