How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer

If you're planning for an unexpected emergency or want to stockpile summer Ice cream, the freezer chest is a useful appliance. The best choice for your needs involves considering capacity, storage and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.

The aim is to keep food at a consistent, reliable temperature that requires minimal maintenance over time. Look for models that have easy-to-use controls, adjustable thermostats and the power indicator lamps.

Size

The capacity of the chest freezer is an important aspect to take into consideration. These freezers offer much greater capacity storage than standard fridge eco-friendly freezers. Some even offer extra space which makes them suitable for large households or those who like to entertain. The capacity of a chest freezer can differ, however, ranging from about 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models include compartments or storage racks that help you organize your frozen food and keep it separated into various types of freezers to make it easier to find them.

Take note of the space you'll be buying a freezer in to determine how large or small it will need to be. Based on the amount of space you have, you may want to choose a smaller model that can be a supplement to your fridge freezer, or a bigger one that is a great standalone unit for your garage or laundry room.

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

Certain models come with bright interior lighting that could be useful for separating your frozen meals as well as 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 thing to be aware of is the energy efficiency of a chest freezer. If you're looking for ways to cut down on your energy costs choose ENERGY STAR-certified deep freezers. These models meet the requirements of the government to reduce energy consumption and could save you up to $500 in energy costs over the life of the freezer. Some other features to consider are rollers for mobility, power indicator lights and external temperature controls. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator, as well as an recessed handle for simple lifting. There are a variety of options available for you to choose from an ordinary chest-style freezer or one that can fit in your garage.

Style

Chest freezers are different from regular freezers because they lift up like a treasure chest. They are typically wider and longer than a refrigerator freezer. This makes them a great option for those who purchase in bulk and want to store larger items that aren't able to fit into the standard freezer.

They also tend to be quieter than upright models. They have thick insulation which keeps the cold air around food items and allows it to stay frozen for longer, even during power outages. This makes them an ideal choice for those who frequently stock up on cheap meats from the butcher or harvest their own produce in bulk.

A chest Freezer Units isn't the most popular kitchen appliance however it can be a great option for Freezer units your home in the event that you often cook large quantities of food and have leftovers to store. The freezer is perfect to store stews, soups or casseroles, as well as other food items that you can freeze for later use. You can also keep your pantry stocked up with staples such as cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.

When looking for a chest freezer, look for one that has removable storage baskets for easy organization and bright interior lighting. You will be able to find what you want faster by not having to continuously open and close the lid. Some models also have an internal lock that is keyed and a temperature display for additional security and convenience.

If you're on a budget, look for a chest-freezer with scratch-and-dent discounts. Many stores offer damaged models at a reduced price. This can save you up to 15% on a fridge that's guaranteed to prove useful. Just be sure to check the measurements prior to purchasing to ensure it's suitable 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 its place. To ensure safety and proper operation, it's crucial that the freezer is placed away from sources of heat. This includes windows. Refrigerators in hot locations may also lose effectiveness and cause freezer burn.

Energy Efficiency

When looking for a new freezer, you may want to think about the energy efficiency of the model you select. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified consume less energy, which can save you money on utility bills over time. It is also crucial to measure the size of your chest freezer to determine its energy efficiency.

You could also consider the capability of your freezer to defrost automatically or manually. Certain freezers require manual defrosting. This is a pain, particularly if you own a freezer that must be regularly defrosted. Certain models come with automatic defrost built in and can save lots of time.

If you have a busy family, you can make use of the extra freezer space to keep frozen meals and snacks that you can microwave when you do not have time to cook. If you're a gardener an appliance like a chest freezer can aid you in making the most of a bumper harvest by freezing vegetables and fruit to eat later.

Freezers are available in a range of sizes, so choosing the best one for your business or home is easy. You can buy a small 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your home, or a larger 30 cubic foot model to store food items in your restaurant.

The most reliable chest freezers are durable with steady temperatures throughout the freezer 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 coordinated to keep your most frequently used foods and ingredients at hand. You can also find chest freezers that have dividers and labels to help you keep track of your items and organize them according to season or type.

Stores

A chest freezer offers lots of space for storage. This kind of freezer is able to store large quantities of food. It is perfect for those who have a large household or who buy bulk. You can also utilize a chest freezer for store specialty items or ingredients that are not easily available at your local grocery store. This can include specialty meats, imported chees, and unique frozen desserts. A stock of these ingredients will make cooking more efficient and will save you money over the course of time.

The amount of storage space you require to meet your freezer's requirements depends on how often and what types of foods you freeze. If you are planning to freeze fresh seafood during the season and then use later, you will require more storage space.

Chest freezers typically have more 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. When shopping for a chest-freezer look for models that have interior lighting. This feature is helpful if your freezer will be located in an area that is dark, such as a basement or garage and can aid in sifting through the contents.

If you have children at home, search for a chest freezer that is secured with child safety locks. These security measures are essential because young children can get into the freezer and get trapped in it, resulting in suffocation and death. Keep track of what you have in your freezer, and record the expiration dates. This will prevent you from buying or storing food items that is no longer in use and also reduce the amount of food 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 to ensure you can move it around. Ensure that your new freezer can be inserted into the opening in which you intend to install it. This might be a matter of removal of doors or moving objects away from the way.