Whether you're planning for an emergency situation that's unexpected or need to stockpile summer frozen ice cream, an ice chest freezer is a handy appliance. The ideal model to meet your needs involves taking into consideration storage capacity, capacity and energy efficiency, says Vincent Finazzo of specialty grocer Riverwards Produce.
The aim is to keep food in a stable, consistent temperature that requires little maintenance over time. Look for models that have easy-to-use controls, adjustable thermostats and power indicator lamps.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is an important factor to take into consideration. These freezers have much larger capacity than standard fridge freezers. Some even offer extra space, making them ideal for large families or those who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of chest freezers can vary from 5 cubic feet to 22 cubic foot. Some models have compartments or storage racks that aid in organizing your frozen food items and also separate different kinds for easy access.
When you are looking for a new freezer, make sure to measure the space where it will be placed to can determine how large or small to buy. You can pick a smaller model to go with your fridge freezer, or a larger model for your garage or laundry room.
A good rule of thumb to follow when deciding how big to get is to leave three inches of clearance along the sides and back. This allows you to pull the freezer in and out of a space without having to move other appliances or bulky furniture.
Some models have bright interior lighting that could be helpful for sifting your frozen meals as well as bags of ice. Others have a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge design that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it easier to get to your supplies.
The energy efficiency of a chest freezer is another factor to consider. If you're looking to cut down on your energy costs make sure you choose ENERGY START-certified freezers. These models meet the government's requirements to be energy efficient and can save you up to $500 on energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Other features to consider include rollers that allow for mobility as well as power indicator lights. Some freezers feature an adjustable basket separator and a hand that is recessed to make it easy to lift. There are many options available for you to choose from a basic chest-style freezer, or one that can fit in your garage.
Style
Chest freezers are different from conventional freezers in that they can be lifted like a treasure box. They are typically larger and more spacious than refrigerator freezers. They are a great option for people who want to purchase in bulk or store large items that cannot fit in a standard refrigerator freezer.
Chest freezers also tend to operate more quietly than upright models. They are insulated with thick walls which keeps cold air from getting around foods and helps them keep frozen longer even in power outages. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who frequently purchase meats at a discounted price from the butcher shop, or harvest their own food in large quantities.
A chest freezer may not be the most common appliance in your kitchen, but it's an ideal addition if prepare large quantities of food and want to store any leftovers. The freezer is ideal for storing stews, soups as well as casseroles and other meals that you can freeze for later use. You can also keep your pantry stocked with staples such as bread, cereal and canned vegetables.
When looking for a chest freezer, look for a model with adjustable storage baskets for simple organization and bright interior lighting. You can find what you want faster by not having to continuously open and close the lid. Some models feature a keyed locking system and an internal temperature gauge to offer additional security and ease of use.
If you're on a budget, you might want to consider buying an appliance that has a scratch and dent discount. Many stores offer damaged models at lower prices. This could save you up to 15% on a freezer that's bound to come in handy. Just be sure to check the measurements prior to purchasing to ensure that it can fit in your garage or basement. Also, be aware of any doorways you'll need to clear to get the freezer in and out of place. It is essential to position the freezer away from heat sources, including windows, for proper operation and safety. Freezers in hot locations can also decrease their effectiveness and may cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You might want to consider the energy efficiency when buying a new freezer. Freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified consume less energy, which can help you save money on your costs for utilities over time. The size of your chest freezer is important to take into consideration for its energy efficiency, so make sure you take measurements of the space you plan to place it to ensure it will fit.
You might also consider the ability of your desired freezer to defrost by itself or manually. Certain freezers require manual defrosting. This is a pain, especially if you have a freezer that needs to be defrosted regularly. Some models have automatic defrost built in, which can save lots of time.
If you're a busy family, you can utilize the extra freezer space to store frozen meals and snacks that you can microwave when you don't have the time to cook. A chest freezer is a great way to get the most out of a bumper crop by freezing vegetables and fruits for later use.
Freezers come in a variety of sizes, so finding the ideal one for your home or business is straightforward. You can buy a smaller 5.4 cubic foot chest freezer for your apartment, or go for a larger 30 cubic foot model to store perishables for your restaurant.
The best chest freezers offer consistent temperatures without hot spots and are reliable. Depending on your needs, you might also consider the addition of additional features such as an inside light and storage baskets which can be coordinated to keep your most frequently used ingredients and foods within reach. You can also find chest freezers that have dividers and labels to aid in keeping all your items in order and arrange them according to season or type.
Storage
A chest freezer can provide plenty of storage space. This kind of freezer is perfect to store large amounts of food, particularly when you have many children or like to shop in bulk. A chest freezer can be used to store unique items or ingredients that aren't available at the local supermarket. This could include things like specialty meats, imported cheeses, and unique frozen desserts. Having these ingredients on hand will make cooking more efficient and can help you save money over time.
The amount of storage space you'll need to meet your freezer needs will depend on how often and the kinds of foods you store. If you plan to freeze fresh seafood during its season and then use later, you will require more storage space.
Chest freezers typically have more storage capacity than upright models since they are laid horizontally, not vertically. They can be more difficult to access than upright models with shelves and drawers. When you are looking for a chest freezer make sure you choose one with interior lighting. This feature is helpful if your freezer will be situated in the dark basement or garage and can aid in sifting through the various items.
If you have children at home, search for a freezer with child safety locks. These security measures are essential since children are able to enter a freezer and get trapped which can lead to suffocation or death. It's also a good idea to keep a record of the things you keep in your freezer as well as a record of the dates on which food expires. This will prevent you from purchasing or storing food that is no longer in use and also reduce the amount of waste.
When freezer for sale near me looking for a chest freezer, be sure to leave adequate space in your garage or basement to accommodate it. It is recommended to leave at least three inches between the wall and the freezer to allow space to move around. Make sure that the freezer you purchase can be inserted into the opening you intend to put it. This may mean removal of doors or moving objects out of the way.
