A freezer chest is an essential appliance to have in your kitchen, whether you're making plans for an emergency, or simply want to keep your summer ice cream. Vincent Finazzo, a specialist grocer at Riverwards Produce, says that when choosing the right model, you need to think about storage capacity, capacity and energy efficiency.
The aim is to keep food at a constant, reliable temperature over time with minimal maintenance. Look for models with simple-to-use controls, adjustable thermostats and power indicator lamps.
Size
The capacity of a chest freezer is a crucial factor to consider. These freezers offer much greater storage capacities than fridge freezers that are standard. Some even offer extra space, making them ideal for large families or those who like to entertain. The capacity of chest freezers can range between 5 cubic feet and 22 cubic foot. Some models come with storage racks or compartments that help you organize your frozen food and separate various types of freezers to make it easier to access.
When you are looking for a new freezer, be sure to measure the space where it will go so you can determine how large or small to buy. You can choose a smaller model to go with your fridge freezer or larger ones for the garage or laundry area.
When deciding on the size of your freezer, a good rule of thumb is to leave at least three inches clearance along both sides and the back. This lets you move the freezer into and out of the space without having to move other appliances or furniture that is bulky.
Certain models come with bright interior lighting, which can be useful for sifting through your frozen dinners and bags of ice. Some models have a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge that allows the lid to 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 factor to consider. If you're looking to save on your energy bills choose ENERGY STAR-certified freezers. These models meet the requirements of the government for energy efficiency and can save you up to $500 in energy costs over the life of the freezer. Other features to consider include rollers that allow for mobility as well as power indicator lights. Some freezers have an adjustable basket separator, and a recessed hand for easy lifting. There are a variety of options available for you, whether you're looking for a simple chest-style freezer or one that fits in your garage.
Style
Contrary to conventional freezers, chest freezers lift open from the top, much like a treasure chest. They are typically wider and longer than refrigerator freezers. This makes them a great option for those who buy in bulk and want to store larger items that aren't able to fit into a traditional freezer.
They also tend to be quieter than upright models. They have thick insulation which keeps the cold air from surrounding food items and allows it to stay longer in the freezer, even during power outages. This makes them a good choice for those who regularly stock up on discounted meats from the butcher shop or harvest their own produce in bulk.
A chest freezer might not be the most common appliance in your kitchen, but it is an excellent addition if you make large quantities of food and have to store any leftovers. The freezer is ideal to store stews, soups, casseroles, and other food items that you can freeze to use later. It can also help keep your pantry full of staples such as cereal, bread, and canned vegetables.
Look for a chest-freezer with removable baskets that make organization easier and the interior lighting is bright. This will let you find what you require quicker without having to open and close the lid on a regular basis. Certain models also come with a keyed lock and internal temperature gauges for increased security and convenience.
If you're on a tight budget, search for a chest-freezer with scratch-and-dent discounts. Many retailers sell damaged models at a reduced price. This can save you 15% or more on a freezer that's sure to be useful. Be sure to test the freezer before buying it to ensure that it can fit into your garage or basement. Also, be aware of any doorways that you'll need to clear in order to get the freezer in and out of its place. It is essential to position the freezer away from sources of heat, including windows, for safety and proper operation. In hot environments, freezers can also lose efficiency and cause freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency
You might want to consider the energy efficiency when shopping for the best freezer. Freezers with ENERGY STAR certification consume less energy and could save you money over time. It is also essential to measure the size of your chest freezer to determine its energy efficiency.
You may also think about the ability of your desired freezer to defrost either automatically or manually. Some freezers need manual defrosting. This can be a hassle, especially if you have a freezer that needs to be defrosted regularly. Certain models have an auto defrost which can save you many hours.
If you're a busy family, you can use 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 method to get the most of the abundance of crops by freezing fruit and vegetables for later use.
There are a variety of sizes of freezers to choose from and it's easy to find the right one for your needs. You can purchase a smaller 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your apartment or a larger, 30-cubic-foot model to store food items in your restaurant.
The best chest freezers offer steady temperatures with no hot spots and are reliable. Based on your requirements you may also think about a model with additional features, such as an interior lighting system and storage baskets that can be arranged to keep your most frequently used foods and ingredients in reach. There are chest freezers with labels and dividers so that you can track the things you need and organize them by type or season.
Storage
A chest freezer can provide lots of storage space. This kind of freezer is able to store large quantities of food. It is perfect for those who have a large household or buy 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 specialized meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. The fact that you have these ingredients in your pantry will make cooking more efficient and can help you save money over time.
How often you store food items and what you store is contingent on the amount of space you require. For instance, if you are planning to stock up on fresh seafood that is in season and then freeze it for future use, you'll require more storage space than if you just store frozen leftovers.
freezer on sale tend to have more storage capacity than upright models due to the fact that they lay horizontally rather than vertically. They are more difficult to access than upright models with shelves and drawers. When looking for a chest-freezer look for models that have interior lighting. This feature is useful in the event that your freezer is situated in an area that is dark, such as a basement or garage and it can also help you sort through the contents.
If you have children at home, search for a chest freezer that is secured with child security locks. These safety measures are crucial since children could get trapped in a chest freezer, which can cause the death of a person or their suffocated body. It's also a good idea to keep a list of what you store in your freezer, as well as a record of the dates on which food expires. This will prevent you from buying or storing food that is that is past its expiration date, and also help avoid the waste.
When you are looking for a chest freezer ensure you leave enough space in your garage or basement to accommodate it. It is recommended to leave at least three inches between the freezer and the wall so that you have enough room to move around. Ensure that your new freezer will fit through the opening where you plan to place it. This could mean removing some doors or moving objects out of the way.
