How to Know Where to Buy a Chest Freezer

A freezer chest can be useful to have in your kitchen, whether you're planning for an emergency or simply want to keep your summer ice cream. Vincent Finazzo, a specialist grocer at Riverwards Produce, says that when selecting the best model, you should think about storage capacity, capacity and energy efficiency.

The goal is to maintain food at a consistent, reliable temperature with minimal maintenance. Look for models with simple-to-use controls, adjustable thermostats and lighting indicators for power.

Size

The capacity of the chest freezer is an important aspect to think about. These freezers often have significantly larger capacities for storage than standard refrigerator freezers and some offer an extra space that makes them ideal for large families or people who enjoy entertaining. The capacity of a chest freezer can vary, however, from about 5 cubic feet up to 22 cubic feet. Some models have storage racks or compartments that can help you organize your frozen food and keep it separated into different kinds to make it easier to access.

When shopping for a new freezer, be sure to measure the space in which it will be placed so that you can determine how large or small to purchase. You can pick a smaller model to complement your fridge freezer or larger ones for the garage or laundry area.

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

Certain models come with bright interior lighting that is helpful for sifting your frozen meals and bags of ice. Others feature a counterbalanced multi-angle hinge design that allows the lid to open at any angle between 45 and 75 degrees, making it much easier to get to your supplies.

The energy efficiency of the chest freezer is a different aspect to think about. If you are looking to cut down on your energy costs, local select freezers that are energy STAR certified. These models meet the government's standards to be energy efficient and can save up to $500 in energy costs over the lifetime of the freezer. Other features worth considering are rollers for mobility, power indicator lights and temperature controls on the outside. Some freezers come with an adjustable basket separator as well as an integrated handle for effortless lifting. There are many options available for you to choose from an ordinary chest-style freezer or one that will fit in your garage.

Style

In contrast to a conventional freezer, chest freezers lift open from the top table freezer like a treasure chest. Because of this, they are usually wider and smaller than a fridge freezer. This makes them a good option for those who buy in bulk and wish to store larger items that wouldn't fit into the standard freezer.

They are also quieter than upright models. They are insulated with thick walls that keeps the cold air around food and helps keep it frozen longer, even in power outages. This makes them an excellent option for those who regularly purchase meats at a discounted price from the butcher shop, or harvest their own food in large quantities.

A chest freezer might not be the most common appliance in your kitchen, but it's an excellent addition if you prepare large quantities of food and have to store extras. The freezer is perfect to store stews and soups. It can also be used to store casseroles and other meals. It can also help you keep your pantry full of staples such as cereal, bread and canned vegetables.

Find a chest freezer with removable baskets to make organization easier and the interior lighting is bright. You will be able to find what you are looking for quicker by not having to continually open and close the lid. Certain models come with locks that are keyed and an internal temperature display to give you added security and convenience.

If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider buying an upright freezer that comes with a scratch and dent discount. Many stores offer discounted models with scratches. This could save you as much as 15% on a freezer that's bound to be useful. Make sure you take measurements of the top table freezer prior to purchasing to ensure that it can fit in your basement or garage. Be aware of any doors you'll need to open in order to move the freezer. It is crucial to place the freezer away from sources of heat such as windows, for safe operation and security. Freezers in hot areas may also lose efficiency and cause freezer burn.

Energy Efficiency

When you are looking for a freezer, you may want to consider the energy efficiency of your choice. table top freezers that are ENERGY STAR certified use less energy, which could help you save money on your costs for utilities over time. The size of your chest freezer is important to take into consideration to ensure its energy efficiency so make sure you take measurements of the space you intend to put it to ensure that it will fit.

You may also think about the capability of your freezer to defrost either automatically or manually. Certain freezers require manual defrosting. This can be a hassle, especially if you have an appliance that has to be regularly defrosted. Certain models come with automatic defrost built in which can save you many hours.

If you're a busy family, extra freezer space can come in handy for storing frozen meals and prepared snacks that are easy to microwave when you don't have time or energy to cook. If you're a gardener the chest freezer can aid you in making the most of your bumper harvest by freezing your vegetables and fruits to eat later.

There are a variety of sizes of freezers to choose from which makes it easy to choose the best one for you. You can buy a small 5.4-cubic-foot chest freezer for your home or a larger, 30-cubic-foot model to store perishables in your restaurant.

The best chest freezers provide steady temperatures with no hot spots and are reliable. You might also want to consider one that comes with additional features, such as an interior light or storage baskets. These can be coordinated to keep your most frequently used foods and ingredients at hand. You can find chest freezers for garages with labels and dividers, so you can keep track of your things you need and organize them by kind or season.

Stores

A chest freezer can provide plenty of storage space. This kind of freezer is ideal to store large amounts of food, especially when you have a large family or like to purchase in large quantities. You can use a chest-freezer to store unique products or ingredients that are not readily available at your local grocery store. This can include specialty meats, imported cheeses and unique frozen desserts. These ingredients will make cooking easier and save you money.

How often you store food and what you freeze will depend on the amount of space you need. For instance, if plan to store up on fresh seafood that is in season and then freeze it for future use, you'll need more storage space than if you only keep frozen leftovers.

Chest freezers typically have more usable storage capacity than upright models since they are laid horizontally instead of 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 can be useful in the event that you intend to keep your freezer in an unlit garage or basement. It will also make it easier to locate the necessary items.

If you have children in your home, look for a chest freezer that has child safety locks. These security measures are vital because children can get trapped inside a freezer, which can cause suffocation or death. 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 for expiration of food. This will prevent you from buying or storing food that is beyond its expiration date and help prevent waste.

Make sure you have enough space in your basement or garage for the chest freezer you select. It is recommended to leave at least three inches between the wall and the freezer so that you have enough space to move around. Make sure that the new freezer will fit through the opening in which you intend to install it. This may require removing some doors or moving items out of the way.