Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
You should think about chest freezers when you have a garage or shed. They can be used for food storage for preserving produce, or to simply free up some space in the house.
Chest freezers tend to keep frozen longer than upright freezers, since air circulation isn't as strong. You should look for one that has an energy label that is high to help reduce the running cost too.
Size
When selecting a freezer chest, determine how much storage space you need. A best practice is to have one cubic foot of freezer space for every household member. You'll need a larger freezer for more than that. If you plan to keep it outside, you may want to consider the use of a chest freezer that comes with an lock. This will stop anyone from the food you've frozen.
It is also important to consider whether your freezer cabinet can operate at temperatures that are freezing. If you want to ensure that your food is fresh, you should choose an appliance that can be able to withstand low temperatures. Freezers that are designed to withstand freezing temperature are usually more well-insulated, meaning that their contents stay frozen for longer.
If you're looking to buy a smaller freezer that fits in your garage, look into this compact model from Midea. It is suitable for use indoors and outdoors and is able to hold 7.2 cubic feet. It comes with an automatic drain, adjustable temperature control, and storage baskets to help you keep your freezer organized. You'll need to sacrifice certain features to buy it for this price, including a counterbalanced top and an internal light. But if you want to maximize your freezer storage it's a great bargain.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are generally larger and taller than upright models. This makes them ideal for smaller spaces. They can also operate in colder temperatures than conventional freezers and use less energy. This is due to the side-wall insulating that allows them to operate at lower temperatures, without requiring excessive energy.
To maximize energy efficiency, opt for an energy STAR qualified chest freezer. They can provide up to 10 percent more energy savings than the minimum federal standards and have thick insulation to ensure optimal temperatures. Some utilities even offer rebates on these items So make sure to check whether yours has.
You should also note the annual consumption of electricity for your freezer typically stated in KWh figures (1 KWh = 1 unit of electricity). Certain manufacturers will provide this information in their user's manual or on the product, while others will post it online.
Also, you should check the weight of your freezer before you buy. Consider if you will require assistance in moving it into and out of the garage or outbuilding. Look into buying a model that comes with caster wheels or rolling rollers to make it easier to move around. If you intend to use the freezer for outdoor activities like hunting or gardening it is essential to make sure that it is capable of working in frigid temperatures.
Convenience
A chest freezer can be a wonderful addition to any outbuilding or garage regardless of whether you're an avid gardener or hunter, or you have a lot of leftover food from cooking. It has more storage than a standard refrigerator, making it ideal for those who buy in bulk or want to keep the bounty of their vegetable gardens. Some models can even accommodate meat, which is an affordable way to stock up for the winter.
In contrast to upright freezers chest freezers are usually cheaper as they use less electricity because of their side-wall insulation. They also come with various useful features, like a defrost drain and a manual temperature control. Some models have a fast-freeze function that can reduce freezing times for certain foods.
Most freezers can be operated safely at temperatures as low as -18 Celsius. This is perfect for colder climates. If you live near the ocean Look for freezers that are designed to withstand salty air.
If you're seeking a freezer built to last, you can look at a Beko or Russell Hobbs model. These brands were among the first to test their freezers at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius to ensure that they could be used in unheated building.
Safety
It is recommended to keep a freezer in your garage or some other place that is safe from the elements. Although some people claim they keep their freezer in the outdoors and use it without any issues, the majority of experts in appliance repair believe that this is not a good idea. The outdoor temperatures can be too cold to keep a freezer functioning properly, and the moisture in the air can affect the condition of the freezer over time.
The freezer in the chest must have an unlocked lock that stops children from opening it. It should also have a heavy lid that is difficult to open accidentally. It should be equipped with wire bins or shelves to store smaller items, and an reversible door that can be reversible.
A good freezer has an alarm for temperature that will sound when the temperature inside starts to increase. This will allow you to keep food safe as it will notify you ahead of time if there is any issue. This feature is a must-have for any freezer. Also, ensure that you have a defrost drain.
Another thing to think about is whether the freezer has interior lighting. This feature is essential for keeping the freezer organized, especially if you store it in a dark area such as a garage or basement. This feature will assist you to find the item you're looking for much faster, and it will reduce the amount of times the freezer's lid is open, which could cause the temperature to drop.