Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
Consider chest freezers if you own a garage or shed. They can help with food storage, preserving produce, or just to free up space within the home.
Chest freezers tend to keep frozen better than upright freezers, as air doesn't circulate as much. Find freezers chest Frydge with the highest energy label rating to help reduce the running cost too.
Size
Determine how much space you require before deciding on a chest freezer. As a general rule you should have a cubic foot for each person in your family. You will need a bigger freezer for more than that. If you are planning to keep it outside, you may think about the use of a chest freezer that comes with the option of locking. This will stop anyone from the food you've frozen.
You should also take into consideration whether your freezer will function at temperatures below freezing. If yes, you should look for one that is designed to be able to withstand temperatures below freezing, or you'll have trouble keeping the contents fresh. Freezers made to withstand temperatures of freezing are typically better insulated than those intended to be used indoors, so they can keep their contents cold for longer.
If you're in search of a small freezer that fits in your garage, look into this compact model from Midea. It has a capacity of 7.2 cubic feet and can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings. It comes with a manual drain, adjustable temperature control, and storage baskets to help you stay organised. You'll need to sacrifice some features to buy it for this price with a counterbalanced front and an internal light. However, if you're looking to maximize your freezer storage it's a great bargain.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are typically longer and lower than upright models. This makes them ideal for smaller spaces. They can also operate in colder temperatures than conventional freezers and consume less energy. This is due to the insulation on the sides of the freezer which keeps them at lower temperatures without requiring a lot of energy.
Make sure you choose a freezer that is Energy STAR certified to gain the highest efficiency in energy use. These freezers offer up to 10% more energy savings than the federal minimum standards. They also come with thick insulation that ensures the right temperature. Check to see if you utility company offers rebates on these products.
It is also important to know the annual consumption of electricity for your freezer, which is usually given as a KWh figure (1 KWh is 1 unit of electricity). Some manufacturers will include this information in their user's manual or on the product's packaging, while others will post it online.
It's also worth looking into the weight prior to buying. You should plan ahead if you require help moving it into and out of the garage or outbuilding. You should consider buying a freezer that comes with caster wheels or rolling rollers to make it easier to move around. If you intend to use the freezer to do outdoor activities such as gardening or hunting then you must be sure that it's able to operate in freezing temperatures.
Convenience
A chest freezer is an excellent addition to any outbuilding or garage regardless of whether you're a hunter or gardener, or have a lot leftover food after cooking. It's more roomy than a standard fridge making it ideal for those who purchase in bulk or preserve the fruits of their vegetable gardens. Some models are able to hold meat which is a cost-effective way to stock up for the winter months.
Chest freezers are more affordable than upright freezers because they use less energy due to the insulation on their sides. They also have various useful features, including the ability to drain defrost and a manual temperature control. Some models also come with a fast freeze function, which can reduce the time to freeze for certain foods in order to save time.
The majority of freezers are made to operate safely down to -18 degrees Celsius which is ideal for colder climates. Anyone who lives near the coast should look for freezers that are designed to withstand the sea air, as salt can cause damage to freezers over time.
Alternatively, those who are looking for a freezer built to last can consider a Beko or Russell Hobbs model. These manufacturers are among the first to ensure their freezers can be safely used in non-heated structures by testing them at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
Safety
Store your chest freezer in a garage or another place that is protected against the elements. While some claim that they store their freezer outside and use it with no problems, most appliance repair specialists believe that this is a bad idea. The temperature outside could be too low to allow the freezer to operate effectively. The moisture in the air can damage it over time.
The chest freezer must have an unlocked door to prevent children from opening it, as well as a lid that is difficult to open accidentally. It should also include wire baskets or shelves to store smaller items and a reversible door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.
A quality freezer will have an alarm for temperature which will sound if the internal temperature starts to increase, which can help you keep food safe by identifying any issues early. This feature is a must-have for any freezer. Also, make sure it has a drainage system for defrost.
The lighting inside the freezer is yet another aspect to consider. This is essential to keep the freezer in order, particularly if it is in a dark location like a garage or basement. This feature makes it easier to locate what you are searching for faster and reduces the chance that the freezer lid is opened accidentally, which can cause the temperature to fall.