Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
You should consider chest freezers if you have sheds or garages. They can be used to store food items, to preserve produce, or to simply free up some space within the home.
As air does not circulate as well in chest freezers, they tend to retain food better than uprights. To lower operating costs, look for an appliance with a high energy rating.
Size
When you are choosing a freezer chest consider how much storage space you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to have a cubic foot of freezer space for every household member. If you have more people than that, then you'll need a larger freezer. You might also want to consider a chest freezer with security locks, particularly in the event you plan to keep it outdoors. This will stop anyone from taking food items frozen.
Another important aspect to consider is whether you want your freezer chest capable of working in freezing temperatures. If yes, you should look for an item that can be able to withstand temperatures below freezing, or you'll find it difficult to keep the contents fresh. Freezers designed to withstand freezing temperatures are usually better insulated, meaning that their contents stay frozen for longer.
If you're looking for a small freezer that can be tucked away in your garage, check out this compact model from Midea. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors, and it has a capacity of 7.2 cubic feet. It has a manual defrost drain and adjustable temperature control, and it includes storage baskets for extra organization. You'll need to sacrifice certain features to obtain it at this cost, including a counterbalanced top and an internal light. However, if you're looking to make the most of your freezer space it's a good choice.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are generally higher and longer than upright models. This makes them ideal for smaller spaces. Additionally, they are able to operate in colder temperatures than standard freezers and use less electricity - this is due to the side wall insulation that maintains them at a low temperature without consuming a lot of energy.
Find Frydge that is certified by ENERGY STAR certified to gain the most efficiency. They can provide up to 10 percent more energy savings than minimum federal standards and have thick insulation that helps to maintain optimal temperatures. Certain utility companies offer rebates on these products So make sure to check whether yours offers.
It is also important to note the freezer's annual usage of electricity which is usually stated as a KWh number (1 KWh = 1 unit of electricity). Certain manufacturers will display 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 prior to buying. It may require assistance to get it in and out of your garage or outbuilding and should prepare in advance. Think about buying a freezer that has caster wheels or rolling rollers to allow it to be easier to move around. If you're considering using the freezer as a food storage device for outdoor activities, like hunting or gardening You should ensure whether it's safe to use in freezing conditions.
Convenience
If you're a hunter a gardener or simply have a lot of leftover food from cooking at home, a chest freezer can be a valuable addition to your garage or outbuilding. It has more storage space than a conventional refrigerator, which is perfect for those who are buying in bulk or keeping the harvest from their vegetable garden. Some models can even accommodate meat that is a cheap option to stock up for the winter.
Contrary to upright freezers, chest freezers are typically more affordable as they use less electricity because of their side-wall insulation. They also come with many useful features, including the ability to drain defrost and a manual temperature control. Certain models also come with an instant freeze feature, which decreases the time it takes to freeze for certain foods in order to save time.
The majority of freezers are designed to function safely down to -18 degrees Celsius which is perfect for colder environments. Anyone who lives near the coast should search for freezers designed to withstand the sea air, as salt can affect freezers over time.
Beko and Russell Hobbs models are also available for those looking for a freezer built to last. These companies were among the first to test their freezers at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius to ensure they can be used in unheated structures.
Safety
You should keep a chest freezer in your garage or other area that is shielded from the elements. While some claim that they keep their freezer in the outdoors and use it without problems, most experts in appliance repair agree that this is a bad idea. The temperature outside could be too low to keep the freezer working efficiently. Additionally, the moisture in the air can harm it over time.
The chest freezer must be secured with a lock that will stop children from opening it. It must also have a thick lid that is difficult to open accidentally. It should also include wire baskets or shelves for smaller items and a reversible door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.
A good freezer will have an alarm for temperature that will sound if the internal temperature starts to increase, which can help you keep food safe by identifying any problems early. This feature is a must-have for any freezer. Also, make sure it has a defrost drainage.
Another aspect to consider is whether the freezer has an interior lighting. This is important for keeping the freezer organized, especially if it is in a dark area such as a garage or basement. This feature lets you locate what you are searching for quicker and decreases the frequency at which the freezer lid is opened by accident, which can cause the temperature to fall.