Why Buy a Chest Freezer?
Have a stash of frozen meals available with a chest freezer. These chest freezers are ideal for hunters who wish to freeze game, or cooks who prefer buying in bulk in order to make large quantities of food.
Chest freezers have a larger footprint than upright models and require more space for accessing frozen food items. Consider features like front drains and low sound output to make maintenance and retrieving food more convenient.
Size
Chest freezers are excellent for keeping food in large quantities. You can use them to freeze your garden produce, meat bought from a butcher shop or home-cooked meals. These containers are also ideal for storing desserts such as cookies, cakes and pie.
Chest freezers are typically measured by the capacity that they can hold in cubic feet. Typically, a cubic foot can store 35 to 40 pounds of food. The size of the freezer you pick depends on the number of people who are in your family. A small freezer is ideal for college students and singles who are looking to save money by purchasing in bulk and conserving leftovers.
If you are looking to grab some savings, check out chest freezers that are on sale. These models are a little more expensive than the latest models however they still work well.
Upright freezers require less space on the floor than chest models, so they're great for people who live in apartments or have limited room in their homes. They also come with more storage options, such as shelves and bins, which help organize food items and make them easier to find. Some even feature sliding baskets to provide additional storage. The upright freezers can be operated by hand or with self-defrosting technology. These freezers are available in a variety of finishes including slate and stainless steel. Choose a model that complements your kitchen's decor.
Energy Efficiency
A chest freezer is a great option to store up on frozen goods. Its capacity is large, allowing you to store bulk items like meat and fish at a reduced cost, ensuring that you have plenty of food in case your budget is strained. The freezer is able to keep food at the right temperature to allow you to enjoy frozen meals for many months.
Energy efficient chest freezers generally require less energy than upright swinging door freezer models. However, how efficiently the appliance performs depends on the specific model and the environment it is kept in.
Consider buying an insulated chest freezer if you are concerned about the amount of energy a chest refrigerator consumes. These freezers come with side wall insulation built-in, which helps them maintain their cold temperature for longer and consume less energy.
It is also possible to reduce the energy use of your freezer by ensuring that the freezer's doors are closed completely. A freezer door that is left open just a little bit will cost you as much in electricity as running the Hummer for an hour!
If your freezer is in the basement or garage that is dark make sure you look for an interior light. This will help you find your food items without needing to make use of a flashlight.
Storage Options
A chest freezer can be used to shop for grocery store deals, make meal preparations and store frozen treats. A large freezer could feel like an abyss, where you may be able to lose even the most pristine food storage containers amid a plethora of frozen food items.
You should invest in great freezer tools for organization if you want this appliance to work for your family. For instance, if you're able to find these crimson-colored Sterilite locker crates (they're designed to be used as lockers, but fit chest freezers perfectly) you can arrange your foods in an orderly and neat way. They have sections for vegetables, fruits as well as canned food and other dry items. You can also have plenty of space for the various items you keep in your freezer (think herbs, sauce sachets, seasonings from takeaway food orders, etc.).
Another great storage solution is to use sliding baskets. These are usually included with a chest freezer, and they can aid in the organization of food items in the freezer. These bins are also a great option to store the items you use the most frequently at eye level so they're more accessible when you need them. You can also use old baby formula containers or plastic tubs to create freezer storage bins.
Security
Ensure your food is safe to eat in the event of a power failure by choosing a refrigerator with an assurance of power outage. This feature allows you to freeze food items for up to 48 hours, allowing you to freeze food items or meals.
Many chest freezers provide a fast freeze, which helps you reduce energy consumption by freezing meals faster than their normal rate. This is especially useful if you're filling the freezer with items that are at room temperature, such as blueberries in a bag, or a pot of soup.
Find a chest freezer that uses R600a refrigerant to help reduce its environmental impact. Frydge of refrigerant won't reduce the ozone layer, helping to protect the air.
Consider installing a lock on your chest freezer, particularly when it's located in the garage, shed or other place where children can access it. A lock will stop people from getting access to your food and also prevent children from climbing inside and becoming suffocated.
Store flammable liquids and gases away from your freezer. This could cause dangerous fumes that could lead to an explosion or even a fire. Before cleaning or performing any maintenance, disconnect the freezer. Also, remove all ice prior to moving the freezer.