Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
You should consider chest freezers in the event that you have sheds or garages. They can be used to store food items for preserving produce, or simply to free up some space in the house.
Since air circulation isn't as well so chest freezers tend to retain food better than uprights. To save on operating costs, select a freezer with a high energy rating.
Size
Decide how much space require before selecting the chest freezer. A best practice is to have a cubic foot of freezer space for every household member. You'll need a larger freezer in case you have more than that. You may also want to opt for a chest freezer that features a lock, especially in the event you plan to keep it outdoors. This will prevent anyone from getting your frozen food.
Another important factor to consider is whether you'd like your freezer chest to be capable of operating in freezing temperatures. If you wish to keep your food fresh, select a model designed to withstand low temperature. Freezers that are designed to withstand freezing temperatures are typically more constructed to withstand cold temperatures than those made to be used indoors, so they can keep their contents frozen longer.
If you're looking to buy a smaller freezer that can fit in your garage, consider this compact model from Midea. It can be used indoors and outdoors and is able to hold 7.2 cubic feet. It comes with a drain for defrost as well as an adjustable temperature control, and it comes with storage baskets to aid in organisation. The low cost means that you'll have the option of sacrificing some features, like a lid that is balanced and an internal lighting, but it's an easy compromise when you want to make the most of your freezer space.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are usually larger and lower to the ground than upright models, which makes them ideal for smaller spaces. They are able to operate in colder temperatures than standard freezers and use less electricity - this is thanks to the side-wall insulation that maintains them at a low temperature without using too much energy.
Choose a chest freezer that is Energy STAR certified to ensure the highest energy efficiency. They can provide up to 10 percent more energy savings than minimum federal standards, and feature thick insulation to lock in optimal temperatures. Some utilities even offer rebates on these products So make sure to check if yours does.
You should also take note of the freezer's annual consumption of electricity which is usually stated in KWh units (1 KWh is 1 unit of electricity). Certain manufacturers will show this information on their product's packaging or in the user's manual, whereas others offer the information online.
Finally, you should consider checking the weight of your freezer prior to purchasing. You should plan ahead if you require assistance in moving it into or out of the garage or outbuilding. You may also want to consider purchasing a model with rollers or casters which will enable it to be moved around. If you're considering using the freezer as a food storage tool for outdoor activities such as hunting or gardening it is essential to confirm that it can be operated in cold weather.
Convenience
It doesn't matter if you're a hunter gardener, or simply have lots of leftover food from cooking at home, a chest freezer could be a valuable addition to your outbuilding or garage. It offers more storage space than a standard refrigerator, which is perfect for those who are buying in large quantities or preserving the produce from their vegetable garden. Some models can even hold meat, which is an affordable method to stock up for the winter.
In contrast to upright freezers chest freezers are typically more affordable since they consume less electricity because of their side-wall insulation. They also come with various useful features, including defrost drains and manual temperature control. Some models also have a quick freeze feature which reduces the freezing time for certain foods to cut down on time.
The majority of freezers check here are safe to operate at -18 degrees Celsius. This is ideal for colder climates. If you live near the sea make sure you choose freezers that are built to withstand salty air.
For those who are looking for a freezer built to last can consider the Beko or Russell Hobbs model. These brands were among the first to make sure their freezers are able to be used safely in unheated buildings by testing them in temperatures down to -15 degrees Celsius.
Safety
Keep your freezer in a garage or another location that is safe from the elements. Although some people claim they store their freezer outside and use it with no problems, most experts in appliance repair agree that this is not a good idea. The outside temperatures can be too low to keep the freezer working reliably. The moisture in the air can cause damage to the freezer over time.
The freezer in the chest must have a lock that prevents children from opening it. It must also have a sturdy lid that is difficult to open accidentally. It should have shelves or wire bins for smaller items, as well as a reversible, reversible-direction door.
A quality freezer has an alarm for temperature, which will sound when the temperature inside begins to rise. This can help save food, as it will alert you quickly in the event of a problem. Look for a freezer with this feature, and be sure that it has a defrost drain as well.
The lighting in the interior of the freezer is an additional aspect to consider. This is crucial for keeping the freezer in order, particularly in a dark space such as basements or garages. This feature can help you find the item you're looking for quicker, and it will cut down on the amount of times the freezer's lid is opened accidentally, which can result in a drop in temperature.