Why Buy a Mini Chest Freezer?
A chest freezer is ideal for those who like to put frozen bargains and you require extra freezer space. They are often located in garages or outbuildings. They allow you to benefit from the price reductions offered by supermarkets.
Currys' own brand is a great value for the money. It comes with a lot of storage (around five bags) and an A+ rating on energy efficiency, which means it's a bargain to run. It also features a lid that is counterbalanced, making it easier to separate food.
Capacity
If you have less space than what you require for a tall freezer, but need to stockpile plenty of summer ice cream or stews that are cooked in batches, a smaller chest is the ideal option. These smaller models are usually smaller and more spacious than larger models, which means they require less space. Some of them can fit in your garage. This is a great solution for people who grow their own vegetables or buy in bulk and then freeze it for later use.
Some models come with two or more baskets in the top of the unit to keep bags of frozen peas, or homemade Ice lollies upright, and to prevent smaller or frequently used foods from being lost in the freezer. These can be used to store spare bags of frozen baguettes, bread, in addition to other items.
The most affordable freezers are usually under PS150 and can be placed under your kitchen sink or in a utility room with larger chest designs can be more than PS1000. The Bush BECF99L comes in a sleek black case that features an open drain on the front to make defrosting a breeze. It is smaller than a lot of its rivals however, it offers a storage capacity of 100 litres. It can fit three bags of food items.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer can make mealtimes more convenient for families who are prone to batches of cooking or want to reduce food waste. It can also help reduce trips to the store, especially if you grow your fruit and vegetables. It's ideal for storing extra produce and making microwavable meals, says Vincent Finazzo, owner of Philadelphia-based Riverwards Produce.
Chest freezers tend to be extremely well insulated, which means they don't lose much of their cold air when the door is opened, as is the case with fridge and freezer doors. They can also be extremely energy efficient, particularly when you select one with low-frost technology. Low frost models need defrosting less frequently and will save you money on electric bill.
Many chest freezers come with features that make them more efficient. Look for a power-outage guarantee which guarantees that the freezer will not be frozen during the blackout, as well as the alarm to warn you of high temperatures or light to warn you when the interior has risen.
It is also worth checking the annual consumption of energy in kWh. This will give you a clear idea of here the cost it will take to run. You can usually find this figure in the instruction manual or on the freezer's energy label. Some models also come with a storage basket that clips over the top of the freezer, keeping small items from becoming lost in the chaos below.
Noise
This Bosch integrated model is just the right amount of space to be unobtrusive. It is perfect for caravans and motorhomes, as well as kitchenettes and student accommodation. It has a capacity of about 100 litres, which is enough for three shopping bags, and it's energy efficient, with an A+ rating. This means it will not cost much to run. It can keep food frozen for up to 30 hours without power, which makes it an ideal backup freezer in case of a power outage.
It's simple in design and doesn't create much noise, which is perfect for those who don't want their freezer to disturb their lives while working in the living or kitchen. It comes with a handy interior light and storage baskets that simplify the process of organizing.
Baskets for storage
Look for models with baskets made of wire that are clipped to the rim. These will lift common items like frozen vegetables and chopped onions away from the potentially chaotic mess below. They're also great for items that must be kept upright such as open containers of frozen beans or oven chips.
An alarm that is activated at high temperatures is another feature that buyers appreciate. This will alert you if the freezer is getting too hot due to cleaning, defrosting or introducing lots of non-frozen foods. This is an important safety feature, particularly when you intend to use the mini chest freezer outdoors or in the garage.
Despite its small size, this Bush model provides plenty of extra freezer space for your needs at a reasonable price. It is perfect for storing summer ice-creams or batch-cooked stews in winter. It can also be used it as a storage space in your garage or an outbuilding. It's also easy to get into thanks to the lid's counterbalanced design that doesn't close around your head as you rummage through it.
Chest freezers are notorious for accumulating food debris and if they're not organized properly, it's easy to lose track of the contents. There are a variety of ways to make your chest freezer more accessible and less likely to waste food. You can make a list on a poster or an extensive freezer inventory sheet (there's an example here), the right organising system will ensure that your mini chest freezer runs smoothly.