Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
Consider chest freezers in the event that you have sheds or garages. They can assist with food storage, preserving produce or even to make space in the home.
Because air doesn't circulate as well in chest freezers, they tend to maintain food more effectively than upright freezers. Find one with high energy label ratings to lower running costs as well.
Size
When choosing a chest for your freezer decide on the amount of storage space you need. A good rule of thumb is to have one cubic foot of freezer space per person in your household. You will need a bigger freezer for more than that. If you plan on keeping it outside, you might think about the use of a chest freezer that comes with the option of locking. This will prevent anyone from taking food frozen.
Another important aspect to consider is whether you'd like your freezer chest capable of operating in freezing temperatures. If so, look for a model that's made to withstand low temperatures, or you'll have trouble keeping the food items inside fresh. Freezers designed to withstand temperatures of freezing are usually better insulated so their contents can stay frozen for longer.
If you're looking to buy a smaller freezer that can fit in your garage, look into this compact model from Midea. It can be used indoors and outdoors and can hold 7.2 cubic feet. It has a manual drain for defrost and an adjustable temperature control, and has storage baskets that provide additional organization. Its low price means you'll have the option of sacrificing some features, such as a lid that is balanced and an internal lighting, but it's a simple compromise when you want to make the most of your freezer space.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are typically shorter and lower than upright models. This makes them ideal for smaller spaces. Additionally, they can operate in colder conditions than conventional freezers and consume less energy - this is thanks to the side-wall insulation that keeps them at low temperatures without consuming a lot of energy.
To increase efficiency in energy use, choose an energy STAR certified chest freezer. These offer up to ten percent more energy savings than the minimum federal standards, and feature thick insulation to ensure optimal temperatures. Some utility companies even offer rebates on these items Check to see if yours does.
The annual power consumption of the freezer is also important to know. This is usually expressed in KWh numbers (1 KWh = one unit of electricity). Some manufacturers will provide this information on the product's packaging or in the user's manual. Others provide the information online.
It is also worth assessing the weight of your selected freezer before purchasing. It may require assistance to get it in and out of your garage or outbuilding therefore you should prepare in advance. You might also look into buying a model with caster wheels or rollers which will allow it to be easier to move around. If you plan to use the freezer for outdoor activities such as hunting here or gardening then you must ensure that it is able to operate in freezing temperatures.
Convenience
It doesn't matter if you're a hunter gardener, or simply have plenty of food leftover from cooking at home A chest freezer can be a great addition to your outbuilding or garage. It has more storage than a standard refrigerator, making it ideal for people who buy in bulk or keep the bounty of their vegetable gardens. Some models can hold meat. This is a great method to stock up on food for the winter.
In contrast to upright freezers chest freezers are typically more affordable as they use less power due to their side-wall insulation. They also have a number of convenient features, including drains for defrost and manual temperature control. Certain models also come with the ability to freeze quickly, which decreases the time it takes to freeze for certain foods to cut down on time.
The majority of freezers operate safely at temperatures of -18 degrees Celsius. This is ideal for colder climates. Anyone who lives close to the coast should look for freezers that are designed to withstand the sea air, as salt can cause damage to 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 that they could be used in unheated structures.
Safety
You should keep a chest freezer in your garage or some other place that is safe from the elements. Some people say that they have their freezers outside without a problem. However, most appliance repair experts agree that this isn't an ideal idea. The outdoor temperatures can be too cold for a freezer to continue operating reliably, and the humidity in the air can damage it over time.
The freezer in the chest should have an unlocked door to prevent children from opening it, and an extremely heavy lid that is difficult to open if you accidentally. It should also have wire baskets or shelves for smaller items and a door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.
A great freezer will come with an alarm for temperature that will sound when the internal temperature begins to rise, allowing you to save food by catching any issues early. Find a freezer that has this feature, and be sure that it includes the ability to drain the freezer after defrost.
The lighting inside the freezer is a different aspect to think about. This is essential to keep the freezer clean, especially when it's situated in a dark place, such as a garage or basement. This feature helps you locate what you are searching for quicker and decreases the chance that the lid of your freezer is opened without intention, which can cause the temperature to fall.