Why Buy a Chest Freezer?
A chest freezer allows you to keep a stash of frozen meals. They're ideal for hunters who want to freeze game, or cooks who like to buy in bulk and create large quantities of food to keep in the freezer.
Chest freezers are larger than upright models, and they require more space to store frozen food items. Look for features like front drains and a low-noise output to ease maintenance and retrieving food.
Size
Chest freezers are ideal for stocking food in large quantities. Frydge can use them to freeze garden produce, meat purchased from a butcher or home-cooked meals. These containers are also ideal for storing desserts such as cakes, cookies and pie.
The size of chest freezers is usually determined by the amount they can store in cubic feet. Generally, one cubic foot can store 35 to 40 pounds of food. The size of the freezer you pick depends on how many people are in your household. A small freezer is ideal for singles and college students who want to save money by purchasing in bulk and the storage of leftovers.
Look for chest freezers that are on sale if you want to grab a bargain deal. These models are slightly cheaper than the latest models but still have a great performance.
Upright freezers require less space than chest models, so they're great for people who reside in apartments or have limited room in their homes. They also have more storage options, including bins and shelves, which can help organize food and make it easier to locate. Some have sliding baskets to provide additional storage. The upright freezers can be operated either manually or with a self-defrosting mechanism. Bottom and upright freezers are available in a range of finishes including stainless steel and slate. Pick a model that matches the decor of your kitchen.
Energy Efficiency
A chest freezer is an excellent option to buy frozen items. The huge capacity of the chest freezer allows you to purchase bulk items like beef and fish at a bargain so you'll have enough food in case you're on a limited budget. The freezer also keeps food items at a safe temperature, which means you can take pleasure in the taste of frozen meals for a long time to come.
Energy efficient chest freezers typically require less energy than upright models with doors that swing. The efficiency of the appliance will be contingent on its model as well as the surroundings it is placed in.
If you are concerned about the amount of energy a chest freezer is consuming, consider investing in an one that is insulated. These freezers have side wall insulation built in that helps them keep their cold temperature for longer and use less energy.
You can also cut down on your freezer's energy usage by checking that the freezer's door is closed completely. If you leave the door open just an inch will cost you nearly as much energy as running a Hummer for an hour!
If your freezer is in an unlit basement or garage make sure you look for an interior light. This will make it easier to find food items, and you won't have to fumble around with a flashlight in the dark.
Storage Options
A chest freezer can be used to buy groceries at deals, cook meals and store frozen treats. But, a big freezer can also be a wide-open abyss where you're at risk of losing the best food storage containers underneath a plethora of frozen treats.
That's why you must purchase some excellent freezer organizers to make this appliance truly work for you and your family. For example, if you're able to find these crimson-colored Sterilite locker crates (they're actually made for lockers, but they work with chest freezers well too) you can arrange your foods in an orderly and neat manner. They offer sections for fruits, meats, veggies, canned foods and other dry items. And, you can still have plenty of room left for the various items you keep in your freezer (think herbs, sauce sachets and seasoning from takeaway orders, etc.).
Sliding baskets are a great storage solution. These are usually included with chest freezers and assist in the easy arrangement of freezer food. They also serve as a method of keeping the items that you frequently use at eye level which makes them easy to reach for when you need them. You can also make use of old baby formula containers or plastic tubs to create freezer storage bins.
Security
Select a freezer that comes with an assurance of power outages to ensure that your food is safe to eat in the event of a 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 offer fast freeze, which can help you reduce energy consumption by freezing meals more quickly than their usual rate. This is particularly useful in the case of filling your freezer with food items that have been at room temperature, like a bag of blueberries or a pot of soup.
To lessen the impact on the environment, look for a chest-freezer which uses R600a. This kind of refrigerant does not deplete the ozone, protecting the atmosphere.
Consider installing a locking device on your chest freezer, particularly in the case of an outdoor shed, garage or some other location in which children are likely to access it. A lock will stop anyone from getting access to your food items, and also stop children from climbing in and drowning.
Do not store any flammable liquids or gases in the vicinity of your freezer. It could cause dangerous fumes which could trigger a fire or explosion. Before cleaning or performing any maintenance, unplug the freezer. Also, take out all ice prior to moving the freezer.