Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
You should think about chest freezers if you have a garage or shed. They can be used to store food items for preserving produce, or simply to clear some space in your home.
Because air doesn't circulate as well and chest freezers are more compact, they maintain food more effectively than uprights. Look for one with the highest energy label rating to cut down on running costs.
Size
When selecting a freezer chest, determine how much storage space you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to have a cubic foot of freezer space for each household member. If you have more than that, then you will require a larger freezer. If you are planning to keep it outside, you might be interested in the use of a chest freezer that comes with locks. This will prevent anyone from taking food frozen.
Another thing to think about is whether you'd like your freezer chest to be capable of operating in freezing temperatures. If so, search for a model that's made to be able to withstand temperatures below freezing, or you'll be unable to keep the foods inside fresh. Freezers designed to withstand temperatures of freezing are typically better protected than those designed for indoor use, so they'll keep their contents frozen longer.
This compact model from Midea is perfect for those looking for an affordable, garage-friendly freezer. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors and is able to hold 7.2 cubic feet. It has a manual drain, adjustable temperature control and storage baskets to help you stay organized. The low cost means that you'll need to sacrifice a few features, like the lid's counterbalance as well as an internal light, but it's an easy trade-off when you want to make the most of your freezer storage.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers tend to be higher and longer than upright models. This makes them perfect for smaller spaces. They can operate in colder environments than standard freezers and use less energy - this is thanks to the side-wall insulation that maintains them at low temperatures without consuming a lot of energy.
Look for a chest freezer that is ENERGY STAR certified to achieve the most energy efficiency. They offer up to ten percent more energy savings than minimum federal standards and have thick insulation to keep in optimal temperatures. Check to see if the utility company offers rebates on these products.
The annual power consumption of the freezer is also important to consider. It is typically expressed in KWh numbers (1 KWh is one unit of electricity). Some manufacturers will provide this information on their product or in their user's manual. Others offer it online.
It is also worth checking the weight prior to purchasing. Plan ahead if you need assistance in moving it into or out of the garage or outbuilding. Look into buying a model that has caster wheels or rolling rollers to help you move it around. If you're thinking about using the freezer as a food storage device for outdoor activities like hunting or gardening it is important to ensure that it can be operated in freezing conditions.
Convenience
Whether you're a hunter, a gardener or simply have lots of leftover food from cooking at home, a chest freezer could be a great addition to your garage or outbuilding. It can store more than a standard refrigerator, making it ideal for those who shop in bulk or wish to preserve the fruits from their vegetable garden. Some models can also hold meat. This is a great method to stock up on food for the winter.
Chest freezers are more affordable than upright freezers due to the fact that they use less energy because of the insulation here on their side walls. These freezers also have numerous useful features, like a drain for defrost and an instruction manual for temperature control. Some models have a quick-freeze function that reduces the time it takes to freeze certain food items.
The majority of freezers are built to operate safely below -18 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for colder environments. Those who live near the coast should look for freezers made to withstand sea temperatures, as salt can damage 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 can be used in unheated buildings.
Safety
It is recommended to keep a chest freezer in your garage or some other location that is protected from the elements. Some claim to have their freezers outside without a problem. However, most experts on appliance repair agree that this isn't an ideal idea. The outdoor temperatures could be too cold for a freezer to continue operating reliably, and the humidity in the air can damage it over time.
The chest freezer must be secured with a lock that will stop children from opening it. It must also have a sturdy lid, which is difficult to open accidentally. It should also include shelves or wire baskets to store smaller items and a door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.
A good freezer should have an alarm for temperature that sounds if the internal temperature begins to rise, allowing you save food by catching any issues in the early stages. Look for a freezer equipped with this feature, and ensure that it has the ability to drain the freezer after defrost.
Another aspect to consider is whether the freezer has internal lighting. This is essential to keep the freezer in order, particularly when it is located situated in a dark place, such as a garage or basement. This feature will help you locate the item you're searching for quicker and cut down on the number of times that the lid of the freezer gets opened accidentally, which can result in a drop in temperature.