Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
If you have an outbuilding or garage is a good idea to look at chest freezers for your outbuilding. They can be used for food storage as well as to preserve produce or just to free up some space in the house.
Since air circulation isn't in the same way and chest freezers are more compact, they maintain food more effectively than uprights. Look for one with the highest energy label rating to lower running costs as well.
Size
Decide how much space require before you choose a chest freezer. As a rule of thumb it is recommended to have one cubic foot for each person in your family. You'll need a bigger freezer for more than that. It is also possible to opt for a chest freezer that features locks, particularly if you're planning on keeping it outside. This will stop anyone from the food you've frozen.
You should also consider whether your freezer chest will be able operate in freezing temperatures. If you're looking to ensure that your food is fresh, select an appliance that can be able to withstand low temperatures. Refrigerators that are designed to withstand freezing temperature are typically more insulated, which means that their contents will stay frozen for longer.
If you're looking for a compact freezer that will fit in your garage, take a look at this compact model from Midea. Its capacity is 7.2 cubic feet and can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings. It comes with a manual drain for defrost and an adjustable temperature control, and it comes with storage baskets to aid in organization. You'll have to sacrifice certain features to get it at this price such as a counterbalanced top and an internal light. But if you're looking to make the most of your freezer space it's a great bargain.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are usually shorter and lower to ground than upright models, making them perfect for small spaces. They can also operate in a colder climate than conventional freezers, and consume less energy. This is due to the insulating sidewall that allows them to operate at lower temperatures, without requiring excessive energy.
To maximize efficiency in energy use, choose an ENERGY STAR certified chest freezer. These chest freezers offer up to 10% more energy savings than federal minimum standards. They also feature thick insulation that helps to maintain the perfect temperature. Find out if your utility company offers rebates on these products.
The annual power consumption of the freezer is also important to consider. It is typically expressed as a KWh number (1 KWh is one unit of electricity). Some manufacturers will display this information on their product's packaging or in the user's manual, whereas others offer the information online.
It's also worth looking into the weight prior to purchasing. It may require assistance to get it out of your outbuilding or garage and should plan according to your needs. Think about buying a freezer with caster wheels, or rolling rollers to help you move it around. If you're considering using the freezer to store food in a device for outdoor activities, such as hunting or gardening You should ensure that it can be operated in cold weather.
Convenience
If you're a hunter a gardener or simply have lots of food leftover from cooking at home A chest freezer can be a handy addition to your outbuilding or garage. It has more storage than a standard fridge making it ideal for those who shop in bulk or want to keep the bounty of their vegetable gardens. Some models can even accommodate meat, which is an affordable method to stock up for the winter.
As opposed to upright freezers and chest freezers are generally more affordable since they consume less electricity because of their side-wall insulation. They also come with several useful features, including drains for defrost and manual temperature control. Some models also come with a quick freeze feature which can reduce the time to freeze for some foods to save time.
The majority of freezers are made for safe operation down to 18 degrees Celsius which is perfect for colder climates. If you live near the ocean seek out freezers built to withstand salty air.
Additionally, those looking for a freezer built to last should consider the Beko or Russell Hobbs model. These companies were among the first to make sure their freezers can be used safely in unheated structures by testing them at temperatures as low as -15° Celsius.
Safety
Keep your chest freezer in a garage or other place that is protected against the elements. Some claim to have their freezers outside without a problem. However, the majority of experts in repair of appliances are of the opinion that this is not a good idea. The temperatures outside are too low for the freezer to function effectively. The moisture in the air can damage it over time.
The chest freezer must have locks that stop children from opening it. It must also have a sturdy lid, which is difficult to open accidentally. It should also include wire baskets or shelves for smaller items and get more info a door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.
A well-designed freezer comes with an alarm for temperature which will sound when the temperature inside begins to rise. This can help save food as it will alert you early when there's an issue. This feature is essential for any freezer. Also, ensure that it has a defrost drainage.
Another thing to think about is whether the freezer has internal lighting. This is crucial for keeping the freezer clean, especially when it's in a dark space such as a garage or basement. This feature lets you find what you're looking for faster and reduces the amount of times that the lid of your freezer is opened by accident, which can cause the temperature to fall.