Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
Consider chest freezers if you own a garage or shed. They can be used for food storage as well as to preserve produce or simply to free up some space within the home.
Since air doesn't circulate in the same way and chest freezers are more compact, they be more efficient in keeping food frozen than uprights. Choose a model with a high energy label rating to lower running costs as well.
Size
Determine how much space you require before deciding on a chest freezer. A best practice is to have one cubic foot of freezer space for every household member. If you have more people than that, then you will need a larger freezer. If you plan on keeping it outside, you may think about a chest freezer with an lock. This will stop anyone from stealing frozen food.
Another thing to think about is whether you want your freezer chest to be capable of operating in frigid temperatures. If so, search for a model that's made to stand up to low temperatures or you'll struggle to keep the foods inside fresh. Freezers that are designed to withstand freezing temperatures are usually more well-insulated, therefore their contents can remain frozen for longer.
If you're looking to buy a smaller freezer that can be tucked away in your garage, look into this compact model from Midea. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors and can hold 7.2 cubic feet. It comes with a manual drain, adjustable temperature control and storage baskets to help you stay organised. Its price is low, which means you'll need to sacrifice a few features, such as a lid that is balanced and an internal lighting, but it's an easy compromise when you want to make the most of your freezer space.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are generally higher and longer than upright models. This makes them ideal for small spaces. In addition, they are able to operate in colder temperatures than standard freezers and use less power - this is due to the side-wall insulation that keeps them at extremely low temperatures without using too much energy.
Choose a chest freezer that is ENERGY STAR certified to gain the most energy efficiency. These can offer up to 10 percent more energy savings than minimum federal standards and have thick insulation to keep in optimal temperatures. Some utilities even offer rebates on these products, so check to see whether yours is eligible.
You should also note the freezer's annual usage of electricity which is usually stated in KWh figures (1 KWh = 1 unit of electricity). Some manufacturers will display this information on their product's label or in their user manual, while others offer it online.
It's also worth looking into the weight before purchasing. You might need help getting it out of your shed or garage and should prepare accordingly. Look into buying a model that has caster wheels or rolling rollers to enable it to be moved around. If you're considering using the freezer to store food in a device for outdoor activities, such as gardening or hunting it is essential to confirm whether it's safe to use in cold weather.
Convenience
It doesn't matter if you're a hunter a gardener or simply have a lot of food leftover from cooking at home, a chest freezer could be a handy addition to your garage or outbuilding. It has more storage than a standard fridge, making it ideal for those who shop in bulk or preserve the fruits of their vegetable gardens. Some models are able to hold meat and other food items, which is a great method to stock up for the winter.
Chest freezers are more affordable than upright freezers because they consume less energy because of the insulation that is check here built into the side walls. They also have many useful features, including a defrost drain and a manual temperature control. Some models have a fast-freeze function that decreases freezing times for certain foods.
Most freezers can be operated safely at -18 degrees Celsius. This is perfect for colder climates. Anyone who lives near the ocean should look for freezers designed to withstand the sea air, as salt can affect freezers over time.
Alternatively, those who are seeking a freezer built to last should consider a Beko or Russell Hobbs model. 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 area that is shielded from the elements. Some claim to use their freezers outside without a problem. However, most experts in appliance repair agree that this isn't an ideal solution. The outdoor temperatures are too cold for a freezer to continue operating properly, and humidity in the air could damage it over time.
The chest freezer should have locks that stop children from opening it. It must also have a strong lid, which is difficult to open accidentally. It should be equipped with wire bins or shelves to store smaller items and the door is reversible and reversible.
A good freezer has a temperature alarm which will sound when the temperature inside starts to rise. This will help you save food as it will alert you early when there is any issue. This feature is a must-have for any freezer. Also, ensure that it has a drainage system for defrost.
The lighting in the interior of the freezer is an additional aspect to consider. This is crucial for keeping the freezer in order, particularly situated in a dark place, such as a garage or basement. This feature will help you find what you are looking for much faster and cut down on the amount of times the lid of the freezer gets open, which could cause the temperature to drop.