Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
Consider chest freezers in the event that you have sheds or garages. They can be used for food storage for preserving produce, or to simply free up some space within the home.
Because air doesn't circulate in the same way in chest freezers, they tend to be more efficient in keeping food frozen than upright freezers. Find one with a high energy label rating to cut down on running costs.
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 per person in your household. You will need a bigger freezer in case you have more than that. If you intend to keep it outside, you might be interested in an upright freezer that has an lock. This will stop anyone from the food you've frozen.
Another important aspect to consider is whether you want your freezer chest to be capable of working in temperatures of ice. If you want to ensure that your food is fresh, opt for one that is designed to stand up to low temperature. Freezers made to withstand freezing temperatures are usually better protected than those designed for indoor use, so they'll keep their contents in the freezer for longer.
If you're looking for a compact freezer that fits in your garage, check out this compact model from Midea. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors and has a capacity 7.2 cubic feet. It has a manual drain, adjustable temperature control, and storage baskets to help you stay organized. Its low price means you'll have to compromise on some features, such as a lid that is balanced and an internal lighting, but it's an easy trade-off if you want to make the most of your freezer space.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers tend to be shorter and lower to ground than upright models, making them ideal for spaces with tight spaces. Additionally, they are able to operate in colder conditions than standard freezers and use less energy - this is due to the side-wall insulation that keeps them at very low temperatures without consuming a lot of energy.
Choose a chest freezer that is Energy STAR certified to get the most energy efficiency. These offer up to ten percent more energy savings than the minimum federal standards and have thick insulation that helps to maintain optimal temperatures. Check to see if you utility company offers rebates on these products.
You should also note the annual consumption of electricity for your freezer, which is usually given in KWh units (1 KWh is 1 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.
Lastly, it's worth checking the weight of your selected freezer before you buy. Consider if you will require help moving it into and out of the garage or outbuilding. You may also want to think about purchasing a model that has rollers or casters, which will make it easier to shift around. If you plan to use the freezer to do outdoor activities such as hunting or gardening it is essential to ensure that it's capable of working in freezing temperatures.
Convenience
Whether you're a hunter, a gardener or simply have plenty of leftover food from cooking at home, a chest freezer can be a valuable addition to your outbuilding or garage. It has more storage than a standard fridge making it ideal for people who buy in bulk or want to preserve the fruits of their vegetable garden. Some more info models can accommodate meat. This is a great way to get food supplies for the winter months.
As opposed to upright freezers and chest freezers are typically less expensive since they consume less electricity due to their side-wall insulation. They also have several useful features, such as drains for defrost and manual temperature control. Some models even have a fast freeze function, which reduces the freezing time for certain food items to save time.
Most freezers can operate safely at -18 degrees Celsius. This is ideal for colder climates. If you live near the ocean make sure you choose freezers that are built to withstand salty air.
Beko and Russell Hobbs models are also available for those looking for a freezer that is built to last. These companies are among the first to guarantee that their freezers are able to be safely used in non-heated buildings by testing them in temperatures down to -15 degrees Celsius.
Safety
Keep your chest freezer in a garage, or any other area that is secured from the elements. Some people claim to use their freezers outside without any issues. However, most experts in repair of appliances believe that this isn't an ideal option. The outdoor temperatures could be too cold for a freezer to continue operating reliably, and the moisture in the air can affect the condition of the freezer over time.
The chest freezer must be secured with locks that stop children from opening it. It must also have a thick lid that is difficult to open accidentally. It should also have shelves or wire baskets for storing smaller items, and a reversible door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.
A good freezer should have an alarm for temperature that will sound when the internal temperature starts to rise, allowing you to keep food safe by identifying any issues in the early stages. This feature is a must-have for any freezer. Also, ensure that there is a drainage for defrost.
The lighting inside the freezer is a different aspect to think about. This is essential to keep the freezer organized, especially if it is in a dark space such as a garage or basement. This feature makes it easier to locate what you are looking for quicker and decreases the chance that the lid of the freezer is opened without intention, which can cause the temperature to fall.