Where to Buy Chest Freezers
A second freezer is a great option for those who purchase food in large quantities or make meals ahead of time. Look for high-quality chest freezers with enough capacity to handle the bulk of your purchases, and also reduce trips to the grocery store.
Browse a large selection of chest freezers at P.C. Richard & Son for the most affordable price guaranteed. Find models that have interior baskets to keep items within reach along with an interior light and an indicator for power-on.
Size
Many families require more storage space than a refrigerator freezer or an upright freezer can offer. At Lowe's you will find chest freezers that come in a broad range of sizes. The best choice for you will depend on what you'll keep in the freezer, the size of your family and your budget.
A chest freezer is an appliance that stands on its own and opens up from the top, much like an open treasure chest. It's wider and shorter than a regular refrigerator freezer. They don't have drawers, but they come with wire baskets to help you organize food. They're less expensive than upright freezers, however they aren't as stylish and usually have fewer features. Some models are garage-ready to be able to withstand higher temperatures.
If you want to place your freezer in a garage or basement, consider how warm the area is and whether it's difficult to access your food items. Make sure you have the right measurements to ensure that you have enough space to keep the freezer.
Experts recommend a freezer of about 2.5 cubic feet for each household member. If you're keeping larger foods like whole lasagna or turkey slabs, you'll need a larger model. Also, consider whether you plan to freeze entire meals or just ingredients when determining the size of your freezer. A freezer that is too small can cause it to work harder to keep the temperature cool, which can affect effectiveness.
Energy Efficiency
Chest freezers are a great choice for those who buy in bulk or cook large meals that they freeze for later use or who live in an area susceptible to power outages. Contrary to upright freezers, chest freezers do not automatically defrost however they maintain a lower temperature than other types of freezers and can stay longer frozen if the power goes out.
Select an Energy STAR certified model when you are choosing a refrigerator to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. These freezers are energy efficient as they're better insulated and feature advanced components that consume less electricity.
You can use bags to organize your kitchen, particularly in the case of bins that aren't something you want to invest in. You can purchase them at the dollar store and they're ideal for keeping items like vegetables and meat separate. Some people repurpose cardboard containers, such as milk cartons and baby formula bottles, to store their food.
Some freezers are equipped with interior lighting that can be helpful in locating something. This feature is typically available on more expensive models that are larger, but it's useful for those who have limited space or want to maximize their space. Some freezers come with removable dividers to help you better organize your food, however these can reduce the amount of space you can use.
Capacity of Storage
Chest freezers are great for those who buy bulk food items or prefer to cook and preserve homemade meals ahead of time. They're also beneficial for hunters, gardeners and farmers who wish to make the most of their produce or meat by storing excess for later use. They are also ideal for anyone who often makes double batches of soups or stews or sauces. They can be frozen and reheated easily.
Freezer chests are equipped with one compartment that is without drawers or shelves and a hinged top that opens upward. Some freezer chests have baskets that can be used to store items that are commonly used above the larger ones. Look for a lid that is counterbalanced so you can move around the contents as it remains open. A dial thermostat, manual defrost and an interior light are also useful.
Consider the number of people living in your house and the amount of food items you're planning to stock up. A family of four requires approximately 2.1 cubic feet of storage. Label all bins, or make use of plastic bins with labels to help you organize your freezer. Many people purchase bins at the Dollar Store or repurpose items like milk cartons, and oatmeal jars when they're on low budget.
Features
A chest freezer can provide valuable extra storage space, particularly when you're planning for an extended power outage or trying to cut down on your grocery expenses. They also tend to be more peaceful and less expensive than upright freezers. Some models even have an alarm for high temperatures or alarm that sounds when the food inside is becoming warmer.
Because they have much thicker insulation than upright freezers chest freezers help keep frozen food secure and frozen for longer than upright freezers. Some models also come with racks for storage in various sizes that help keep smaller items separated and easy to locate. A chest freezer with lid locks is helpful if you have young children, since it stops them from attempting to climb into the freezer and getting trapped and possibly dying.
A chest freezer is an excellent addition to any home that has enough space for one particularly if you're trying to save money on groceries and prepare for a long power outage. Take into consideration the size and capacity you need according to your family's average food consumption, and keep in mind the energy efficiency as well as other features that are available for each model. Find the chest freezer that's best suited to your family's requirements and budget. If you're in a pinch, look for freezers with check here scratches, marks or blemishes. You can also find a more affordable model.