Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
You should consider chest freezers if you own a garage or shed. They can assist with food storage, preserving fruits and vegetables and even make space in the home.
As air does not circulate as well, chest freezers tend keep food frozen better than uprights. To reduce operating costs, look for one with a higher energy rating.
Size
Determine how much space you require before deciding on a chest freezer. As a rule of thumb, you should have one cubic foot for each member of your family. If you have more than that, then you'll require a larger freezer. You may also wish to opt for a chest freezer that features security locks, particularly in the event that you intend to keep it outdoors. This will prevent anyone from the food you've frozen.
You should also think about whether your freezer cabinet will be able operate at temperatures below freezing. If so, choose an item that can be able to withstand temperatures below freezing, or you'll be unable to keep the foods inside fresh. Freezers made to withstand temperatures of freezing are typically better insulated than those intended for indoor use, meaning they can keep their contents longer frozen.
If you're in search of a small freezer that fits in your garage, take a look at this compact model from Midea. Its capacity is 7.2 cubic feet and can be utilized in both indoor and outdoor settings. It has a manual drain for defrost as well as an adjustable temperature control, and it includes storage baskets for extra organisation. You'll have to give up some features to buy it for this price such as a counterbalanced top and an internal light. However, if you're looking to make the most of your freezer space it's a great bargain.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are usually taller and lower to ground than upright models, which makes them ideal for tight spaces. They can also be operated in colder climates than conventional freezers and require less energy. This is due to the insulation on the sides of the freezer that keeps them at low temperatures, without requiring excessive energy.
Find a chest freezer that is Energy STAR certified to get the highest efficiency in energy use. These can offer up to 10 percent more energy savings than the minimum federal standards and include thick insulation to ensure optimal temperatures. Check to see if your utility company offers rebates on these products.
The annual power consumption of the freezer is also important to consider. This is usually expressed in a KWh number (1 KWh is one unit of electricity). Certain manufacturers will provide this information in their user's manual or on the product's label while others will publish it online.
Also, you should check the weight of your freezer before purchasing. Make a plan if you 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 enable it to be moved around. If you intend to use the freezer for outdoor activities like gardening or hunting then you must ensure that it is able to operate in frigid temperatures.
Convenience
A chest freezer is a great addition to any garage or outbuilding, whether you are a gardener or hunter or have a lot leftover food left over after cooking. It can provide more storage space than a standard refrigerator, which is ideal for those who buy bulk or preserving the harvest from their vegetable garden. Some models can even accommodate meat which is a cost-effective way to stock up for the winter.
Unlike upright freezers, chest freezers are usually cheaper as they use less electricity because of their side-wall insulation. These freezers also have numerous useful features, like a drain for defrost and a temperature control manual. Some models even have an instant freeze feature, which decreases the time it takes to freeze for certain foods in order to save time.
Most freezers can be operated safely at -18 degrees Celsius. This is perfect for colder climates. People who live near the coast should look for freezers built to withstand sea air, as salt can cause damage to freezers over time.
Beko and Russell Hobbs models are also available for those looking for an appliance that will last. These manufacturers are among the first to make sure their freezers can be safely used in unheated structures by testing them at temperatures as low read more as -15° Celsius.
Safety
You should keep a chest freezer in your garage or some other place that is safe from the elements. While some claim that they keep their freezer outdoors and use it without any issues, the majority of repair experts agree that this is a bad idea. The outdoor temperatures could be too cold to keep a freezer operating properly, and moisture in the air can end up damaging it over time.
The chest freezer must be secured with a lock that prevents children from opening it. It must also have a sturdy lid, which is difficult to open accidentally. It should be equipped with wire bins or shelves to store smaller items and an reversible door that can be reversible.
A good freezer should have a temperature alarm which will sound if the internal temperature starts to rise, allowing you save food by catching any issues in the early stages. Choose a model that has this feature, and make sure that it includes an unfrost drain, too.
Another thing to think about is whether the freezer is equipped with interior lighting. This is essential to keep the freezer arranged, especially when it is located situated in a dark place, such as basements or garages. This feature will help you find the item you're looking for quicker, and it will reduce the amount of times the lid of the freezer gets accidentally opened, which can result in the temperature dropping.