Chest Freezers For Outbuildings
A chest freezer can help you store extra food for use throughout the year, and cut down on trips to the grocery store. It can also make the cooking of batches easier.
If you plan to put your freezer in an outbuilding or garage that gets warm, look for models that are specifically designed to work in this kind of environment. Also make sure it includes wire storage baskets to aid in keeping food organized.
Size
They are often found in garages and outbuildings, chest freezers are ideal for those who love to store up bargains that can be frozen. Typically, they are cheaper than upright freezers and offer plenty of storage (around five bags) for the price. Currys own-brand model, for example, is a good value, with a lid that opens more easily than the majority of. It also has an A+ rating for energy efficiency that means it's inexpensive to run.
If you're looking to make the most of your freezer in the chest, look for models that feature wire storage baskets which can be suspended from the edge. These baskets can keep everyday things, such as chopped vegetables, from the mess of frozen food. These are especially useful when you're freezing meat, as it can be difficult to reach at the top of your freezer.
The majority of chest freezers are put in the garage or basement to save space. More manufacturers are now creating freezers specifically designed to stand up to the extreme temperature fluctuations in a garage or outbuilding. These freezers are generally advertised as 'garage-ready', and can handle temperatures as low as -22 degrees Celsius.
The size of freezer you purchase will also be determined by the amount of space you have available, as well as your budget. There are a lot of excellent freezer deals available, it's important to find the one that is right for you and the place you'll make use of it.
If you plan to store your freezer in the garage or outbuilding, you should consider one that has a high-temperature alarm. This feature will notify you when your freezer is over its safe temperature range, which can be the case if you fail to close the door after loading it with food or if it accidentally gets warmer during the defrosting process. It is also a good idea to buy a freezer with a lock, to ensure the unauthorized access to your frozen goodies. These options may seem insignificant however they can will make a huge difference over time.
Convenience
A second freezer in your home can cut down on trips to the supermarket and make it easier to purchase items at a discount, and enable you to batch cook foods for later use. Chest freezers are compact and can be stored in small spaces, like garages or outbuildings.
Many people are hesitant to invest in chest freezers, fearing that it will be too large and hard to get into or manage. There are plenty of options that come with user-friendly features available in a variety of sizes. This Northair chest freezer is one of the smallest of this list, but can accommodate an ample amount of food. It also has an easy-to-open lid with a counterbalanced design that prevents it from closing accidentally as you dig through the contents.
This GE model is another excellent alternative. It can withstand temperatures up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, it has the largest storage capacity of any freezer in this list. The door can be opened wide and locked. The LED lighting inside helps you find your frozen desserts.
They are simpler to arrange and look like refrigerators, but may not be able to handle external temperatures as well as chest freezers. Some models, such as this one from Whynter come with bins that can help you organize and allow you to customize the food storage to maximize the capacity.
Consider a standing refrigerator with wire baskets that can be used to move bulkier items such as bags of frozen vegetables and oven chips out of the way. Basket-equipped freezers allow you to quickly find what you require and are usually more adept at handling external temperatures than freezers with just shelves. Some brands, like Beko and Russell Hobbs, (a Currys brand) have freezers that are safe to use up to -15C, which makes them ideal for cold garages or outbuildings. However, it's recommended to confirm the warranty of the manufacturer as they may not cover freezers kept in unheated spaces.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer is the most energy-efficient option of all freezer types. Its airtight seal helps conserve cold air, which conserves energy and cuts back on costs for utilities. Contrary to single-door freezers single-door freezers suffer from leakage that forces their compressors to work harder to maintain an even temperature. Many chest freezers come with low-frost technology that reduces the frequency of defrosting and lowers the cost of energy.
A chest freezer can help you save energy by being better insulated than upright freezers. This is especially important when it is kept in a garage or another area that can be very hot.
As far as storage is concerned chest freezers are just as handy and accessible as upright models. Keep in mind that you'll have bend over and reach into them to get your food out and food items, making them suitable for those with mobility issues. Also, most chest freezers require manually defrosted (you'll need to unplug the appliance, then open it up and let the ice melt). If you think that's a hassle, you can locate units that have built-in spouts for draining or wheels for easier movement.
It is advisable to choose appliances that consume less energy, for instance a chest-freezer, as freezers are notoriously high-energy users. There is an annual consumption figure, usually listed in kWh, for most models on their energy labels or in the product manuals.
When looking for a chest freezer, it's helpful to know which climate class it falls into before you buy. A freezer that is classified as class SN, for example can store frozen food at temperatures of up to -10 degrees Celsius. This makes it a great option for a garage, or an outbuilding.
It's worth exploring the many choices available for a chest freezer to fit your outbuilding. You're sure to find one that meets your needs, regardless of whether you're looking to store ice cream in the summer or store meals in the future for a busy family. A chest freezer is a great investment, due to its a space-saving design and an energy-efficient structure.
Maintenance
It doesn't matter which freezer you choose. It is essential that it be placed in a location that is easily accessible. The garage or outbuilding are ideal choices. Be aware that chest freezers could be damaged if temperatures exceed.
It's great to know that more and more manufacturers are taking note of this issue and making their products more suited to garages and outbuildings. Look for models that are "garage optimized." These freezers are constructed with specialized compressors, a thick insulation, and triple-sealed gaskets, which aid in maintaining a perfect internal temperature even in extreme cold or extreme heat. The name of the product may contain the words "garage-ready" or list it in the specifications.
Both chest and upright freezers require a bit of maintenance to ensure they are functioning as they should. If freezer sale decide on one that has manual defrost, it'll require regular cleaning of ice in order to prevent the appliance from frozing over. However upright freezers are typically self-defrosting and have fewer components that require maintenance over time.
To allow adequate ventilation, freezers should be at least six inches from other appliances or walls. Additionally, they require a minimum of an inch space behind them that can be cleaned or swept as needed. Also, all freezers should be regularly checked to ensure that the door seal is still in place and is not showing signs of wear.
It's also a good idea to periodically clean the freezer's condenser coils and cooling fan. This will stop dust hair, pet hair and lint accumulation on the freezer, which could make it work harder. Be sure to disconnect the freezer before cleaning and always use a bristle brush with a long handle and vacuum cleaner that is compatible with freezers. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasives or household cleaners that may damage the freezer's interior. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's guidelines before beginning any maintenance work on a freezer.