Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
If you own an outbuilding or garage you should look at chest freezers for your outbuilding. They can assist with food storage, preserving fruits and vegetables or simply to free up space inside your home.
Chest freezers tends to stay frozen longer than upright freezers, since air circulation isn't as good. To save on operating costs, select a freezer with a high energy rating.
Size
When you are choosing a freezer chest decide on the amount of storage space you require. As a rule of thumb it is recommended to have one cubic foot for each member of your family. You'll need a larger freezer for more than that. If you are planning to keep it outside, you might be interested in a chest freezer with locks. This will stop anyone from getting frozen food from your freezer.
You should also take into consideration whether your freezer chest is able to operate at freezing temperatures. If you're looking to ensure that your food is fresh, you should choose a model designed to be able to withstand low temperatures. Freezers designed to withstand temperatures of freezing are typically better constructed to withstand cold temperatures than those made for indoor use, meaning they'll keep their contents longer frozen.
This compact model by Midea is perfect for those who want a small, garage-friendly freezer. It has a capacity of 7.2 cubic feet and can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings. It has a manual drain for defrost, as well as an adjustable temperature control, and it has storage baskets that provide additional organization. Its low price means you'll have the option of sacrificing some features, such as the lid that is counterbalanced and an internal light but it's an easy trade-off if you want to make the most of your freezer storage.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are typically larger and taller than upright models. This makes them perfect for small spaces. They can also be operated in colder temperatures than conventional freezers and use less energy. This is because of the side-wall insulation that keeps them at low temperatures without requiring a lot of energy.
Find a chest freezer that is ENERGY STAR certified to get the highest energy efficiency. These chest freezers offer up to 10% more energy savings than the federal minimum standards. They also come with thick insulation that locks in the ideal temperature. Check to see if your utility company offers rebates on these products.
You should also take note of the annual consumption of electricity for your freezer typically stated in KWh units (1 KWh = 1 unit of electricity). Certain manufacturers will provide this information in their user's manual or on the product's label, while others will provide it online.
It is also worth checking the weight before you buy. Plan ahead if you need assistance in moving it into or out of the garage or outbuilding. You might also think about purchasing a model that has caster wheels or rollers which will make it easier to shift around. If you're thinking about using the freezer as a food storage device for outdoor activities, such as gardening or hunting it is essential to confirm that it can be operated in cold weather.
Convenience
A chest freezer is an excellent addition to any outbuilding or garage regardless of whether you're a hunter or gardener, or you have a lot of leftover food from cooking. It has more storage space than a standard refrigerator, which is ideal for those who are buying in large quantities or are preserving the vegetables they harvest from their garden. Some models can even accommodate meat which is a cost-effective option to stock up for the winter.
Chest freezers are cheaper than upright freezers because they use less energy due to the insulation on their sides. They also come with many useful features such as a defrost drainage and the ability to control temperature. Some models have a fast-freeze feature that cuts down on time to freeze certain foods.
The majority of freezers are designed to operate safely below -18 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for colder climates. If you live near the sea seek out freezers built to withstand salt air.
Alternatively, those who are interested in a freezer that's built to last can consider a Beko or Russell Hobbs model. These brands were among the first to make sure their freezers are able to be safely used in unheated structures by testing them at temperatures ranging from -15 to -15 degrees Celsius.
Safety
Store your chest freezer in a garage or some other area that is secured from the elements. Although some claim that they keep their freezer outside and use it without issues, the majority of appliance repair specialists believe that this is a bad idea. The outdoor temperatures can be too cold to keep a freezer functioning properly, and the moisture in the air will damage it over time.
The freezer in the chest must have locks that stop children from opening it. It must also have a thick lid, which is difficult to open accidentally. It should also have shelves or wire baskets for smaller items and a reversible door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.
A great freezer will come with a temperature alarm more info which will sound if the internal temperature begins to rise, helping you keep food safe by identifying any issues in the early stages. Choose a model that has this feature, and make sure that it includes the ability to drain the freezer after defrost.
The lighting inside the freezer is an additional aspect to take into consideration. This feature is essential for keeping the freezer in order particularly if you keep it in a dark place like a garage or basement. This feature will help you find what you are looking for faster and will reduce the amount of times the lid of the freezer is opened accidentally, which can result in a drop in temperature.