Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
If you own garage or a shed you should look at chest freezers for your outbuilding. They can be used for food storage or to preserve food items, or just to free up some space within the home.
Chest freezers tends to stay frozen better than upright freezers since air circulation isn't as high. To cut down on operating costs, select a freezer with a high energy rating.
Size
When selecting a freezer chest consider how much storage space you'll need. A best practice is to have a cubic foot of freezer space for every person in your household. You'll need a larger freezer for more than that. You may also wish to opt for a chest freezer that features an alarm, especially in the event that you intend to keep it outside. This will prevent anyone from taking food frozen.
You should also take into consideration whether your freezer chest is able to operate in freezing temperatures. If so, look for an item that can withstand low temperatures, or you'll find it difficult to keep the food items inside fresh. Freezers designed to endure temperatures that freeze are usually more protected than those designed for indoor use, so they'll keep their contents in the freezer for longer.
This compact model by Midea is ideal for those looking for an easy-to-store freezer that is small and compact. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and it has a capacity of 7.2 cubic feet. It comes with a manual drain for defrost as well as an adjustable temperature control, and comes with storage baskets to aid in organisation. The price isn't too expensive, but you'll have the option of sacrificing some features, like a counterbalanced lid and an internal light, but it's a simple trade-off when you're looking to make the most of your freezer storage.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers tend to be taller and lower to ground than upright models, which makes them ideal for smaller spaces. They can also be operated in a colder climate than standard freezers and use less energy. This is due to the side-wall insulating that allows them to operate at lower temperatures without using a lot of energy.
To increase energy efficiency, consider an ENERGY STAR certified chest freezer. These chest freezers provide up to 10% more energy savings than federal minimum standards. They also come with thick insulation that keeps the right temperature. Find out if your utility company offers rebates on these products.
It is also important to note the freezer's annual electricity usage which is usually stated as a KWh figure (1 KWh = 1 unit of electricity). Some manufacturers will display this information on their product's website or in their user's manual, while others offer the information online.
It's also worth checking the weight before purchasing. You should plan ahead if you require assistance in moving it into or out of the garage or outbuilding. You may also want to look into purchasing a freezer with rollers or casters which will make it easier to move around. If you're considering using the freezer as a food storage device for outdoor activities, like gardening or hunting it is important to ensure whether it is able to operate in cold temperatures.
Convenience
If you're a hunter, gardener, or simply have plenty of food leftover from cooking at home, a here chest freezer could be a handy addition to your garage or outbuilding. It's more roomy than a standard fridge making it ideal for those who purchase in bulk or wish to keep the bounty from their vegetable garden. Some models can even hold meat that is a cheap option to stock up for the winter months.
Contrary to upright freezers, chest freezers are usually cheaper as they use less electricity because of their side-wall insulation. They also have many useful features, such as a defrost drain and a manual temperature control. Some models also come with a quick freeze feature which can reduce the time to freeze for some foods to save time.
The majority of freezers operate safely at temperatures of -18 degrees Celsius. This is perfect for colder climates. Those who live near the coast should look for freezers designed to withstand sea temperatures, as salt can cause damage to freezers over time.
If you're seeking a freezer constructed to last may want to consider a Beko or Russell Hobbs model. These manufacturers were among the first to test their freezers at temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius to ensure that they could be used in non-heated buildings.
Safety
Store your chest freezer in a garage or other space that is secure from the elements. Some claim to can use their freezers outdoors without a problem. However, most experts in repair of appliances agree that this is not a good idea. The outdoor temperatures are too cold for a freezer to continue functioning properly, and the humidity in the air can cause damage to the freezer over time.
The chest freezer must have locks to stop children from opening it, and an extremely heavy lid that is difficult to remove accidentally. It should be equipped with wire bins or shelves to store smaller objects and a reversible, reversible-direction door.
A great freezer will have an alarm for temperature, which will sound when the temperature inside starts to rise. This will help you save food as it will notify you ahead of time if there is any problem. This feature is a must-have for any freezer. Also, ensure that it has a drainage system for defrost.
The lighting inside the freezer is yet another aspect to think about. This is a must for keeping the freezer in order particularly if you keep it in a dark place like a garage or basement. This feature will allow you to find the item you're looking for more quickly, and it will cut down on the amount of times the lid of the freezer gets open, which could result in a drop in temperature.