Choosing Chest Freezers
Chest freezers can be ideal for those who prefer to purchase frozen food items and other ingredients. These appliances typically have larger capacities than regular refrigerator freezers and require space on the floor therefore it is essential to think about where you want to place it before making a purchase.
For example, this large deep freezer from GE offers plenty of storage space and useful features such as an exterior power light. It also has a broad range of temperatures and a power-outage warranty.
Size
Size is an important consideration when choosing a chest-freezer. You'll need to consider how much space you'll need and the type of food you'll be storing in it. As a general rule, you should allow 2.5 cubic feet per person for your freezer. However, this will differ based on the amount of food you keep. For instance, if have extra meat or other items to store, you may want to buy a larger freezer than the one this formula recommends.
Chest freezers can be classified as small, medium or large. A small chest freezer has a capacity of 3.5 to 7 cubic feet, and the medium-sized freezer can range from 7.1 and 14 cubic feet. Large freezers have a capacity of between 14 and 25+ cubic feet and are the best choice for households with a large amount of food items to store.
Energy efficiency is a key feature when selecting a chest freezer. Make sure to choose models with an ENERGY STAR label to lower your energy bills and save you money. You'll need to choose a freezer that is able to operate in a cold climate since you may be storing frozen food in a basement or garage.
Some chest freezers come with additional features like removable storage bins and an interior light. They can help you to sort your food items and find what you're looking for. Some hinges are built-in that hold the door at a 45- or 75-degree angle. This will help you to avoid bending over and straining in order to reach the items. This could be a challenge for people with injuries or mobility issues. They are generally more expensive than their basic counterparts.
Energy efficiency
The choice of a energy efficient chest freezer will help lower electricity costs and also reduce the environmental impact. The size and the type of freezer you pick will determine the energy efficiency. There are many factors that affect the amount of power consumed, including whether the freezer is defrosted manually or self-defrosting, and its internal temperature. Most chest freezers use less power than upright freezers, however they will consume more energy if they have an ice maker.
Energy-efficient chest freezers are available in a variety of sizes and prices, and they come with a range of other features. Some of them include an alarm for temperature and a power outage guarantee and an interior lighting that makes it easier to locate food items. Some even have a locking mechanism to prevent kids or thieves from opening the freezer. These features are worth the extra cost especially if the freezer will be located in a dark location or near a seaside.
It isn't easy to choose the ideal chest freezer. However there are some crucial factors to be considered. The first is the capacity of storage that is determined by the amount of items you wish to store and the amount of space you have. In addition you should search for freezers that have an energy-efficient rating as well as low maintenance requirements.
Durability is another factor to take into consideration. It will be contingent on the location and the frequency of use. The top chest freezers will last for a long time and be a fantastic addition to any kitchen. They can help you save money by cutting down on trips to the grocery store more info and also by assisting you to batch cook meals for the week. They can be helpful in emergencies.
Storage capacity
Chest freezers come in different sizes, so it's important that you select the best size for your requirements. To accomplish this, you must determine the space you intend to store your chest freezer and then compare the sizes of the different models. Also, you should consider the capacity of your freezer, in addition to the external and internal dimensions.
Chest freezers can be less expensive than upright freezers and provide more storage space. They are usually more energy-efficient than upright freezers, which saves energy and money on utility bills. In addition, they keep food frozen and safe for longer during a power outage, which is more than other types of freezers.
However, you should be aware that chest freezers require more care than upright freezers. They must be unplugged, drained and cleaned regularly, while some upright freezers can defrost themselves. Additionally chest freezers tend to be heavier and bigger than upright freezers. This can make it difficult to move them and could require special handling methods.
Generally, a chest freezer is an excellent choice for large families or those who shop in the bulk. They can offer a lot of storage space and reduce the number of trips to the store. A smaller family could make do with a smaller freezer, but it's important to consider the type of food that you'll be keeping. If you're storing mostly pre-packaged meals, then a small freezer may be enough. However, if you're storing large pieces of meat or whole turkeys, then a larger model might be the better option. If you're storing the freezer in a garage or shed make sure you keep it protected from rain and wind. Water can damage the mechanical parts of the freezer, while dirt and leaves can clog the air intake.
Safety features
You should also consider the safety features of chest freezers. The freezer should come with a lid that is tightly shut and hinges that can be locked to prevent accidental opening. It should also have an elongated handle that is strong and easy to grip. You should also look for a lighting inside the freezer to make it easier to find food items. A light inside the freezer can help save energy by allowing it to stay in operation for a longer period of time. It can also keep food from spoiling if the freezer is left open for a long period of time.
Another important safety feature is a drainage hole that is easily accessible in the event of a leakage of food or water. Examine the gaskets and seals on a regular basis to ensure they are in good working order and free of any debris or damage. If the freezer has damaged seals, it will lose its ability to maintain a steady temperature and might require more power to operate.
Chest freezers are a great option for families with children since they're safer than upright models. You must be careful when putting the freezer in your child's bedroom. A child can easily climb into the freezer and eat the contents. This could be hazardous and could cause illness or even death. Some freezers have locking options which are a good choice for homes with young children.
A chest freezer is an enduring investment. You should also think about the future requirements of your family when selecting a model. You should also consider the space you have available to install the freezer, as well as the headroom needed to lift the lid. Additionally, you should consult an electrician professional to confirm the electrical requirements of the freezer.
Mobility
While chest freezers are great for storing large quantities of food items, they can be challenging to move. They are heavy that requires lots of space, including room for the door to open and enough headroom to stand upright. They also require a specific electrical power rating, which could restrict your options of positioning. If you're looking for a freezer that is more portable, you might consider an upright model.
Another important aspect to be aware of when deciding on the right chest freezer is the lighting inside. This feature is often ignored when people are shopping for a freezer, however it can make a big difference in terms of convenience and organization. It is easy to locate the items you need with the help of a chest freezer with an interior light, instead of using flashlights to look through the container. This will also reduce the amount of time that you're leaving the lid open, which will keep the temperature in check and save energy.
Some chest freezers come with additional storage baskets or dividers to help you organize and manage the space within the freezer. This can be extremely useful particularly if your goal is to store various types of food items. Some freezers even come with a label maker so you can easily identify what's inside each storage container.
Although most chest freezers can be self-defrosting, some still require manual defrosting. However, this is a small trade-off for the extra storage space these freezers offer. They are also more energy efficient than upright models, since they don't consume as much energy to open the lid. They can also remain frozen for up to three days in the event of a power outage.