Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
It is advisable to consider chest freezers if you have sheds or garages. They can be used for food storage for preserving produce, or simply to clear space in your home.
Chest freezers tend to keep frozen longer than upright freezers since air doesn't circulate as much. To reduce operating costs, look for the freezer that has a high energy rating.
Size
Consider how much space you require before selecting a chest freezer. A best practice is to have one cubic foot of freezer space per household member. If you have more people than this, then you'll require a larger freezer. You may also want to opt for a chest freezer that features security locks, particularly if you're planning on keeping it outside. This will stop anyone from taking food frozen.
You should also consider whether your freezer will be able operate at temperatures below freezing. If yes, you should look for an item that can stand up to low temperatures or you'll struggle to keep the food items inside fresh. Freezers designed to endure freezing temperatures are usually better insulated than those intended to be used indoors, so they can keep their contents in the freezer for longer.
This compact model by Midea is perfect for those looking for a small, garage-friendly freezer. It can be used indoors or outdoors and can hold 7.2 cubic feet. It comes with a drain that is manual, adjustable temperature control, and storage baskets to help you stay organised. The low cost means that you'll have to compromise on some features, like the lid's counterbalance and an internal light however, this is a good trade-off when you're looking to make the most of your freezer space.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers tend to be longer and lower to the ground than upright models, which makes them perfect for small spaces. They can also be operated in colder temperatures than standard freezers and consume less energy. This is due to the side-wall insulating that allows them to operate at lower temperatures without using excessive energy.
To increase efficiency in energy use, choose an ENERGY STAR qualified chest freezer. They offer up to ten percent more energy savings than minimum federal standards and come with thick insulation to ensure optimal temperatures. Find out if your utility company offers rebates on these products.
The annual power consumption of the freezer is also important to note. It is typically expressed as a KWh number (1 KWh is one unit of electricity). Certain manufacturers will display this information in their user's manual or on the product's label and others will make it available online.
Lastly, it's worth checking website the weight of your selected freezer before purchasing. You may need assistance getting it in and out of your outbuilding or garage, so you should prepare according to your needs. You may also want to look into purchasing a freezer with rollers or casters which allow it to be easier to move around. If you intend to use the freezer for outdoor activities, such as hunting or gardening it is essential to ensure that it is capable of operating in frigid temperatures.
Convenience
If you're a hunter, gardener, or simply have lots of leftover food from cooking at home, a chest freezer could be a great addition to your outbuilding or garage. It offers more storage space than a standard refrigerator, which is ideal for people who are buying large quantities or preserving the produce from their vegetable garden. Some models can hold meat. This is a great way to make sure you have enough food to last through the winter months.
As opposed to upright freezers and chest freezers are typically cheaper as they use less electricity because of their side-wall insulation. They also have several useful features, including drains for defrost and manual temperature control. Some models have a quick-freeze function that can reduce time to freeze certain foods.
The majority of freezers operate safely at -18 degrees Celsius. This is ideal for colder climates. Anyone who lives near the ocean should look for freezers designed to withstand sea air, as salt can harm freezers over the course of time.
Additionally, those interested in a freezer that's built to last, you can look at a Beko or Russell Hobbs model. These brands were among the first to test their freezers at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius to ensure they can be used in unheated building.
Safety
Keep your chest freezer in a garage or some other area that is secured from the elements. Some people claim that they have their freezers outside without any problems. However, the majority of experts in appliance repair are of the opinion that this is not an ideal option. The temperatures outside can be too cold for a freezer to continue functioning properly, and the humidity in the air can affect the condition of the freezer over time.
The freezer in the chest should have an unlocked door to prevent children from opening it, as well as a lid that is difficult to open by accident. It should also include wire baskets or shelves for smaller items and a door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.
A quality freezer has an alarm for temperature, which will sound when the temperature inside starts to increase. This will allow you to keep food safe as it will notify you in advance when there's an issue. Look for a freezer equipped with this feature, and be sure that it has an unfrost drain, too.
Another feature to consider is whether the freezer has internal lighting. This is a must for keeping the freezer in order especially if you keep it in a dark location like a garage or basement. This feature allows you to locate what you are looking for quicker and decreases the amount of times that the freezer lid is opened accidentally, which can cause the temperature to fall.