Where to Buy Chest Freezers
A second freezer is beneficial for those who purchase food in large quantities or cook meals ahead. Pick a chest freezer that has enough capacity to hold your bulk purchases and cut down on trips to the grocery store.
Shop a wide selection of chest freezers at P.C. Richard & Son for the best price guaranteed. Find models with interior baskets to keep items in reach, an interior light and power-on indicator.
Size
Many families require more storage capacity than fridge freezers or upright freezer can provide. Lowe's has chest freezers of all sizes. The best chest freezer for you will depend on what you plan to store in it, how many people you have and your budget.
A chest freezer is an independent appliance that can be opened from the top as an antique treasure chest. It is shorter and wider than the standard refrigerator freezer. These freezers don't have drawers, but do have wire baskets that help you organize your food. They're cheaper than upright freezers, but they're not as fashionable and usually have fewer features. Some models are garage-ready and can stand up to warmer temperatures.
If you want to place your freezer in a basement or garage be aware of how warm the area gets and if it's difficult to access your food items. Make sure you have the right measurements to ensure that you have enough room to store your freezer.
Experts recommend a model with capacities of around 2.5 cubic feet per family member. If you're keeping larger foods like turkey slabs or whole lasagna, you'll need a larger model. When determining the size you'll need it is important to take into consideration whether you're planning to freeze ingredients or complete meals. A freezer that's too small will need to work harder in order to keep it cold and can decrease its effectiveness.
Energy Efficiency
Chest freezers are a great option for those who purchase in bulk and cook large meals to freeze for later use or are located in an area susceptible to power outages. As opposed to upright freezers freezers don't automatically defrost, but they maintain a lower temperature than other freezers, and they can be frozen longer if the power goes out.
When you're choosing a freezer, look for an energy star-certified model to reduce your utility bills and reduce your environmental footprint. These freezers are more energy efficient as they are more insulated and have advanced components that consume less electricity.
Bags can also be used to organize your freezer, particularly when you don't need to buy storage bins. They are available at the dollar stores and are ideal for keeping things like vegetables and meat separately. Some people recycle cardboard containers, such as milk cartons and baby formula bottles, to store their food.
Some freezers are equipped with lighting, which can be useful when you're trying for something. This feature is usually found on models that are more expensive and are larger, but is useful for those who have little space or want to make the most of their space. Some freezers are equipped with dividers that can be removed to help you better manage your food items, however these can reduce the amount of space you can use.
Capacity for Storage
Chest freezers can be ideal for those who shop for food in large quantities, or cook and prepare meals ahead of time. They are also helpful for hunters, gardeners and farmers who want to make the most of their produce or meat by storing any extra for later use. They're also a great choice for anyone who makes frequent double-batch recipes of soups, sauces or stews that can be frozen for simple heating, and for bakers who bake regularly to be able to freeze leftovers.
Freezer chests come with one compartment that is without drawers or shelves and the top is hinged and opens upwards. Some freezer chests have baskets that can be used to store items that are commonly used above the larger ones. You should look for a lid that is balanced to allow you to move around the contents as it is still open. An interior light is useful, as is an adjustable thermostat and a manual defrost.
Take into consideration the number of people living in your house and the amount of food you intend to stock up. Generally, table top chest freezer Frydge of four will require around 2.1 cubic feet of storage. To help keep your freezer organized label each of the bins or use plastic bins with labels. Many people buy bins from the Dollar Store, or reuse items like milk cartons, and oatmeal jars when they're on the tightest budget.
Features
A chest freezer can offer an extra storage space that is valuable, especially when you're planning an prolonged power outage or to cut down on your grocery expenses. They also tend to be quieter and more affordable than upright freezers, and some models have a high temperature warning or alarm that goes off when food inside is becoming warmer.
Chest freezers are more efficient at keeping food frozen since they have a thicker insulation. Certain models also have racks of storage in different sizes that aid in keeping smaller items separate and easier to find. A chest freezer with lid locks is great when you have children, as it will stop them from climbing into the freezer and getting trapped and possibly suffocating.
A chest freezer is an excellent addition to any home that has enough space, particularly if you are trying to save money on groceries and be prepared for a prolonged power loss. Consider the size and capacity that you require according to your family's average food consumption, and keep in mind the energy efficiency and other features that are available for each model. Then, choose the most suitable chest freezer for your household's requirements and budget. If you are on a tight budget, search for freezers with scratches and dents or blemishes to find a lower-cost model.