Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
If you own a shed or garage, then it's worth looking at chest freezers for your outbuilding. They can be used for food storage as well as to preserve produce or simply to clear some space within the home.
Because air doesn't circulate as well in chest freezers, they tend to be more efficient in keeping food frozen than uprights. To lower operating costs, look for the freezer that has a high energy rating.
Size
Consider how much space you require before selecting the chest freezer. A good rule of thumb is to have one cubic foot of freezer space per person in your household. If you have more than this, then you'll need a larger freezer. If you plan on keeping it outside, you may be interested in having a chest freezer fitted with the option of locking. This will stop anyone from taking food items frozen.
It is also important to consider whether your freezer chest will be able operate at freezing temperatures. If yes, you should look for one that is designed to be able to withstand temperatures below freezing, or you'll find it difficult to keep the food items inside fresh. Freezers designed to withstand freezing temperatures are typically more constructed to withstand cold temperatures than those made to be used indoors, so they'll keep their contents in the freezer for longer.
If you're looking to buy a smaller freezer that can fit in your garage, take a look at this compact model from Midea. Its capacity is 7.2 cubic feet and can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings. It features a manual drain for defrost, as well as an adjustable temperature control, and it comes with storage baskets for additional organisation. Its price is low, which means you'll have the option of sacrificing some features, such as the lid's counterbalance and an internal lighting, but it's an easy compromise when you want to maximize the storage space in your freezer.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are generally longer and lower to the ground than upright models, which makes them ideal for spaces with tight spaces. They can operate in a colder environment than conventional freezers and consume less electricity - this is due to the side-wall insulation that keeps them at extremely low temperatures without consuming a lot of energy.
To increase energy efficiency, opt for an energy STAR certified chest freezer. These chest freezers offer up to 10 percent more energy savings over the federal minimum standards. They also have a thick insulation that helps to maintain the perfect temperature. Check to see if your utility company offers rebates on these products.
The annual power consumption of the freezer is also important to consider. This is usually stated as a KWh number (1 KWh is one unit of electricity). Certain manufacturers will provide this information in their user manual or on the product's label, while others will post it online.
It is also worth checking check here the weight before purchasing. You should plan ahead if you require assistance moving it into and out of the garage or outbuilding. You might also look into buying a model with rollers or caster wheels, which will make it easier to move around. If you're considering using the freezer to store food in a equipment for outdoor activities like gardening or hunting You should ensure that it can be operated in cold temperatures.
Convenience
If you're a hunter, gardener, or simply have lots of leftover food from cooking at home, a chest freezer can be a useful addition to your garage or outbuilding. It offers more storage space than a standard refrigerator, which is great for those who buy bulk or keeping the fruits and vegetables from their patch. Some models can even store meat, which is an affordable way to stock up for the winter.
Chest freezers are cheaper than upright freezers as they use less energy because of the insulation on their sides. They also have many useful features, like drains for defrost and manual temperature control. Some models also have an instant freeze feature, which reduces the freezing time for some foods to save time.
The majority of freezers are designed to operate safely below -18 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for colder climates. If you live near the ocean, look for freezers designed to withstand salt air.
Beko and Russell Hobbs models are also available for those looking for the best freezer that lasts. These manufacturers were among the first to test their freezers at temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius to ensure they could be used in unheated structures.
Safety
You should keep a chest freezer in your garage or some other place that is safe from the elements. While some claim that they keep their freezer in the outdoors and use it without problems, most repair experts agree that this is not a good idea. The temperatures outside are too low to ensure that the freezer is operating efficiently. Also, the moisture in the air can damage it over time.
The freezer in the chest must have a lock that prevents children from opening it. It must also have a sturdy lid that is difficult to open accidentally. It should also have wire baskets or shelves for smaller items and a door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.
A well-designed freezer comes with an alarm for temperature that will sound when the temperature inside starts to rise. This can help conserve food since it will notify you ahead of time in the event of an issue. This feature is essential for any freezer. Also, ensure that it has a defrost drainage.
Another thing to consider is whether the freezer has internal lighting. This feature is essential to keeping the freezer organized, especially if you store it in a dark area such as a garage or basement. This feature lets you find what you're looking for quicker and decreases the chance that the freezer lid is opened accidentally, which can cause the temperature to drop.