Why Buy a Mini Chest Freezer?
A chest freezer is a great option when you want to store frozen bargains and require extra freezer space. They are usually found in garages or outbuildings. They let you benefit from the price reductions offered by supermarkets.
Currys' own brand is a good value for money. It has plenty of storage (around five bags) and an A+ rating on energy efficiency, meaning it's inexpensive to run. It also features an adjustable lid that makes it easier to sort through food items.
Capacity
A small chest freezer is a good choice when you don't have enough space for a taller freezer, however, you want to keep enough ice cream during the summer months or stews in bulk in winter. These smaller models are typically shorter and wider than the full-sized models, and therefore take up less space. They can even fit into your garage making them a great alternative for those who grow their own food or prefer to purchase fresh produce in bulk and then freeze it as quickly as possible.
Some models have one or two baskets on top to keep bags of frozen peas, or homemade frozen lollies straight and prevent small or frequently used foods from being lost at the bottom of the freezer. They can be used to store bags of frozen baguettes, bread, along with other things.
The most affordable freezers are usually under PS150 and can be found under your kitchen sink, or in a utility space as larger chests can cost more than PS1000. If you're looking for something more modern, the Bush BECF99L has a smart black case and a front drain port which makes defrosting a breeze. The model is less deep than many of its competitors, but still comes with a capacity of 100 litres. It can accommodate three bags of groceries.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer can make mealtimes easier for families that are prone to batch cooking or wish to avoid food waste. It can also help reduce trips to the grocery store especially if you're growing your own fruit and vegetables. It's ideal for storing excess produce and creating microwavable meals. Vincent Finazzo, owner of the Philadelphia-based Riverwards Produce.
Chest freezers are generally extremely well insulated, which means they don't lose a lot of their cold air when the door is opened, as happens with fridge and freezer doors. They can also be extremely energy efficient, especially if you opt for one that has low frost technology. Low frost models require less defrosting and will help save the cost of electric bills.
Many chest freezers come with features that increase their efficiency further. You should look for a guarantee of power outage which guarantees that the freezer will not freeze during an outage, as well as an alarm that warns you of rising temperatures or light to warn you when the interior temperature has risen.
It's worth examining a freezer's annual energy consumption in kWh, also, since this will give you an idea of how much it will cost to run. more info This figure is usually found in the freezer's manual or energy label. Some freezers have an accessory basket that can be attached to the top, to prevent small items from becoming lost in the chaos underneath.
Noise
This Bosch integrated model is just enough space to be unobtrusive. It is ideal for caravans and motorhomes, as well as kitchenettes and student accommodations. It has a capacity of 100 litres, which is more than enough to hold three shopping bags. It is also energy efficient and is rated A+ and won't cost much to operate. It can keep food frozen for up to 30 days without power, which makes it a great backup freezer in case of a power outage.
It is quiet and is simple and minimalist in its design. It is ideal for those who do not want to be disturbed by their freezer while working in the living room or kitchen. It comes with a useful internal light and comes with storage baskets to allow for easy organisation.
Storage baskets
Look for models with wire storage baskets which clip onto the rim. These will elevate common items like frozen vegetables and chopped onions out of the potentially chaotic mess below. They are also useful for items such as open packets of oven chips, or frozen vegetables that need to be stored in a straight position.
Another useful feature that a lot of customers love is a high temperature alarm or light. This will alert you if the freezer is getting too warm due to cleaning, defrosting, or the introduction of a large number of non-frozen foods. This is an extremely useful security feature, particularly when you are planning to utilize your mini-chest freezer in your garage or in outbuildings.
This Bush model has plenty of freezer space at reasonable prices, despite its small size. It's ideal for storage of summer ice creams and stews cooked in bulk, and it can even be used in a garage or outbuilding when you'd like to. It's also easy to access due to the lid's counterbalance that will not close on your head while you search through it.
Chest freezers are notorious for accumulating lots of food-related clutter. If they aren't organized properly it's easy to lose track of what they contain. There are a variety of ways to make your small chest freezer more easily accessible and less likely to throw away food. The best system of organization that includes a simple magnet list or a more detailed freezer inventory sheet (there is an example here) is essential to ensure that your mini-chest freezer runs smoothly.