Where to Buy Chest Freezers
A second freezer is helpful for those who buy food in bulk or prepare meals in advance. Pick a chest freezer that has enough capacity to store the bulk of your purchases and decrease trips to the supermarket.
P.C. offers a large selection of chest freezers. Richard & Son for the best price guaranteed. Find models with an internal light, a power-on indicator and interior baskets to keep things at hand.
Size
Many families require more storage space than a fridge freezer or upright freezer can provide. Lowe's has chest freezers of all sizes. The best choice for you will depend on the items you'll keep in the freezer, your family size and your budget.
A chest freezer is an independent appliance that opens from the top, like the lid of a treasure box. It's shorter and wider than a regular refrigerator freezer. These freezers don't have drawers, but do have wire baskets to help organize your food. They're cheaper than upright freezers, however they aren't as stylish and typically have less features. Some models are garage-ready, which means they can withstand warmer temperatures.
If you want to place your freezer in a garage or basement, consider how warm the space gets and if it's difficult for you to access your food items. Check measurements to ensure you have enough space to keep a freezer.
Experts recommend a freezer of about 2.5 cubic feet for each person in your household. You'll need a larger freezer for storing heavier foods such as lasagnes that are whole or turkey slabs. It is important to consider whether you intend to freeze complete meals or just ingredients when you decide on the size of your freezer. A freezer that's too small will have to work harder to keep it cool and can decrease the effectiveness of the freezer.
Energy Efficiency
A chest freezer is a great choice for people who buy food in bulk, cook large meals and then store the leftovers for later use or reside in an area that is susceptible to power outages. Unlike upright freezers, chest freezers don't defrost automatically however they keep the temperature lower than other freezers and can remain longer frozen if the power is cut off.
Choose an ENERGY STAR certified model when choosing a refrigerator to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. These freezers are energy efficient due to the fact that they're better insulated and come with advanced components that use less energy.
You can use bags to organize your fridge, especially in the event that bins aren't something you'd like to invest in. These bags can be found at the dollar store. They're ideal for keeping vegetables and meat separate. Some people reuse cardboard containers, like milk cartons and baby formula bottles to store their food items.
Some freezers are equipped with interior lighting that can be helpful when trying to locate something. It's common to find this feature on higher-end models that are larger, but it is helpful for those who live in cramped space or are looking to make the most of their space. Some freezers are equipped with removable dividers to help you better organize your food, but they can eat up a lot of space you can use.
Capacity for Storage
Chest freezers can be a great option for people who shop for food in large quantities, or cook and make meals ahead and store them. Gardeners, hunters and farmers can benefit from chest freezers by storing extra products or meats for later use. They're also a great choice for anyone who makes frequent double-batch recipes of sauces, soups, or stews that can be frozen for simple heating, as well as for those who bake often to store the leftovers.
Freezer chests come with only one compartment, with no drawers or shelves. They also have an open top hinged upward. Some have baskets on top that are handy to store items you use regularly above the bulkier freezer contents. When you purchase the right one, ensure you have an unbalanced lid to ensure it is not closed as you navigate the contents inside. A dial thermostat, manual defrost and an interior light are also useful.
Think about the number of persons living in your house and the amount of food you'll need to stock up. In general, a family of four requires about 2.1 cubic feet of storage. Label all the bins, or use plastic bins that have labels to help you organize your freezer. Many people use bins from the Dollar Store or reuse items like milk cartons and oatmeal jars if they're on low budget.
Features
A chest freezer is a great way to get extra storage space. This is especially beneficial in the event of a prolonged power outage, or if you're looking to save money on groceries. They are also quieter and more affordable than upright freezers. Some models have an alarm or a warning that sounds when the food inside is warmer.
Chest freezers are more efficient in keeping food frozen because they are more densely insulated. Certain models also have storage racks in different sizes to allow smaller items to be separated and easier to find. If you have children, a chest freezer that has a lock on its lid is incredibly useful. It will stop them from climbing inside and becoming trapped or even suffocating.
A chest freezer is a fantastic addition for any home with the space for one, particularly if you are trying to save money on groceries and prepare for a long power outage. Think about the size and capacity you need according to your family's average food intake, and keep in mind the energy efficiency and other features offered for each model. Find the chest freezer that's best suited to your family's requirements and budget. If you're with a tighter chest freezer offers budget, consider searching for models that are scratched or blemished to find a discounted freezer with similar performance.