Chest Freezers For Outbuildings
A chest freezer lets you store extra food for use all year round and help reduce trips to the supermarket. It can also make cooking at home more convenient.
If you're planning to put your freezer in an outbuilding or garage that gets warm, look for models specifically designed for the conditions described above. Also, look for one that comes with wire storage baskets that aid in keeping food organized.
Size
Most often located in outbuildings and garages, chest freezers are ideal for those who love to accumulate bargains that can be frozen. They typically are less expensive than upright freezers, and offer plenty of storage (around five bags) for the price. Currys own-brand model, for example, is a good value with a lid that can be opened more easily than other. It also has an A+ rating for energy efficiency which means it's cheap to run.
If you want to make the most of a chest freezer in their outbuildings, look for models with wire storage baskets that hang over the rim. These baskets will keep daily items, like chopped vegetables, from the mess of frozen food. These are especially useful when you're freezing meat, as it is difficult to reach the top of your freezer.
Due to their size and footprint, most chest freezers are put in the basement or garage to conserve kitchen space. However, more companies are creating freezers specifically designed to stand up to the unpredictable temperature fluctuations that can occur in an outbuilding or garage. These models are usually advertised as 'garage-ready', and can handle temperatures as low as -22 degrees Celsius.
The size of the freezer you purchase will depend on the amount of space you have available and also your budget. There are plenty of fantastic freezer deals available however it is essential to select the best one for your needs.
You should consider buying a freezer that has the high temperature alarm if you plan to store it in a garage or outbuilding. This feature will alert you if the freezer is in the danger of exceeding its temperature, which could happen if you forget to close the door after loading it with food items or when it accidentally becomes warmer during the defrosting process. It's also a good idea to buy a refrigerator with locks to prevent unauthorised access to your frozen treats. These features may seem minor but they can make a big difference over time.
Convenience
A second freezer in your home will reduce the need to go to the grocery store, make it easy to buy items at a discount and let you batch cook foods for later use. Chest freezers are small and can be kept in small spaces, such as garages or outbuildings.
Many people are reluctant to buy a chest freezer, unsure that it could be too big and difficult to access or manage. There are plenty of options that come with user-friendly features available in various sizes. This Northair chest freezer is one of the smallest on this list, but can accommodate a sizeable amount of food. It also comes with an easy-to-open lid that has a counterbalanced design that prevents it from closing accidentally when you go through the contents.
This GE model is a great option. It can withstand temperatures that exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it has the biggest storage capacity of any freezer in this list. The door is large and is lockable, and the inside LED light keeps you on track when finding your frozen snacks.
They are more organized and appear more like refrigerators however they might not be able to withstand external temperatures as well as chest freezers. Some models, such as this one from Whynter, have bins that help with organization and also let you customize the storage of your food items to maximize the capacity.
Think about a standing refrigerator that has wire baskets that are removable and can be used to transport larger items such as bags of frozen vegetables and oven chips out of the way. Baskets in freezers can help you quickly find what you require, and they are often more adept at handling external temperatures than freezers with only shelves. Some brands, like Beko and Russell Hobbs, (a Currys brand), have freezers that are safe to use up to -15C, making them ideal for cold garages and outbuildings. It is important to check the warranty provided by the manufacturer since it might not cover freezers that are kept in areas that are not heated.
Energy efficiency
The chest freezer is one of the most energy efficient freezers. Its airtight seal helps preserve cold air, which saves energy and reduces energy bills. By contrast single-door freezers are prone to leakage that forces their compressors to work harder to keep an even temperature. Many chest freezers have low-frost technology that reduces the frequency of defrosting and lowers the cost of energy.
A chest freezer will also help you save money by being better insulated than upright freezers. This is especially crucial in the event that you intend to store it in a garage or any other area that can get quite warm.
In terms of storage, chest freezers can be equally convenient and easy to access as upright models. Be aware that you'll have to bend and reach in to get your food. These appliances are not suitable for people who have mobility problems. Also, the majority of chest freezers need to be manually defrosted (you'll need to unplug the appliance, then open it and let the ice melt). If that isn't your ideal solution, you can look for units equipped with wheels or drains built-in.
Freezers are known for using a lot of electricity, so it is always advisable to search for an appliance with a lower energy consumption, such as a chest freezer. On the energy label or in the manual of most models, you can find the consumption figures for each model, typically in kWh.
It's crucial to be aware of the climate class of a chest freezer prior to you purchase. A freezer classified as class SN for instance can keep frozen food in temperatures of up to 10 degrees Celsius. This makes it a great option for a garage or an outbuilding.
It's worth exploring the many options available if you're looking for a chest freezer for your outbuilding. There's a chest freezer that fits your requirements, whether you're looking to store summer ice cream or make-ahead meals in the freezer for a busy household. A chest freezer is a good investment, as it has a space-saving design and an energy-efficient construction.
Maintenance
It doesn't matter which freezer you choose. It is important that it be placed in a location that can easily be accessed. The garage or outbuilding are the ideal locations. But be aware that some chest freezers could suffer damage if exposed to temperatures outside of their recommended range.
It's a good thing to know that more and more manufacturers are noticing this problem and making their products more suited to garages and outbuildings. Look for models that are "garage optimized." These freezers are built with specialized compressors, thick insulation and triple-sealed gaskets, which aid in maintaining a perfect internal temperature even in extreme cold or heat. The name of the product will usually include the phrase "garage-ready" or include it in their specifications.
Both chest and upright freezers require a bit of maintenance to keep functioning properly. If you opt for one that has manual defrost, it'll require regular cleaning of ice in order to prevent the appliance from freezing over. However upright freezers are usually self-defrosting and have fewer components that require maintenance over time.
Freezers should be placed at least six inches from other appliances and walls to allow for adequate ventilation. Also, they should have an inch clearance behind them that can be swept or cleaned if required. In addition, all freezers must be regularly inspected to ensure that the door seal is intact and isn't showing signs of wear.
It's also recommended to regularly clean the condenser coils of the freezer and its cooling fan. This will stop dust hair, pet hair and lint buildup on the freezer, which may cause it to work harder. Make sure to unplug the freezer prior to cleaning it and always use a bristle brush with a long handle and a vacuum cleaner compatible with freezers. Avoid using freezer for sale , abrasives, chlorine bleach, or other household cleaners since they could cause damage to the interior of the freezer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines before performing any maintenance work on a freezer.