Chest Freezers For Outbuildings
You can keep extra food in the freezer of a chest to use throughout the year, and cut down on trips to the grocery store. It also makes batch cooking more convenient.
If you're planning to put your freezer in a shed or garage that is heated, look for models specifically made for this type of environment. Also make sure it includes wire storage baskets that help keep foods organized.
Size
Often found in garages and outbuildings, chest freezers are ideal for those who want to store up bargains that can be frozen. They're generally less expensive than upright freezers, and provide more storage (around five bags) for less money. Currys own-brand model for instance, is a good price with a lid that opens more easily than other. It also has an A+ energy rating, meaning it is a low-cost appliance to run.
If you want to make use of a chest freezer in their outbuildings, look for models that have wire storage baskets that hang over the rim. These baskets will keep everyday items, such as chopped vegetables, away from the mess of frozen foods. 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, many chest freezers are relegated to the garage or basement to conserve kitchen space. However, more and more manufacturers are producing freezers specifically designed to withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations of an outbuilding or garage. These models are advertised as "garage ready" and can withstand temperatures as low as -22°C.
The size of freezer you buy will also be determined by the amount of space you have available, as well as your budget. Although there are many great freezer deals available, it's important to find the one that is right for you and where you will make use of it.
Think about buying a freezer equipped with the high temperature alarm when you plan to keep it in a garage or outbuilding. This feature will alert if your freezer is over the safe temperature limit. This could happen if, for example you fail to close the door after having filled it with food items. Or if it gets warmer by accident during the defrosting process. It's recommended to purchase a freezer that has locks, to ensure unauthorized access to your frozen treats. These options may seem like a minor thing however they can be a major difference over the long term.
Convenience
A second freezer in your home can help you save money on food items Buy up items that are discounted and cook meals in bulk for later use. Chest freezers are compact and can be kept in small spaces, such as garages or outbuildings.
Many people are reluctant to invest in a chest freezer, unsure that it could be too large and hard to access or manage. There are plenty of options that come with user-friendly features available in a variety of sizes. This Northair chest freezer is one of the smallest options on this list, but can accommodate plenty of food and has an easy-to-open lid that has a counterbalanced design to prevent it from accidentally closing when you go through the contents.
This GE model is another great alternative. It can withstand temperatures up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and it offers the most storage of any freezer in this list. freezers uk opens wide and can be locked and the LED inside helps you stay on track when finding your frozen sweets.
They are more organized and look more like refrigerators, but may not be able to handle external temperatures as well as chest freezers. Some models, like this one from Whynter, have bins that help with organization and let you customize the storage of your foods to maximize capacity.
If you are considering a standing freezer, consider one that has adjustable wire storage baskets that take everyday items out of the way of bulkier items, such as open bags of frozen vegetables or oven chips. Basket-equipped freezers allow you to quickly locate what you need and are generally better at handling external temperatures than freezers with only shelves. In addition, some brands, like Beko and Russell Hobbs (a Currys own brand), offer freezers that can operate safely down to -15C so they are ideal for cold garage or outbuilding locations. It is crucial to confirm the warranty of the manufacturer since it might not cover freezers kept in areas that are not heated.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer is the most energy efficient option of all freezer types. Its airtight seal helps preserve cold air, which saves energy and cuts back on energy bills. Single-door freezers, on the other side, are more likely to leak air which makes their compressors work harder to maintain a constant temperature. Many chest freezers also have low-frost technology, which reduces the frequency of defrosting, and also reduces energy costs even more.
A chest freezer can help you save energy because it is more insulated than upright freezers. This is important especially if it's kept in a garage, or another area that can be very hot.
In terms of storage chest freezers can be just as convenient and accessible as upright models. Remember that you'll need to bend and reach in to get your food. These appliances are not suitable for people with mobility issues. Additionally, most chest freezers need to be manually defrosted (you'll need to unplug the appliance, then open it up, and let the ice melt). If that sounds like a hassle, find models with built-in drains or wheels for more mobility.
Freezers are notoriously known to consume a lot of electricity, so it's always wise to look for a model that has a lower energy consumption, such as chest freezers. On the energy label or in the manuals of the majority of models, you can find an energy consumption figure for each model, typically in kWh.
It's crucial to know the climate class of a chest freezer before you purchase. A freezer classified as class SN for instance, can be used to store frozen food at temperatures up to -10 degrees Celsius. This makes it an excellent option for a garage or an outbuilding.
It's worth looking through the numerous options available if you're looking for a chest-freezer for your outbuilding. You're bound to find one that suits your needs, no matter whether you're looking to store ice cream in the summer or store meals in the future for a busy family. And, with an energy-efficient design and plenty of space, a chest freezer is an excellent investment.
Maintenance
It doesn't matter what freezer you choose. It is essential that it be placed in an area where it can easily be accessed. A garage or outbuilding is a great option. Be aware that chest freezers can be damaged if temperatures are exceeded.
It's a good thing to know that more and more manufacturers are taking note of this issue and are making their products more suited to garages and outbuildings. Find freezers that are "garage optimized". These freezers have specially designed compressors and a thick layer of insulation. They also have triple-sealed seals that ensure that the ideal temperature is maintained inside, even when it is extremely hot or cold. The name of the product may include the phrase "garage-ready" or list it in their specifications.
Both chest and upright freezers require some attention to keep them working properly. If you decide on a chest freezer that requires manual defrost, it will need to be regularly cleaned of ice in order to prevent the appliance from frozing over. However upright freezers are typically self-defrosting, and have fewer parts that could require maintenance over time.
To ensure proper airflow, freezers should be at least six inches from other appliances or walls. They also need to have a minimum of an inch behind them, so that they can be cleaned and swept should they be required. All freezers must be inspected regularly to make sure that the seal on the door is not damaged and doesn't show signs of wear.
It's also a good idea to periodically clean the freezer's condenser coils as well as its cooling fan. This will prevent dust, pet hair and lint accumulation on the freezer, which can cause it to work harder. Be sure to unplug the freezer prior to cleaning it and always make use of a long-handled bristle broom and a vacuum cleaner that is compatible with freezers. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasives, chlorine bleach or other household cleaners since they could cause damage to the interior of the freezer. Before you perform any maintenance on an appliance, be sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer.