The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Chest Freezer Outbuilding
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Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
You should consider chest freezers when you have an outbuilding or garage. They can be used to store food items for preserving produce, or to simply free up some space in the house.
Since air circulation isn't as much and chest freezers are more compact, they maintain food more effectively than upright freezers. Choose a model with high energy label ratings to cut down on running costs.
Size
Determine how much space you require before you choose a chest freezer. A best practice is to have a cubic foot of freezer space per household member. If you have more than that, then you'll need a larger freezer. If you plan to keep it outside, you might need to think about having a chest freezer fitted with locks. This will prevent anyone from taking food frozen.
You should also think about whether your freezer chest will be able operate at temperatures that are freezing. If so, search for one that is designed to withstand low temperatures, or you'll struggle to keep the food inside fresh. Freezers that are designed to withstand freezing temperatures are usually better insulated so their contents can stay frozen for longer.
This compact model by Midea is perfect for those who want a small, garage-friendly freezer. It can be used indoors and outdoors and is able to hold 7.2 cubic feet. It has a manual drain, an adjustable temperature control and storage baskets to help you keep your freezer organized. Its low price means you'll have to sacrifice some features, like the lid that is counterbalanced and an internal light but it's a simple compromise when you want to make the most of your freezer space.
Energy efficiency
Chest freezers are usually taller and lower to ground than upright models, which makes them ideal for tight spaces. They can also operate in colder temperatures than standard freezers and use less power. This is due to the side wall insulation that maintains them at very low temperatures without using too much energy.
For added energy efficiency, look for an ENERGY STAR qualified chest freezer. These chest freezers can provide up to 10 percent more energy savings over federal minimum standards. They also have thick insulation that helps to maintain the optimal temperature. Check to see if you utility company offers rebates on these products.
The annual consumption of electricity for the freezer is also important to know. It is typically expressed in KWh numbers (1 KWh = one unit of electricity). Certain manufacturers will provide this information in their user's manual or on the product's packaging, while others will provide it online.
It's also worth looking into the weight prior to purchasing. Make a plan if you require assistance in moving it into or out of the garage or outbuilding. You may also want to think about purchasing a model that has rollers or caster wheels that allow it to be easier to move around. If you intend to use the freezer to do outdoor activities such as hunting or gardening, you will need to ensure that it's capable of working in frigid temperatures.
Convenience
A chest freezer is a fantastic addition to any outbuilding or garage regardless of whether you're an avid gardener or hunter, or have a lot leftover food from cooking. It offers more storage space than a conventional refrigerator, which is perfect for those who buy large quantities or preserving the vegetables they harvest from their patch. Some models are able to hold meat and other food items, which is a great method to stock up for the winter.
Chest freezers are less expensive than upright freezers due to the fact that they use less energy because of the insulation on their side walls. They also come with a number of convenient features, such as the ability to drain defrost and a manual temperature control. Some models include a speed-freeze function that decreases time to freeze certain foods.
The majority of freezers are made for safe operation down to 18 degrees Celsius which is perfect for colder climates. If you live near the sea make sure you choose freezers that are built to withstand salt air.
Alternatively, those who are looking for a freezer built to last can consider a Beko or Russell Hobbs model. These companies are among the first to make sure their freezers are able to be safely used in non-heated buildings by testing them in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
Safety
Keep your freezer in a garage or another place that is protected against the elements. While some people claim that they keep their freezer outdoors and use it with no issues, the majority of repair experts believe that this is not a good idea. The outdoor temperatures are too cold for a freezer to continue functioning properly, and the moisture in the air can affect the condition of the freezer over time.
The freezer in the chest must have locks that stop children from opening it. It must also have a thick lid, which is difficult to open accidentally. It should also include wire baskets or shelves to store smaller items and a reversible door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.
A great freezer will have an alarm for temperature, which will sound when the temperature inside begins to rise. This can help save food as it will alert you early if there is a problem. Look for a freezer equipped with this feature, and make sure that it includes the ability to drain the freezer after defrost.
Another feature to consider is whether the freezer has an interior lighting. This feature is essential for keeping the freezer well-organized particularly if read more you keep it in a dark place such as a garage or basement. This feature will help you locate the item you're searching for more quickly and will reduce the amount of times the lid of your freezer is accidentally opened, which will cause the temperature to drop.