Where to Buy Chest Freezers
A second freezer is a great option for those who purchase food in large quantities or make meals ahead of time. Find a high-quality chest freezer with enough capacity to accommodate the majority of your purchases and minimize trips to the supermarket.
Find a wide range of chest freezers at P.C. Richard & Son for the best price guaranteed. Find models with an internal light with a power-on indicator, and baskets inside that keep things close at hand.
Size
Many families need more storage capacity than a fridge freezer or upright freezer offers. At Lowe's you can find chest freezers available in a wide variety of sizes. The best option for you will depend on the items you'll keep in the freezer, your family size and your budget.
A chest freezer is an appliance that stands alone and opens from the top, similar to an open treasure chest. It's smaller and longer than a regular refrigerator freezer. These freezers do not have drawers, but they come with wire baskets that can help you organize your food. They're cheaper than upright freezers, but they're not as fashionable and often have fewer features. Some models are garage-ready, which means they can be able to withstand higher temperatures.
Consider how warm the basement or garage is and if it's accessible to reach your food. Also, consider the your measurements to ensure you have the space for the freezer to be large enough to meet your storage needs.
Experts recommend a model with a capacity of about 2.5 cubic feet per person in your family. You'll require a larger unit if you plan to store heavier foods such as turkey slabs or whole lasagne. Also, consider whether you'll be freezing entire meals or just ingredients when determining the size of your freezer. A freezer that's too small might cause it to be more laborious to keep it cold, which can reduce effectiveness.
Energy Efficiency
A chest freezer is a great option for those who purchase food in bulk, prepare large meals, and then freeze them for later use, or are in an area subject to power outages. Chest freezers aren't able to defrost by themselves, but they keep temperatures lower than other refrigerators. They also can stay frozen for longer in the event that there is power failure.
When you're choosing a freezer, look for an ENERGY STAR-certified model to save money on your utility bills and reduce the environmental impact. These freezers are more energy efficient as they are more insulated and have advanced components that consume less power.
Bags are also a great option to organize your freezer, especially when you don't need to purchase storage bins. You can buy them at the dollar stores and are ideal for keeping things like meat and vegetables in a separate place. Some people reuse cardboard containers, like milk cartons and baby formula bottles to store their food items.
Some freezers come with interior lighting, which is beneficial when you're trying to locate something. This feature is typically found on higher-priced models which are a bit larger however it can be beneficial for people who live in smaller areas or are looking to maximize their space. Some freezers are also equipped with dividers that can be removed to help you better organize your food, but they can decrease the amount of space available.
Storage Capacity
Chest freezers are ideal for those who buy their bulk food items or prefer to cook and store homemade meals in advance. Gardeners, hunters, and farmers can also benefit from chest freezers for storing excess products or meats to be used later. They're also a great choice for those who cook frequently double-batch recipes of sauces, soups or stews that can be frozen for simple warming, and also for bakers who bake regularly to be able to freeze the leftovers.
Freezer chests feature one compartment that is without drawers or shelves more info and a hinged top that opens upward. Some freezer chests include baskets that can be used to store everyday items over the larger items. When buying you a freezer, make sure you choose an open lid that is counterbalanced so it doesn't close as you move around the contents inside. An interior light is useful, as are a dial thermostat and a manual defrost.
Consider the number of people living in your home and the amount of food you'll need to stock up. Generally speaking, a family of four will require about 2.1 cubic feet of storage. To help you organize your freezer label each of the bins or use plastic bins with labels. If you're on a limited budget Many people make use of bins from the dollar store or reuse items like oatmeal containers and milk cartons.
Features
A chest freezer is a great way to get extra storage space. This is especially useful when you're preparing for an extended power outage or if you're looking for ways to save money on groceries. They are also quieter and more affordable than upright freezers. Some models come with an alarm for high temperatures or alarm that sounds when the food inside is warming up.
Chest freezers are more efficient at freezing food because they are more densely insulated. Certain models come with different sizes of storage racks that allow you to divide and locate smaller items. A chest freezer with lid locks is ideal especially if you have small children, as it prevents them from attempting to climb into the freezer, and getting trapped and possibly suffocating.
A chest freezer is a great addition to any home that has the space for one, particularly if you are looking to cut costs on groceries and be prepared for a power outage that lasts a long time. Consider the size and capacity you require, based on the typical food consumption of your family. Also, take into consideration the energy efficiency of each one and other features. Find the chest freezer that's the best fit for your family's requirements and budget. If you're in a pinch, look for freezers that have scratches and marks or blemishes. You can also locate a less expensive model.