Why Buy a Mini Chest Freezer?
If you are a fan of stockpiling bargains that are freezable and need more freezer space, an upright freezer is a great option. Typically found in garages or outbuildings, they allow you to benefit from discounts at the supermarket.
Currys' own brand is a great value for the money. It has plenty of storage (around five bags) and an A+ rating for energy efficiency, so it's inexpensive to run. It also comes with an adjustable lid that makes it easier to separate food.
Capacity
A compact chest freezer is a good choice when you don't have the space for a larger freezer but still want to store enough ice cream for summer or stews in bulk during winter. These smaller models are typically larger and shorter than larger models, which means they take up less space. Some can even fit in your garage, making them a good option for those who grow their own food or prefer to buy fresh produce in bulk and freeze it as quickly as possible.
Some models have a basket or two sitting in the top to keep bags of frozen peas or homemade Ice lollies upright, and to prevent smaller or frequently used foods from getting lost at the bottom of the freezer. These can be used to store any bags of frozen baguettes or bread, along with other items.
The cheapest freezers are usually less than PS150 and can be placed under your kitchen sink, or in a utility room, while bigger chest designs can cost more than PS1000. The Bush BECF99L comes in a stylish black case with a front drain port to make defrosting a breeze. The model is less deep than a lot of its rivals however it still has a 100-litre storage capacity. It can fit three bags of grocery items.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer can make mealtimes more convenient for families who have a tendency to do a lot of batch cooking or who want to reduce food waste. It can also cut down on trips to the grocery store especially if you're growing your own vegetables and fruits. Vincent Finazzo of Riverwards Produce in Philadelphia says it's great for storing excess produce and making microwaveable meals.
Chest freezers are generally well insulated. This means that they don't lose the same amount of cold air when they are opened as doors to fridges and freezers could. They can also be extremely energy efficient, especially if you choose one with low-frost technology. Low frost models need less defrosting and can save you money on your electric bills.
Many chest freezers have features that make them more efficient. You should look for a guarantee of power outage that guarantees the freezer will not freeze during an outage, as well as an alarm for high temperatures or a light to warn you when the temperature inside is rising.
It is also important to check the model's annual consumption of energy in kWh. This will give you a good idea of the cost it will take to operate. You can usually find this number in the manual, or on the freezer's energy label. Some freezers also have an storage basket that is clipped onto the top of the freezer, which prevents small items from getting lost in the chaos below.
Noise
This Bosch integrated model is a great choice for caravans and motorhomes, kitchenettes and student accommodation as it offers just enough room to fit unobtrusively. It has a capacity of around 100 litres which is enough to store three shopping bags, and it's energy efficient, with an A+ rating, so it will not cost you a lot to run. It can also keep food frozen even without power for up to 30 days and can be used as an emergency freezer in the event of a power outage.
It is quiet and is simple and minimalist in its design. It is ideal for those who don't want to be disturbed by their freezer while working in the living room or kitchen. It comes with a handy interior light and storage baskets to make it easy to organize.
Storage baskets
Find models with storage baskets made of wire that are clipped to the rim. These baskets will help lift everyday items like chopped and frozen vegetables away from the chaos below. They are also helpful for items like open oven chips or open packets, or frozen vegetables that need to be kept straight.
Another handy feature that many customers love is a high temperature alarm or light. It will notify you if the freezer has become too warm due to cleaning, defrosting or introducing lots of frozen foods that are not frozen. This is an important security feature, especially in the event that you plan to use the mini chest freezer outdoors or in the garage.
Despite its modest size it's a great Bush model still provides plenty of extra freezer space for a low price. It's great for storing summer ice creams and stews that are cooked in batches and can be used in a garage or an outbuilding in the event that you wish to. It's also simple to access due to the lid that website is counterbalanced and will not close on your head when you look through it.
Chest freezers are notorious for the accumulation of food waste and if not organised properly it's easy to overlook what's inside them. There are a lot of ways to make a smaller chest freezer easier to use and less likely to go to waste. The best system of organization that includes a simple magnet list or a comprehensive freezer inventory sheet (there is an example here) is essential to ensure that your mini-chest freezer is operating smoothly.