Where to Buy Chest Freezers
A second freezer is useful for those who purchase food in large quantities or make meals in advance. Look for high-quality chest freezers with enough capacity to handle the bulk of your purchases, and also reduce trips to the supermarket.
Explore a variety of chest freezers at P.C. Richard & Son for the most affordable price guaranteed. Find models with an internal light, a power-on indicator and interior baskets to keep things close at hand.
Size
Many families need more storage space than a fridge freezer or upright freezer offers. At Lowe's you can find chest freezers in a wide variety of sizes. The best chest freezer for your needs will depend on the things you want to store inside it, the number of people you're storing for and your budget.
A chest freezer is an appliance that stands on its own and opens up from the top, like an open treasure chest. It is smaller and larger than the standard refrigerator freezer. These freezers don't come with drawers, but come with wire baskets that can help you organize your food. These freezers are less expensive than upright models, however they're not as stylish and come with less features. Certain models can withstand higher temperatures in garages.
If you're thinking of putting your freezer in a garage or basement, consider how warm the area is and if it's difficult to access your food items. Make sure you have the right measurements to ensure that you have enough space for a freezer.
Experts recommend a model with a capacity of about 2.5 cubic feet per family member. If you're planning to store larger items such as whole lasagna or turkey slabs then you'll need a bigger model. You should also think about whether you intend to freeze portions of meals or only ingredients when deciding on the size of your freezer. A freezer that is too small will have to work harder to keep it cool, which can reduce its efficiency.
Energy Efficiency
Chest freezers are an excellent option for those who buy in bulk or cook large meals that they freeze for later use or if you live in an area susceptible to power outages. Chest freezers aren't able to defrost them, however they maintain a lower temperature than other refrigerators. They can also stay frozen longer in the event of is power failure.
Select an energy STAR certified model when selecting a refrigerator to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. These freezers are more energy efficient since they have better insulation and advanced components that use less electricity.
Bags are also a great option to organize your freezer, particularly when you don't wish to buy storage bins. You can purchase them at the dollar stores and are ideal for keeping items such as meat and veggies separate. Some people reuse cardboard containers, such as milk cartons and baby formula bottles to store their food items.
Some freezers have interior lighting, which can be helpful in locating something. You'll typically find this feature on higher-priced models which are a bit more spacious but it's a great feature for those who live in small spaces or who are looking to maximize their space. Some freezers have removable dividers that help you organize your food more efficiently, but they can also reduce the amount of space available.
Capacity for Storage
Chest freezers are great for people who buy food in bulk or who like to cook and store home-cooked meals ahead of time. They are also helpful for hunters, gardeners and farmers who want to make the most of their crops or meat by storing any extra to use later. They're also a great choice for those who prepare frequent double-batch recipes of sauces, soups or stews that can be frozen for easy heating, and for bakers who bake regularly so they can freeze leftovers.
Freezer chests come with only one compartment, with no drawers or shelves, and an open top with a hinge that opens upwards. Some freezer chests are equipped with baskets that can be used to store things you use daily above the larger ones. When buying you a freezer, make sure you choose an open lid that is counterbalanced so it remains open while you maneuver the contents inside. A lighting system inside is useful, as are the thermostat dial and manual defrost.
Think about the number of persons living in your house and the amount of food you'll need to stock up. A family of four will require approximately 2.1 website cubic feet. To help you keep your freezer organized label all the bins or use plastic containers with labels. If you're on a tight budget, many people use bins at the dollar store or recycle items such as milk cartons and oatmeal containers.
Features
A chest freezer can provide useful storage space especially if you're preparing for an extended power outage or trying for ways to save money on your groceries. They are more quiet and cost less than upright freezers. Some models have an alarm or warning that sounds when the food inside gets warmer.
Chest freezers are more efficient at keeping food frozen as they are more densely insulated. Some models also have racks for storage that come in various sizes to help keep smaller items separated and easier to find. A chest freezer that has lid locks is ideal if you have young children, as it prevents them from climbing into the appliance and getting trapped and possibly dying.
A chest freezer is a fantastic addition to any home that has enough space particularly if you're looking to save money on groceries and be prepared for a long power outage. Think about the size and capacity you require according to your family's average food intake, and keep in mind the energy efficiency as well as other features that are available for each model. Find the chest freezer that's the best fit for your family's needs and budget. If you are on a budget, look for freezers that have scratches, imperfections to locate a less expensive model.