Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding

If you have a shed or garage, then it's worth looking at chest freezers for your outbuilding. They can help with food storage, preserving fruits and vegetables or simply to free up space within the house.

As air does not circulate as much in chest freezers, they tend to keep food frozen better than upright freezers. To cut down on operating costs, look for the freezer that has a high energy rating.

Size

When choosing a freezer chest, determine how much storage space you need. A best practice is to have one cubic foot of freezer space per household member. You will need a bigger freezer when you have more than that. You might also want to consider an appliance that comes with a lock, especially in the event that you intend to keep it outside. This will stop anyone from taking food items frozen.

Another thing to think about is whether you want your freezer chest equipped to function in frigid temperatures. If so, search for one that is designed to withstand low temperatures, or you'll be unable to keep the food items inside fresh. Freezers made to withstand freezing temperatures are typically more in insulation than those designed for indoor use, which means they can keep their contents in the freezer for longer.

If you're looking for a small freezer that fits in your garage, consider this compact model from Midea. It is suitable for use indoors and outdoors, and it has a capacity of 7.2 cubic feet. It has a manual drain for defrost as well as an adjustable temperature control, and has storage baskets that provide additional organization. The price isn't too expensive, but you'll need to sacrifice a few features, like a lid that is balanced and an internal light but it's an easy trade-off if you want to make the most of your freezer space.

Energy efficiency

Chest freezers are generally larger and taller than upright models. This makes them perfect for small spaces. They can also be operated in a colder climate than standard freezers and require less energy. This is because of the side-wall insulation that allows them to operate at lower temperatures without using excessive energy.

Find a chest freezer that is ENERGY STAR certified to achieve the highest energy efficiency. They offer up to ten percent more energy savings than the minimum federal standards and have thick insulation that helps to maintain optimal temperatures. Some utility companies even offer rebates on these items, so check to see if yours does.

You should also take note of the freezer's annual usage of electricity typically stated in KWh units (1 KWh is 1 unit of electricity). Some manufacturers will show this information in their user's manual or on the product's label and others will make it available online.

It's also worth assessing the weight before you buy. Make a plan if you require help moving it into and out of the garage or outbuilding. Look into buying a model that comes with caster wheels or rolling rollers to allow it to be easier to move around. If you're considering using the freezer to store food in a device for outdoor activities, such as gardening or hunting it is important to ensure whether it is able to operate under freezing temperatures.

Convenience

It doesn't matter if you're a hunter gardener, or simply have plenty of leftover food from cooking at home, a chest freezer could be a valuable addition to your outbuilding or garage. It offers more storage space than a standard fridge, making it ideal for people who buy in bulk or preserve the harvest of their vegetable garden. Some models can even store meat and other food items, which is a great method to stock up for the winter months.

Unlike upright freezers, chest freezers are typically more affordable as they use less electricity due to their side-wall insulation. They also come with numerous useful features, including a drainage system for defrost and an instruction manual for temperature control. Some models include a speed-freeze feature that cuts down on freezing times for certain foods.

The majority of freezers operate safely at temperatures of -18 degrees Celsius. This is ideal for colder climates. Those who live near the coast should search for freezers built to withstand the sea air, as salt can affect freezers over time.

Beko and Russell Hobbs models are also available for those looking for the best freezer that lasts. These companies are among the first to ensure their freezers are able to be safely used in unheated structures by testing them at temperatures ranging from -15 to -15 degrees Celsius.

Safety

It here is recommended to keep a freezer in your garage or other location that is secure from the elements. Some people claim that they can use their freezers outdoors without any issues. However, the majority of experts in appliance repair agree that this is not an ideal solution. The outdoor temperatures can be too cold for a freezer to continue operating reliably, and the moisture in the air can cause damage to the freezer over time.

The chest freezer should have an unlocked lock that stops children from opening it. It must also have a sturdy lid that is difficult to open accidentally. It should also have shelves or wire baskets for storing smaller items, and a door that can be opened in the direction you prefer.

A quality freezer will have a temperature alarm that sounds if the internal temperature starts to rise, allowing you save food by catching any issues in the early stages. This feature is essential for any freezer. Also, make sure you have a defrost drain.

Another thing to think about is whether the freezer has interior lighting. This feature is essential for keeping the freezer well-organized, especially if you store it in a dark place like a basement or garage. This feature helps you find what you're looking for quicker and decreases the amount of times that the freezer lid is opened accidentally, which can cause the temperature to drop.