The Chest Freezer Outbuilding Awards: The Best, Worst, And The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding If you own garage or a shed you should look at chest freezers for your outbuilding. They can aid in food storage, preserving fruits and vegetables, or just to free up space inside your home. Since air circulation isn't in the same way and chest freezers are more compact, they retain food better than upright freezers. To reduce operating expenses, choose one with a higher energy rating. Size When choosing a chest for your freezer consider how much storage space you need. As a rule of thumb it is recommended to have one cubic foot for each member of your family. You will need a bigger freezer if you have more than that. You may also want to opt for an upright freezer that has a lock, especially if you're planning on keeping it outside. This will prevent anyone from stealing frozen food. It is also important to consider whether your freezer will function at freezing temperatures. If so, look for models that are designed to endure low temperatures, or you'll find it difficult to keep the foods inside fresh. Freezers that are built to withstand freezing temperatures are usually better insulated which means that their contents will stay frozen for longer. This compact model from Midea is ideal for those looking for an affordable, garage-friendly freezer. It has a capacity of 7.2 cubic feet and can be utilized in both indoor and outdoor settings. It has an automatic drain, adjustable temperature control, and storage baskets to help you stay organised. You'll need to sacrifice certain features to get it at this price, including a counterbalanced top and an internal light. But if you're looking to make the most of your freezer space, it's a good trade-off. Energy efficiency Chest freezers are usually larger and lower to the ground than upright models, which makes them ideal for smaller spaces. They can operate in colder conditions than standard freezers and use less electricity – this is thanks to the side-wall insulation that keeps them at a low temperature without using too much energy. Look for a chest freezer that is certified by ENERGY STAR certified to ensure the highest efficiency in energy use. frost free chest freezers uk offer up to ten percent more energy savings than the minimum federal standards, and feature thick insulation to ensure optimal temperatures. Find out if your utility company offers rebates on these products. The annual consumption of electricity for the freezer is also important to keep in mind. This is usually expressed in a KWh number (1 KWh is one unit of electricity). Certain manufacturers will display this information in their user manual or on the product's label, while others will post it online. It is also worth checking the weight before purchasing. You may need assistance getting it in and out of your garage or outbuilding and should plan according to your needs. You might also look into purchasing a freezer with caster wheels or rollers, which will allow it to be easier to move around. If you intend to use the freezer for outdoor activities such as hunting or gardening it is essential to ensure that it is able to operate in frigid temperatures. Convenience Whether you're a hunter, gardener, or simply have plenty of leftover food from cooking at home, a chest freezer can be a great addition to your garage or outbuilding. It has more storage than a standard fridge making it ideal for those who shop in bulk or want to keep the bounty of their vegetable gardens. Some models can even hold meat which is a cost-effective option to stock up for the winter. Chest freezers are more affordable than upright freezers since they consume less energy due to the insulation of their side walls. They also come with several useful features, including the ability to drain defrost and a manual temperature control. Some models also have a quick freeze feature which decreases the time it takes to freeze for certain foods to cut down on time. The majority of freezers are made to operate safely below 18 degrees Celsius which is perfect for colder climates. If you live near the ocean make sure you choose freezers that are built to withstand salty air. Beko and Russell Hobbs models are also available to those who want an appliance that will last. These manufacturers were among the first to test their freezers at temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius to ensure that they can be used in non-heated buildings. Safety You should keep a freezer in your garage or other location that is protected from the elements. Although some claim that they keep their freezer outdoors and use it with no issues, the majority of repair experts agree that this is not a good idea. The temperatures outside are too low to keep the freezer working efficiently. The moisture in the air can cause damage over time. The freezer in the chest should have a lock to prevent children from opening it, and an extremely heavy lid that is difficult to remove accidentally. It should have wire bins or shelves to store smaller items and a reversible, reversible-direction door. A quality freezer will have a temperature alarm which will sound if the internal temperature starts to increase, which can help you avoid food waste by catching any issues in the early stages. This feature is essential for any freezer. Also, make sure there is a drainage for defrost. Another thing to think about is whether the freezer has an interior lighting. This is crucial for keeping the freezer organized especially if you keep it in a dark space such as a garage or basement. This feature can help you find the item you're looking for more quickly, and it will reduce the number of times that the freezer's lid is open, which could result in the temperature dropping.