Where to Buy Chest Freezers
A second freezer can be useful for those who buy food in large quantities or make meals ahead. Choose a freezer that has enough capacity to store your bulk purchases, and also reduce trips to the supermarket.
Explore a variety of chest freezers at P.C. Richard & Son to get the most affordable price. Find models with baskets inside to keep items in reach, an interior light and power-on indicator.
Size
Many families require more storage space than refrigerator freezers or upright freezer will provide. At Lowe's you can purchase chest freezers available in a wide range of sizes. The ideal choice for you will depend on the items you'll put in the freezer, your family size and your budget.
A chest freezer is a device that is stand-alone and opens up from the top like the top of a treasure box. It is a bit smaller and wider than the typical refrigerator freezer. These freezers don't come with drawers, but they come with wire baskets to help you organize your food. They're less expensive than upright freezers, however they aren't as stylish and often have fewer features. Some models can handle higher temperatures in garages.
If you're considering putting your freezer in a garage or basement think about how warm the space gets and if it's difficult to access your food items. Take measurements to ensure you have enough space to store a freezer.
Experts recommend having a freezer that's approximately 2.5 cubic feet for each person in your household. If you're storing bulkier foods, such as whole lasagna or turkey slabs then you'll need a bigger model. You should also consider whether you plan to freeze entire meals or just ingredients when you decide on the size of your freezer. A freezer that's too small could cause it to work harder to keep cool, which could reduce effectiveness.
Energy Efficiency
A chest freezer is an excellent option for those who purchase food in bulk, cook large meals, and then freeze the leftovers for later use or are in an area subject to power outages. Contrary to upright freezers, chest freezers don't defrost automatically, but they maintain a lower temperature than other freezers, and they can be frozen longer if the power goes out.
When you're selecting a freezer, be sure to choose an energy star-certified model to reduce your energy bills and also reduce your environmental footprint. These freezers are energy-efficient because they're insulated better and have advanced components that use less energy.
Bags are also a great option to organize your freezer, especially if you don't want to purchase storage bins. They are available at the dollar store, and they're ideal for keeping items like check here meat and veggies separate. Some people repurpose cardboard containers, such as milk cartons and baby formula bottles to store their food.
Some freezers come with interior lighting that can be helpful in locating something. This feature is typically found on more expensive models that are larger, but is useful for those who have little space or want to maximize their space. Some freezers have removable dividers that can aid in organizing your food more efficiently, but they can also reduce the amount of space available.
Storage Capacity
Chest freezers can be an ideal option for those who buy food in large quantities, or cook and prepare meals ahead of time. Gardeners, hunters and farmers also benefit from chest freezers by storing excess meat or produce to be used later. They are also ideal for anyone who often makes double batches of soups, stews, or sauces. They can be frozen and then reheated easily.
Freezer chests come with one compartment without drawers or shelves. They also have the top is hinged and opens upward. Some freezer chests are equipped with baskets that can be used to store items that are commonly used above the larger ones. Make sure the lid is counterbalanced to allow you to move around the contents as it is still open. A dial thermostat, a manual defrost feature and an interior light are also useful.
When determining the amount of storage space you'll need in your chest freezer, take into consideration the number of people in your household and the amount of extra food you plan on stocking up. A family of four needs about 2.1 cubic feet. Label all the bins, or use plastic bins that have labels to aid in organizing your freezer. If you're on a budget many people buy bins at the dollar stores or reuse items like milk cartons and oatmeal containers.
Features
A chest freezer can provide additional storage space, especially when you're planning an extended power outage, or trying to save on groceries. They are also quieter and more affordable than upright freezers. Some models have an alarm or a warning that sounds when the food inside gets warmer.
Because they have much thicker insulation than upright freezers chest freezers keep frozen food more secure and fresher than their upright counterparts. Some models also come with racks of storage in different sizes to can help keep smaller items separated and easier to find. A chest freezer that has a lid lock is useful for families with young children, as it will stop them from tripping over the freezer and becoming trapped, and possibly suffocating.
A chest freezer is a fantastic addition to any home that has the space for one particularly if you're trying to save money on groceries and prepare for a prolonged power loss. Take into consideration the size and capacity you require according to your family's average food intake, and keep in mind the energy efficiency and other features offered for each model. Find the chest freezer that's best suited to your family's requirements and budget. If you're on a tight budget, look for freezers with scratches and marks or blemishes. You can also locate a less expensive model.