Why Buy a Chest Freezer?
A chest freezer is a good option for storing bulk purchases and preserving seasonal fruits and vegetables. It can also be used to store cooked meals and leftovers. It also lets you follow the "first in, first out" principle, which reduces food waste.
Look for a model with an open hinged door that can be opened at various angles, allowing you to reach items that are in the back. It should have lighting inside to aid in finding items in the dark basement or garage.
Energy-efficient
A chest freezer that is energy efficient can help you save on electric bills. There are a myriad of options to choose from at various costs. The most efficient models are designed to consume lower energy consumption than conventional models. These freezers are great for those who have to store large quantities of food or who want to cut down on grocery trips. These freezers also offer additional storage for fresh meats, vegetables and ready-to-eat meals.
Chest freezers use less energy and consume less energy than upright freezers. These freezers are also great for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. They can also be used to store food items in the event of a power failure or for long-term storage.
The GE FCM7SKWW can be described as one of the most efficient chest freezers, and it is sold in many stores. The freezer is quiet in operation, and it is easy to use. It has plenty of storage space and three sliding baskets that can be lifted out to store small items. The freezer is also ENERGY STAR certified and has low operating costs.
Another alternative for those in need of a reliable, high-capacity freezer is the Danby Designer Freezer. This is a large freezer that is ENERGY STAR's most efficient 2022 standards. It uses less power than most other models, and has an energy consumption of 220 kWh per cubic foot.
If you are planning to move your chest freezer often it is a good idea to invest in a model with wheels or casters. The wheels allow you to move the appliance around and can be used even when you go camping. It is essential to keep in mind that moving a freezer requires some planning and you must check the instructions for installation for your specific model before trying it. It is crucial to account for space between walls and to verify the electrical requirements.
Convenient storage
Consider the capacity of the chest freezer to hold different types food. According to Maytag the recommendation is to allow 2.5 cubic feet for each person in your family. This will ensure that everyone has enough room to store food items for a few meals or even a frozen dessert. The good news is that you can utilize large freezer bins to arrange the contents and make it easier to find specific items later on.
You can also use dividers inside these freezer bins to keep similar items together. This will save you time in searching for food as you won't need to open a variety of bins to find what you're looking for. Labeling the bins can assist you in identifying the contents. This is especially important if you keep food in sealed bags. It is important to note the type of meat you are using as well as whether or not it has been marinated, and the date when it was placed in the freezer.
Another great way to organize your chest freezer is to reuse items, such as oatmeal containers or milk cartons to create bins. You can also purchase freezer-friendly storage bins at a dollar store or discount stores. You can buy an entire set of bins that are clear so that you can see what's inside. This is especially useful when you're storing multiple items such as fruits and vegetables. Making a list of what you've got in the freezer can help you avoid food waste by ensuring that you eat your food before they expire. You can also select the freezer that comes with an alarm for temperature. This will help prevent your food from rotting.
Easy to clean
While chest freezers keep food frozen for two to three days longer than upright freezers, they also require more frequent defrosting and cleaning. To make your freezer cleaning less of a chore, take out all shelves that are removable and bins and allow them to warm up to room temperature before washing them in the sink with hot water.
Then, empty the freezer. Then, place the food in an ice chest or large cooler to keep it cool while you clean. To avoid a sudden temperature shift, you can also wrap the frozen items in several layers of newspaper and put them in a plastic container. You can speed up the process of defrosting by putting pans of hot tap water in the refrigerator or by using an electric fan.
Clean the interior of the freezer with sponge along with hot water and a few drops dish soap or vinegar. You can also sanitize the gaskets around the freezer with the same solution. Be sure to clean all surfaces, including the corners and cracks. Pay particular attention to those little spots as they are likely to be a source of tough stains or odors.
After the interior is cleaned Reassemble it and replenish it. You might want to consider adding a couple of small clear bins to store items such as bags of ice and bulk foods, such as grains and beans. This will allow you to look over what you have in your pantry and help you save time searching for items. You can also invest in handy labels or a space-saving vacuum sealer bag to help keep your freezer efficient and easy to clean.
Durable
A chest freezer can be used to store food for a long time and maintain the temperature at a low level, which preserves the quality. It can also be used in non-climate controlled spaces like the garage or basement. This makes it a great option for those looking to store food items like ice cream, meats and other vegetables at a lower cost.
When you are looking for a new chest freezer, it is essential to consider the dimensions and weight of the unit. It should be able to fit comfortably in the desired space and leave some space on the sides and back to allow for easy mobility and ventilation. Moreover, you should not place it directly against other appliances or large furniture pieces that may affect the compressor and freezer fan. If your new freezer is very heavy, you may want to choose one with wheels and legs that can be detachable to help you to move.
Energy-efficient chest freezers are an excellent investment, as they use less energy than larger models to keep your food frozen. Choose a model that has top-of-the-line insulation that reduces heat loss, and ENERGY START-certified components that use less energy. Select a model with removable plastic bins that can be used to store smaller food items, as well as an indicator light that indicates when the unit is on.
If your freezer isn't keeping its temperature constant, it could be due to a broken or improperly installed door seal or sensor. This could be caused by excessive condensation or an accumulation of ice. In these instances you could try cleaning the condenser coils and checking the freezer's temperature settings and ensuring that the lid or door is not blocked. If the issue continues, consult a professional technician for more troubleshooting.
Energy Star-certified
Be sure to look for the look for the STAR logo when you are shopping for chest freezers. This means that the freezer is at minimum 10 percent more energy efficient than the standard federal. This can save you money and lowers carbon emissions. Freezers that are certified by ENERGY START come with advanced compressors, high-efficiency insulation and defrost systems which require less energy. They are compact in size and are therefore easy to fit into tight spaces.
The ENERGY STAR program was established in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to identify and promote products that freezer are energy efficient. The ENERGY STAR logo is featured on more than 75 kinds of products, including appliances, office equipment and lighting. The ENERGY STAR label is an internationally recognized mark of excellence that proves a product has met the highest standards in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction.
ENERGY STAR certification is a three-step procedure that includes verification testing, third-party certification and labeling. The EPA determines the performance levels for every appliance class and supervises third-party certification. The DOE develops the ENERGY START test procedures and helps in the verification testing. The ENERGY STAR Label also includes the ENERGY STAR MOST EFFICIENT certification that honors the best-performing products each year.
Consumer reviews have given the ENERGY STAR certified freezers top marks in terms of durability and energy efficiency. You should be aware that convenience features can cost you. You should only invest money on features that will help your family's daily routine and storage needs for food. Read reviews and compare prices on reliable blogs and websites to get an idea of what other people think. You can then decide if the freezer is right for your family.