Outbuilding Chest Freezer
Chest freezers are an essential for a lot of people, particularly those who grow their own vegetables and fruits. They are also useful for anyone with limited kitchen storage space.
Those looking for an outbuilding chest freezer should look for an item that meets the appropriate specifications. This will help to make sure it operates in the ambient temperatures of your shed or garage.
Placement
The location of an outbuilding chest freezer can have significant impact on its performance. Whether you want to keep it in your garage or shed or even in the kitchen, it must be ventilated in a way that it doesn't draw more energy than it needs to. Freezers can also be prone to problems when they are used in cold conditions like unheated garages and sheds which is why you must verify the temperature of your freezer against the temperature of the location in which it is kept.
While the chest freezer is ideal for those who require additional space to store food items as well as extra cartons of frozen pizza or ice cream, finding the right location for it can be tricky. It should be easily accessible, but not excessively convenient. This could lead to clutter and a lack in organisation. It should be kept away from devices that produce heat like stoves, to ensure it is not working harder than necessary, which can increase the energy consumption of the appliance.
A chest freezer that has storage baskets set on top is a great choice, as you can easily see what's inside without having open the whole freezer up. Some models have a storage drawer that slides from left to right which can make accessing items easier, depending on your preference.
Temperature Control
Before buying a brand new freezer, you should take into account a few important aspects especially if it's going to be stored in an unheated area like a shed or garage. Modern freezers are designed to work in temperatures that range between -18 and 43 degrees Celsius which means that keeping them in a cold garage could result in inadequate performance and food safety issues. Manufacturers like Beko and Russell Hobbs, however, have designed models that be used in cold climates thanks to a concealed condenser.
These freezers are designed with reliable compressors and a thick insulation to help them maintain their optimal temperature settings in harsh environments. Some of these freezers feature triple-sealed seals to ensure the highest energy efficiency. These freezers are usually certified by the ENERGY STAR program, meaning they consume ten percent less energy than the federally required minimum standard.
Chest freezers usually come with storage baskets at the top. This makes them accessible even when the appliance is filled. They can be used to keep food and drinks cold at parties and events. Other models, like the Cookology chest freezer in white are capable of being switched to Refrigeration Mode. This allows them to double as a refrigerator to provide additional capacity. It is equipped with a mechanically adjustable thermostat and can store up to 99 litres frozen food.
Convenience
In contrast to upright freezers that have storage compartments, chest freezers typically comprise of a single space. This makes it difficult to organize the contents as some foods may be buried among other items. A chest freezer that has an adjustable storage basket helps you find the items you require and helps keep your food organized. Some freezers come with extra storage containers or cardboard boxes that can help you organize your food.
Another convenience factor for chest freezers is that it tends to operate more quietly than upright models. It is also helpful that chest freezers are insulated which means cooler air stays in the freezer, keeping frozen foods safe from deterioration and preserving them for longer periods of time.
Consider where you will store the chest freezer and how often you intend to use it. Some freezers are made to withstand warmer temperatures and are therefore ideal for garages and outbuildings, whereas some have smaller operating temperatures and are more suitable for the home. If you choose to keep your freezer in the garage, ensure it is "garage ready" to ensure it can stand up to high temperatures. It is also advisable to consider an appliance with a lock to prevent children from getting inside. This is a feature that several manufacturers, including Beko have made standard on their chest freezers.
Security
You'll need to ensure that your chest freezer located in an outbuilding is secure and secure. One option is to buy a lock that will prevent unintentional access to the freezer as well as the theft of food items. Keep the freezer away from heat sources that could increase energy consumption. This will also ensure that the temperature so that food items inside don't thaw out and become spoiled.
It is essential to keep your freezer's compartments organized to ensure that you are able to locate the food items that you have kept in it and to avoid forgetting about it. Wiss suggests that the first step is to organize the contents of your freezer. This will allow you identify exactly what you have and whether or not you'll should purchase more of a specific item.
Once you've sorted your categories, it's time to sort through the freezer and throw away the food items you no require any more. You can give them to your local food pantry or to sell them on sites like Craigslist. This will also give you an opportunity to clean out your freezer and make it easier to utilize. Consider buying a set of stackable storage containers to create more compartments if you have a large freezer.