Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding
A chest freezer is great for storing frozen vegetables, bags of ice, and even extra cartons of ice cream. Many retailers sell freezers which can be operated safely inside garages or sheds where it is not heated.
It is important to remember that chest freezers must be kept in an environment that is controlled and maintained.
Size
Chest freezers are a great option for people who don't have the space to install a freezer in their kitchen, or simply want a backup. These freezers provide more storage space and are able to run at lower temperatures than upright freezers. They also have a more consistent temperature and are quieter than upright models. These features make them a great choice for garages as they are able to withstand the higher and colder temperatures in this kind of environment.
The GE 10.0 cubic foot white garage-ready chest freezer is an excellent choice for those looking to buy an additional freezer that can be put in the garage. This freezer comes with a large basket that can hold up 250 pounds. This is a lot of space to accommodate the needs of many families. This freezer has a drainage system for defrost that makes it simple to defrost.
This freezer is covered by a warranty because it is made by a reputable manufacturer. It comes with a power on indicator light that will let you know if it's functioning correctly. Another feature that is important to look for in a freezer is whether it is "garage optimized." This means that the internal components are tested and designed to function in the harsher temperatures of the garage environment. This helps to stop the freezer from malfunctioning at extreme temperatures.
Most upright freezers come with shelves that are built in and offer more storage options. They are also lighter and take up less space which makes them a good choice for people who have limited storage capacity in their homes. However, chest freezers are the best option for those looking for a backup freezer that can be kept in the garage.
This Frigidaire chest freezer FFFC22M6QW is Energy Star compliant and has an efficient compressor that can keep food frozen for 35 hours during a power outage. This freezer features an hinged door that can be opened at 45 or 75 degrees, which means you don't need to bend to look for items. It also includes SpaceWise sliding baskets that help you sort your frozen food and easily reach the items you require.
Temperature Control
If you're planning to keep an in-garage freezer it should be able to maintain the temperature that is needed to keep food fresh. While some chest freezers are built to operate at temperatures ranging from 10 and 50 degrees Celsius, you'll need to locate a model that can handle the lower freezing temperatures that are typically found in many garages for residential use.
The easiest way to do this is to search for a freezer that is garage-ready, which implies that the manufacturer has tested it against common garage temperatures. While this does not guarantee that the freezer will function but it can at least give you a sense of security that the freezer is able to function as expected.
Choose a freezer that is constructed of robust materials that are energy efficient. Many manufacturers are now labeling their products as Energy STAR Certified this is a great indicator that the freezers are able to be used at a low power consumption. Lastly, it's always worthwhile to read reviews from customers to gauge the level of reliability a particular freezer model is.
While a chest freezer might be considered the most basic of all freezer types, that doesn't mean you can't find units with a variety of performance-enhancing features. Some models have locks that block access to the freezer by unauthorized persons, as well as an interior lighting system to make it easier to find food. In addition, some freezers can be programmed to defrost automatically to keep food from burning in the freezer and spoilage over time.
In the end, picking the ideal chest freezer for your garage is likely be based on how much storage space you will need and the amount of money you're willing to invest. If you are willing to sacrifice capacity to save money an upright freezer might be the best option for you. Alternatively, you might choose something bigger and feature-rich, such as the Maytag model featured above. This freezer is one of the best available. It can accommodate up 245 pounds and comes with numerous features.
Convenience
Having a freezer in your outbuilding or garage can mean that you are in a position to stock with food items, such as meat or fish, at a cheaper cost because you can buy in bulk. You will need to ensure that your freezer is appropriate for the ambient temperature in your shed or garage. Check the temperature rating and the climate class to determine if it will work.
Most freezers can withstand temperatures between 0degC - 110degC. This is ideal for standard garages. For added peace of mind you can select an appliance that is ENERGY certified and will be able to reduce your electricity bills and help conserve the environment at same while.
In terms of convenience the majority of chest freezers have a built-in drain for defrost that allows you to defrost your freezer without having to manually open and close it manually. You can find chest freezers that come with locks to ensure that no one can access the frozen goods.
Many brands have freezers that be used in extreme cold temperatures. For instance, Beko and Russell Hobbs both have a range of freezers that can be used in unheated outbuildings and garages with temperatures that are low up to -15degC here thanks to their FreezerGuard technology. This lets the freezer work efficiently in ambient temperatures even in the most extreme weather conditions.
A few brands, including Maytag, have created a new freezer that is specifically designed for garages with features like thick insulation and a triple sealed gasket that helps maintain a consistent internal temperature. In addition the freezer can be converted into a fridge when not in use. It is robust enough to stand up to the harsher outside conditions.
Another alternative is the Midea WHS-258C1 It is an energy efficient chest freezer that can be placed in your shed or garage. It comes with a huge capacity for storage and heavy-duty sliding bins that are easy to move. This freezer has a power loss feature that can help keep food frozen for up to 35 hours. This is particularly useful in times of emergency.
Energy Efficiency
The kind of freezer you select will be based on the amount of space you have available as well as the type of food items you want to keep. Chest freezers are generally the least expensive and most efficient choice, because every inch of interior space is available as opposed to upright models that require additional space to swing the door and access doors. If you don't have the space to fit a chest freezer, check out the smaller uprights offered by brands like Insignia, Frigidaire, GE and many more.
The upright freezers are more like refrigerators. They are available in various finishes and styles that will fit in with any basement, garage, or outbuilding. You can also find bright red options if you're looking to find something more eye-catching. They are also a great way to store food in the event of power outages or brownouts.
If you're worried about the temperature in your garage or outbuilding, or even your utility room dropping below freezing, check out the climate class rating of the freezer you're thinking of buying. This will inform you of the lowest temperatures that the freezer is safe to operate at. Manufacturers like Beko, Russell Hobbs and Logik (a Curry's brand) have started to include information about this on their products, making it easy to determine if a particular freezer is suitable for your intended location.
If you take care to maintain your chest freezers and upright freezers properly, they can last many years. Keep the seals in good condition and defrost them frequently to prolong their life. Chest freezers generally have a lifespan of around 20 years, whereas upright freezers can last as long as 16.