Outbuilding Chest Freezer
Chest freezers are a must for a lot of people, particularly when you are able to grow your own vegetables and fruits. They can also be helpful for those with a limited space in the kitchen for storage.
If you're looking for a chest freezer to fit in your outbuilding, ensure it is built to the correct specifications. This will make sure it operates in the temperature of your shed or garage.
Placement
The location of an outbuilding chest freezer has an enormous impact on its efficiency. No matter whether you'd like to keep it in your garage or shed or even at home in the kitchen, it must be ventilated in a way that it doesn't use more energy than necessary. Freezers can also cause problems when they are used in cold conditions such as sheds and garages that aren't heated which is why you must verify the temperature class of your freezer versus the temperature of the area in which it will be stored.
While chest freezers are great for those who need more space to store food items and additional cartons of frozen pizza or ice cream, finding the best location to store it can be a bit difficult. It should be accessible, yet not too convenient. This could lead to chaos and lack of organization. It should be kept away from appliances that generate heat such as stoves to ensure it is not working harder than it has to which can increase its electricity consumption.
You can view what's in the freezer without opening it up. A chest freezer with baskets for storage on top is an excellent option. Some models come with an open drawer that slides from left to right. This can make it easier to access items depending on the type of storage you prefer.
Temperature Control
When you are looking to purchase a new freezer, you should take into consideration a few aspects particularly if the freezer will be kept in an unheated space like a shed or garage. Modern freezers can run at temperatures between -18 degrees Celsius and 43 degrees Celsius. Storing them in a garage without heating could lead to poor performance or food safety issues. However, manufacturers like Beko and Russell Hobbs have created models that can still function in cold environments, thanks to a hidden condenser.
These freezers have a reliable compressor as well as a thick insulation that allows them to maintain their optimal temperature in harsh environments. Some of these freezers have triple-sealed seals to ensure the highest efficiency in energy use. These freezers are also usually certified by the ENERGY STAR program, meaning they use 10 percent less energy than the federal minimum standard.
Chest freezers are typically equipped with baskets for storage that are placed on the top of the appliance, making them accessible even when the appliance is full. They can also be used as a cooler for parties and events that help keep food and drinks cool. Other models, like the Cookology chest freezer in white, can be set to Refrigeration Mode, allowing it to double as a refrigerator to add more capacity. It features a mechanically adjustable thermostat that can hold up to 99 litres frozen food items.
Convenience
As opposed to upright freezers, which have storage compartments, chest freezers typically comprise a large space. This can make it hard to organize the contents as certain food items may be hidden under other items. A chest freezer that has a storage basket that can be removed allows you to easily find what you need and keeps your food organized. Some freezers also come with additional storage containers or cardboard boxes to aid in separating your food items.
A chest freezer can also be said to be quieter than upright models. Chest freezers also benefit from thick insulation. This means that the cooler air can stay around frozen food for longer periods of time.
Take into consideration where you'll keep the chest freezer and the frequency you plan to use. Some freezers are made to withstand higher temperatures, making them suitable for garages and outbuildings, whereas others have smaller operating temperatures and are better suited for the home. If you do decide to keep your freezer in a garage, make sure it's "garage-ready" to ensure it can withstand high temperatures. Consider a model that has an alarm so that your children are not able to get inside. This is a feature that many manufacturers, including Beko has made standard on their chest freezers.
Security
You'll need to ensure that your chest freezer in an outbuilding is safe and secure. One option is to buy an electronic lock that can prevent anyone from gaining access to your freezer and the theft of food items. Another measure is to store the freezer away from sources of heat, which could increase the use of energy. This will keep the temperature stable and ensure that the food items inside aren't defrosted and spoil.
Keeping your chest freezer organized is crucial to ensure that you can easily find the foods that are stored within and also to avoid food items from becoming lost. Wiss recommends that the initial step is to classify the contents of your freezer. This will let you be aware of exactly what you have and whether you'll need to buy more of an item.
Once you've sorted your categories, it's time to go through the freezer to get rid of items you don't require. You can either give them to your local food pantry or to sell here them on sites like Craigslist. This also gives you an opportunity to clean out your freezer, making it more efficient to make use of. If you have a huge freezer, consider buying an able-to-stack set of storage containers that you can use to make more compartments in your freezer.