Buying a Chest Freezer For Your Outbuilding If you have an garage or shed is a good idea to look at chest freezers for your outbuilding. They can aid in food storage, preserving fruits and vegetables or even to free up space inside your home. Because air doesn't circulate as well in chest freezers, they tend to retain food better than upright freezers. To reduce operating costs, you should choose the freezer that has a high energy rating. Size When choosing a freezer chest decide on the amount of storage space you will need. A best practice is to have a cubic foot of freezer space for every person in your household. You will need a bigger freezer for more than that. You might also want to consider a chest freezer with security locks, particularly when you plan to keep it outdoors. This will stop anyone from taking food items frozen. Another thing to think about is whether you'd like your freezer chest to be equipped to function at temperatures that are freezing. If yes, you should look for models that are designed to be able to withstand temperatures below freezing, or you'll find it difficult to keep the food inside fresh. Refrigerators that are designed to withstand freezing temperature are typically more insulated, therefore their contents can remain frozen for longer. If you're looking for a small freezer that can be tucked away in your garage, consider this compact model from Midea. Its capacity is 7.2 cubic feet and can be used both in indoor and outdoor settings. It features a manual defrost drain and adjustable temperature control, and it comes with storage baskets for additional organization. It's necessary to sacrifice some features to get it at this price with a counterbalanced front and an internal light. However, if you're looking to make the most of your freezer space it's an excellent choice. Energy efficiency Chest freezers are generally taller and lower to ground than upright models, which makes them ideal for tight spaces. In addition, they can operate in a colder environment than standard freezers and use less electricity - this is due to the side-wall insulation that keeps them at a low temperature without using too much energy. For greater energy efficiency, opt for an energy STAR certified chest freezer. These can offer up to 10 percent more energy savings than minimum federal standards and come with thick insulation to keep in optimal temperatures. Some utility companies even offer rebates on these products So make sure to check whether yours offers. You should also take note of the freezer's annual electricity usage that is typically presented in KWh figures (1 KWh = 1 unit of electricity). Certain manufacturers will display this information in their user's manual or on the product's label while others will post it online. It's also worth checking the weight prior to buying. It might require help to move it in and out of your shed or garage, so you should plan according to your needs. You should consider buying a freezer that comes with caster wheels or rolling rollers to help you move it around. If you intend to use the freezer to do outdoor activities such as gardening or hunting, you will need to ensure that it is able to operate in freezing temperatures. Convenience Whether you're a hunter, gardener, or simply have a lot of leftover food from cooking at home, a chest freezer can be a handy addition to your outbuilding or garage. It offers more storage space than a standard refrigerator, which is great for those who buy in large quantities or are preserving the fruits and vegetables from their garden. Some models can also hold meat. This is a great way to get food supplies for the winter. Chest freezers are less expensive than upright freezers since they use less energy because of the insulation that is built into the side walls. They also come with a number convenient features like a defrost drain and an instruction manual for temperature control. Some models even have a quick freeze feature that reduces the time for freezing for certain food items to save time. The majority of freezers are built to operate safely below 18 degrees Celsius which is ideal for colder environments. If you live near the ocean seek out freezers built to withstand salt air. Beko and Russell Hobbs models are also available for those looking for the best freezer that lasts. These manufacturers were among the first to test their freezers at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius to ensure they could be used in unheated structures. Safety You should keep a chest freezer in your garage or other place that is safe from the elements. Although some people claim they keep their freezer outside and use it without problems, most experts in appliance repair agree that this is a bad idea. The outside temperatures can be too low for the freezer to function efficiently. The humidity in the air could cause damage over time. The freezer in the chest should have an unlocked door to prevent children from opening it, and the lid is heavy and difficult to remove accidentally. It should also have shelves or wire bins for smaller items, as well as a reversible, reversible-direction door. A good freezer will have an alarm for temperature that sounds if the internal temperature begins to rise, allowing you avoid food waste by catching any issues in the early stages. Look for a freezer with this feature, and be sure that it has a defrost drain as well. Another thing to consider is whether the freezer is equipped with interior lighting. This feature is essential for keeping the freezer organized particularly if you keep it in a dark location such as a garage or basement. This feature makes it easier to find what you are looking for quicker and decreases the chance that the freezer lid is opened by accident, which can cause the temperature to fall.