Why Buy a Mini Chest Freezer?
A chest freezer is perfect for those who love to stock frozen bargains and you require extra freezer space. They are typically found in garages and outbuildings, they enable you to benefit from supermarket price reductions.
Currys own brand is a good value for money. It comes with a lot of storage (around five bags) and an A+ rating on energy efficiency, which means it's a bargain to run. It also has a counterbalanced top, which makes it easier to sort through food.
Capacity
When you have less space than what you require for an expansive freezer but need to stockpile plenty of summer ice cream or batch-cooked winter stews, a compact chest model is the perfect choice. These smaller models are typically smaller and wider than full-sized models, and therefore require less space. Some of them are able to fit in your garage. This is a great option for people who grow their own produce or buy in bulk and then freeze it.
Certain models have one or two baskets in the top to keep bags of frozen peas and homemade Ice lollies upright, and to prevent small or often used food items from being lost in the bottom of the freezer. These can be used to store any bags of frozen baguettes or bread, and other things.
The cheapest chest freezers can cost more than PS1000 and are usually placed under the kitchen sink or in an utility room. If you're looking for something that is more fashionable then the Bush BECF99L comes with a stylish black case, and has an open drain on the front which makes defrosting a breeze. This model is a little less deep than its rivals, but it still has up to 100 litres of storage capacity and can accommodate up to three bags worth of shopping.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer can make eating time easier for families that cook in large batches or who want to avoid food wastage. It can also help reduce trips to the market, particularly if you grow your own vegetables and fruits. It's a great way to store excess produce and creating microwavable meals, according to Vincent Finazzo, owner of the Philadelphia-based Riverwards Produce.
Chest freezers are typically well insulated. This means that they don't lose much cold air when they're opened as fridge and freezer doors could. They can also be incredibly energy efficient, especially when you choose one equipped with low-frost technology. Low frost models need defrosting less frequently and will save you money on your electricity bills.
Many chest freezers come with features that make them more efficient. You should look for a guarantee of power outage that indicates the unit will remain frozen during a blackout, and a high temperature alarm or light to warn you when the temperature inside has increased.
It's worth checking a model's annual energy consumption in kWh as this can provide you with an idea of how much it will cost to run. This figure is usually located in the manual of the freezer or on the energy label. Some freezers have an accessory basket that can be attached to the top, to prevent small items from becoming lost in the chaos below.
Noise
This Bosch integrated model is just the right amount of space to not be a distraction. It is ideal for caravans and motorhomes, as well as kitchenettes, and student accommodation. Frydge has a capacity of about 100 litres which is enough to store three bags of shopping and it is energy efficient, with an A+ rating so will not cost you a lot to run. It can keep food frozen for up to 30 hours without power, which makes it a handy backup freezer during a blackout.
It is quiet and is simple and minimalist in its design. It is ideal for those who don't want to be disturbed by their freezer while working in the living room or kitchen. It has a convenient interior lighting system and storage baskets to make it easy to organise.
Storage baskets
Since chest freezers consist of an entire space that can be difficult to organise, look for models that have wire storage baskets that can clip over the rim. These baskets can lift everyday items such as frozen vegetables and chopped onions away from the chaos below. They are also useful for items such as open packets or oven chips or frozen vegetables that require to be kept upright.
An alarm that is activated at high temperatures is a useful feature buyers love. This will alert you if the freezer has become too warm due to cleaning, defrosting or introducing lots of frozen foods that are not frozen. This is a valuable safety feature, especially if you plan to put your mini chest freezer in your garage or outside buildings.
This Bush model offers plenty of freezer space for a reasonable price, despite its small size. It's ideal for storing summer ice creams and stews that are cooked in batches, and it can even be used in a garage or an outbuilding if you want to. It's also easy to get into due to the lid's counterbalance that won't shut on your head when you look through it.
Chest freezers are notorious for accumulating food clutter and, if not properly organized, it's easy to overlook the contents. There are a variety of ways to make your chest freezer more accessible and less likely to throw away food. The proper system of organisation is essential, whether it's a simple magnet list or a detailed freezer inventory sheet (there is an example here) will ensure that your mini-chest freezer operates smoothly.