Appliances Review - Chest Freezer

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For cooks or homeowners, a chest freezer can provide additional storage space and refrigeration options for your kitchen’s workspace. Chest freezers can also be placed in a variety of locations, from your garage to basement. This versatility provides valuable flexibility for organizing your home or business. Because of their larger capacity, you can store items in a chest freezer that could not fit into a traditional refrigerator. For home use, chest freezers act a storage space for food and other pantry items.

Chest Freezers: What to Look For

As with many home appliances, chest freezers can vary when it comes to features. Depending on your specific needs and applications, certain freezer options will become more important than others. A variety of models are available, ranging from a cheap and small chest freezer to models that can provide secure storage for food and oversized items. Chest freezers come in multiple sizes and styles, so you'll be able to find one that fits your specific needs. Below are the elements you want to consider when you're looking into buying a chest freezer.

Construction Quality
Because chest freezers are not typically stored in kitchens, they are designed to be exposed to additional wear and tear, ranging from changing outside temperatures to accidental damage. Features such as secure lid seals and door locks will ensure that your food remains safely frozen. In larger chest freezers, storage compartments and shelving tiers also make it easy to organize your food.

Size
Chest freezer volume is measured in cubic feet. Models can range from 5 to more than 20 cubic feet. For comparison, an average home oven has a volume of about 5 cubic feet. The ideal size of a chest freezer will depend on how much food you plan to store. A more compact model may save space in your home, but it will provide limited storage capacity. If you will use your chest freezer for long-term food storage and oversized items, consider investing in a larger model. In addition, the outer dimensions and non-shipping weight of a chest freezer can also restrict where you can place it.

Cleaning Options
A properly running freezer needs a clean chest, so maintenance is an important consideration. Some models will include a drainage spout or removable tray to dispose of extra water when the unit is defrosting. Manufacturers often have recommended cleaning guidelines for specific parts of the freezer. For instance, harsh cleaning agents can cause damage if applied to a freezer's finish.

Temperature Control
Most chest freezers operate at a temperature of around 0 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your food safely frozen. Many models also include temperature control functions for precise food storage.

Thanks to their extra storage capacity, chest freezers are a valuable addition to your pantry or kitchen workspace. Low temperatures and temperature control functions also make them helpful for long-term food storage. When you are on the market for a chest freezer, review your kitchen and refrigeration requirements to find a model that is the best fit.