Why Buy a Mini Chest Freezer?
If you love stockpiling bargains that are freezable and need more freezer space, you should consider a chest freezer. Often found in garages and outbuildings, they enable you to benefit from discounts at the supermarket.
Currys own brand is a good value for money. It comes with a lot of storage (around five bags) and an A+ rating for energy efficiency, meaning it's affordable to run. It also features a counterbalanced, top which makes it easier to separate food items.
Capacity
If you're looking for less space than a large freezer, but wish to store enough summer ice cream or stews that are cooked in batches, a smaller chest is the best option. These smaller models are typically smaller and wider than larger models, which means they require less space. Some of them can even fit in your garage and are a great alternative for those who grow their own food or who prefer to purchase fresh food in bulk and freeze it as soon as they can.
Certain models have two or more baskets in the top of the unit to keep bags of frozen peas and homemade ice lollies in a straight line and stop small or frequently used foods from getting lost in the bottom of the freezer. They can be used to store bags of frozen baguettes or bread, as well as other things.
The most affordable freezers are usually less than PS150 and can be placed under the kitchen sink or in a utility space with larger chest designs can be more than PS1000. The Bush BECF99L comes in a sleek black box with a front drain port for defrosting to make it easier. This model is a bit shallower than some of its rivals, but it still has up to 100 litres storage capacity and can hold up to three bags of shopping.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer can make meals easier for families who cook in large quantities or who want to avoid food waste. It can also reduce trips to the market particularly if you're growing your own fruits and veggies. It's a great way to store excess produce and also for making microwavable meals. Vincent Finazzo, owner of Philadelphia-based Riverwards Produce.
Chest freezers are generally very well insulated, meaning they don't lose any of their cold air when the door is opened as could happen with fridge or freezer doors. And they can be incredibly energy efficient, especially when you opt for one equipped with low-frost technology. Low frost models will require less defrosting and can save you money on your electric bills.
Many chest freezers have features that make them even more efficient. Be sure to look for a power-outage assurance, which signifies that the unit will remain frozen during a power cut or high-temperature alarm or light that warns you if the temperature in the freezer is rising.
It's important to check a model's annual energy consumption in kWh, too, as this will website provide you with an idea of how much it will cost to run. It is usually found in the information in the manual or on the freezer's energy label. Some freezers have a basket for storage that can be attached to the top of the freezer, to stop small items from being lost in the chaos beneath.
Noise
This Bosch integrated model is just the right amount of space to be unobtrusive. It is ideal for caravans and motorhomes, as well as kitchenettes, and student accommodation. It has a capacity of around 100 litres, which is enough for three bags of shopping and it's energy efficient with an A+ rating, so it won't cost you too much to run. It also keeps food items frozen even when power is not available for 30 hours which makes it useful as an emergency freezer in the event of a blackout.
It has a simple design and doesn't produce much noise, which is great for those who don't want their fridge to disturb their lives while working in the living room or kitchen. It has a convenient interior lighting system and storage baskets to help you organize it.
Storage baskets
Since chest freezers comprise one huge space that is difficult to organise, look for models with wire storage baskets that be clipped over the edge. These baskets can lift items that are commonplace, such as chopped and frozen vegetables off the chaotic mess below. They're also helpful for items that need to be stacked such as open containers of frozen beans or oven chips.
Another useful feature that a lot of buyers appreciate is a temperature alarm or light. This will notify you if the freezer is getting too hot due to cleaning, defrosting, or introducing lots of frozen foods that are not frozen. This is a vital security feature, especially if you plan on using the mini chest freezer outdoors or in the garage.
This Bush model has plenty of freezer space for a reasonable price, despite its small size. It's perfect for storing summer ice creams, or stews that are cooked in batches and can be used in a garage or outbuilding if you want to. It's also simple to get into due to the lid that is counterbalanced and won't shut on your head when you go through it.
Chest freezers are notorious for accumulating food debris and if they're not organized properly, it's easy to overlook what's in them. However, there are plenty of ways to make your small chest freezer easier to use and less prone to waste. The best system of organization that includes a simple magnet list or a more detailed freezer inventory sheet (there is an example here) is essential to ensure that your mini-chest freezer runs smoothly.