Why Buy a Mini Chest Freezer?
A chest freezer is perfect if you like to store frozen bargains and require additional freezer space. They are often located in outbuildings or garages. They allow you to benefit from supermarket price reductions.
Currys' own brand is a good value for the money. It offers a lot of storage (around five bags) and an A+ rating for energy efficiency, meaning it's a bargain to run. It also has a lid that is counterbalanced, making it easier to sort through food.
Capacity
If you have less space than you'll need for a tall freezer, but wish to store enough summer ice cream or batch-cooked winter stews, a compact chest model is the perfect choice. These smaller models are usually smaller and wider than full-sized models, and therefore take up less space. They can even fit into your garage which makes them a great option for those who grow their own food or who prefer to purchase fresh produce in bulk and then freeze it as quickly as possible.
Some models include two or more baskets on top to keep bags of frozen peas or home-made ice lollies upright and prevent small or often used food items from getting lost in the freezer. They are also useful for storing spare bags of baguettes and breads that are frozen, as well as any other items you might be able to put in.
The cheapest chest freezers may cost more than PS1000 and are usually placed under the kitchen sink or in a utility room. If you're looking for something more modern then the Bush BECF99L has a smart black case and comes with an open drain on the front which makes defrosting a breeze. This model is a little more compact than its rivals, but it still has up 100 litres of storage capacity and can hold up to three bags worth of shopping.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer makes mealtimes easier in households that cook in large batches or who want to minimize food waste. It can also cut down on trips to the grocery store, especially if you grow your fruit and vegetables. It's ideal for storing excess produce and also for making microwavable meals. Vincent Finazzo, owner of the Philadelphia-based Riverwards Produce.
Chest freezers are usually very well-insulated. This means they do not lose much cold air when they're opened, as refrigerator and freezer doors could. They are also extremely energy efficient, especially if you choose one equipped with low-frost technology. Low frost models will require less defrosting and will save electricity costs.
Many chest freezers come with features that can boost their efficiency further. Look for a power outage guarantee, which means that the unit will remain frozen during a power cut or high-temperature alarm or light, which warns you if the temperature in the freezer is rising.
It's worth checking a model's annual energy consumption in kWh, too, as this will give you an idea of how much it will cost to run. You'll usually find this number in the manual, or on the freezer's energy label. Some freezers have an storage basket that is attached to the top to keep small items from being lost in the mess beneath.
Noise
This Bosch integrated model has just enough space to not be a distraction. It is perfect for caravans and motorhomes as well as kitchenettes and student accommodations. It has a good capacity of about 100 litres, enough for three bags of shopping and it is energy efficient and has an A+ rating so won't cost you too much to run. It can keep food frozen for up to 30 hours without power, making it a great backup freezer during a blackout.
It's designed in a simple way and doesn't make much noise, which is great for those who do not want their freezer to disturb them while they're working in the kitchen or living room. It comes with a useful interior lighting and storage baskets to simplify the process of organizing.
Baskets for storage
Since chest freezers consist of an entire space that can be challenging to arrange, look for models that include wire storage baskets that be clipped over the edge. These baskets will take everyday items such as frozen vegetables and chopped onions away from the chaos below. They're also useful for items that need to be kept upright such as open containers of frozen beans or oven chips.
www.frydge.uk that many buyers appreciate is a high-temperature alarm or light. This will alert you when the freezer is too warm after cleaning or defrosting it, or adding a lot of food items that are not frozen. This is a critical security feature, especially when you intend to use your mini freezer outside or in the garage.
Despite its size being quite small and small footprint, this Bush model is still able to provide plenty of freezer space for a low price. It's great for storing summer ice creams or stews cooked in bulk and can be used in a garage or an outbuilding should you wish to. It's also easy to access due to the counterbalanced lid that will not shut your head when you go through it.
Chest freezers are notorious for accumulating food clutter and, if not properly organized, it's easy to forget what's inside them. There are plenty of ways to make a small chest freezer easier to use and less likely to go to waste. Whether it's a simple list on a magnet or an extensive inventory sheet for your freezer (there's an example here) The best organising system will ensure that your small chest freezer runs smoothly.