Why Buy a Mini Chest Freezer?
A chest freezer is perfect when you want to store frozen bargains and you require extra freezer space. Most often found in garages and outbuildings, they permit you to benefit from the price reductions at supermarkets.
This Currys own brand provides an adequate amount of storage (around 5 bags) for the price. It also has an A+ energy rating so it's not expensive to run. It also comes with a lid that is counterbalanced, making it easier to divide food.
Capacity
A compact chest freezer is the best option when you don't have the space for a taller freezer, but still want to store enough ice cream in the summer months or stews in bulk during winter. These smaller models are typically smaller and wider than full-sized versions, so they take up less space. Some even fit in your garage which makes them a great option for those who grow their own food or who prefer to purchase fresh food in bulk and then freeze it as soon as possible.
Some models have an additional basket that helps keep bags of frozen peas, or homemade ice lollies standing up. This prevents small or frequently used foods from falling into the bottom of the fridge. They can also be useful for storing bags of frozen bread or baguettes and other items that you may be able to put in.
The cheapest chest freezers could cost more than PS1000 and are usually placed under the kitchen sink or in the utility room. If you're seeking something a bit more elegant then the Bush BECF99L features a sleek black case and comes with an opening for the drain on the front which makes defrosting a breeze. The model is a bit shallower than some of its competitors but still offers up to 100 litres of storage space and can accommodate up to three bags of shopping.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer makes eating time easier for families that cook in large quantities or who wish to reduce food waste. It can also reduce trips to the store, especially if you grow your own fruit and vegetables. Vincent Finazzo of Riverwards Produce in Philadelphia says it's great for storing excess produce and creating microwave-friendly meals.
Chest freezers tend to be extremely well insulated, which means they don't lose all of their cold air when the door is opened, as happens with fridge and freezer doors. They are also extremely energy efficient, especially if you choose one with low frost technology. Low frost models will require less defrosting and will help save the cost of electric bills.
A lot of chest freezers have features that can boost their effectiveness even more. Look for a power cut promise, which indicates that the unit will stay frozen in the event of a power outage, and a high-temperature alarm or light, which informs you when the interior temperature has increased.
You should also check the freezer's annual consumption energy in kWh. This will give you a good idea of the price it will cost to operate. This figure is typically found in the manual or energy label. Some freezers also come with an accessory basket that can be hung over the top of the freezer, keeping small items from becoming lost in the chaos below.
Frydge integrated model is a great option for motorhomes and caravans kitchenettes, student accommodation and even kitchenettes as it offers just enough space to be able to fit quietly. Its capacity is 100 litres, which is enough to hold three shopping bags. It is also energy efficient and is rated A+ so it shouldn't be expensive to operate. It can keep food frozen for up to 30 hours without power, making it an ideal backup freezer in the event of a blackout.
It is quiet and is simple and minimalist in its design. This is perfect for those who do not want to be disturbed by their freezer when working in the living room or kitchen. It has a convenient interior light and storage baskets that simplify the process of organizing.
Storage baskets
Since chest freezers comprise one huge space that can be difficult to arrange, look for models that have wire storage baskets that can attach to the edge. These baskets can help lift everyday items like frozen vegetables and chopped onions from the chaos below. They can also be useful for items such as open packets of oven chips, or frozen vegetables that need to be kept up to the ceiling.
Another useful feature that a lot of customers love is a high temperature alarm or light. This will alert you when the freezer becomes too warm after cleaning, defrosting or adding lots of non-frozen food. This is a very valuable safety feature, especially in the event that you plan to use your mini chest freezer in your garage or other outbuildings.
Despite its relatively small size however, this Bush model offers plenty of extra freezer space for your needs at a reasonable price. It's ideal for storage of summer ice creams and batch-cooked winter stews, and it can even be used in an outbuilding or garage when you'd like to. It's also simple to access due to the lid that is counterbalanced and won't shut on your head when you look through it.
Chest freezers are notorious for their food clogs and if not organised properly it's easy to lose track of what's inside them. There are a variety of ways to make your tiny chest freezer more accessible and less likely to waste food. It doesn't matter if it's a simple list on a magnet, or an in-depth freezer inventory sheet (there's an example here) The right organizing system will ensure that your mini-chest freezer functions smoothly.