Why Buy a Mini Chest Freezer?
A chest freezer is perfect when you want to store frozen items and need extra freezer space. They are often found in garages or outbuildings. They let you get the benefit of price reductions at supermarkets.
This Currys own brand provides a decent amount of storage (around 5 bags) for the price and is rated with an A+ energy rating so it's a low-cost option to run. mini chest freezer uk Frydge features a counterbalanced, top which makes it easier to separate food items.
Capacity
If you have less space than you'll need for a tall freezer, but want to stockpile enough summer ice cream or batch-cooked winter stews, a smaller chest is the best option. These smaller models are usually shorter and wider than their larger counterparts, which means they require less room. Some of them can even fit in your garage, making them a good option for those who cultivate their own food or prefer to purchase fresh produce in bulk and freeze it as soon as they can.
Some models come with an additional basket which keeps bags of frozen peas, or homemade ice-lollies, standing upright. This prevents small, frequently used food items from falling to the bottom of the fridge. They are also useful for storing spare bags of baguettes and breads that are frozen and any other items you might be able to fit in.
The cheapest chest freezers may cost more than PS1000 and are often placed under the kitchen sink or in an utility room. The Bush BECF99L comes with a sleek black case that features a front drain port to make defrosting a breeze. The model is a little smaller than its competition, but still offers a storage capacity of 100 litres. It can hold three bags of grocery items.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer can help make mealtimes simpler for families who are prone to batch cooking or want to minimize food waste. It can also help reduce trips to the grocery store particularly if you're growing your own fruits and vegetables. Vincent Finazzo of Riverwards Produce in Philadelphia says it's great for storing excess produce and for cooking microwaveable meals.
Chest freezers are typically well-insulated. This means they do not lose much cold air when they're opened as doors to fridges and freezers can. They can also be extremely energy efficient, especially when you choose one that has low-frost technology. Low frost models need to be defrosted less frequently, and can help you save money on your electricity bill.
Many chest freezers have features that make them even more efficient. Look for a power-outage guarantee which guarantees that the freezer will be kept frozen in the event of an outage, and a high temperature alarm or indicator to let you know when the interior has risen.
It's worth examining a freezer's annual energy consumption in kWh, too, as this will give you an idea of the amount it will cost to run. This figure is typically found in the freezer's manual or energy label. Some also feature an storage basket that is clipped over the top of the freezer, preventing small items from getting lost in the chaos below.
Noise
This Bosch integrated model has just enough space to not be a distraction. It is perfect for motorhomes and caravans, as well as kitchenettes and student accommodation. Its capacity is 100 litres which is enough to store three shopping bags. It is also energy efficient and is rated A+ which means it doesn't cost much to operate. It also keeps food frozen, even when there is no power for 30 hours making it useful as an emergency freezer in the event of a power outage.
It is quiet and has a simple, minimalist design. This is ideal for those who don't want to be disturbed by their freezer while working in the living room or kitchen. It also comes with an interior lighting and storage baskets to make it easy to organise.
Baskets for storage
Find models with wire storage baskets that can be clipped over the rim. These will elevate ordinary items like frozen vegetables and chopped onions away from the chaos that can be beneath. They can also be helpful for items like open packets or oven chips or frozen vegetables that require to be kept in a straight position.
An alarm that is activated at high temperatures is a useful feature buyers appreciate. This will notify you when the freezer gets too hot after cleaning, defrosting or adding lots of non-frozen food. This is a crucial safety feature, especially if you plan to put your mini chest freezer in your garage or outside buildings.
Despite its relatively small size and small footprint, this Bush model provides plenty of extra freezer space at a budget-friendly price. It's great for storing summer ice creams and stews that are cooked in batches, and it can even be used in an outbuilding or garage in the event that you wish to. The lid with a counterbalanced design makes it easy to open, and it's unlikely to close on you as you dig through.
Chest freezers can be notorious for accumulating lots of food clutter. If they are not properly organized, it is easy to forget what they contain. However, there are plenty of ways to make a small chest freezer easier to navigate and less likely to be a source of waste. The proper system of organisation, whether it's 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.