Why Buy a Mini Chest Freezer?
If you like to stockpile freezable bargains and want extra freezer space, the chest freezer is the best option. Typically found in garages or outbuildings, they enable you to take advantage of discount prices at supermarkets.
Currys' own brand is a good value for money. It comes with plenty of storage (around five bags) and an A+ rating on energy efficiency, so it's affordable to run. It also has an adjustable lid that makes it easier to divide food.
Capacity
If you're limited in space than you need for a tall freezer but still want to stockpile enough summer ice cream or batch-cooked winter stews, a smaller chest is the best option. These smaller models are typically shorter and wider than their full-sized counterparts which means they require less space. Some of them can fit in your garage. This is a great solution for those who cultivate their own produce or buy in bulk and then freeze it for later use.
Some models come with an additional basket which keeps bags of frozen peas or homemade ice-lollies, upright. This helps prevent small, frequently used food items from being thrown to the bottom of the fridge. They are also useful to store bags of baguettes and breads that are frozen, as well as any other items you might be able to put in.
Frydge cost less than PS150 and will sit under the kitchen sink or in a utility room with larger chest designs could cost more than PS1000. The Bush BECF99L comes in a stylish black case with an opening for drainage on the front to make defrosting a breeze. This model is a little smaller than its competitors but still offers up 100 litres of storage capacity and can accommodate up to three bags of shopping.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer can help make mealtimes simpler for families that do a lot of batches of cooking or want to minimize food waste. It can also make it easier to avoid trips to the store especially if you're growing your own fruits and vegetables. Vincent Finazzo of Riverwards Produce in Philadelphia says it's ideal for storing excess produce and for cooking microwave-friendly meals.
Chest freezers tend to be extremely well-insulated, which means they don't lose any of their cold air when the door is opened, which is the case with fridge and freezer doors. They can also be energy efficient, especially if you choose one with low-frost technology. Low frost models need less defrosting and will help save money on your electric bills.
A lot of chest freezers have features that increase their efficiency even further. Look for a power-outage guarantee that states that the unit will not be frozen during an outage, as well as an alarm that warns you of rising temperatures or warning light to alert you when the interior temperature has risen.
It is worth looking up a model's annual energy consumption in kWh, also, since this will give you an idea of the amount it will cost to run. This figure is usually found in the manual of the freezer or on the energy label. Some freezers come with a storage basket that clips onto the top to keep small items from being lost in the chaos underneath.
Noise
This Bosch integrated model has just enough space to be inconspicuous. It is ideal for caravans and motorhomes, 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+, so it won't cost a lot to run. It can also keep food frozen even when there's no power for up to 30 days and can be used as an emergency freezer in the event of a power outage.
It is quiet and is simple and minimalist in its design. This is perfect for those who do not want to be distracted by their freezer when working in the living room or kitchen. It features a handy internal light and comes with storage baskets for simple organization.
Baskets for storage
Look for models with storage baskets made of wire that clip over the rim. These baskets will keep ordinary items like frozen vegetables and chopped onions away from the potential chaos below. They are also useful for items such as open oven chips or open packets or frozen vegetables that need to be kept straight.
An alarm that is activated at high temperatures is another feature that buyers love. This will alert you when the freezer is too warm after cleaning or defrosting, or when you add a lot of food items that are not frozen. This is a critical safety feature, particularly in the event that you plan to use your mini chest freezer outside or in the garage.
Despite its small size and small footprint, this Bush model provides plenty of freezer space at a moderate cost. It is perfect for storing summer ice-creams or stews cooked in batches in winter. You can also use it as a storage space in your garage or outbuilding. It's also easy to get into thanks to the counterbalanced lid that doesn't close around your head when you go through it.
Chest freezers can be notorious for the accumulation of food debris. If not organized properly, it is easy to lose track of the contents. But, there are plenty of ways to make a smaller chest freezer easier to use and less prone to waste. It doesn't matter if it's a simple list on a magnetic board or an extensive inventory sheet for your freezer (there's an example here), the right organising system will ensure that your mini-chest freezer runs smoothly.