Why Buy a Mini Chest Freezer?
A chest freezer is a great option if you like to store frozen bargains and require additional freezer space. Typically found in garages or outbuildings, they enable you to benefit from discount prices at supermarkets.
This Currys own brand offers ample storage (around five bags) for the price and comes with an A+ energy rating so it's a low-cost option to run. It also comes with a lid that is counterbalanced, making it easier to sift through food.
Capacity
If you're limited in space than a tall freezer, but need to stockpile enough summer ice cream or batch-cooked winter stews, a compact chest model is the best option. These smaller models are usually larger and shorter than full-sized versions, so they require less space. Some can even fit in your garage which makes them a great option for those who are growing their own food or prefer to purchase fresh produce in bulk and freeze it as soon as they can.
Certain models have two or more baskets in the top to keep bags of frozen peas and homemade ice lollies in a straight line and stop small or often used food items from getting lost in the freezer. They can also be useful for storing bags of frozen bread or baguettes as well as any other items you might be able to put in.
The most affordable freezers are usually less than PS150 and are usually placed under your kitchen sink, or in a utility room as larger chests can be more than PS1000. If you're looking for something that is more fashionable then the Bush BECF99L comes with a stylish black case, and has an opening for the drain on the front which makes defrosting a breeze. This model is shallower than many of its competitors however it still has a 100-litre storage capacity. It can fit three bags of groceries.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer can help make mealtimes simpler for families who do a lot of batch cooking or who want to reduce food waste. It can also help reduce trips to the grocery store especially if you're growing your own fruits and vegetables. It's ideal for storing extra produce and also for making microwavable meals, says Vincent Finazzo, owner of Philadelphia-based Riverwards Produce.
Chest freezers are typically extremely well-insulated, meaning they don't lose a lot of their cold air when the door is opened, which is the case with fridge and freezer doors. They can also be incredibly energy efficient, especially if you opt for one equipped with low frost technology. Low frost models require defrosting less often and will save you money on electricity bill.
Many chest freezers come with features that increase their efficiency further. Look for a power cut guarantee, which guarantees that the unit will remain frozen during a power cut and also a high-temperature warning or light, which informs you when the temperature inside has risen.
It is also worth checking the annual consumption of energy in kWh. This will give you a good idea of the cost it will take to run. This information is usually available in the manual of the freezer or on the energy label. Some freezers come with an storage basket which clips to the top to keep small items from becoming lost in the mess beneath.
Noise
This Bosch integrated model has just enough space to be unobtrusive. It is perfect for motorhomes and caravans, as well as kitchenettes and student accommodations. It has a good capacity of around 100 litres, enough for three bags of shopping, and it is energy efficient, with an A+ rating, so it won't cost you too much to run. It can keep food frozen for up to 30 hours without power, making it a useful backup freezer in the event of a blackout.
It's a minimalist design and doesn't produce a lot of noise, which is ideal for those who here don't want their freezer to disturb their lives while working in the living or kitchen. It comes with a useful internal light and includes storage baskets for simple organization.
Storage baskets
Since chest freezers are an entire space that can be difficult to organise, look for models with wire storage baskets that attach to the rim. These baskets can help lift everyday items like chopped and frozen vegetables from the chaos below. They are also helpful for items like open packets of oven chips, or frozen vegetables that need to be kept in a straight position.
Another feature that many buyers appreciate is a high-temperature alarm or light. This will notify you when the freezer is too warm after cleaning or defrosting, or when you add a lot of non-frozen food items. This is a valuable security feature, particularly when you are planning to keep your mini chest freezer in the garage or outbuildings.
Despite its relatively small size however, this Bush model offers plenty of extra freezer space for a low price. It's great to store summer ice-creams as well as stews cooked in batches in winter. You can also use it as a storage unit in your garage or outside. The lid that is counterbalanced makes it easy to open and isn't likely to close on you as you dig through.
Chest freezers are notorious for accumulating food clutter and if not organised properly it's easy for people to forget what's in them. There are a lot of ways to make a tiny chest freezer easier to access and less prone to waste. A well-organized system is essential, whether it's a simple magnet list or a comprehensive freezer inventory sheet (there is an example here), will ensure that your mini-chest freezer runs smoothly.