Choosing an Outbuilding Freezer
Many people use their garage or an outbuilding to store food in freezers. They are a great asset on busy days, when you need to prepare meals quickly.
Freezers are designed for operation in temperatures of 0-110 degrees Fahrenheit (-18-43 degrees Celsius). If they are placed in an unsuitable environment, they will have to work harder and use more energy.
Location
A freezer that is outdoors must be situated in a place that will ensure it is functioning efficiently. It is because freezing appliances work best in cool conditions. This is the reason it is essential to think about this when deciding where to put the outdoor freezer. The freezer should be shielded from direct sunlight as this can reduce its efficiency in energy use, resulting in a higher electric bill. Refrigerators that are located in direct sunlight may also be susceptible to temperature fluctuations, which could put excessive strain on the appliance, resulting in premature wear.
The location of the freezer could be influenced by convenience and access. A freezer in a shed or garage that is accessible from the kitchen could be a good option. A freezer in a shed that requires you to go outside in the snow or rain in order to access it might not be as convenient.
A cover can protect the freezer from the elements, debris and backyard animals. This is a crucial factor for those living near the ocean, where salty air can be harmful to the freezer's components.
Size
The size of your freezer is a crucial aspect to think about when shopping. You need to make sure that the freezer you pick will be large enough to fit your family and your needs. A freezer with a high capacity is an investment that will allow you to save money if you buy in bulk.
As a rule of thumb it is recommended to allow 2.5 cubic feet for every household member. This will let you store a variety of frozen foods, such as vegetables, meats and other proteins, desserts, drinks, and more. Begin by measuring the area in your shed or garage to determine the size of freezer you'll need.
If you don't have a lot of space, you can consider a compact or small freezer like the GE Garage Ready 17.3 Cu Frost Free upright freezer. It is small and has an opening which can be opened left or right. It has premium insulation that protects the freezer from extreme temperatures and ensures constant operation. It is equipped with a built-in defrost timer that clears the ice on its own and prevents overflow.
Frigidaire EFRF696AMZ upright freezers are larger and offer more storage space. This model is ideal for cold environments. It has a temperature range of between -10C and -18C. It is spacious inside that can hold up 20 bags of ice and has wire shelves that can be used for storage.
If you're looking for an appliance that can withstand freezing temperatures, check the manufacturer's specifications to make sure the unit will work in your outbuilding or garage. The manufacturer will provide the freezer's temperature class and the minimum temperature it has to be to function in a temperature-controlled environment. Certain brands, like Beko have freezers that are safe at temperatures as low as 15C, thanks to their FreezerGuard Technology. But, it is recommended to verify the warranty of the manufacturer to be sure the freezer can withstand your specific garage or outbuilding's conditions.
Energy efficiency
You will want to choose an energy-efficient model if plan to use the freezer in a shed, garage or any other space which is not controlled by climate. These models will offer greater insulation than other freezers, and will not lose much cold air when the door is opened. These models will also be more economical to run since they require less power. You should also look for a model with low frost technology, which will require less defrosting, and can save your energy expenses.
You can pick from a range of energy-efficient freezers that come in a variety of sizes. They are available in traditional brick-and mortar stores like Walmart, Best Buy and Home Depot as well as online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Some local utility companies offer rebates on freezers that meet specific efficiency criteria.
It is important to be aware of the size of your freezer as well as how much electricity it will consume to freeze the food. You can utilize an energy calculator in order to estimate the cost of running a freezer every year.
Freezers consume a lot of their listed wattage when they are cooling, but this isn't a continuous. Once cheap freezer for sale reach a predetermined temperature, their components (such as the compressor and the evaporator fan motor) will enter idle mode.
When selecting a freezer, be sure to look for its ENERGY STAR certification that indicates that it is in compliance with specific energy usage guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use the freezer in a garage or shed that is not climate controlled, as these units tend to consume more energy than a conventional freezer.
Additionally, look for a refrigerator that comes with a power outage warranty and a high temperature alarm or light to ensure that it continues to function in the event of a power outage. There are freezers that have a self-defrost function, which will decrease the frequency of defrosting and lower the energy consumption of your home.
Warranty
Although freezers are typically intended to be kept inside but some people may require an extra large freezer that can be placed in their garage or shed. If the temperature in this type of setting is too low, it can cause the freezer to stop functioning properly or even break. To avoid this issue you should consider purchasing a freezer that has a warranty that covers it in the event of failure in an outbuilding.
Many manufacturers have realised that their customers often have limited space, and have developed chest freezers that can be safely stored in garages or outbuildings. These freezers are designed with a 'freezer-protection technology' which ensures that they can be used even in temperatures as low as -10degC. Brands such as Beko, Ice King, and Russell Hobbs all offer this kind of freezer for outbuildings.
Some companies have specialised in outdoor freezers, for instance Montpellier. It offers a white 99-litre freestanding chest freezer which can be used for garages and outbuildings. It is classified as A+ energy efficient and features FreezerGuard. It comes with NordMende's standard warranty of 3 years. The site is a trusted online retailer with positive reviews from customers and has been in operation since 2014. It is also a Trusted Shops member.