Frequently Asked Questions: Chest Freezers

Extra freezer space is a rare commodity these days. Having additional room to store frozen food comes at a cost. As with most things, it’s important to do your research before investing in a new appliance. Don’t worry – we’ve done the work for you! Read on to discover answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about chest freezers.

What are the Benefits?

Did you know that chest freezers have about 20% more usable space than an upright freezer? Chest freezers allow you ample space to take advantage of storing seasonal fruits and vegetables such as berries, lettuce, and kale, as well as bulk products such as meat and bulk-prepared meals.

They also offer many benefits regarding price, storage capacity, and energy consumption.

There are many reasons to own a chest freezer, such as storing:

  1. Whole animal purchasing or buying meat in bulk
  2. Large amounts of ice
  3. Dinners for when you’re in a pinch
  4. Chilled drinks
  5. Fresh garden produce
  6. Bulk baking sessions

What are the Typical Space Requirements?

Chest freezers are typically available in a range of sizes. From a compact 3 cu. ft. unit, to 10 cu. ft. family or industrial sized unit.

Determining what size you’ll need can be calculated easily. Simply multiply the number of people in your family by 2.5 cubic feet. For example, a family of 4 would need a chest freezer that’s approximately 10 cubic feet. However, space requirements vary depending on the size of the home and the reason for purchase. If you’re a bargain hunter who loves to buy in bulk, a larger freezer may be required.

For those living in a smaller home or by themselves, a more compact unit may be ideal. That being said, just because you live in a smaller space doesn’t mean you should completely rule out a larger chest freezer. You might be surprised by how space-efficient this appliance will be. You can keep it tucked away in a garage or even in a dining room, storing other things on top of it.

Where Should I Store It?

A chest freezer can be kept in many different places. Ideally, it’ll need to be a cool, dry place indoors with an electrical outlet nearby. A cool area will allow the freezer to work more efficiently, while a warm or sunny location will force it to work harder. There should also be enough room to allow for a full door swing to allow easy access.

How Much Does It Cost to Run?

When purchasing a chest freezer, there are two costs to consider. The initial cost, which typically ranges anywhere from $200 to $1000, depending on the size and model. The second cost to consider is the ongoing cost to run the freezer.

Chest freezers are the most economical freezers available on the market, as they tend to use less electricity than uprights. They’re complete with built-in sidewall insulation to hold their cold temperatures much longer than other freezers, thus using much less energy to keep food cold.

If there happens to be a power outage, or a reason to turn off power for a period of time, a chest freezer will keep your food frozen for several hours.

Keep in mind, your freezer will run most efficiently when it’s full. It’s much easier to keep things frozen than to keep the empty air cold.

How Can I Transport My Chest Freezer?

If done right, moving a chest freezer is relatively easy. First, the appliance should be disconnected from the outlet. Remove the food and defrost the freezer – some chest freezers come with frost free and auto defrost options. The ones with manual defrost option takes almost a day to accomplish the task. Give it a good cleaning and keep the door open.

Use blankets to protect the freezer from scratches that could occur during transport. Be sure to keep the freezer in an upright position, or lay it down on the compressor side, being careful to secure the door properly.

When the freezer is installed in the new location, set it right side up and allow it to sit for a few hours. After the appliance has sat for a period of time, it can be plugged in.

Choosing Your Chest Freezer

Now that most of your questions about chest freezers are answered, shop for and purchase the perfect chest freezer unit and reap the extra space and rewards!