Casters are especially helpful when it’s time to clean behind the freezer.The freezer should tilt toward the back slightly so the door closes automatically. Leveling legs screw in or out to counteract an uneven floor.An interior light helps you see what’s in there.Some freezers come with storage bins or shelves to sort items.These extras are generally worth a slightly higher price if the chest will be accessed on a regular basis, it’s kept in a dark area, and/or theft is a concern. Additional FeaturesĬhest freezers tend to be no-frills appliances, but some models offer worthwhile features. This feature will warn the owner if the internal temperature rises to a potentially unsafe level for proper food storage. Not only does the magnet eliminate airflow through gaps to the outside, but it also pulls the door completely shut if it has been carelessly closed.Īnother energy-efficient feature to look for is an air temperature monitor.
Rather than using a simple rubber gasket seal, efficient freezers often incorporate a magnetic strip inside the seal to form an airtight connection. One energy-efficient design feature is the magnetic seal. Energy-efficient upright freezers use advanced technology, high-performance features, and better design and insulation compared with standard equipment. These models use about 395 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and cost less than $50 per year to operate. Energy Star–rated freezers operate at least 10 percent more efficiently than the minimum federal standard. Food quality is unaffected by this small change. During the defrost cycle, the temperature change in the food storage area raises minimally, about 2 degrees. Choosing a self-defrosting upright freezer helps avoid adding another household chore.įrost-free chest freezers automatically run a defrost cycle about once a day. Proper and consistent defrosting eliminates ice buildup and keeps the unit operating efficiently.
#LOWES CHEST FREEZER MANUAL#
DefrostingĬhest freezers can either be self-defrosting, also called frost-free, or there are options for a manual defrost chest freezer. The optimal storage temperature range for long-term freshness is -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that frozen foods be stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Some new upright freezers feature an average temperature range of 10 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, with some models offering colder settings. Some freezers offer temperature zone control that allows for a range of storage capabilities. Colder temperatures may be more appropriate for long-term storage, while less cold temperatures are better for keeping ice cream scoopable.
The temperature control is preset at the factory for dependable performance, but a manual temperature controller inside the unit allows for customized adjustments. Take inventory of what will be stored to determine the capacity that will best work. When selecting an appropriate freezer capacity, factor in times of the year when there tends to be the most food, like around the holidays, after a harvest, or after hunting season. It’s not worth running a freezer that won’t hold everything or one that takes up unnecessary space. Meat with the bone in takes up more freezer space because of its irregular shape. One cubic foot can hold about 35 pounds of cut and wrapped meat. The capacity of most chest freezers ranges between 5 and 20 cubic feet. Measure the space where the appliance will go, as well as all the doorway openings that lead to that space, to ensure that the freezer can arrive at the chosen spot. Since a 5-by-3-foot appliance clearly can’t be wedged into a 4-by-3-foot clearing in a basement, measure the available space and make sure the chest of choice will fit. Most chest freezers run between 2 and 4 feet wide and between 3 and 6 feet long. Deciding which features are most important for your needs can help focus your search. Chest freezers can vary in their size and capacity, temperature control options, defrost settings, energy efficiency, and other key features. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Chest FreezerĪs you’re deciding among the best chest freezers on the market, there are factors to keep in mind and compare.
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