To preserve food while maintaining the quality of food and better organize our kitchen, here are the best chest freezers and how to choose according to capacity and space requirements.
The horizontal freezer in the well, unlike the normally combined refrigerators divided into two parts and which do not always allow separate adjustment of the freezer and fridge, is specifically dedicated to freezing food. Therefore, freezing large quantities of food with a freezer in the well allows us to organize meals intelligently and efficiently.
Large families are probably the first to experiment with this solution, as the freezer in a normal fridge is never large enough. Here the freezer immediately solves the problem related to the lack of space. Freezing stocks is a profitable habit for anyone, including singles who don’t have much time to cook and seniors who often can’t go shopping.
First, you can take advantage of the supermarkets’ offers and buy frozen foods in quantity, or buy vegetables or fresh meat when the prices are advantageous and freeze them at home.
Table of Contents
How to choose a chest freezer: Types and Features
Let’s see the different types of chest freezers, how they work, and what aspects to evaluate to choose.
Horizontal chest freezer
The horizontal freezer has a low structure and develops in length. The base can be 4 feet long, so it takes up more space but offers the advantage of accessing food more easily than organized in sectors.
In this case, we can fix the long-term stocks on the bottom, or it is possible to dedicate a space to the side by stacking them one on the other and leaving the rest of the well for everyday foodstuffs.
Baskets and compartments
A single compartment always forms the chest freezer but can contain baskets or separators. Separators are useful in horizontal wells, while baskets are used in vertical and horizontal freezers. You should use the basket for lighter foods such as small ice cream, vegetables, and chips.
This way, we can easily lift the basket to access the freezer’s bottom, placing heavier meat, fish, or family-sized packages.
Capacity
The capacity of a chest freezer is expressed in cubic feet. Depending on the number of people in the family, a single or a couple might be fine with a 3.5 cubic feet chest freezer, while a family of 5 or more could need a seven cubic feet chest freezer.
Temperature
Chest freezers are classified into freezing classes represented by stars.
The 4-star chest freezer is the best choice because it reaches a temperature of -22°F and allows food to be stored for up to 1 year. These are professional chest freezers suitable for large families and anyone intending to provide long-term food supplies.
The 3-star chest freezer reaches a minimum temperature of -0.4°F. This type of freezer is prevalent among those used at home because it allows food to be stored for up to 6 months. This is the same temperature as most refrigerators in the supermarket.
The 2-star chest freezer reaches a minimum temperature of 10°F. In this case, the food will keep for about one month. Therefore, this freezer is suitable for those who want to consume supplies quickly or use it for space when the freezer is not enough.
The 1-star chest freezer reaches a temperature of 21°F. This temperature is sufficient to maintain food for a few weeks and unsuitable for long storage. In these cases, the freezer supports the refrigerator but cannot provide a long-term supply.
No frost function
The no-frost chest freezer is equipped with a special cooling technology, where the walls prevent frost and ice from forming. In this way, the walls are always clean, and the spaces are always free from annoying accumulations, in addition to the advantage of not having to defrost the freezer.
Autonomy in the absence of electricity
This data is essential and is an indispensable function not to compromise stocks. Moreover, the best chest freezers have autonomy, even without electricity. They keep food frozen even in case of temporary power failure.
Thanks to technology, materials used for the construction, and water tightness, in the event of a blackout, we can count on autonomy that avoids food thawing, ranging from 18 to 50 hours, depending on the models.
Daily freezing capacity
The daily freezing capacity is expressed in pounds of food that can freeze within 24 hours. For example, a good model can freeze up to 65 lbs in 24 hours, while a cheaper 1 lbs in 24 hours. It is important to know this information to avoid overloading the freezer and compromising the food already contained in it.
The quantity of food at room temperature causes a sudden change in temperature inside the freezer. Therefore, following the characteristics of the purchased model is essential for obtaining the best results.
Noise
If we do not have a cellar and our freezer will be placed inside the apartment, it is advisable to consider the noise level. The engine’s typical buzzing can be annoying, especially a few steps from the bedroom. In this case, opting for a silent well freezer that does not exceed the 40 dB threshold is better.
Energetic class
Being an appliance that is perpetually in operation, it is important to consider the resulting energy consumption.
Buying a Class A+++ chest freezer is certainly the ideal choice to save energy and money on your bill. This type of freezer is made of materials that offer excellent thermal insulation capable of preserving temperatures, even when the external ones become more intense.
These models have a higher cost than class A freezers but can save up to 60% of energy during the year.
The best chest freezers to buy
Below is a selection of the best chest freezer recommended products with their respective technical features and prices.
- 7.0 cu ft (195 L) Capacity: Spacious 7.0 cubic foot (195 liter) flat-back deep freeze...
- Manual Defrost with Easy-Access Drain: Front-mounted drain allows easy access for...
- Removable Storage Basket: Organize your contents and keep small and commonly used items...
- Mechanical Control with Adjustable Thermostat from -12 to -28 Degrees (Great for Storing...
- Contains 1 Hanging Wire Storage Basket
- Hinge-Style Door Remains Open from 45 to 75 Degree Angles
- SPACIOUS CAPACITY: The 3.5 cu. ft. capacity provides you with the extra storage for all...
- QUICK FREEZING SYSTEM: The D-Type Refrigeration tube has more surface area, a larger heat...
- ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT: The adjustable thermostat is easy to access and features a...
- ❄️【BIG CAPACITY STORAGE】WANAI 5.0 cubic feet chest freezer measures 26.18''(L) x...
- ❄️【TEMP CONTROL & EFFICIENT COOLING】Choose between refrigerator or freezer...
- ❄️【ENERGY SAVING】Unlike other models on the market, WANAI 5.0 cubic feet small...
- Our chest freezer has a capacity of 10.3 cubic feet, allowing you to effortlessly store...
- REMOVABLE BASKET - You can effortlessly position trays, containers, and cartons for smooth...
- ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT - The temperature may be adjusted with a simple movement to the...
- Space-saving: 21.1 inches x 18.7 inches x 28.7 inches. The 5 Cu.Ft Chest Freezer can store...
- Multi-functional: This space-saving freezer built-in freezer compartment can store breast...
- Adjustable Thermostat: Allows you to mechanically control the temperature from -18°F to...
- 【7 Cu.ft Capacity with 3 Baskets】This space-saving chest freezer (30.35" x 21.65" x...
- 【Thermostat Control】The deep freezer is designed with 3 temperatures for freezing...
- 【Efficient & Quiet Cooling System】The horizontal Freezer adopts an R600a...
- 【3.5 Cu.ft Capacity with 1 Basket】The 3.5 cu.ft chest freezer offers plenty of...
- 【Thermostat Control & Manual Defrosting】The chest freezer is designed with 7...
- 【Flip-up Lid with Sealing Strip】This deep chest freezer has a flip-up lid that is...
- Compact Chest Freezer Dimensions: 7.0 cubic feet free standing Chest Freezer, Measures:...
- Adjustable thermostat control: Adjustable 7-grade temperature control to select your...
- Freezer with Hinge-Style Door: Balanced Hinge-Style Door can remains open from 45 to 90...
- 🍎【Compact Size and Large Capacity】Meet a variety of needs, suitable for commercial...
- 🍉【Manual defrosting】Manual Defrost-Keep your frozen food fresher with this manual...
- 🍌【Removable basket】Removable basket allows you to keep your small things separate...
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Therefore, any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to purchasing any products.