Choosing an Outbuilding Freezer

Many people use their garage or an outbuilding to store food in a freezer. They are a great asset during busy times, when you must prepare meals quickly.

Freezers are designed to function at temperatures ranging from 0 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (-18-43 degrees Celsius). If they are placed in an environment that is not suitable, they must work harder, use more energy and wear out more quickly.

Location

A freezer that is outdoors must be located in an environment that can ensure it is running efficiently. This is because freezing appliances are most effective in cool climates and this is a factor that needs to be considered when determining the location to put the freezer. The freezer must be kept away from direct sunlight, as this can cause it to lose efficiency and lead to an increase in electricity costs. Refrigerators that are in direct sunlight are also prone to temperature spikes. This can cause excessive wear and tear on the appliance.

Accessibility and convenience can affect the location of the freezer. For instance, a fridge located in a garage or shed that is accessible from the kitchen, may be ideal. However, a freezer located situated in a separate shed which requires you to go outside in the snow or rain to access, might not be as convenient as one that is placed inside.

A cover can shield the freezer from the elements, debris, and backyard animals. This is especially important for those living close to the ocean where the salty air can cause damage to the freezer's components.

Size

The size of your freezer is a vital aspect to think about when shopping. You must ensure that the freezer is large enough to meet your needs and will be able to be able to accommodate the food consumption of your family. A freezer with a high capacity can be a great investment and help you save money by buying in large quantities.

A good rule of thumb is to allow 2.5 cubic feet of storage space for each household member. This will allow you to store a variety of frozen foods, such as meats and vegetables, and desserts, drinks and other protein-rich foods. Begin by measuring the area in your shed or garage to determine the size of the freezer you require.

If you don't have plenty of room, try a compact or small freezer such as the GE Garage Ready 17.3 Cu Frost Free upright freezer. This freezer is able to fit into an area that is small and features doors that can open left or right. It is equipped with premium insulation to shield the freezer from extreme temperature fluctuations and ensures consistent operation. It is equipped with a built-in defrost timer that clears the ice on its own and prevents overflow.

Larger freezers, such as the Frigidaire EFRF696 AMZ upright freezer, have plenty of storage space for your favourite foods and beverages. This model is made to be used in cold environments and can be used in temperatures between -10C and -18C, making it suitable for cold garages and outbuildings. It is spacious inside that can hold up to 20 bags of ice and has wire shelves that can be used to store items in a variety of ways.

If you're in search of an appliance that is able to withstand temperatures of ice make sure you check the specifications of the manufacturer to make sure the unit will work in your garage or outbuilding. Most manufacturers will list the freezer's climate class, as well as the temperature it will need to operate in a cold environment. Some brands, like Beko have freezers that are safe in temperatures as low as -15C with their FreezerGuard technology. But, it is recommended to double-check the manufacturer's warranty to be sure the freezer will withstand your specific garage or outbuilding conditions.

Energy efficiency

You will want to choose an energy-efficient model when you plan to use the freezer in a garage, shed or other area which is not controlled by climate. These models will be more in insulation than other freezers for home use and will not lose as many cold air when they are opened. They are also less expensive to run as they require less energy. It is also recommended to consider a model that has low frost technology, which requires less defrosting, and can save your energy expenses.

There are many energy efficient freezers to choose from in various sizes. They are available in traditional brick and mortar stores such as Walmart, Best Buy and Home Depot as well as online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Additionally, local utility companies might offer rebates on freezers that meet certain efficiency criteria.

It is crucial 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 to calculate the cost of running a freezer each year.

Freezers are within their stated power consumption when they're cooling. However, this is not an ongoing process. Once they reach the desired temperature their components will be in idle mode (such as the evaporator or compressor fan motor).

When selecting a freezer, be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR certification, which indicates that it meets specific energy usage criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. This is particularly crucial if you intend on using the freezer in a shed or garage that is not climate controlled, as these units are more energy-intensive than a standard freezer.

Also look for energy-saving freezers that come with a warranty against power outages as well as a high temperature alarm or light. This will ensure that they continue to function even when there is a power failure. You can also buy freezers with a self-defrost feature, which will decrease the frequency of defrosting and reduce your energy costs.

Warranty

Although most freezers are designed to be kept inside certain people need an extra large model which can be stored in their shed or garage. If the temperature in this kind of environment drops too low, it can cause the freezer to stop working properly or even break. To avoid this issue take into consideration purchasing a freezer that has an assurance that covers it in the event of failure in an outbuilding.

Many manufacturers have started to realize that their clients are often limited in space, so they have created chest freezers that can be safely stored in garages or other outbuildings. These freezers have been constructed with a special 'freezer protection technology' that ensures they can operate at temperatures as low as -10degC. Brands such as Beko, Frost-Free Freezers Ice King, and Russell Hobbs all offer this kind of freezer for outbuildings.

Certain companies are specialized in outdoor Frost-Free Freezers, such as Montpellier. It has a 99-litre freestanding chest freezer in white that can be utilized in outbuildings and garages. It is A+ energy efficient and comes with FreezerGuard. It comes with NordMende's standard warranty of 3 years. The site has been operating since 2014 and is a reputable retailer online, with a positive customer feedback. It is also a Trusted Shops member.