Choosing an Outbuilding Freezer

Many people use their garage or an outbuilding to store food in freezers. They can be a huge assistance on busy days when you need meals quickly and easily.

Freezers are designed for operation at temperatures ranging from 0 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (-18-43 degrees Celsius). When placed in unsuitable environments they will have to perform harder, consume more energy and outdoor Freezers wear out more quickly.

Location

A freezer for outdoor use must be situated in a place that will allow it to be functioning efficiently. This is because freezers are most effective in cool environments and this is an aspect that needs to be considered when determining where to place the freezer. The freezer should be shielded from direct sunlight as this can reduce its energy efficiency, which can result in a higher electricity 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.

Choosing a location for the freezer is also affected by accessibility and convenience. A freezer located in a shed or garage that is accessible from the kitchen could be a great option. However, a freezer located situated in a separate shed that requires a trip outside in the snow or rain to access, might not be as convenient as one that is situated inside.

In the event that the possibility of theft or backyard animals is an issue, a cover that protects the freezer from weather and debris will keep it safe. This is a particularly important aspect for those who live near the ocean, where salty air can be detrimental to the freezer's components.

Size

The size of your freezer is a crucial aspect to take into consideration when shopping. You need to make sure that the freezer you select is big enough to accommodate your family and needs. A freezer with a high capacity can be a great investment and will save you money by purchasing in bulk.

A good rule of thumb is to allocate 2.5 cubic feet of storage space for each household member. This will let you store a wide variety of frozen foods, including meats and vegetables, as well as desserts, drinks and other protein-rich foods. To determine the ideal freezer size, start by measuring your shed or garage to determine how much room you have available for a freezer.

If you don't have a lot of space, you can consider smaller or compact freezers, such as the GE Garage Ready 17.3 Cu Frost Free upright freezer. This freezer can fit in a small space and has a reversible door to open either direction. It has premium insulation that shields the freezer from extreme temperatures and ensures consistent operation. It also comes with an inbuilt defrost timer that automatically clears ice and prevents overflow.

Frigidaire EFRF696AMZ upright freezers are bigger and provide more storage space. This model is designed for use in cold environments and has a temperature range between -10C to -18C, making it ideal for cold garages or outbuildings. It features a spacious interior that can hold up to 20 bags of ice and has removable wire shelves.

Examine the specifications of the freezer's manufacturer to ensure that it will be able to operate in the garage or outside of the building. Most manufacturers will list the freezer's climate class, as well as the coldness it is able to be operated in an unheated setting. Certain brands, such as Beko have affordable freezers that can operate safely even at temperatures of 15C, thanks to their FreezerGuard technology. However, you should always check the warranty of the manufacturer to be sure the freezer can withstand your specific garage or other outbuilding conditions.

energy star freezers efficiency

You should select an energy-efficient model if intend to put the freezer in a garage, shed or other area that isn't climate-controlled. These models are better in insulation than other freezers and won't lose as many cold air when they are opened. They will also be more economical to run because they use less energy. Also, you should look for a model with low frost technology, which requires less defrosting and will save your energy costs.

You can pick from a wide range of energy-efficient freezers in different sizes. They are available at traditional brick-and-mortar stores such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Home Depot, as well as online retailers like Amazon and eBay. Certain local utility companies offer rebates for freezers that meet specific efficiency requirements.

The size of a freezer impacts its energy consumption, so it is crucial to determine how much electricity you'll require for the quantity of food you'll be freezing. You can also make use of an energy calculator to calculate the amount a freezer will cost to run annually.

Freezers are near their advertised power consumption when they're cooling. However this isn't an indefinite amount. When they reach the desired temperature, their components will be in idle mode (such as the evaporator or compressor fan motor).

When choosing a freezer, consider the ENERGY STAR certification which means it meets specific energy consumption requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. This is especially crucial if you intend to store the freezer in a garage or shed that isn't climate controlled since these units are more energy-intensive than a conventional freezer.

Also, look for a freezer with a power outage guarantee and a high-temperature alarm light to ensure that it continues to operate even in the event of a power outage. There are freezers that feature a self-defrost option, which will decrease the frequency of defrosting and lower the cost of energy.

Warranty

Although most freezers are made to be stored inside, some people require larger models that can be placed in their shed or garage. If the temperature in this kind of setting is too low, it can cause the freezer to stop working properly or even break. To avoid this issue, consider investing in the freezer with an assurance that covers it in the event of failure when used in an outbuilding.

Many manufacturers have started to realise that their customers are often limited in space, and have therefore developed chest freezers that can be stored in garages or other outbuildings. These freezers are built with a 'freezer-protection ' technology which guarantees that they will operate even at temperatures as low as -10degC. Brands such as Beko, Ice King and Russell Hobbs now all offer this kind of freezer for outbuilding use.

Some companies have specialised in outdoor freezers, for instance Montpellier. It offers a white 99-litre freestanding chest freezer that can be used to build outbuildings or garages. It is assessed as A+ energy efficient and features FreezerGuard. It is also covered by NordMende's standard 3 year warranty. The site is a trusted online retailer that has received positive reviews from customers and has been in operation since 2014. It is also a Trusted Shops member.