A chest freezer is a type of freezer that has a large, horizontal box with a hinged lid. It offers more storage space, energy efficiency, and longer food preservation than an upright freezer, but it also has some drawbacks such as accessibility, noise, and organization.
If you are looking for a way to store more frozen food and save money on groceries, you may have considered buying a chest freezer. A chest freezer is a popular choice for many people because it has several advantages over an upright freezer. However, it also has some disadvantages that you should be aware of before making a purchase. In this article, we will compare the pros and cons of chest freezer and help you decide if it is the right option for you.
More storage capacity: Chest freezers have around 20 percent more usable space than upright freezers. This means you can store more food and buy in bulk, which can save you money and reduce food waste. You can also fit larger items such as turkeys, roasts, and pizzas that may not fit in an upright freezer.
More energy-efficient: Chest freezers are more energy-efficient than upright freezers because they do not have a self-defrost system. This means they use less electricity and keep the temperature more consistent, which can lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a chest freezer uses about 362 kWh per year, while an upright freezer uses about 484 kWh per year.
Less expensive to purchase and maintain: Chest freezers tend to be cheaper than upright freezers, both in initial cost and in maintenance. You can find a chest freezer for as low as $200, while an upright freezer can cost up to $1,000 or more. Chest freezers also have fewer moving parts and less risk of malfunctioning, which means they require less repairs and servicing.
Keeps food fresh longer in a power outage: Chest freezers are better at keeping food frozen during a power outage than upright freezers. This is because they have more insulation and less air circulation, which prevents the cold air from escaping when the lid is opened. A chest freezer can keep food frozen for up to three days without power, while an upright freezer can only last for one or two days.
Longer lifespan: Chest freezers have a longer lifespan than upright freezers, by about five years on average. This means you can enjoy the benefits of your chest freezer for longer and avoid the hassle of replacing it frequently.
Difficult to access: Chest freezers can be difficult to access, especially for people with back problems or mobility issues. You have to bend over and reach into the freezer to get the items you need, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. You may also have to dig through layers of food to find what you are looking for, which can cause frustration and waste time.
Noisy: Chest freezers can be noisy, especially if they are placed in a living area or a bedroom. They produce a humming sound that can be annoying and disturbing, especially at night. You may have to invest in some soundproofing or insulation to reduce the noise level.
Hard to organize: Chest freezers are hard to organize, as they have no shelves or drawers to separate the food. You have to rely on baskets, bins, or bags to sort the food, which can take up more space and make it harder to see what you have. You may also have to label the food and keep an inventory list to avoid forgetting or losing track of what you have.
Takes up more floor space: Chest freezers take up more floor space than upright freezers, which can be a problem if you have a small kitchen or a limited area. A 22-cubic-foot chest freezer uses a rectangle floor space of 2 feet by 6 feet, while an upright 22-cubic-foot freezer only takes up 2.5 feet by 2.5 feet of floor space. You may have to sacrifice some other furniture or appliances to fit a chest freezer in your home.
A chest freezer is a great option for people who need more storage space, energy efficiency, and longer food preservation than an upright freezer. However, it also has some drawbacks such as accessibility, noise, and organization that you should consider before buying one. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and available space. We hope this article has helped you weigh the pros and cons of chest freezer and make an informed decision.
