Buying foods in bulk has always been considered a good way to save money, but storing all that excess food can be problematic. One appliance designed to address the problem of long-term storage of frozen foods is called a chest freezer. This is a free-standing kitchen appliance that features a significant amount of space for frozen food storage. Many homeowners consider purchasing a standalone freezer as an alternative to investing in a refrigerator with a larger freezer compartment. Bulkier food items can be stored there, leaving the refrigerator's freezer section available for frozen dinners and other convenience foods.
A chest freezer can be installed alongside the main refrigerator unit in a kitchen, or placed in a garage or utility room to accommodate its often significant dimensions. Many models contain storage racks of varying sizes to help keep different types of frozen foods separated. Bulkier items, such as whole meat slabs or turkeys, are often stored in the main chamber, while items such as bagged ice or frozen dinners are stored in baskets for easier access. Since cold air tends to sink, items placed in the lowest section of the freezer tend to become frozen solid and remain that way for months.
When shopping for a chest freezer, one of the main elements a consumer should consider is its overall size and capacity. Some brands are designed to augment dorm-sized refrigerators, which means they would only have the capacity of an average refrigerator's built-in freezer section. A smaller freezer would best suit the needs of a single working person or a college student looking to economize by purchasing frozen foods in bulk. A family of four may need to consider purchasing a mid-size freezer in order to meet their bulk frozen food needs. A large chest freezer may best be suited for those who need to store whole slabs of meat or need to buy in bulk on a regular basis.