7 Things to Know When Buying a Standalone Freezer

Choosing the best standalone freezer for you

Standalone freezers are among the most practical home appliances. Freezers expand your cold food storage and open up avenues for buying bulk foods, batch cooking and storing leftovers. They're also helpful for families with a lot of mouths to feed. However, if you're shopping for a new freezer, there are some things you should take into consideration. Read on for seven things to know when buying a standalone freezer.

1. Size matters, but bigger isn't always better

How big of a freezer should you buy? They can be as small as dorm size or large enough to fit a whole feast and all the trimmings. The best size freezer to buy is one that fits your unique needs. Do you have a small family or a large clan? Are you looking to stock up for a season or do you simply want to find some extra space for your overstuffed refrigerator? Look for a freezer that best matches your lifestyle.

2. You have a choice between two basic types

There are two typical configurations for a standalone freezer: upright and chest. Are upright freezers as good as chest freezers? Absolutely. There are advantages to both, and your needs determine which style is preferable. Consider the spot where you will put the freezer and what you plan to store in it.

Upright freezers take up less floor space, which benefits homes with limited elbow room. Upright freezers have a design that resembles a refrigerator. The shelves keep smaller items organized and easy to find. Reversible doors expand your options for a suitable location. These units typically offer a more straightforward defrosting process.

Wide chest freezers are ideal for homes with ample basement or garage space. The deep cavity and large lid benefit those who buy large bulk items. Large cuts of meat or family-sized bags of fruits and vegetables fit more readily into a chest freezer. Chest freezers may also provide better insulation. If the power goes out, items in some chest freezers can stay cold for up to three days if the lid stays closed, which helps if you live in an area that frequently experiences inclement weather.

Still can't decide? A small chest freezer combines many of the benefits of both styles.

3. High-end freezer options

A dream home deserves top-notch appliances, and a luxury freezer fits the bill. These high-end models complete a fully appointed chef's kitchen. Advanced features like digital displays and temperature alarms are extras on top of the storage and convenience of a standalone freezer.

Luxury freezers offer a variety of finishes to add a sleek look to your appliance and enable seamless blending with the rest of your kitchen's decor.

4. Freezer accessories

Freezing food extends the shelf life, but you can stretch it even further with proper food storage. Freezer-safe storage containers are convenient and help you keep everything organized.

A vacuum sealer lets you keep food even longer. These gadgets protect flavor and texture by locking out air. Poultry and fish thaw more readily ― and safely ― when sealed in sous-vide packages. Meat can also go straight from the freezer to an immersion cooker for a convenient gourmet meal.

5. You can cook straight from the freezer

A sous-vide device helps speed up the thawing process, but there are a host of other options for getting food from the freezer to the table. Some cooking methods work great with frozen food and are quick and easy to use. Working families can maximize time together and enjoy wholesome meals with the help of a slow cooker.

Frozen items can shine when cooked in a fryer. An air fryer minimizes calories and fat, making it a healthier option. If you find yourself entertaining for the next big game, the traditional flavor of a deep fryer will make your wings a hit. Either method provides flavorful foods from your freezer in a hurry.

6. Freezers fit a well-rounded lifestyle

What is the average life of an upright freezer? They can last up to 20 years when maintained properly. When integrated into your lifestyle, a standalone freezer streamlines your schedule. They are also ideal for hosting during the holidays or organizing a family with a full plate of activities.

Prepare individual meals and time-consuming side dishes in advance and then freeze them for use later. A home-cooked dinner can be removed from the freezer and heated in the microwave, leaving more time to connect with friends and family. For a family reunion or a family on the go, chafing dishes and servers can keep your prepared meals and sides ready to eat.

7. Freezers encourage next-level home economics

A freezer can free up time for your personal life and it can also help with your finances. Because you can buy in bulk and take advantage of grocery store sales, a freezer can save money in the long run, and may also cut down on food waste as well.

What’s more, tracking your efforts with personal finance software will show you how much money you're saving and may reveal other places where you can save a little more. You can also make it a learning opportunity when you involve kids in the planning and budgeting process.