Perhaps you've always been one of the people who prepare ahead of time, freezing extra lasagna or shopping up on supplies at the wholesale club. If so, you were better prepared than others for the changes to our way of life that the epidemic forced many of us to make, such as going shopping less frequently and buying extra food per trip.
But, even though food prices are rising and you could be shopping more frequently these days, you might still need additional Freezer Blocks to take benefit of the deals you come across.
Before stocking up, consider whether an upright or chest freezer would better suit your demands and your accessible floor space. Next, take energy use, size, and capacity into account.
As you shop, remember that freezer blocks are large empty boxes and are challenging to manage. Thankfully, some producers are incorporating clever storage features like tier-based bins, movable drawers, and shelves that make locating what you're looking for simpler.
In the old times, stand-alone freezers were just functional, with very simple designs and an open-box interior that made it difficult to keep food items arranged.
These basic freezer blocks are still available, and many perform well in our freezer ratings, but there have been significant advancements in freezer design and performance. Before you head to the store, think about the following:
Choose The Right Freezer Blocks
Locate Yourself
Consider how loud the freezer will be if you intend to keep it in a living space and how it looks. Most manufacturers claim that their freezers can function in rooms with temperatures as high as 110° F, However, you should examine the product requirements.
If you plan to use the Freezer Blocks in an area that is not heated, such as a garage. Ensure the freezer is not exposed to temperatures below zero or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
What If The Electricity Fails?
According to most manufacturers, as long as the freezer is kept closed and the power is off, food can be frozen effectively for 24 hours. However, our studies mimicking a protracted power outage revealed that after only 9 hours, several uprights permitted a significant increase in temperature.
Read Also: Top 10 Universal Uses Of Ice Cube Trays
Temperature Regulation
In tests, the majority of the Freezer Blocks kept their temperature steady. The exception was uprights with manual defrost. On-door shelves had temperatures between 9 and 19 degrees higher than the remainder of the freezer because no blowers circulated cold air around them.
Power Usage
Expect your new freezer to use less energy than it claims on the yellow label, which says Energy guide. This is because our tests are more demanding and realistic than those the U.S. Department of Energy established. But, to qualify for the Energy Star program, products must adhere to strict government energy efficiency guidelines.
Improve The Performance Of Your Freezer
Once you have a Freezer Blocks, you might want to help it maintain its cool—and make food stay longer. See our experts' straightforward advice below:
Put your freezer blocks in a cold area, like the basement, where the temperature stays significantly below that of a typical room. Even though most manufacturers claim their devices can withstand temperatures up to 110° F, read the product information for details.
Close the lid or door as much as you can. Make a list of the contents so you won't have to look around. For the same reason, properly label food.
Food can be repackaged in several layers of plastic wrap to help prevent freezer burn and moisture loss. Typical guidelines for freezing include: You can freeze ground beef for up to 4 months and a whole chicken for as much as a year.
Read More: How To Keep Your Food Safe Using Plastic Food Containers
