Introduction
In the vibrant pulse of the Philippines, where life blends with our rich cultural heritage, a crucial part of our daily routine is preparing and enjoying our meals. As Filipinos, we take pride in the unique flavors of our cuisine, often made with fresh ingredients procured from local markets. But keeping these ingredients fresh for extended periods can be a challenge. Enter the chest freezer—an essential appliance that has found its place in Filipino homes across the islands.
First popularized in the middle of the 20th century, chest freezers are standalone appliances used solely to freeze food. Through this quick guide, we aim to introduce you to the world of chest freezers in the Philippines, as well as their features. Whether you're a passionate cook seeking to store your ingredients or a family-oriented individual looking for a smart way to manage food preparation, we'll help you understand how a chest freezer can revolutionize your lifestyle.
Chest Freezers in the Philippines
A chest freezer is a square or rectangular box-shaped freezer. Unlike other freezers, it has a hinged lid on top that opens upward instead of on the side, providing access to its interior.
Also known as deep freezers, they are commonly found in basements, utility rooms, or garages rather than in the kitchen. Chest freezers are also favored for their spaciousness, making them ideal for storing large quantities of food. Additionally, their size allows for preserving bulky items that may not fit in refrigerator freezers.
Many families who can afford to purchase food in bulk use chest freezers to store their supplies conveniently. Small-scale farmers also rely on these appliances to preserve various types of fresh produce. Moreover, businesses specializing in selling frozen products require large-capacity freezers to accommodate the needs of their numerous customers.
The prices of chest freezers in the Philippines depend on various factors, including brand, size, and specifications. To compare prices, you can visit Western Appliances' chest freezer catalog.
Chest Freezers vs. Refrigerator Freezers
Refrigerator freezers are integrated into the fridge appliance unit. They can be found as a compartment on top of the refrigerator space, as a drawer at the bottom, or as a long and narrow upright compartment in side-by-side refrigerators.
In contrast, chest freezers are standalone freezer appliances. They are not part of another appliance. Chest freezers come in various sizes, ranging from small chest freezer models in the Philippines measuring 3 to 5 cubic feet to larger units exceeding 20 cubic feet.
The Best Features of a Chest Freezer
Large Capacity
There are several reasons why we might require larger freezer space. As previously mentioned, it allows for storing ample quantities of food, which can help save money or enable the selling of food products. Even with built-in freezers in our refrigerators, the available space may not be sufficient.
Chest freezers provide extensive storage capacity, with some models reaching up to 25 cubic feet. Their design, wider and shorter in size, makes them ideal for storing multiple items, offering more floor and open storage space.
Freezing Capabilities
The design of a chest freezer grants it an advantage regarding freezing capabilities. The built-in sidewall insulation ensures effective temperature retention, even during extended power outages.
Additionally, chest freezers can keep contents frozen for two to three days, depending on the amount of food stored. This feature makes them particularly useful in areas where power outages occur frequently.
Defrost Drain
Similar to refrigerators, chest freezers require occasional defrosting for cleaning purposes. However, defrosting a fridge can be messy, involving the tedious task of soaking up water from inside the appliance.
Fortunately, defrosting chest freezers has become a hassle-free task, thanks to the inclusion of a defrost drain. Usually located at the front, the defrost drain allows melted ice to flow out effortlessly, eliminating the need for manually collecting the liquid with a sponge or towel.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is crucial when purchasing appliances such as chest freezers in the Philippines. It directly affects energy consumption and, consequently, impacts electrical bills.
The good news is that chest freezers are known for their energy efficiency due to their effective insulation. Furthermore, since they are opened from the top, less cold air escapes when accessing the freezer, as the cold air naturally settles at the bottom. As a result, the compressor doesn't have to work as hard to maintain the internal temperature when the freezer is opened. Additionally, chest freezers typically have a tighter seal than fridge freezers, enhancing the preservation of food items.
Other Features
Depending on the chest freezer model, it may offer various useful features, including:
- Freezer Locks – This is essential for households with children to prevent unauthorized access to the chest freezer or for businesses to safeguard valuable food products.
- Leveling Legs – This makes it convenient to place the chest freezer on uneven flooring, ensuring stability.
- Warning Light – It alerts users to potential issues such as power loss or malfunctions affecting the chest freezer's operation.
- Dual Function – Certain chest freezers can function as both a freezer and a chiller, allowing storing of food items that require cooling but not freezing.
Conclusion
Chest freezers are energy-efficient appliances suitable for both personal and business use. They distinguish themselves from refrigerator freezers by being standalone appliances, often available in larger sizes, which makes them ideal for storing significant quantities of food.
If this article has convinced you of your need for one, head to the Western Appliances branch nearest to you! Our products are also available online if you prefer shopping from home. As one of the leading appliance retailers in the country, we offer some of the best chest freezer brands in the Philippines. Shop in-store or online today!
