Chest Freezers

[Industrial Toys]

I have never owned a chest freezer before. Nor has anyone in my family.

So I finally bought a small one. Danby, maybe three feet long.

I put the laser thermometer on the interior some time ago and was very surprised to see it at something like -20C.

So several quesitons.

What is the best temperature for frozen food? Prepared meals, steak, hamburger, that kind of thing?


I want to put in a temperature monitor connected to an alarm system.

What is the best location for a probe, as far as accurate temperature or best location for alarming purposes.

Typically, where could one safely pop a small hole through the side for the probe cable? Maybe 1/8" diameter. It there anything in the sides?

Thanks for the input.

Oh, also, does one typically have to defrost a freezer? This one is looking like it could use a defrosting.

 

[Diggin It]

I have a Frigidaire .... 7.5 CuFt I think, probably got it over 15 years ago. Needs to be defrosted about once a year. Usually maintains 0 degrees or so.


I have a cheap probe in it. Uses a sensor on a thin wire about the size of what earbuds use. Goes under the door seal with no problem. LCD display mounts on the wall behind.

 

[rekees4300]

Best temperature is 0F. Defrosting is necessary, watch for ice buildup on the inside walls. There are wireless thermometers available with alarms (battery operated), no wiring or probe holes needed.

Amazon: Refrigerator Freezer Thermometer by eTHERMOMETER - Includes 2 Wireless Temperature Sensors and 1 Indoor Digital Display with Built-In Alarm - Batteries Included

 

[Industrial Toys]

Thanks. I'm curious if some are frost free. Can't see many people be willing to do that.

 

[Diggin It]

Mine isn't hard to defrost. I unplug it and leave the top open for a while. Sometimes pour a little hot tap water between the walls and ice until the chunks break free. Toss those in the laundry tub to melt.

Mine's almost empty right now though. Stuff in the bottom was getting old and had to be used. I stopped buying until I used most of it and could move the rest to the refrigerator/freezer. Now it's time to start watching sales to fill it again.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I think, my Dad (and he still has his 1950s fridge) used to melt the ice and save it for batteries.

 

[Diggin It]

Not sure if it would be distilled, but it would be free of utility added chemicals.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

You don't want a frost free chest freezer!

What you put in it, won't last near as long in a frost free.

SR

 

[Industrial Toys]

It is one good reason to own a freezer, as the frost free fridge freezer is not great.

I believe the ice water to be totally distilled. It is only water vapour condensed.

 

[MossRoad]

We have a large chest freezer. I think it's 10 years old and we've only defrosted it once or twice that I recall. That was after we packed it too high, one corner of the lid didn't close, we didn't notice it, and it let air in, which froze to the sides on a surprisingly short amount of time. Built up about 2" thick ice starting about 6" below the edge and extending down about a foot. We defrost ours in the dead of winter, so that we can just put any food in it into bags and boxes and set them in the garage and they won't thaw. Then we unplug it and let it sit with the lid open for an hour or two. Then the ice just pops off the sides with a push of the hand. Pick it all up in a bucket or two, wipe it out with a clean rag, turn it back on and restock it. Easy peasy.

Hope that helps.