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What’s A Garage-Ready Freezer?

Are you in the market for a garage freezer? Take a look at this article for some helpful information on freezers.

White deep freezer, lid open, empty, gray inside, small basket on the side

Are you tired of constantly going to the grocery store because you don’t have enough space in your kitchen freezer to store all your frozen goods? Or maybe you’re sick of having to brave the cold winter months and trudge through the snow to get to your backyard shed whenever you want to grab a bag of frozen peas. If so, it might be time to purchase a garage-ready freezer!

Generally, a garage-ready freezer is designed to maintain stable internal temperatures, even in an environment’s extreme temperature fluctuations. This makes it a suitable freezer option for storing frozen foods in places with a wide range of temperatures, including garages with temperatures ranging from 0°F to 110°F. This freezer can perform consistently and effectively in these environments without experiencing any issues or malfunctions.

Not only are garage-ready freezers incredibly convenient, but they’re also a great way to save money. Are you tired of stuffing all of your frozen food into a cramped kitchen freezer? A garage-ready freezer might be the solution you need. With more space than most refrigerators, you’ll be able to keep all of your frozen food in one central location. No more digging through cluttered freezers to find what you are looking for!

If you’re ready to upgrade your freezing game, keep reading to find out the benefits of a garage-ready freezer.

How Does a Garage-Ready Freezer Work?

Deep freezer, open showing a variety of different frozen meets and veggies

If you’re considering a new freezer, consider a garage-ready model. But what exactly makes a garage-ready freezer different from a regular deep freezer, and how does it work?

A garage-ready freezer is a special freezer that withstands extreme temperatures and performs consistently in a cold or hot garage. A garage-ready freezer can maintain the optimal temperature and handle a sweltering hot garage and freezing weather much better than a regular freezer designed for interior use.

Deep Freezer 5 Cu. Ft Small Chest Freezer Garage Ready 5.5 cu. ft SMETA 5 Cubic Feet Freezer Chest for Apartments House Basement Dorm, Deep Freezer with Removable Baskets in White

Traditional fridges and freezers are for use in an external temperature-controlled environment, such as a kitchen or basement, where the ambient temperatures stay relatively consistent. However, a garage can often experience fluctuations between extreme heat and, especially, areas with extreme weather. A garage-ready freezer can operate efficiently in a wide range of temperatures.

How Does a Garage-Ready Freezer Differ From a Traditional Freezer? 

Lady getting into deep freezer full of frozen meat and veggies

One key feature of a garage-ready freezer is its thick insulation. The thick insulation helps to protect the electrical components. It also helps keep consistent internal temperatures, protecting the food from fluctuations in the outside temperature.

Another essential feature is the thermostat. A garage-ready freezer typically has a thermostat that can adjust to the changing temperature of the garage. It helps to maintain a consistent inside temperature in the freezer, even if the temperature outside or in the garage fluctuates.

Additionally, many garage-ready freezers have a compressor that can start and stop as needed to maintain the ideal temperatures in the freezer. The compressor cools the air to the optimal temperature, which circulates to keep food items frozen. This helps to conserve energy and keep the freezer running efficiently, even in fluctuating temperatures.

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A garage-ready freezer also has a heating element to prevent the door from freezing shut. The garage-ready freezer also has a stronger door seal to prevent cold air loss. These features allow the freezer to operate reliably in external temperatures ranging from 0°F to 110°F, making it an excellent choice for storing frozen food in a garage or outdoor space.

In addition to these technical features, many garage-ready freezers have a light or alarm to alert you if the freezer’s set temperature changes. It’s also important to note that a garage-ready refrigerator may require a dedicated circuit to function correctly. This is because high-efficiency compressors draw a lot of power and need their own circuit to prevent them from tripping the breaker or causing other issues.

What is the Best Option for a Garage Refrigerator?

When choosing a freezer, there are four main options: chest freezers, upright freezers, compact freezers, or a refrigerator/freezer combo. But how do you know which type is right for you? Here’s a description of the standard freezers available in a garage-ready style.

Chest Freezers

White deep freezer, lid open

Chest freezers are the largest type of garage freezer, with a horizontal design and a hinged lid. Chest freezers offer the most storage space, making them a good choice for those who need to store a lot of food. However, chest freezers take up more floor space than other freezers, so there may be better choices for those with limited space.

Are All Chest Freezers Optimized for the Garage?

Like upright freezers, not all chest freezers are specifically designed to be used in a garage environment. Chest freezers for use in a garage typically have a durable exterior to withstand the harsh conditions of the garage. They may also have features such as a manual defrost to handle fluctuating temperatures. If you are considering using a chest freezer in your garage, check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure it is safe.

Upright Freezers

Large upright stainless steel freezer, temperature guage on the outside of door

Upright freezers are similar in size and shape to traditional refrigerators but only have a deep freezer compartment. However, they have a smaller capacity than chest freezers, so there may be better choices for storing a large quantity of food.

Are All Upright Freezers Optimized for the Garage?

Not all upright freezers are for a garage environment. While some upright freezers may be able to function in a garage setting, they may need to be optimized for them. For example, an upright freezer not explicitly designed for a garage may not have features such as a durable exterior or a manual defrost system. These features are necessary for a garage setting where the temperature may fluctuate. If you are considering using an upright freezer in your garage, check the manufacturer’s specifications and make sure it is suitable for that purpose.

Compact Freezers

Black exterior with white interior compact freezer

Compact freezers, also known as mini freezers or small freezers, are generally not designed to be used in a garage environment. These freezers are typically intended for use in a kitchen or other indoor space. They may not withstand the harsh conditions of a garage, such as extreme temperatures and fluctuating humidity levels. 

In addition, compact freezers may not have features such as a durable exterior or a manual defrost system, which are important for use in a garage setting. 

Garage-Ready Refrigerator with Freezer

Tall stainless steel refridgorator and freezer combo

Garage refrigerators are a staple in homes with large families or those who love entertaining! Like garage-ready freezers, garage-ready refrigerators offer the benefits of the typical garage refrigerator with the added benefit of handling varying temperatures. 

A garage-ready refrigerator with a refrigerator section and a freezer section is a convenient option for those needing extra space for refrigeration and a freezer. The main advantage of a garage-ready refrigerator with a freezer combo is that it takes up less floor space than a standalone freezer. However, the freezer compartment is usually smaller than a standalone freezer, so it may not be the best choice for those who need a lot of freezer space.

Does a Regular Freezer or Refrigerator Work in the Garage?

If you upgraded your kitchen with a new fridge or freezer, you might want to know if your old fridge and freezer work in the garage. The answer is yes! But it’s important to consider the temperatures that the refrigerator can handle. Most refrigerators are intended to be used in a controlled indoor environment where the external temperature stays relatively consistent.

However, the external temperature in a garage can fluctuate in extreme weather. If your old refrigerator is not designed to handle these fluctuations, it may not work correctly in a garage and could break down. Food may be unsafe if the freezer cannot maintain a cold and freezing temperature.

When choosing a freezer or fridge for the garage, it’s important to consider your needs and the available space. Chest freezers may be the best choice if you require a lot of food storage. An upright freezer may be the best option if you have a small space but still need a decent amount of freezer room. A compact freezer is a right choice if you need extra freezer space for occasional use. Finally, if you need a garage refrigerator with a freezer section, choose the traditional combo style and have both options in one appliance.

Are Garage-Ready Freezers Energy Efficient?

Garage-ready freezers function in a wide range of temperatures, including those in an uninsulated garage. As a result, they may not all be as energy efficient as standard freezers designed for controlled indoor environments.

However, some garage-ready freezers do have energy efficiency in mind. Garage-ready freezers function effectively in a wide range of temperatures, including those in an uninsulated garage. These freezers have advanced technology, such as a reliable compressor, improved defrost mechanisms, thick insulation, and a triple-sealed gasket to help maintain optimal temperatures.

In addition, many garage-ready freezers are Energy star certified. ENERGY STAR certification means a product must meet strict energy efficiency criteria, the minimum federal standard set by the EPA.

Close up of a blue energy star lable on a black freezer

These special freezers use advanced technology and design elements like high-efficiency compressors. A temperature sensor offers improved temperature control, defrost mechanisms, and efficient installation to deliver substantial energy savings.

If you live in a climate with extremely hot or cold temperatures, you know how hard your freezer has to work to maintain the freezer’s internal environment. The compressor cools the inside of the freezer but works extra hard in the heat. In contrast, the compressor may only turn on in extreme cold once the external temperature rises above the internal freezer temperature. Placing your freezer in an enclosed space out of direct sunlight and away from heat-generating appliances is a good idea. This can reduce energy consumption and keep your freezer running more efficiently.