How To Hide a Chest Freezer in the Kitchen

Chest Freezers Take up a Big Floorspace Footprint in Kitchens

Chest freezers are the perfect appliance for people who like to store large quantities of food. Compared to upright freezers and fridge freezer combos, chest freezers are more reliable, more energy-efficient, and a good value for money.

You've probably already invested in a chest freezer if you shop in bulk or stock up on seasonal produce. If not, get ready to add one to your wish list!

People who own chest freezers (also known as deep freezers) usually hide them in the basement, the garage, or outside in a sheltered area. But those locations aren't an option for everyone due to housing limitations, convenience factors, or an unsuitable climate.

GE Chest Freezers

If these restrictions sound familiar, consider keeping a chest freezer in your kitchen.

Family kitchens rarely contain a deep freezer, but it could be just what you need. Maybe you're intrigued, but you wonder about the practicalities. You might ask:

• Can a chest freezer go in the kitchen?
• Is it safe?
• Is a deep freezer suitable for my lifestyle?
• What features should I consider?
• How will it look in my house?

Read on to find the answers, including how to hide a chest freezer in the kitchen.

Can a Chest Freezer Go in the Kitchen?

Because they are short and wide instead of tall and narrow, deep freezers take up more floor space than your typical kitchen appliance. They also take up more floor space than an upright freezer. The trade-off is that they blend in better at counter height. A chest freezer can go in your kitchen, but not if you have a small kitchen. You're going to need a lot of floor space to accommodate a chest freezer in addition to your stove, dishwasher, refrigerator and under counter cabinetry.

Many Kitchens Don’t Have Enough Floor Space to Accommodate a Chest Freezer

Is It Safe?

Chest freezers, like all large appliances, have safety requirements. Be sure to check each model's specifications. Generally, you can expect your freezer to need:

• A dedicated, properly-grounded outlet. Never plug it into an extension cord.
• Enough airflow to prevent overheating of the cooling elements.
• A solid floor surface, not carpet, which helps with stability and ventilation.

You must also ensure that children cannot open the freezer to play in it. Fortunately, many models have built-in locks. If you need a lock, buy a freezer with one pre-installed. Drilling holes to add an after-market lock will ruin the appliance.

Is a Deep Freezer Right for My Lifestyle?

According to the Colorado State University Extension, a chest freezer is the "best freezer choice for longer-term storage."

Because of its simple layout, a deep freezer can hold much more frozen food than a typical fridge freezer combination, especially with large or bulky food packages. It costs less to buy a deep freezer than an upright freezer of similar capacity, and it is cheaper to run.

With so many advantages, a deep freezer is ideal for people with diverse lifestyles. Consider a chest freezer if:

• You have large quantities of meat from hunting or fishing.
• You are a vegetable gardener with surplus produce.
• You are a meal planner who makes several meals' worth of food in advance.
• You live in an area prone to power outages.
• You buy groceries in bulk.
• You want to feel well-prepared for emergencies.

A chest freezer may not be for you if:

• You don't plan to keep it stocked. It takes more energy to cool back down an empty freezer each time the freezer door lid is opened.
• You have children but don't wish to keep the lid locked.
• You have mobility issues that would prevent you from raising and closing the lid or reaching down inside the chest.

What Features Should I Consider?

Chest freezers are relatively straightforward compared to the space-age kitchen appliances most people prefer. This simplicity will come as a relief for shoppers who feel overwhelmed by too many options. Still, you will find some variation between models. Look out for these features:

• Capacity, as measured in cubic feet.
• Temperature control. Do you prefer a manual or a touch-screen display?
• Automatic defrosting feature ("frost-free") vs. models that require you to periodically conduct time-consuming and messy manual defrost cycle
• Optional caster feet to make moving easier.
• Optional built-in features, such as a lid lock and an interior light.
• Optional organization features, such as wire baskets and sectional dividers.

How Will It Look in My House?

This plain, boxy appliance is not known for its aesthetic appeal. As a result, you may struggle to imagine incorporating a deep freezer into your existing space. But there are ways to enjoy the benefits of added food storage in your kitchen while concealing the look of a basic chest freezer.

While it may seem easy to drape a tablecloth over the freezer to add to the aesthetic, putting anything on top of the freezer is generally a bad idea. It will require moving the cloth aside any time you need to get to your food, which may be inconvenient. You also need to ensure the fabric does not interfere with airflow.

If you're looking to make your chest freezer fit in with your overall design, you could always consider shrink wrapping your freezer to make it complement any kitchen layout. Many companies will provide you with a unique design to match the decor of your kitchen (as seen in the video below).

Installing a chest freezer wrap

Custom Construction

If you're feeling ambitious, consider a custom construction project, which is the best solution for DIYers who want a cohesive kitchen design. It will take more time, but will look more cohesive with your interior design in the long run.

What if you remodel your cabinets and countertops to fit a chest freezer that sits flush with your counter space? What if you installed a new kitchen island using the freezer as the base?

Of course, whichever way you conceal your chest freezer, you'll need to make sure it can still reach an appropriate power outlet and has plenty of airflow. Also, do not use the freezer lid to store or display items. While it is a tempting work surface, manufacturers do not design them to bear weight.

A better idea is a hinged countertop that floats above the freezer. It can be cleared and folded back whenever you need access to your frozen food. Recruit your handiest friend to help you draft and construct the perfect solution for hiding your chest freezer in your kitchen.