Does A Chest Freezer Require A Water Line?

Chest freezers are great for bulk storing frozen goods. Aside from the usual function, newer models are suitable outdoors. But you need to consider the type of chest freezer for your needs. The installation is also critical to make the most of your appliance. One concern about chest freezers is the water line connection. We have researched from the experts to find out if a water line is necessary for chest freezers.

A water line is not necessary for your chest freezer. You can install a water line when you want to use ice maker and water dispensing functions. If you plan to use those functions, carefully plan the connections for the waterline. If your chest freezer does not have an ice maker or water dispenser, there is no reason for you to connect a water line.

Before connecting a water line, you must know the purpose of your chest freezer. It is all up to you if you use the ice maker and water dispensing functions. Newer chest freezer models have built-in water tanks instead of a water line. Even with a tank, you will need to refill water manually. So it's up to your needs if you have to install a water line. Keep reading to know more about chest freezers.

What Are The Best Practices When Installing A Chest Freezer?

Before installing, your choice of chest freezer depends on your needs. You can choose from the best chest freezer brands to match your lifestyle. Afterward, you can follow these tips below when installing your chest freezer:

• Determine the required electrical wirings and connections. Also, decide whether you need to install a water line or not.
• Plan where you want to install your chest freezer.
• When changing the location of the chest freezer, ask someone to assist you.
• Before installing, make sure to protect yourself and the people around you. Keep them away from the freezer location to avoid any hazards.
• Maintain at least 3 inches of clearance on the sides of the freezer.
• Consult an electrician if you have difficulty with the installation. You can also refer to the manufacturer to help you.

Is A Water Line Required For A Chest Freezer?

You do not have to connect your chest freezer to a water line. You can install a water line if you use the ice maker or dispense water. But even so, a water line is not mandatory. There are built-in water tanks in chest freezers to supply water. It depends on your needs if you want continuous water flow to fill up the tank.

If you plan to install a water line, it is best to consult help from a plumber.

Does A Chest Freezer Need A Special Outlet?

A chest freezer needs a special outlet. By its function, a chest freezer takes more electricity to operate. You must know if the electrical connections are suitable to avoid overloading. Overloading causes electricity cuts. If not prevented, it can lead to a fire and other electrical hazards.

Here are the typical electrical requirements for chest freezers:

• For 110-120 volts: 12x2 electrical wiring, 110-120 volt outlet, 15-20 amp breaker
• For 220-240 volts: 12X3 wiring, 220-240 volt outlet, 30 amp breaker

You also need to know the correct voltage of your chest freezers. The voltage rates depend on the size and power of the chest freezer. Make sure to install an outlet that is suitable with the chest freezer voltage rating. You can find the voltage rate in the freezer manuals and tags. Consult your manufacturer before buying the electrical requirements.

Does A Chest Freezer Need A Dedicated Circuit?

Aside from the special outlet, a chest freezer also needs a dedicated circuit. Freezers rely heavily on electricity. A dedicated circuit prevents electrical power overload and other worst-case scenarios. Whether you place your chest freezer inside your home or outside, there is a need for a dedicated circuit.

With a voltage of 110 or 120, a chest freezer needs a 15-20 ampere, fused, and grounded electrical circuit. Also, consider the required circuit breakers before installing. If you do not know how to select a suitable circuit, you can always refer to the manufacturer.

Do Deep Freezers Have Drains?

Deep freezers need occasional defrosting to keep your frozen goods safe. If the ice in your deep freezer is so thick, you must plan to defrost it safely. Unless your freezer is frost-free, a water drain is common to a variety of freezer types. There are deep freezer brands with drain holes and plugs to release the defrosted water. You need to defrost your deep freezer if the ice is at least 1/4-inch thick.

How To Defrost A Deep Freezer

To defrost your deep freezer, follow the instructions below:

1. Turn off or set your freezer at MIN.
2. Unplug the freezer from the electrical outlet.
3. Take your frozen goods and place them in a cool place.
4. Remove the drain hole inside the freezer. Keep your freezer open when defrosting. Defrosting may take several hours, depending on the thickness of the ice.
5. Drain the defrosted water using the drain plug while the freezer control arrow is down. You can use the attached drain hose to release the water.
6. After defrosting, wipe your freezer and the drain plug with a dry cloth.
7. Push the drain plug back and cover the interior drain hole.
8. Plug and turn on the freezer.
9. Put your frozen goods back in the freezer.

If you do not have a drain hose, you can use a garden hose. Attach the hose with the insert on the plug. You can also use a deep pan to catch the water. When draining, be careful that the water does not spill around the freezer area. You must prevent water spills from the electrical components of the freezer.

It's also good if you have an idea how often you need to defrost your chest freezer.

Where Should You Put A Chest Freezer?

Another thing to consider when installing a chest freezer is its location. The location of your chest freezer must be a convenient and safe place for you and your frozen goods. You can find most chest freezers indoors, like the kitchen or the storage room. In those places, you frequently get frozen food to cook. Your space might also be very tight that opening the freezer door is a hassle. If you lack enough space, you can place the chest freezer in a guest room or outdoors.

Even though not usual, you can place your chest freezers outdoors. But of course, you must also maintain the working condition of your freezer. Clean and have regular maintenance checks to keep your chest freezer working.

Before placing your freezer outside, here are some factors you need to consider:

• Salt in coastal areas can cause rust to the chest freezer unit.
• If your home is near or in the woods, wild animals can damage the freezer.
• Theft is prone for homes without fences or gates.
• Hot climates and direct exposure to sunlight causes damage to the chest freezer. Exposed faulty wires can create a hazard.
• A dusty outdoor area is not suitable for chest freezers. The frozen food might get contaminated when opening the freezer.

If any of the above is present in the location you wish to place your chest freezer, it is best to put it inside. If you still want to place the chest freezer outdoors, the garage is a good option.

What Does Garage Ready Mean For A Freezer?

If you wish to place your chest freezers outside, one common area is the garage. There is nothing wrong if you want your chest freezer in your garage. It would be best, however, to consider the temperature of your desired location. The outdoor temperatures fluctuate depending on the season. The changes affect the working condition of the freezer.

There are new models of chest freezers that are garage-ready. Garage-ready freezers can operate in temperatures between 0 to 110° Fahrenheit. A garage-ready chest freezer has one or more temperature sensors. There is also a small heater inside. This heater influence the thermostat to run the compressor to keep freezing. With freezer innovations, you do not have to worry about placing a chest freezer in the garage.

In Closing

There are water and electrical connections to consider when installing your chest freezer. There is no need to connect a water line to your chest freezer, as most freezers have built-in water tanks.

Also, there is a need for a special outlet and dedicated circuit for your chest freezer. Chest freezers need more electricity and using the wrong outlet cause hazards. A drain plug is also not a problem as newer chest freezer models have one. For the location, you can place your chest freezer in a safe place, even in the garage. With the right connections, your chest freezer can operate at its best.