5 tips for getting the most out of your freezer
The freezer is a great tool for homeowners to store food. It means you can avoid last minute trips to the supermarket because of your frozen Bolognese, or feed hungry grandkids at a moment’s notice thanks to your frozen crumpets.
But not everyone is aware that there are a few tricks of the trade to get the most out of your freezer.
1. Keep it at 70 per cent
A freezer runs more efficiently when it is nearly full; so don’t just leave it empty with a bag of peas inside and nothing else. The frozen lasagne that’s already in the freezer will help freeze your banana bread when you put that in. Also be sure to keep your temperature dial steady on a lower setting.
2. Use tight and small packaging
Instead of filling your freezer with plastic tubs, try using the different sizes of zip lock bags instead. You can remove the excess air before storing it, compared to say a half full plastic tub which means the food is exposed to the cold air, which can cause it to experience freezer burn.
3. Don’t work it too hard at once
The freezer is all about maintaining temperature, so it’s not a good idea to go from 10 per cent capacity to 80 per cent. Only pop a few things in to freeze at a time, otherwise the freezer has to work too hard to get the temperature down.
4. Cool food down first
Coming back to the point above, it’s important that you don’t put hot or warm food into the freezer. It needs to cool down first to avoid the temperature being affected inside the freezer. This is what causes freezer burn, and that freezer smell is not going to encourage you to eat your leftovers.
5. Cook double
A great way to maximise efficiency in the kitchen is to get into the habit of cooking double batches. This goes for anything like curries, casseroles, muffins, cakes, and pies. Then freeze half to use for another meal. It keeps your freezer full, and means less work for you on a busy night.
Do you have any advice of your own to add? We would love to hear from you in the comments.