Having a Tiny House Freezer is great because you don’t have to keep warming food over and over. Contrary to popular opinion, a tiny house doesn’t necessarily restrict you from having some important appliances.
It might not be easy to find the best tiny house refrigerator due to energy limitations and storage but this article will provide the needed information to help you to choose the right freezer for your tiny house.
Types Of Tiny House Freezer
- Electric
- Propane
#1. Electric
They are commonly used in traditional homes, but you can still use them in your tiny home, whether on or off-grid. Are you worried that it might use too much electricity in your off-grid home? don’t worry, you can get an energy-efficient freezer or you can go for one that uses solar power.
Electric fridges are easy to set up and use. After plugging it into a power source, it keeps your food cool, preserving them. Electric fridges can consume about 350-400 kWh on average annually. So, you have to plan of you will be using solar power or not.
#2. Propane
This is the best for anyone who decides to live completely off-grid and may not have so much access to power. Propane refrigerators are also known as absorption or gas refrigerators. They can be quite expensive.
The price of propane differs in different locations, so, it is advised to check the price in your location before you consider going for it.
Going for this kind of fridge requires a venting system. There is a propane burner box inside the fridge, and it produces carbon monoxide. The vents will help to filter out carbon monoxide, thereby keeping everyone safe and healthy.
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Things To Consider When Choosing A Tiny House Freezer
1. Budget
Tiny house freezers come at different prices. The size and sometimes the energy efficiency determine the price. The cost could range from about $150 to $3,000. You have to consider the amount you have kept aside to purchase a fridge. A simple 4 cubic feet electric fridge comes at about $140, while a 7 cubic feet electric fridge can cost about $300.
2. Size, Capacity, and Energy Efficiency
Your tiny house kitchen may be able to take in a 4 cubic feet fridge or a 12 cubic feet fridge but you have to consider the space available in your kitchen and your cooking and eating habits. This will help to determine the size and capacity of the fridge to go for.
You can start by asking yourself some questions like:
- How many people will be living in the tiny house?
- How often will I go to the market or grocery store?
- Will I host guests and need to prepare food for them regularly?
- Do I prefer home-cooked meals to restaurant meals?
- What kind of food do I eat daily?
- Will I store meat, vegetables, eggs, and others?
When you have answered these questions, you will have an idea of the best size and capacity of the freezer to go for. If you are living in a tiny house on wheels, and you might change your location regularly, do not go for a large fridge, so you can move easily without battling with weight.
In the aspect of energy efficiency, check if your chosen freezer is an energy star-certified appliance. Refrigerators with this seal tend to be more energy efficient than others. Energy Star is the industry score guide on appliance efficiency.
It provides important tips for ensuring your fridge is energy-efficient. Check if your fridge comes with an energy saver switch and other useful add-ons like an icemaker. You can check out a list of Energy Star-certified refrigerators here.
3. Off-Grid or On-Grid
This is very important. Are you living in a tiny house on a foundation or a tiny house on wheels? If you are living in a tiny house on wheels, how often will you be changing location? Do you intend to use solar power for your fridge? How much power can be produced? Is propane cheap in your location? Consider these questions. This will help you decide whether an electric or propane freezer is good for you.
Where your stay can affect your choice, as people living in cities or suburbs go for highly energy-efficient electric freezers while others living outside this location may go for propane or solar power freezers.
ALSO READ: The Best Tiny House Propane Heaters For Your Tiny Home
4. Direct Cool VS Frost Free
Different fridges come with different means to preserve the items stored and maintain temperature. We will look at the direct cool and frost-free fridges.
The direct cool refrigerator requires low power because it does not use a fan and heating to control temperature. Its frost build-up can preserve a product for weeks even when there is less solar power but sometimes it needs manual defrosting. This type is more affordable than frost-free refrigerators.
The frost-free refrigerator doesn’t require manual defrosting, it can defrost automatically since it uses a built-in fan and heater. It requires low maintenance as the fridge can be cleaned with a cloth. The cons of using this type are that it uses twice the energy used by direct cool refrigerators and it costs more.
5. Style
Tiny house freezers can come in different colors like black, red, white, and gray. They can fit into any tiny house but it’s best to know the measurement of the freezer and create the space needed, so it can fit perfectly. Note that there should be a 3-5 inch space on the sides and back of the freezer for good air circulation.
Top 3 Tiny House Freezers
#1. Avanti RA7316PST Tiny House Freezer
Its price ranges from $362- $407. It comes in different colors, platinum, silver, and white and it is freestanding. It has a 7.4 cubic feet capacity and can store food meant for a family of three for a week. It runs on just 0.6kWh a day and has separate freezer and fridge components. It is powered by electricity.
#2. SMETA Propane Tiny House Freezer
It costs about $1,298. It’s freestanding and comes in colors- white and black. It has a 3.4 cubic feet capacity. This refrigerator meets the energy star requirements.
Features
- Power: Gas propane.
- Dimensions: 20.6 x 23.2 x 32.2 inches.
- No noise, absorption cooling system, and safety.
- No pollution.
- Less energy consumption.
- Control panel: It comes with a power switch, flame indicator, thermostat knob, and safety valve.
#3. SPT RF-444SS Compact Tiny House Freezer
It’s powered by electricity. Its dimensions (HxWxD) are 33.07” x 19.5” x 33.07”. The refrigerator cost about $207. It comes in Stainless steel color.
This refrigerator meets the Energy Star requirements. It is energy efficient and helps to reduce your electricity bills. Some of its features and functions are a reversible door, manual defrost, an adjustable thermostat, and it is freestanding.
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Conclusion
I hope this post was helpful and you have been able to learn more about Tiny House Freezers and have an idea of the best one to suit your tiny home.
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