Midea or Arctic King 3.5 Cubic Foot Freezer Review and EcoFlow Delta 1300 Solar Generator Backup

[@supercooled]

I’m convinced all these fridge and freezers are all manufactured by the same factory and the various different brands simply slap their name on it. I’m thinking of getting one to store meats.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Good idea. Thought about how to power it should the grid go down, even for a day?

[@supercooled]

@@LoneStarPreppingI want to say my area is immune to outages as we haven't had one in probably 5 years due to a freak rain storm but these are becoming more common with our climate change. Running a generator is both costly and probably not permitted as I live in an apartment (w/ balcony) that said, some steps you can mitigate spoilage that I've learned is keeping a frozen turkey for residual cooling and upright freezers maintains its temperature very well. I'd estimate it could keep frozen meats with the turkey for 2 or 3 days. Ice cream and such on the other hand wouldn't last long. That said, I do have 4-5 months of winter out of the year but those are becoming warmer by the year as well. This one looks interesting. Danby makes a lot of appliances particularly in the affordable and small variety. www.homedepot.ca/product/danby-3-8-cu-ft-chest-freezer-in-silver/1001188252

[@RadianceRush]

We bought that same exact freezer last year from WalMart for roughly the same price. So far it's been great we love it!

[@urabundant]

Omgosh! I just bought a food saver and my garden (Illinois) is about to explode so I was looking up freezers because the one I have (large) is already full!!! Thank you so much for this!!!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Blessings!!!!

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Glad I could help. We still use it and love it.

[@urabundant]

@@LoneStarPrepping the freezer is sold out but I am still dedicated to get something ASAP!

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Try the 7 cubic foot. We use that as well.. its like 2 small next to each other. I have video on that one also.

[@jaybatemen4497]

Thank you very much just got my freezer in two days, Refrigerator side of large fridge die after power surge. Like the generator as well. Looking into it now.

[@dondep]

Thanks for making this video; I have the exact same basic system, got the Delta AND the Arctic King for a grid-down scenario and have yet to connect them like that, though I do use the pass-through feature on the Delta to keep the desktop computer working. Time to start using them the way you are. Glad to see they go together that well!

[@Movingtips4you]

Thank you for doing this video. I just got my own delta 1300. Love the fact that you can use it for every day life. Toaster, coffee pot, microwave. Having an inverter that handles 1800w is unique from all the other ones.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

It gives me peace of mind

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Another use is to charge your rechatgable batteries when power is out.

[@fazimabdool6437]

@@LoneStarPrepping great video brother, do keep up the good work...one quick question, does the chest freezer turn on and off just like a normal refrigerator does ? I mean when it reaches a certain temperature, and if so how long would it be off before turning back on ? ... thanks

[@LoneStarPrepping]

@@fazimabdool6437 Yes... it cycles on and off. If you watch my other video on my 7.5 cubic foot freezer, I talk more about this.

[@fazimabdool6437]

@@LoneStarPrepping oh nice...I'll be sure to check the other video out , how often does it cycle on and off btw ?

[@polishpicl]

Outstanding set up..I use a fridge instead of a freezer since we rarely lose electric.... But same idea here in Pa.

[@X24REVIEWS]

Subbed. We just moved to texas and also got this freezer for our place. Thanks for sharing!

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Thanks for the sub!

[@KD-eq4xi]

Yup! The video was good and had key points, freezer, food saver vacuum and a power generator, My dude!👊👊👊

[@andrewboucher218]

Hey love the set-up, like to see solar chargers used in every day practical situations. 👍🏽🇯🇲

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Thinking about doing a review on it... So far, I really like this unit.

[@__babyface]

@@LoneStarPrepping I think I might need the 3.5 freezer like yours since it's just me alone in my apartment. If I had a family, the 5.0 would probably be a better option. Hopefully the 3.5 will get Thanksgiving Turkey's & birthday ice cream cakes inside correct?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

@@__babyface no problem...

[@__babyface]

@@LoneStarPrepping I have a question: So amazon delivered this to your house & you didn't have to go to the ups store to pick it up?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

@@__babyface yes.

[@cindyland6273]

Nice video! Filled with food Cant see how deep and wide. How many inches deep and wide. Inside dimensions?? Thanks!

[@ruthnigh4012]

learning so much from you! Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@tomekacollins4097]

Thank you so much for simplicity

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Happy to help!

[@KD-eq4xi]

One thing tho, put links to your products.... I happen to be looking for a vacuum sealer and they got so many on the market, so when I saw you had one, I got my answer👍

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Thanks for the comment. By the time the video was posted, I couldnt even find the freezer online! Its no doubt there now but the link would need to be changed so often. I think a good description of itms would be good. Ill work on that. Thanks again!

[@alexwu7123]

Really helpful ❤ thank you

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Thanks for watching.

[@Shelly.1962]

Loved the video very instressed in the solar powered generator .😀👍

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Look into the Delta 1300 by ecofow. They will be coming out with a less expensive one called R600

[@Musicpassion418]

How do you get a freezer backedup for a week or two straight or more is it possible and exactly how in detail steps? Do you or anyone who knows care to comment, please. I do not know, have no idea where to find information on this, that is credible and very easy to understand and follow.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

If you are willing to do the work, watch my 3 part series... kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6Czfa2FobqYsJI

[@58MrMike]

Looking for one of these or one like it. The Hotpoints at our local Lowe’s got terrible reviews

[@LoneStarPrepping]

We love ours.

[@rebeccag2475]

Thank you so much for your video!

[@LoneStarPrepping]

We liked the freezer so much, we bought another but twice the size. Look for my review on it...

[@rebeccag2475]

@@LoneStarPrepping O wow! That’s good to know!!! Yes but I really appreciated your time. It was short sweet and informative. And honestly you inspired me to get an affordable generator (never know what can happen especially nowadays) and that’s even if I can get my hands on one! Thanks! God bless,

[@passionforyarn1990]

After waiting for a chest freezer for 9mos. to be available I just bought a RCA 5.0 cu feet for $169.00. They only had 4 left. The next day I didn't see them online again. I was lucky.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Good for you! We are defrosting ours today... I will be posting a video how to organize it soon!

[@leslieevans2406]

Thanks...great job explaining everything.

[@Tubefex]

Thanks for the info. I'm pondering on a ecoflow for a similar freezer I have in the basement. On one hand, I can only put about $250 of ground beef in it. So $2500 for a generator doesn't seem to make a lot of sense money wise. But if meat becomes scarce, that's an other story, meat price could skyrocket and justify the investment to a certain extent...

[@LoneStarPrepping]

The primary reason for my generator is for general backup power... not just freezer... phones, rechargable batteries, lights, radio etc...

[@skeletorrocks2452]

I was thinking of getting one so I could load it with chicken. This big bags of chicken at Wally world are only seven bucks for 10 pounds. But not having to go to town is priceless.

[@iambreannaa]

I’ve searched over all over and nobody had chest freezers for sale. Luckily I found one at Washington ga at America’s farmer furniture for $269. Didn’t. Want to pay the price For that size but It was the last one available and I took the chance and it’s amazing it’s a Frigidaire 5.0 just happy I got one😁

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Its funny... my wife and I would never had purchased one but because of covid 19 we did. Also, for us, a backup power was a must... power goes out lots here.

[@jborrego2406]

U got a better deal I got it from amazon 439 bucks sigh

[@lovelove-ol4vg]

Thank you. Very useful❤

[@cardiacmyxoma4073]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Glad you liked it!

[@binanyagami9595]

thank you thank you so much it was exactly what I was looking for very detailed thank you for that

[@MiscellaneousMichelle]

Awesome

[@suellenjames9028]

Is this size working for you? I hope you are still monitoring this post. I enjoyed your video. I am concerned 3.5 is too small for husband and self but he really prefers the smaller one like yours. Thanks for video!

[@LoneStarPrepping]

I have another video on my site on a 7 cubic foot we bought. We wanted more room. But, we use the smaller one more because it gets much colder! To me, the colder the better. So, take a look at my other vid... as far as size, I mainly like the larger because we store a lot of flour and bread in it.

[@camrygirl84]

Great video!

[@georgemaze7926]

Thanks for making this video. Please what is the (LRA AMP ON THE MOTOR )I'm not happy with my 5. On my solar system.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

1.2 It averages about 40Wh per hour. Surge watts are up there though.

[@AngusMaxxx]

Just the type of info I was looking for. Thanks

[@Maria-kg1nh]

thanks for the review! God Bless!!!

[@Mebirduwine]

i have to look into a generator now lol

[@MsGale.]

Thanks for sharing

[@skeletorrocks2452]

So you're saying at full blast 35 Watts a day.. if auxiliary insulation was built around it.. of course leaving the proper vents open to the air for obvious reasons. I got to wonder how many watts it would save.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

It uses about 35 watts per hour on average. It isnt on all day... It cycles on and off.. 35 watts is cheap! Of course if there was more insulation, it would save even more. It also depends on how cool your home is. If in hot garage, it would average a whole lot more.

[@skeletorrocks2452]

@@LoneStarPrepping that's amazing. I thought about getting a chest style fridge freezer. And then a little mini chest freezer to keep extra stuff deep froze. Might even set up everything to be in one of my Vans. Got one of those late 80s GMC value vans.. it's basically like a Snap-On tools truck. I'll tell you what. Between the other van I've got which is midnight blue. That white paint job does a world of good. It can be 90° outside and I can still take a nap in there without a fan. A few repairs to some of the ventilation.. like the old caps that I have plywood over. When I repair the wood stove as well. And that thing will cool a lot better. But when it comes to the refrigerators and freezers. I figure more insulation saves lots. The only downside to that van is.. it gets 6 miles to the gallon. So you basically drive it to somewhere and park for a day or a week or two. Or in this case it's been there for a few years at one of my properties. Anyways thanks for the info. And you have a great day.

[@LyRiCss718]

I ordered one in July iam finally getting it on 10-16. I guess they were backed up because of covid

[@ghazalkhazana3262]

Thanks for the useful info, I bought the same one today and its 5.0 . I haven't plugged in and want to know that should I set the temp at max or between max and min . Thanks🙂

[@LoneStarPrepping]

I set mine max.. I think the cooler the better. But get a thermometer you leave in and maintain below 0 degrees F.

[@ghazalkhazana3262]

@@LoneStarPrepping you mean u set it at ' between max and min ' Plz let me know, thanks for the reply🙂

[@LoneStarPrepping]

@@ghazalkhazana3262 for mine, I set max high

[@ghazalkhazana3262]

@@LoneStarPrepping ok I will try mine on max first , thanks again and have a great evening

[@LoneStarPrepping]

@@ghazalkhazana3262 put a themometer meant for freezers inside so you can monitor temp

[@SisyphusQuit]

How often does your power go out down there in Tex?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Not often.

[@toolman67]

Is your mini freezer still going? Want to buy one at Walmart, but worried about shipping and damages.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

It sure is. Working better than ever!

[@toolman67]

@@LoneStarPrepping did you get yours shipped or picked up?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Shipped

[@juntakfoods]

The AC voltage coming out from the ecoflow delta 1300 may be modified sine-wave, instead of full sine-wave form.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Has a full sine-wave.

[@juntakfoods]

@@LoneStarPrepping Yea, I just read the specs. You are correct (pure sine wave) -- which probably explains the US$1400 price tag. Sounds too expensive, probably cheaper to just buy FIVE 100AH AGM batteries, FOUR 100Wp solar panels, and one INVERTER. You get 5 KW of capacity for the same expense.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

@@juntakfoods 1. I paid 1,000. 2. It would not be as mobile. 3. You would only be able to use half the battery capacity without shortening battery life. 4. It would be to heavy. 5. It would take longer to charge. I built this one...kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqmtXoCLmrWgY7s

[@KingdomUploader]

2024. Freezer still rockin? How often have you had to defrost it? Thanks

[@LoneStarPrepping]

We moved and are just using out 7sf freezer. That little one was great though! Maybe defrost every 6 months or so.

[@KingdomUploader]

no problem ten. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@Crystalshanteg]

does it still work good?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Yes. Still using it. -20F on coldest setting.

[@Trillville43]

If you wanna get more time by a 12v power inverter w/pure sine wave

[@KathyQin]

Where did you buy the Ecoflow battery? Is it expensive?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Search Ecoflow online. They have an online store or just use link under description in my video.

[@KathyQin]

I see. You are only responsible for making reviews for the portable power, not selling it right?@@LoneStarPrepping

[@berlygirl123]

What are the interior dimensions? I have a Harvest Right freeze dryer and the trays are 18 inches in length. I would like to fit those trays in this freezer. Would it fit?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

17x14.5

[@berlygirl123]

@@LoneStarPrepping Thank you!

[@LoneStarPrepping]

@@berlygirl123 I can't get the debth. Too full.

[@brendagamez8435]

Thank u 💓

[@danieljohnson327]

Great video

[@nononoonoo]

Where are some places to put a chest freezer in an apartment besides the kitchen? Does it have to be in its own outlet? Can you do video on it?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

I dont believe it needs a dedicated outlet. Put it where you want. I suppose a cool spot is better because it wont have to work so much to stay cool. You will have to defrost it after 1/4 inch of ice forms so yoy will have to plan for that.

[@nononoonoo]

@@LoneStarPrepping thank you!

[@jennahiltz7748]

@@LoneStarPrepping how long does it usually take for that much ice to form for defrosting

[@LoneStarPrepping]

@@jennahiltz7748 I have read that it should be defrosted once there is about 1/4 inch. I believe the more you open the door, the faster ice or frost will develop. We defrosted in 7 months, but it didnt really need it at that point. Some say in a year or so.

[@jennahiltz7748]

Hi I just bought this freezer yesterday. I set it up today and automatically the switch is off but it was still getting cold once plugged in. So I switched it to minimum. Why does it still get cold once off? What’s the difference in having it off or at minimum? Do I always leave it at min or max or sometimes if I switch it to off will it still freeze?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

I'm guessing once it is plugged in, its on. Not sure why its on when "off" is selected. I leave mine on max and never shut it off.

[@jessicaaguirre1755]

Would you happen to know why the smaller freezer is more expensive? The link to the 3.5 cu ft midea freezer says it sells for $404 whereas the same freezer but in 5.0 cu ft sells for $269.10

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Supply and demand, Im guessing.

[@aaronwilde]

How cold does it get on high setting?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

I said in the video -14 but it gets to -22. Depends on how hot your house gets. I also said I keep it on high.

[@aaronwilde]

@@LoneStarPrepping Yes, sorry I saw that part but I somehow missed the part that it was on maximum cold setting already. -14 F is very good! I am in Canada and we use Celcius. I want to freeze wild Salmon and kill the parasites and to kill parasites you need -4F for 7 days. So this should be perfect!!!! I am excited. Thanks!

[@LoneStarPrepping]

For more info, see my other video. I compare it to 7cubuc foot and more info in general. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmHJiWClp618abc

[@baneverything5580]

Is it using 35 watts per hour or 35 watt hours per day? I don`t understand this stuff. Likely 35 watts per hour seems more realistic. I just ordered a 5 cubic ft freezer and am wondering how long (or IF) I can power it with a 300 watt power station that holds 299 watt hours per charge. I was planning to order a 75 watt 5 cubic ft Igloo freezer but they sold out before I hit checkout, so I ordered one I`m assuming uses 100-130 watts compared to what others mentioned here and there use. But if it only runs for 15 minutes per hour perhaps I can save my food after the next hurricane.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Your best bet is to get an emergency fridge that runs on DC. It uses a lot les power. If for daily use like my freezer, mine uses between 35 and 40 watts (watt hours) per hour. You will only be able to use about 80 to 90 percent of the 300 watt hours stored in your battery cuz of loss. Im guessing you will have something like 255 watts.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Also, you may want to pick up a wireless thermometer so you dont have to open the freezer door. If you see my review on one, you will see how you can ration the power.

[@baneverything5580]

@@LoneStarPrepping I have a Rockpals 300 watt power station, and the same power Golabs, and just ordered the Bluetti EB70 700 watt power station. I have plenty of large solar panels and parallel connectors to get some charge even on cloudy days. After I get moved into a 5th wheel travel trailer on my new place I`ll be able to figure the situation with the sunlight. There may be trees blocking the sun from the south. So I decided to spend the stimulus money on portable solar for now. We got hit here with two hurricanes last year and I freaked out a little bit about getting prepared in case it happens again or the government destroys the economy and I wind up broke. I have all sorts of accessories to go with all this stuff and can even do simple cooking with what I have. I bought a collection of the folding portable panels too with USB outputs for charging power banks and using with USB universal battery chargers to keep my radios going. I feel like a mad scientist. But I have power now and as much redundancy as possible. I`m looking at those 12 volt compressor fridges right now. The freezer I ordered supposedly has a setting for refrigeration too. At this point my main goal is being able to save a freezer full of food if the power goes off, the roads are blocked, and I`m stuck here. I plan to grow a bunch of black eyed peas and other things to store in the freezer and save on food. Can`t afford food anymore..

[@baneverything5580]

@@LoneStarPrepping I`ll check that out. Thanks for your replies.

[@ingridsol8432]

👍👍👍

[@loki_cane_corso_italiano7825]

I'm not sure what size to get, 3.5 or 5.0 same reason, covid all i don't want to spent time at the stores, and they are sold out everywhere

[@LoneStarPrepping]

I would go with 5.0 if had another chance

[@MyCabinLife]

Do you know how many watts the 5 would use? I have a solar power station I use in an emergency and up at the cabin which has no power so it will be running more than just that little freezer​@@LoneStarPrepping

[@559irene]

How do you turn it on

[@LoneStarPrepping]

For the freezer, you plug it in...that's it. For the solar generator, plug in and turn power switch on and then push inverter button.

[@TheDippod]

but your ecoflow inverter is burning up amp hours that you did not measure. This would matter in and off-grid van, like mine, as well as to you when your power is out.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

If you want to learn about portable power station management, I have several videos where I talk about it. I also have a 3 part video series that may help you understand. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6Czfa2FobqYsJIsi=zNv15WfnjA3d0Vim I dont even use this much any more. I use a delta pro and 2 extra batteries.

[@BizzayLady]

Can you fit large frozen pizzas in it?

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Dont know. We fit a medium one in though.

[@AlM-sn3yr]

Unless this solar generator has a built-in automatic transfer switch, you might consider getting one. Solar generator is essentially a Lithium battery with charger and inverter. Right now your battery is always 100% charged AND is being charged at all times because the freezer is drawing power. Lithium batteries prefer storage at 40-50% charge with periodic charging to 100%. If you must keep them at 100%, it's better to disconnect it from charger when it's full. They will live longer then :)

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Thank you for your comment, but I know what I am doing. I have several portable power stations. I Built my own 10,000 watt hour battery system in 2015. I have plenty of videos about solar power on my channel if you like to check them out. There is no such thing, by the way, of a transfer switch in the Delta 1300. I installed transfer switches in my home for my Delta Pro, and I have a video about that as well. In fact, some people keep their Delta Pro plugged in all the time to a transfer switch while using solar to charge it to help lower electric bill. They would last longer if stored at a lower percentage as well but they choose to do this. Not everyone buys a system and stores it. I have a 3 part video series I made that teaches about solar power management. In fact, I did a detailed review on the Delta 1300 on my channel, which goes into power management just for that unit. There is nothing wrong with keeping the unit at 100% if that is the way I choose to use it. If I stored it at 30% to 50% or so, it would last longer. I get that. But that is not the way I was choosing to use it. That being said, I do discharge it down every so often and then charge it back up. Again, thank you for your suggestions.

[@Trillville43]

Its actually not efficient using 18w to 20w an hour just by having the inverter on with no load. Watt hour capacity is 1295Wh and the efficiency of the inverter is .85 and will drop below 0.80 depending on how warm the batteries are so running low watt appliances is actually somewhat a waste of power per its design.

[@LoneStarPrepping]

I said nothing about the solar unit being efficient. I was referring to the freezer being efficient. That being said, running the solar unit along with the freezer does take more power but not because of the freezer. I am willing to pay that extra (energy for the generator being plugged in) for the peace of mind that the unit is there to run my freezer should the power go out and I am not home. As it is, I am home now a lot now because of covid 19, so I have the generator disconnected and am running the freezer directly to the wall outlet.

[@HansKeesom]

@@LoneStarPrepping The important thing is that de Delta has a real passthrough of AC, so not using the battery at all as long as you have AC. That is so important when you are in an area where power outages do happen. So while there might be better solar generators, this is the best UPS

[@HansKeesom]

​@@LoneStarPrepping I've send in a request to support of Ecoflow if they can give me the definite answer. If it uses a full battery while connected to AC on input, then I will not buy it, as there are too few outtages here to make up for the wear on the battery. I will build a DIY system myself then, using something like this www.omvormer-omvormers.nl/contents/nl/p537_zuivere-sinus-omvormer-LT-1500-Watt-12V-230V-1500W-_-3000W-_-omschakelautomaat-_-acculader-23-amp-_-zonnepaneel-aansluiting.html This has passthrough, like a RV can switch to shore power, and does not use the battery at that moment (though I will have to check it for sure also) I still have good hope the Delta might do AC in-DC-AC out, where the DC is not really running through the battery, but is just available for the battery if it wants to (trickle)charge itself. This would mean that when connected to AC-in long term the battery will not suffer from the fact something is connected to the AC-out. There will be some energy lost converting it from AC to DC and back to AC again. Do you happen to have two watt meters to test how much is lost between in and out?

[@HansKeesom]

I based my assumption on this guy. At 10:10 he says something about a bypass kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpvPZKZneMmMf6s See also the earlier moment where he is charging from AC and inputting 2300 watt and outputting 1200 watt kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpvPZKZneMmMf6s Thinking about it this sounds like AC-in ->DC -> AC out, so no direct connection between AC-in and AC-out and both the battery charger and inverter connected to the DC in the middle. So with AC-in the battery is not used for the AC-out! That will still give a loss of watts from AC-in to AC-out, but not wear out the battery.

[@HansKeesom]

Got an answer, the battery is not involved with providing AC-out when the device is connected to AC-in. So battery is not hurt/used when using the unit as UPS, as long as AC-in is there. Your electricity bill will be hurt as the wattage at AC-in will be at least 16% higher then AC-out. At lower wattages the gap will be higher in %. But as your fridge is running a 35 watt average measured at the wall-socket, I think things are not that bad in practical situation and loosing a few watts is in fact a small price to pay for being safe.

[@thegrimmer]

36 watt-hours per hour, also known as watts

[@LoneStarPrepping]

I cant tell if you are asking or telling me. Watts and watt hours is the same thing. In this case, the watts I use is a lot less than the rated watts on the freezer. I use watt hours to help people who dont understand how watts work, to better understand the concept. But, yes, watts and watt hours is the same thing and appropriately used term. I also state watts per hour "on average" to make it clear that the demand may be higher or lower or not at all at times when the compressor is off.

[@MaiMai-gz1io]

The plastic on the generator should be removed because it is making the generator run a bit hotter.

[@agent9973]

Not mine they refunded me my money. I got it from Walmart. They don't pick it up or exchange. So I use it as a extra fridge its trash