The Ultimate Guide to Freezers!
Freezer Space is the number one concern new customers have when joining our Beef Share club.
Your 100% Grass-Fed Beef Share is a significant investment, and you want to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible.
On the farm, chest freezers are a way of life, but I know that’s not necessarily the case for you. If you're considering buying your first Beef Share, you may be wondering what type of freezer to use to store your beef.
There are two main styles of freezers: chest freezers and upright freezers. They each have their own advantages, and the right choice will depend on your needs and situation.
Chest Freezers
Chest freezers are the most popular option for bulk grass-fed beef buyers. These freezers are more affordable than upright freezers, and they offer more storage space for your beef. They are also more energy-efficient and maintain a more consistent temperature.
One disadvantage of chest freezers is that they can be difficult to organize. Because the food is stored horizontally, it can be challenging to find items buried at the bottom of the freezer.
But you can use baskets or other organizing tools to keep your beef organized and easy to access. We also recommend getting a freezer slightly larger than needed, so it’s easier to organize (plus you can start to stock up on other quality food in bulk).
Upright Freezers
Upright freezers are another option for storing bulk grass-fed beef. They are more compact and built-in shelves make them easier to organize than chest freezers.
However, they are typically more expensive than chest freezers. They are also less energy-efficient and may not maintain a consistent temperature as well as chest freezers.
What size do I need?
It's important to consider your storage needs and the amount of space you have available. A general rule of thumb is to choose a freezer that is at least 2 cubic feet in size for every 1/8th Beef increment (so at least 4 cubic feet for a Quarter, etc.). This will give you enough space to organize your beef without overcrowding the freezer.
Here are some common freezer sizes and the Beef Share sizes they will fit:
3 cubic feet: While an eighth beef will fit in a standard freezer, having a small chest freezer will make it easier to organize (and leave you space in your regular freezer)
5 cubic feet: This is the size we recommend for a a quarter beef.
9 cubic feet: This size we recommend for a half beef, you'll have plenty of room to organize and to stock up on anything else you need
15 cubic feet: This size is suitable for storing a whole beef share, or for those who want extra space for other frozen items.
20 cubic feet or larger: This size is suitable for those who want maximum storage space for their bulk beef, or for those who want to store other large items such as game meat or wild-caught fish.
The Takeaway...
Our recommendation is to get a chest freezer that fits the share you want to reserve. Better yet, get a freezer one size up so you can organize more easily and/or store other frozen foods and make your at-home “freezer section” even better!
That said, the best style and size of freezer for bulk grass-fed beef buyers will depend on their individual needs and preferences. When choosing a freezer, it's important to consider the amount of beef you plan to store and the amount of floor space you have available.
If you need any help choosing a freezer, we are here to help. Just send an email to farmer@dirtydogfarm.com and we will help you find exactly what you need!