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10+ Benefits of Owning a Freezer for Meat Storage

10+ Benefits of Owning a Freezer for Meat Storage

Having been raised by a busy working mom who could magically produce delicious meals out of thin air – I was convinced she must be a magician! Little did I know then that those “magic tricks” were stored in our trusty old meat freezer.

The benefits of owning a freezer for meat storage are that it’s budget-friendly, preserves meat safely, retains its flavor and texture, and provides long-term storage for seasonal meats. It supplies meals for unexpected guests and mid-week dinners. Frozen meat is preservative-free and nutritious. 

Storing meat in a freezer and saving money may sound straightforward. Sadly, it’s not, as some cuts last longer than others. So, if you want to know my tried and tested meat-freezing hacks and some helpful tips and tricks – read on!

The Top Ten Benefits Of Owning A Meat Freezer

Investing in a freezer to store your meat is one of the most excellent decisions you will ever make! Especially if you have a large family to cook for on a tight budget. So, without further ado, here are 10 outstanding benefits to consider.

Budget Friendly

There’s nothing more frustrating than spotting meat at a bargain basement price and not having adequate space to store it in your tiny upright freezer!

The beauty of owning a spacious meat freezer is that you can purchase large quantities of meat, like an entire side of beef (or whole cow), and divide it into roasts or juicy steaks.

While buying a lot of meat at once and going through the effort of cutting, packaging, and marking it takes time. It’s a once-off investment that can save you a lot of hard-earned money in the long run, mainly because meat is usually the most expensive aspect of your monthly food bill.

Food Safety

Anyone who has had nasty food poisoning will understand the importance of safely storing meat. 

Like dairy, meat has the tendency to grow bacteria at a rapid rate, which can make you sick if it is stored at warmer temperatures. 

So, it’s no wonder that any meat stored in a refrigerator only lasts a few days, even though it is stored in a cooler environment which slows down bacterial growth. 

According to the USDA, meat frozen at an icy temperature of 0°F (-18°C) safeguards it from growing infective bacteria that cause food poisoning. 

Meat Flavor And Texture Retention

Another significant advantage of having a meat freezer is that it retains its delicious taste and texture when stored at the correct temperature.

To illustrate this point, meat stored at warmer room temperatures will slowly break down and oxidize. As a result, it will quickly start looking grey and inedible. 

Therefore, it is also recommended to thaw frozen meat in the fridge, not overnight, on your countertop. 

Long-Term Food Storage

meat on ice

Meat frozen at the correct temperature can technically last forever. However, according to the 

FDA and firsthand experience, meat frozen for too long will start to deteriorate over time.

So, it’s essential to know how long you can safely freeze the following fresh (raw) beef, lamb, veal, and pork meat cuts, to ensure that nothing goes to waste:

  • Bacon: 1 month
  • Sausages: 1–2 months
  • Chops: 4–6 months
  • Roasts: 4–12 months
  • Steak: 6–12 months
  • Including other meat cuts like tongue, chitterlings, and liver: 3–4 months

Pro-tip: before you pop your meat cuts in the freezer, add a label noting the type of meat and the date it was frozen. 

Pack meats with a longer storage duration at the bottom of your freezer and those that will expire soon or are more readily used, like bacon, where it is easier to retrieve.

Environmentally Friendly

One aspect of owning a meat freezer, which is often overlooked, is that it reduces the number of times you must go food shopping. 

Apart from decreased fuel costs, it also reduces your carbon footprint. And you don’t have to spend time looking for parking or stand in ridiculously long queues. So, it’s a win-win in my books!

Unexpected Guests

A freezer filled with ready-cooked meat has “saved my bacon” countless times! Especially when visitors decided to stick around at dinner time. And let’s face it, knowing that you don’t have to cook a meal from scratch is fabulous.

Preservative Free

It’s well-known that most of our western diet is packed with toxic preservatives in processed foods. 

Frozen meat does not contain preservatives, so you can produce healthy, guilt-free meals.

Seasonal Meats Storage

venison_1707852

Because we are so used to purchasing meat and fresh produce all year round, only some people realize that meat is also seasonal, like vegetables and fruit. For example, ham is traditionally enjoyed during Easter, while turkeys are a Thanksgiving staple.

Seasonal meats like venison, goose, or duck are typically cheaper than those sold out of season. So, having a big meat freezer is ideal as you can make the most of mother nature’s bounty and save your hard-earned cash.

Mid-Week Dinners

After a long day at work, knowing there is a home-cooked meal in the freezer is a lifesaver! 

And being able to use your meat freezer for mid-week dinners means you can spend more time focusing on ticking off your to-do list.

Pro-tip: if you have time for meal-prepping, cook your meat in bulk, portion it out in containers, pop it into your meat freezer, and put it straight into the oven or microwave at dinner time.

Meat Freezers Preserve Nutrients

Meat is rich in protein and nutrients like Iron, Niacin, B6, B12, Calcium, Selenium, and Zink, including several other vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health. So, combining that with other nutritious vegetables gives you a super healthy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Freezer Is Best For Meat?

Even though chest freezers take up more space than upright freezers, they have a lot more space, so you can easily store odd-shaped bulky cuts of meat.

Chest freezer bins are also convenient, as you can organize your cuts of meat in various compartments, making them easy to retrieve.

But, apart from space, their most significant advantage is energy efficiency. So even if the worst happens, and you have an extended power cut, your meat will stay frozen for nearly three days. And you will have a lower energy bill.

What Size Freezer Do I Need For 300 Lbs. Of Meat?

While there is lots of conflicting information about freezer sizes, you should have ample space with an 8 cubic foot freezer to store 300 Lbs. of meat.

What Size Freezer Do I Need For 200 Lbs. Of Meat?

A 5 cubic feet freezer should provide ample storage for this amount of meat.

How Big Of A Freezer Do I Need For A Beef?

A meat freezer should ideally provide 1 cubic foot of space for every 35-40 Lbs. of meat, with enough “breathing room” to accommodate oddly shaped packaged meat.

The freezer should not be much bigger than the amount of meat you would like to store. Meat freezers only perform optimally if they are relatively full, with less air space.

Pro tip: when shopping for a new meat freezer, measure the space where you would like to place it, and add at least 1 inch at its width to promote airflow around the freezer.

Conclusion

Owning a freezer for meat storage is one of the best buys you will ever make! Apart from storing large amounts of meat at budget-friendly prices, the most significant benefit is that you can provide highly nutritious meals in the heart of your home.

Further Reading

Bestseller No. 1
Smad 7 cu ft Chest Freezer with Hanging Removable Basket for Meat Fish Ice Shop Hotel Restaurant Grocery Large Family, -4 to 6.8 Degrees, White
  • ❤Energy Efficient & Quiet Operation - High-efficiency cooling technology, fast cooling to as cold as -4 ℉. It only consumes an estimated 248 kWh a year and runs very quietly
  • ❤7 Cubic Feet Chest Freezer - Measuring 35 x 22 x 33.4 inch, this freezer has a lot of room to store your food and can hold as much as 280 lbs meat, very helpful for stocking up on food without overcrowd
  • ❤Adjustable Thermostat & Foot & Embossed Aluminium Liner - Mechanical control knob is easy to use and durable. With the adjustable foot, it can be placed and easily moved on the uneven surfaces so you can put it anywhere you want. And the front frost drain and embossed Aluminium liner make it easy to clean
  • ❤Removable Hanging Basket & Auto Hold Hinge Door - The rust-proof and corrosion-resistant basket can be easily slid to quickly see items underneath and separate raw foods to fresh and dairy products at ease. The sturdy 45°~75° auto-hold door hinges are also designed perfectly to provide hands-free use for your ultimate convenience
  • ❤SMAD SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - We stand behind our products and pride ourselves on exceptional customer service care. You enjoy a 1-YEAR WARRANTY and just feel free to contact us at any time
SaleBestseller No. 2
KUPPET Chest Freezer, Portable & Compact Freezer with Adjustable thermostat, for Meat, Vegetable and Drinks, Home/Camping/Party, 3.5 CU.FT (Black)
  • ★ High Capacity -- 3.5 cu.ft. provides additional storage space for your frozen food needs.Suitable for storage of frozen food, ice cream, ice.
  • ★ Adjustable Temperature Controller -- Manual 7 level temperature control knob, placed on the back of the cooler, according to your different needs.The higher the gear, the lower the temperature.
  • ★ Healthy Material -- The lining of the refrigerator is made of food-grade material, which can be directly in contact with food.It is very healthy and safe, so you can feel free to use it.
  • ★ Space Saving -- Portable vertical refrigerator occupies a small area, is the perfect choice for your home kitchen.The removable slide-out chrome frame makes it easy to store more food.
  • ★ Powerful Properties -- The refrigerator cools quickly and evenly, and it will keep the ice frozen solid and the food completely frozen.This is an excellent value that can bring years of quiet, reliable use.
Bestseller No. 3
KoolMore SCF-24C Chest Freezer, 24 cu. ft, White
  • All-Purpose Deep Freezer Chest - Ideal for storing meats, vegetables, and frozen foods this versatile chest freezer provides 24 cu. ft. of valuable storage space for organizing packaged or pre-prepared meals more easily. Overall dimensions 76.6”L x 33.2”W x 32.5”H.
  • Consistent Cabinet Temperatures – Utilizing a 1/5 hp compressor our compact chest freezer maintains the temperature between 0 to-8°F more effortless thanks to eco-friendly R600a refrigerant.
  • Lockable Lid Design - 2 lids offering a great way to protect meats, steaks, or off-limits frozen goods to guests or staff members we added a heavy-duty built-in lock with key to prevent, tampering, or unauthorized access.
  • Smooth-Rolling Caster Wheels - Seamlessly attached to the underside of our deep freezer chest are caster wheels that allow you to move your unit effortlessly around a garage, mudroom, or commercial storage area.
  • Meets Strict Service Standards – Along with being backed by our 1-year parts and labor warranty our Freezer is certified by ETL to NSF 7 standards to ensure safe working temperatures and conditions.
Bestseller No. 4
BANGSON Mini Freezer, 1.1 Cu.ft Upright Freezer, Standing Meat Freezer, Single Reversible Door, Removable Shelves, For Garage/Home/Kitchen/Office Black
  • ????【Energy Saving & Low Noise】: 1.1 Cu.Ft Upright Freezer Use R600a high efficiency and low energy consumption compressor, Rapid Cooling, it only needs about 0.56 kilowatt-hour power a day. Food-grade liner material, environmental protection and durability. Noise level 39 decibels into sleep level sound.Best gift choice with BANGSON mini freezer.
  • ????【Modern & Elegant Design】: Free standing upright freezer features a reversible stainless steel door, and black cabinet exterior presents a sleek and clean look. With the the top hinge cover, you can choose the direction of the door and reverse the door conveniently. Dimensions: 18.7"L x 17.4"D x 19.21"H.The exterior design of the freezer is very suitable for party.
  • ????【5-Grade Adjust Temperature】: BANGSON1.1 Cu.Ft Upright Freezer,Temperature can be controlled from -8°F to 7°F/-22°C to -14°C, 1-5 grade precise temperature control, the higher the gear temperature, the lower the temperature, you can select as your different needs.With BANGSON mini freezer, you can enjoy party better.
  • ????【USE IT VERY EASILY】: BANGSON 1.1Cu.Ft Upright Freezer,The small freezer does not require additional installation and very easy to use. The streamlined shape design and the weight control of each component make the freezer very easy to move. You can change the position of the freezer at any time according to changes in demand. Not only that, it will not take up too much space for you. You can determine whether the size of the freezer meets your needs before buying.
  • ⛄【BANGSON GUARANTEE】 : We will provide a fast and safe transportation to the greatest extent. Every Upright Freezer has been quality tested. We provide one-year accessory maintenance service. If you have any questions, you can contact us and we will reply within 24h.
SaleBestseller No. 5
LifePlus Chest Freezer, 3.5 Cubic Feet Small Deep Freezer w/Removable Basket & Wheels, Super Quiet & Energy Saving, Top Open Loading Compact Box Freezer For Meat Breast Milk, Mini
  • ❄【Adjustable 7 Freezing Temp & D-Shape Condersing Tube】Deep Freezing, refrigerate and keep fresh. No matter what you want, this chest freezer will meet you. Its temperature regulation range is - 11.4 °F~ 10.2°F, which will meet the demands of most people under different ambient temperatures. At the same time, the D-shaped condensing tube can most effectively reduce the temperature in the chest freezer. Let you restart and cool down without waiting too long. Meet your use throughout the year.
  • ❄【Compact Size w/ 3.5 Cu.Ft. Capacity】All functions are designed in such a compact size (‎22.83 x 22.64 x 32.28 In). The large capacity (3.5 cu ft) will not occupy too much space while ensuring that you can store enough food. It is very suitable for small apartments, offices and other small spaces. If you rent with others, you don't need to use a refrigerator with others anymore.
  • ❄【Excellent Insulation To Prevent Energy Waste】In addition to the excellent freezing effect, we filled in this freezer with a good thermal insulation foam, keeping the cold air inside while blocking the external heat conduction into the chest freezer. Therefore, the minimum consumption is only 0.52 kwh/24 H. Help you save electricity! If you rent with others, you don't have to worry about the dissatisfaction of other roommates because of the waste of energy.
  • ❄【Working Like A Gentleman (Super Quiet ) 】Afraid to put it in your small room to produce too much noise and heat to disturb your rest and work? Never worry! This small chest freezer is specially designed for this purpose. Its efficient refrigeration and excellent heat insulation mean that its compressor will only work several times a day. Moreover, we specially deal with its noise so that the noise will not be higher than 40 dB even when it is working.
  • ❄【Portable & Lightweight】In order to facilitate the installation and handling of this small freezer, we have reduced the weight of this freezer as much as possible, so its weight is only 68 lbs. Equivalent to the weight of a child. Even if you are alone, you will able to carry it. And we also designed 4 convenient wheels at the bottom of the deep freezer, so that you can easily move it whether it is full of food or not.
Bestseller No. 6
Koolatron Large Chest Freezer, 7.0 cu ft (195L), White, Manual Defrost Deep Freeze, Storage Basket, Space-Saving Flat Back, Stay-Open Lid, Front-Access Drain, for Basement, Laundry Room, Cottage
  • 7.0 cu ft (195 L) Capacity: Spacious 7.0 cubic foot (195 liter) flat-back deep freeze offers plenty of storage for your frozen goods so you can buy in bulk, reduce food waste and save money
  • Manual Defrost with Easy-Access Drain: Front-mounted drain allows easy access for hassle-free draining when defrosting or cleaning your freezer
  • Removable Storage Basket: Organize your contents and keep small and commonly used items easily accessible with a hanging wire basket made of corrosion-resistant vinyl-coated wire
  • Convenient Stay-Open Lid: Freezer lid opens easily with one hand and stays open for as long as you need; rear-mounted hinges prevent the lid from hitting the wall and ensure a tight seal when closed
  • Reliable Compressor Cooling: Quiet, dependable compressor technology, external temperature control dial, and strong magnetic lid seal maintain your freezer's temperature between 0 and -24C (32 and -11.2F)
Bestseller No. 7
Chest Freezer 7.0 Cu. Ft Deep Freezers White WANAI Small Compact Freezer with Adjustable Thermostat Top Open Door Mini Freezer Compressor Cooling with Rmovable Basket for Home Kitchen Office Bar
  • ????【ALL-PURPOSE DEEP FREEZER】Ideal for storing meats, vegetables, and sea foods or cool drinks - this versatile chest freezer provides 7.0 cu. ft of valuable storage space for organizing packaged or prepared baby meals more easily. Product size: 30.8”(W)*21.7”(D)*30.3”(H).
  • ????【ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE PANEL】Deep Freezing & refrigerate in one machine. Its temperature regulation range is - 11.2 °F~ 50°F which will meet the demands of most people under different ambient temperatures. At the same time, the D-shaped condensing tube can most effectively remain the temperature low in the chest freezer to cool down without waiting too long.
  • ????【POWER SAVING】In addition to the excellent freezing effect with R600a compressor, we filled in this freezer with a good thermal insulation foam with aluminium liner, keeping the coldness inside while blocking the external heat conduction into the chest freezer. 0.67 kilowatt consumption pre day, you don't have to worry about the waste of energy.
  • ????【SUPER QUIET】Say goodbye to too much noise and heat to disturb your rest and work! This small chest freezer is specially designed for this purpose. Its efficient refrigeration and excellent heat insulation mean that its compressor will only work several times a day. Moreover, we specially deal with its noise so that the noise will not be louder than 40 dB even when it is working.
  • ????【RELIABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE】 Thanks to every customer for choosing WANAI and trust in WANAI. Our customer service are dedicated to solving every after-sales problem for you. To ensure you experience the best service, if there are any questions about our products, please feel free to contact us via Amazon communication, we will reply in 24 hours and provide you with a satisfactory answer.e mini freezer upright for at least 24 hours before using it.
Bestseller No. 8
Midea MRC04M3AWW, White 3.5 cu. ft. Mini Freezer, Cubic Feet
  • Mechanical Control with Adjustable Thermostat from -12 to -28 Degrees (Great for Storing Frozen Food, Ice Cream, Ice, etc)
  • Contains 1 Hanging Wire Storage Basket
  • Hinge-Style Door Remains Open from 45 to 75 Degree Angles
  • Full 1-Year / Compressor 2-Year Warranty
SaleBestseller No. 9
Igloo ICFMD35WH6A 3.5 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer with Removable Basket, Free-Standing Door Temperature Ranges From-10° to 10° F, Front Defrost Water Drain, Perfect for Homes, Garages, Basements, RVs, White
  • SPACIOUS CAPACITY: The 3.5 cu. ft. capacity provides you with the extra storage for all your frozen goods such as meat, pizza, cold drinks, fruits and vegetables and ice cream – making it perfect for homes, basements, garages, RVs and more
  • QUICK FREEZING SYSTEM: The D-Type Refrigeration tube has more surface area, a larger heat exchange area and a higher efficiency, allowing the freezer to get colder faster than other chest freezers. The aluminum-lined interior with a heavy-duty gasket also creates a tight seal, preventing cold air from escaping
  • ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT: The adjustable thermostat is easy to access and features a minimum/maximum control dial that allows your temperature to be controlled from -10 to 10 °F
  • REMOVABLE WIRE BASKET: Convenient hanging coated wire storage basket easily removes and slides for easier organization and helps you keep smaller items readily available so they don’t get lost
  • BALANCED HINGE-STYLED DOOR: Built-in strong and balanced metal hinges lets you keep the freezer door open at different angles (45-90 degrees), allowing you to work hands-free while preventing the door from dropping
SaleBestseller No. 10
Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer, 5.0 cu ft (155L), White, Manual Defrost Deep Freeze, Storage Basket, Space-Saving Flat Back, Stay-Open Lid, Front-Access Defrost Drain, for Apartment, Condo, Cottage
  • 5.0 cu ft (155 L) Capacity: Space-saving flat-back deep freeze with a narrow footprint and 5.0 cubic foot (155 liter) capacity offers plenty of storage for your frozen goods so you can reduce food waste and save money
  • Manual Defrost with Easy-Access Drain: Front-mount drain with leak-proof plug allows easy access for hassle-free draining when defrosting or cleaning your freezer
  • Removable Storage Basket: Organize your contents and keep small and commonly used items easily accessible with a hanging wire basket made of corrosion-resistant vinyl-coated wire
  • Convenient Stay-Open Lid: Freezer lid opens easily with one hand and stays open for as long as you need; rear-mounted hinges prevent the lid from hitting the wall and ensure a tight seal when closed
  • Reliable Compressor Cooling: Quiet, dependable compressor technology, external temperature control dial, and strong magnetic lid seal maintain your freezer's temperature between 0 and -24C (32 and -11.2F)