[Box T]

My side by side refer/freezer is running out of space and I have more venison to store. Will an upright freezer unit work or do those not work as well as the chest type? What size (I don't have a ton of excess space). Will a ~9 c.f. unit work or do I need to move up? I'm thinking in the future at most I'll be storing around 3 processed deer (~60 lbs meat each), a few bags of doves/wild turkey parts/pheasants. Any advice is appreciated - thanks!

[WalkAbout]

A 5 cubic foot freezer at Lowes right now is less than $200 right now and will easily hold 4 processed whitetails yielding 40-60lbs each.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_75729-33112-LCM050LC_4294857904_4294937087_?productId=3042385&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&pl=1&currentURL=/pl_Freezers%2BIce%2BMakers_4294857904_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1

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[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

9 cf would be plenty big for your needs. Standups also work fine. My dad had one for years and it held several deer and hogs over the years.

[ChefJeff1]

I recently bought an upright. I don't remember the size but it's about the size of a regular refrigerator. I like this style because with a chest style everything ends up on the bottom. My upright has several shelves to keep everything organized. The chest models are much cheaper though. I set mine on the coldest setting and keep in the coldest room. I wonder how it will affect my power bill.

[wombat13]

Chest freezers are cheaper to buy and cheaper to operate. Uprights are more convenient when trying to locate the package you want to remove.

I have an upright, but if I get another deer this year I'll buy a small chest freezer for the additional meat.

[Nathanael_Greene]

Let me suggest that if cost is a factor, considering buying a used freezer. I got one a few years ago for $100 that's been a great investment.

I'd also suggest buying a size larger than you think you'll need. Once you have a freezer, you'll find lots of non-game food to put in it.

[IBEWBULL]

http://us.applianceprices.net/search.php?phrase=Chest+Freezers&uid=ed098a92806647319d44acbfb169a845&kuid=ed098a92806647319d44acbfb169a845&src=awc

I don't have time but I hope you look for an American made freezer.
Gotta go butcher the last deer and wrap it up for the coming year.
Fresh burgers tonight on the grill.
Thanks to a .300 Savage and 150 grain Federal.

[FLAvalanche]

Having both I much prefer the stand up purely for the ease of finding stuff.

[~z]

I have both chest and upright. I picked up a 25 cuft chest freezer second hand that I use to 'store' sausage and meat to be made into sausage. The upright freezer gets the birds and fish mainly. I also transfer meet from the chest freezer to the upright for convenience of use but if I had to choose one it would be a BIG chest freezer.
~z

[oldbanjo]

Chest Freezers are fine, just make a list of everything in it and what area it's in. I keep one list for all freezers, alphabetical, what Freezer, where in Freezer, what shelf (if upright) in door, Remove something update your list. my list works I can quickly tell when I need to buy Chicken, Pork Chops, Hamburger etc. I cook Chicken 60 Breasts and 6 whole on grill, Hamburger Patties 30, and meat for Chile 10 etc bag and freeze. List number of items on list. When Meat is on sell I look on list to see if I need it. It doesn't take long to cook a meal when all you have to do is steam the cooked meat and make potato salad or something to go with it.

[Box T]

Thanks everyone! I took bdubz0r's advice and got the 5cf unit from Lowes for $129. Now I'm ready to fill another tag this year!

[grubbylabs]

They fill up fast but having said that make sure that you don't bu one way bigger than you need as they run more efficient when they are full.

I have a 15 cubic foot one and I bought it used at a repair shop in our town. I highly recommend a frost free one they are less to maintain and you don't have to defrost it once in a while to clean every thing out.

If you find that you don't always keep it full then you can start freezing your gallon milk jugs when you finish off the milk. They can be taken out and set aside for later use when you empty your freezer again. Just think of them as adjustable spacers that take up space as you need them. Plus when you go camping or whatever you can put them in the cooler to help the Ice last longer, and they are good for water storage. And if you ever loose power they will help the stuff in the freezer stay frozen longer.