Chest Freezer Discussion -- Organization, Defrosting, Etc.

[beckymik]

I really think we need a chest freezer. I am looking at them right now and would love to get some advice on what to look for as for convenience, ease of use etc....

I started stockpiling with eggos and chicken and any kind of meat and butter etc....Both of my reg freezers are stuffed and I have heard the chest freezers are more economical.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

TIA

[thickbluebug]

I have the smallest size freezer. It is about the size of a washing machine. We only got it as a make due one, until we bought the upright that locks. That was 8 years ago.
My chest freezer is too hard to use. I can't reach the bottom by the motor. I put bags of ice down there and containers that have frozen to use in coolers for summer shopping. Growing up we had the upright and it was easy to find a popcicle or a pack of steaks. Unlock it and pull it off a shelf. The chest I have to unload 1/2 of it to get stuff out of it.
If I had it to do over, I would hold out till I got an upright.

[neener130]

Hate it! Looking for an upright freezer right now!! I can't see into the bottom. everything is DUMPED into it, and the stuff on the bottom is crushed!! I lose stuff because I don't know what is down there!!!! I know they are cheaper but I don't think they are worth it.

[Omadison]

I don't have one, but we used to when I was a kid. I just don't like the idea of falling into it trying to reach somethng on the bottom. I'm sure they are better now (40 years later).

[beckymik]

thanks for the info!!! Keep em coming!

[slp]

We have a large chest freezer and I am looking for an upright freezer right now. I DO NOT like the chest freezer for the reasons listed above. It's tough to get to the bottom. Now that I am stockpiling, it is a REAL PAIN to get to the bottom (lots on the top:) When I find an upright, I will keep meet and milk only in the chest and all the other goodies in the upright where I can get to them!

[nanshaw2001]

Same feelings here. Bought an upright about 6 months ago and it is packed BUT I can see and get to whats in there! Good luck!!!

[XUfan]

I've never had a chest-type freezer, but I've known people who have. When we got ours, I insisted on an upright. I have sciatica, and I know that I'd never be able to bend over to dig through a chest freezer. (Changing sheets on the bed puts me in traction!!).

But...if you're going to get one, invest in some cheap plastic baskets (think Dollar store). You can put items in them, and just lift the baskets out of the way to get to the ones below. A friend of mine did this, and it worked like a charm for her.

[cberry]

OK, I will play devils advocate here...

I love my chest freezer. I keep all the like items in an area together and I just reach in and know where to get them. My kids lunchables, popsicles etc I keep in the basket that slides across the top. Anything I use regularly still gets its space in the fridge/freezer.

[beckymik]

Great ideas! I have read that the chest freezers are so much more effective as for energy and stuff. I have also heard that food keeps longer in there.

I was thinking about those baskets. I think I may go check out consumer reports.

Thanks so much for all of your help!