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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,266
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Costco.com has some small freezers with delivery.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,580
Registered: ‎03-28-2010

We've had a small freezer for years now.  I didn't want it then but sure glad I have it now.  I'm at Home Depot and Lowes a lot with my husband.  They've had them in stock for a while now.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,355
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

We have a small one, 3.5 cubic feet.

 

Well, exactly a year ago it died and we had to throw out about $250 -$300 worth of food.

 

The only place we were able to find one was on Amazon for $199.  It's still the same price there.  None of the B & M stores had any that small.

 

Then the pandemic happened and the shortages started, it took a long time to be able to replace what was in it. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,667
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

@nyc1 - do you mind if I ask how you keep your chest freezer organized?  I have a small one and it gets to be a mess fast after I keep trying to get it organized. It's probably just me, but any ideas or hints would be appreciated!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 39,130
Registered: ‎08-19-2010

I saw 'em in the Walmart Thurs. out in center aisle for around 200.

I keep chickens all together, Tbones one area, Roasts another corner

 

smaller stuff in the rack for quick pick ups   Schwan foods on the raised shelf under the rack.   I got Tall freezer in hallway, half freezer in the side by side refrigerator, another tall freezer out in the garage, husband keeps those tiny college dorm freezer out in the garage too for his stupid stuff. LOL

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,745
Registered: ‎09-27-2010

Apologies to the OP for the deviation from the topic but I have a freezer question.

 

We inherited an upright freezer that's probably about 20 years old or so and we've had it, unplugged, in the laundry room for about 10 years.  Never had a need to use it but now, we're thinking we might start using it. It's probably the kind that uses freon and I don't think they even make those anymore.

 

Is there anything I need to do (like add freon) or do y'all think I can just plug it in and start using it? (It was working when we got it but it hasn't been plugged in for so long, I don't even know if it would still work if we just plugged it in.) TIA

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,758
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

@HerRoyaLioness  Hi.  I always remember my Mom's chest freezer and items that went in never to be seen cooked/eaten! I never thought I wanted a chest freezer but changed my mind based on need, size, cost and effectiveness.  We have a small freezer with a hanging basket, small shelf area under it, and the main storage area. I delegate basic spaces for certain things.   The basket is for frozen butter, package of bacon, anything small.  The shelf below is for frozen sweets.   Leftover cake, a piece of pie, a pint of ice cream.  Then I split the main section in half.  The front is for beef.... steaks, ground beef, cubed beef.  The back for chicken and pork.  Above that I have boxed items that are easily removed.  A pizza, veggies, pot pie and bags of shrimp.  
Naturally, try to use what's in there as often as you can.  Rotate when you buy new.  It really isn't a pain to do if you get used to doing it.  
I'm making chicken this weekend and knew where to look to see what I had frozen.  The oldest packages were in the back half on the top of my chicken stash (back left part!).  
Keeping it organized and rotating makes it easier to use.  
Also, I LOVE my Foodsaver.  I've been using one (I've had serveral) since the 80s.  I label everything with what is in the bag and the date.  
I hope this helps a little.  It's not a perfect system, but it's been for me and very convenient.  

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,667
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

@nyc1 - THANK YOU for sharing your system!

 

My biggest shortcoming is the rotation of inventory when I buy new, I usually get home, throw new food in the freezer so it doesn't melt and quickly forget about it.

 

A quick question - how do you divide the the main section in half - what do you you use as a divider?

 

I love my little GE chest freezer, I am alone, but do shop sales and put up my freshly picked strawberry freezer jam, along with leftovers, etc.  I'm fortunate to have a small "utility room" in my apartment where it fits perfectly.  Those above the refrigerator freezers are food for ice cubes and ice cream and not much else!

 

I do have a few things organized, but the rest is a mess and I appreciated your ways of keeping organized.  I always wanted a foodsaver but didn't know where to keep it.  Maybe I can find room, I know it is a much better system for freezing foods!

 

Thanks again!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 39,130
Registered: ‎08-19-2010

I'd plug it in and put in a freezer thermometer and see how far down

it goes.

 

Experiment with cheap items like bread, buns, see how it does.

 

My mother in law's lasted 40 yrs looked like **** but, thing worked till she died and we had it hauled off.

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,745
Registered: ‎09-27-2010

@SharkE that makes sense, thanks for the advice!