The Best Freezers for Meal Preppers and Bulk Buyers

When you’re a meal prepper or a bulk buyer, freezer space can quickly become your best friend—or your worst nightmare. Overflowing with neatly packed meals or bulk groceries, your main freezer might not cut it. That’s where a standalone freezer comes in. Let’s dive into the best freezer options available and explore how they can transform the way you store food.

Why You Need a Garage-Ready Freezer

Meal prepping and bulk buying are great ways to save both time and money, but they can quickly overwhelm your regular freezer. That’s where a garage-ready freezer comes in—it gives you the extra space you need to keep your food fresh, organized, and ready when you are.

• Extra Space: Store bulk items like meats, frozen vegetables, and pre-cooked meals without cramming your refrigerator freezer.

• Better Organization: Freezers with baskets, drawers, and shelves make it easy to categorize and locate your frozen goods.

• Longer Shelf Life: Deep freezing preserves food quality and minimizes waste.

• Convenience: Prepping meals in advance means you always have something ready to eat, even on the busiest days.

Upright vs. Chest Freezers: Which Is Right for You?

The two main garage-ready freezer types—upright freezers and chest freezers—each have their own advantages. Choosing the right one depends on your space and storage needs.

Upright Freezers

• Best For: Easy organization and accessibility.

• Features: Vertical design with shelves and bins for optimal storage.

• Space Requirements: Compact footprint, ideal for smaller areas.

Chest Freezers

• Best For: Bulk storage and energy efficiency.

• Features: Large, open interiors with removable baskets for flexibility.

• Space Requirements: Requires more floor space but offers greater capacity.

Top Freezers for Meal Preppers and Bulk Buyers

At DeWaard & Bode, we’ve curated a selection of freezers designed to meet the unique needs of our customers. Here are our top picks:

1. Bosch Benchmark® Built-in Freezer

• Model: B18IF905SP

• Capacity: 18" built-in design

• Why It’s Great: This built-in upright frost freezer combines sleek design with exceptional performance. It’s perfect for meal preppers who value aesthetics and functionality. The flat hinge design integrates seamlessly into modern kitchens, and customer reviews rave about its reliability and ample storage capacity.

• Best For: Stylish kitchens and homeowners looking for a built-in solution.

Customer Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolutely GREAT! We love this freezer, and it has been even better than we thought it would be." – Jmays

2. Frigidaire 20 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer

• Model: FRUF2020AN

• Capacity: 20 Cu. Ft.

• Why It’s Great: This garage-ready upright frost freezer offers movable shelves and a self-closing door for ultimate convenience. The robust door seal keeps consistent temperatures, making it an excellent choice for meal preppers who need reliable storage for a variety of foods.

• Best For: Large households and bulk buyers who value organization.

Customer Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Exceptional quality! I like the movable shelves, the self-closing door, and the even temperature. I would buy it again!" – Vero

3. GE® 15.7 Cu. Ft. Manual Defrost Chest Freezer

• Model: FCM16DLWW

• Capacity: 15.7 Cu. Ft.

• Why It’s Great: Designed for energy efficiency, this chest freezer offers a massive capacity with movable baskets for optimal organization. The built-in alert system ensures your food stays safe, even in power fluctuations.

• Best For: Families who need a reliable, energy-efficient solution for storing bulk groceries and meal-prepped items.

Customer Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great freezer! It’s big and convenient with movable baskets. I love the alert system!"  – Lilybets

4. Frigidaire 20 Cu. Ft. Garage-Ready Chest Freezer

• Model: FFCL2042AW

• Capacity: 20 Cu. Ft.

• Why It’s Great: This garage-ready chest freezer is built to withstand fluctuating temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor or garage storage. It features interior lighting for easy visibility and offers plenty of space for bulk storage.

• Best For: Bulk buyers with garage space and high storage needs.

Customer Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Good and big space! The lights help me see what's in it. Can't love it less!" – Thelmii

Freezer Features to Look For

When selecting a freezer, it’s essential to consider features that align with your needs. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

• Capacity: Meal preppers and bulk buyers should calculate the cubic feet needed based on their household size and habits. A family of four, for example, typically requires a 10-15 cu. ft. freezer.

• Energy Efficiency: Look for ENERGY STAR-rated models to save on electricity costs.

• Defrost Type:

• Frost-Free: Automatically prevents ice buildup, saving time and effort.

• Manual Defrost: Requires occasional maintenance but is often more energy-efficient.

• Temperature Control: External temperature controls make it easy to adjust settings without opening the door.

• Garage-Ready Models: Ideal for those who need a freezer in non-climate-controlled spaces.

Why Shop at DeWaard & Bode?

As a locally owned appliance store, DeWaard & Bode is committed to providing personalized service and top-quality products. When you shop with us, you’ll enjoy:

• Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable team can help you find the perfect freezer for your needs.

• Local Support: Skip the big-box retailers and support a business that cares about your community.

• Top Brands: We carry trusted names like GE, Frigidaire, and Whirlpool, ensuring you get reliable performance.

• Flexible Financing: Budget-friendly options and appliance financing make it easier to invest in the appliances you need.

Explore Freezers at DeWaard & Bode

Now that you know the best freezers for bulk food storage, visit DeWaard & Bode today to explore our wide selection of premium appliances. Contact us or visit one of our appliance stores in Bellingham or Burlington, Washington, to speak with our appliance experts. We’ll help you choose a freezer that makes food storage easier and more efficient. 

Related readings from our blog:

• Should I Buy Scratch And Dent Appliances?

• Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Kitchen Appliances

• The Most Reliable Refrigerators For Your Kitchen

FAQs: Freezers for Bulk Goods

1. How much meat will a 10 cubic foot freezer hold?

A 10-cubic-foot freezer can hold approximately 350-400 pounds of meat, depending on how it’s packed and whether it’s bone-in or boneless.

2. What’s the difference between frost-free and manual defrost?
Frost-free models automatically prevent ice buildup, while manual defrost models require occasional maintenance but are more energy efficient.

3. How often should I defrost my freezer?
Manual defrost freezers should be defrosted every 6–12 months or when ice buildup exceeds 1/4 inch.

4. How big of a freezer do I need for 400 lbs of meat?

To store 400 pounds of meat, a freezer with a capacity of 10–12 cubic feet is recommended. This size ensures you have enough room for proper air circulation and easy access to your stored items.