How to Store your Beef
If you have never bought beef in bulk before, you might be wondering about how to store your beef. Follow the guidelines below to get the best results.
How much Freezer Space do I need?
Size does matter when comes to storing beef and freezer size. We like ’em big, but you don’t have to break the bank to stock up on a season’s supply of 100% grass-fed beef.
The standard is to figure 35-40 pounds of cut and wrapped meat per cubic foot of freezer space.
That’s a good place to start, but you should also consider if you only want to store meat in the freezer, the type of cuts that you will be storing, and how tightly you want your freezer packed. Roasts, brisket, soup bones, and knuckles will take up more room than ground beef, steaks, and marinade cuts. If purchasing a freezer for your beef, we always recommend more room than your beef package requires.
Whole Beef
14.8 Cubic Feet
For storing your whole beef, we recommend 14 cubic foot or larger. If you are storing a whole beef and including all the bones you may want to go a little larger for some wiggle room.
Click Here for info and specs for a 14 Cubic Foot Freezer.
Half Beef
10 Cubic Feet
For storing your half beef, we recommend 10 cubic foot or larger.
Click Here for info and Specs for a 10 cubic foot Freezer.
Quarter Beef Package
5 Cubic Feet
When purchasing a freezer=, we recommend a 5 cubic foot freezer for storing your Quarter Package. 75 Pounds will fit in 3-4cubic foot of freezer space, but you’ll want some room for your pork, chicken and delicious veggies.
Click here for info and Specs for a 5 cubic foot freezer.
Quarter Beef Example
Pictured here is a 5.4 cubic foot over the top freezer with a Quarter Beef Package (75 pounds) Plus the Nutrient Pack. This box will fit in 3.5 cubic feef of freezer space, leaving the door shelves empty, which is an extra 1.2 cubic foot of freezer space.
Eighth Package
A Side By Side or Refirgerator/Freezer combo will hold your Big Beef Box 1/8 Package. The Beef Only Option will Fit in 1.5 cubic foot of freezer space. Leaving room in this freezer on the same shelf! Make sure you have a little more room if you are adding soup bones. Each soup bone bag takes up about .15 cubic ft of freezer space
3.5 Cubic Foot
If you are purchasing a freezer this box will easily fit win a small chest freezer with plenty of room to boot for all of your frozen veggies too!
See a 3.5 Cubic Foot Freezer Click Here.
Bundles
Small Combo Freezer
You can fit more beef than you think in a small freezer. This small over the top freezer will hold 40+ lbs of ground beef on the top shelf plus there’s room for about 4-5 roasts on the bottom and steak cuts will fit in the door.
Side by Side Freezer
More room than you think
30 Pounds of Ground Beef will fit in 1 Cubic Ft of Freezer.
Ground beef bundles and samplers are perfect for smaller freezers.
Over the Top Freezer
Here’s a shot with just 30 pounds of ground beef on the top shelf with room for more and this model has an ice maker!
Tip
Foam Board Dividers
Tip: For large freezers, use foam board to section off bins. Cut to fit snuggly so it will not collapse. Foam board can be found at Michael’s and Home Depot.
When measuring, be sure to leave room at the top for the lid to close and seal properly.
Protects from Damage
We have found that the bins will help keep your packaging safe because there is less digging about and re-arranging in order to find a desired cut.
Protect Your Supply
If you want to enjoy healthy beef whenever you want, buying and storing it is a great solution. Although it might feel overwhelming to purchase in bulk for the first time, having a guaranteed supply of quality food is a game-changer. We know that some of our new customers worry about freezer issues, but it’s actually a RARE issue that you can easily manage. So don’t hesitate to take the plunge. Here’s some tips for securing your beef.
DO NOT OPEN Your Freezer in the Event of a Power Failure
Fortunately, in our area, we experience little or no power outages. In the event of an accident or act of nature, the power is usually restored within 2 days max. A full freezer will easily keep food frozen for days, IF you don’t open it. In the Event of a power outage, DO NOT OPEN YOUR FREEZER. As soon as the power is restored, check to make sure your freezer is running.
Use a Temperature Monitor
Some freezers are marketed as having a temperature alarm, but they are only light indicators or the alarm runs on the same power source as your freezer which is no good if you have an outlet go bad. it may not work if the freezer quits.
Consider purchasing a separate freezer temperature alarm. These are inexpensive and work as a backup in the case your freezer does not have an alarm or the alarm is not working. Place the thermometer in the freezer and the monitor in a place you visit daily, (your kitchen counter, or on top the freezer if you walk by it daily).
Click here to see a simple and effective thermometer.
If you travel, there are many Wi-Fi models out there. These can be set up to send an alert to you phone if the temperature reaches a certain point.
Click here to see a wifi model.
Tip
Make sure to set the alarm just a few degrees above the temperature range of your freezer. This should give you ample time to take care of the issue or get a replacement in case of an issue. Also remember that opening the freezer will set off the alarm, especially if the thermometer it placed near the door.
Do Not Plug Your Freezer into a GFCI Outlet
GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protected receptacles or outlets are usually identified by a sticker noting “GFCI Protected” or have a reset button on the outlet. These types of outlets are commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and garages. These are safety outlets that could trip without you noticing. These outlets can easily be changed out by an electrician, or if they are your only option or you are not sure of the type of outlet, we highly recommend you use a temperature monitor.
Purchase a Backup Generator
If you are in an area prone to power failures, a generator will keep your freezer going and your food safe. Generators with enough capacity to run a chest freezer come in many price ranges and sizes, but you don’t have to break the bank to keep one on hand that will keep your freezer going in an emergency. When purchasing a generator, there are a few things to consider. Pull type or electric start, fuel type (gasoline is most popular) and generator weight and portability. Most portable generators come with a wheel kit so they can easily be moved. A minimum of 2000 surge watts is recommended to power a freezer only for a few hours per day. To be on the safe side, we recommend looking for 3000-4000 start up watts and 3500 watts run time. This is in the case you need a little more than just the freezer.
In the event you need to use your generator, NEVER run a generator indoors or in partly enclosed areas such as garages. ONLY use generators outdoors and far from windows, doors, vents, crawl spaces and in an area where adequate ventilation is available and will not accumulate deadly exhaust gas.
Click Here to View info on a 3500 watt generator.
Keep in mind that it’s rare to encounter any issues, but with just a few simple steps, you can eliminate them altogether!