Ready to purchase a side of beef but not sure how much freezer space you’ll need for a 1/2 cow? We’ve got you covered! Purchasing half a beef is an excellent way to stock up on high-quality, locally sourced beef from ranchers you know and trust, and enjoy cost savings in the long run. However, one crucial consideration when bringing home a significant quantity of meat is ensuring you have enough freezer space to store it properly. In this blog post, we’ll explore how much freezer space you’ll need for a half beef and provide helpful tips for organizing and maximizing your storage efficiency.

Calculate the Beef Volume

Before determining the freezer space required, it’s essential to estimate the volume of meat you’ll receive from half a beef. The actual amount can vary based on the animal’s size, but on average, you can expect to receive around 160-220 pounds of beef. This includes a mix of cuts such as steaks, roasts, ground beef, and more.

Consider Beef Packaging

Individual cuts are typically vacuum-sealed or wrapped in plastic and butcher paper, which helps maintain freshness and prevents freezer burn. Individual packages make it easy for you to find the exact cuts you want at meal time.

Evaluate Freezer Space for a Half Beef

Now that you have an estimate of the meat volume, it’s time to assess your freezer’s capacity. Chest freezers are often the best choice for storing a significant amount of meat due to their spacious design. Upright freezers can also work, but their shelving configuration may be less conducive to storing large cuts. Measure the interior dimensions of your freezer, including height, width, and depth, to calculate the available space.

• Standard upright freezers have varying capacities, usually ranging from 5 to 20 cubic feet.
• Chest freezers typically offer larger storage space, ranging from 15 to 25 cubic feet.