Freezer Question

[mom2three]

Okay - it's time to get a different freezer. Our small upright has done us well since we bought it 11 years ago, but it just doesn't hold what I need for 5 people. For those of you that have freezers and regularly freeze produce, stock up on meats, what size if appropriate for a family of 5 (with more possibly to come)? Do you have recommendations on the type of chest freezer to get and what price range am I loooking at? Do you all think having a freezer pays for itself quite quickly? We will have quite a substantial garden this year and with the sales on in season produce as well, I am likely to freeze quite a bit. I managed to get a turkey today for $0.99/lb and I would have gotten a couple more if I had the room (normally can't get below 1.79/lb). Even with deals like that, it can add up pretty quickly.

[jamie79]

We are a family of 4 and I have a 15 cubic foot upright. I love it. I got it 2 yrs ago for about $340. It holds alot and is easy to clean. Its a Frigidare. Energy efficent too.

[justpeachy92]

We are a family of 6. I have a 7 cu. ft chest freezer, GE that cost around $170. In that I hold approx 4 months worth of meat with a little bit of room left if I come across a good buy between my meat shopping trips. I would have bought the 20 cu. ft. one for around $500 if we had the room for a larger freezer. My fridge freezer has around 4 months of vegis in it, freezer jam and some frozen pasta sauce. I could fit more in there if it wasn't for the ice maker.