Dear Home Ec 101:
A friend of mine recently recommended investing in a deep freeze. We have the room, I just can’t see how spending extra money on an appliance (and the electricity!) can save money.
~Not Frigid Yet
Heather says:
Mary, is that you?
I whole heartedly agree with your friend. A deep freeze can be a tremendous asset. Having the space to stock up on meat either when it’s deeply discounted or by buying in bulk can really slash your grocery budget. In addition to the savings on meat, buying and preserving produce when it’s in season not only saves money, but reduces energy consumption. It takes much less energy to store an item grown locally and preserved at the peak of season than to transport it halfway across the globe. In addition, you help your local economy when you support local farmers. Or if you have a green thumb, reap what you sow.
When considering a new purchase, remember to divide the initial cost over the expected life of the appliance to determine your monthly operating cost. This is an example of the energy guides available with most new appliances. You can find the estimated energy consumption of the models you are considering. If you find a second hand freezer (Craigslist and Freecycle!) an online search may help you determine your expected annual cost.
Happy freezing!
