Freezer cooking - without a deep freezer

[auphelia]

I am hoping to make a few meals or at least parts of a few meals in advance but everywhere I look mentions using a deep freezer. I am still figuring out my way around the kitchen so I am a little clueless if this is a suggestion for those making large quantities, to allow for freezer space for other items, to prevent overflow (thus reducing the freezer temp), etc.

Would me filling up my freezer with precooked foods be a bad idea if it's just a plain ol' refrigerator type freezer, not a stand alone freezer?

[ashtonsmom]

i say its fine to fill as i have seen it done before. and honestly mine is packed! lol also freezing in ziplocks and laying flat to freeze takes up so much less room! sometime i double bag things just incase but this is my fave way to freeze.

[natesgirl]

I think it's better to have it filled than to have an empty freezer I heard that takes up more energy BUT I don't know where I heard it. so it may not be right

[bcb1961]

Originally Posted by natesgirl I think it's better to have it filled than to have an empty freezer I heard that takes up more energy BUT I don't know where I heard it. so it may not be right

Yes, that is true. A full freezer (or fridge) takes less energy to keep cool.

[veveland]

The best way to get the most stuff in is to either use a vacuum sealer (you can even get the cheap-o Ziploc type ) and freeze the bags as flat as possible. Then you can mark and stack them and get LOTS in that way!!