Jhileb 12:38:09 PM Sep 02 2008

don't make a classic beginner mistake. never buy fresh meats or produce in bulk to freeze them yourself. you are paying top dollar for fresh. it is a waste of money to freeze fresh. buy already frozen in bulk to save money. even if prices are low for fresh, always compare them to already frozen...before buying more than you can consume fresh. fresh always costs more. i'm amazed at how many make this mistake. otherwise this is a good strategy.

Dddavel544 12:00:41 PM Sep 02 2008

This is old news for me....I have a 'HotPoint' refrig. that has a good sized frost-free freezer on top...with more than enough room to freeze meats in. Always buy meats on sale...freeze 'em. And whenever I want a pot-roast or beef stew, whatever. No need to run to the store...just defrost and get to cooking! lol.

Hollydanferry 11:58:37 AM Sep 02 2008

Just an FYI, my husband is a repair tech for Whirlpool. 90-95% of your appliances are all made by the same manufacturer-they just slap a diffrent brand name on it. Like Whirlpool, Fridgiaire, Kenmore, Maytag, Haier and more...all have the same manufacturer for certain models.

RDWS MD 06:32:57 AM Sep 02 2008

Maybe you just got a bad Frigidaire. Everyone in my family--sisterinlaw, fatherinlaw, daughterinlaw, and myself have Frigidaire and have had and it has been a real workhorse. My fatherinlaw is a retired building contractor---he relied on Frigidaire and Kitchenaid for about 70 years.

FLILGUY 02:39:05 AM Sep 02 2008

I find it funny that AOL is pushing Frigidaire Electrolux AB. They have the highest rate for compressor failure and defective condenser parts. I would go with a product made by Whirlpool. A Kenmore is good if it is made by Whirlpool. The old Frigidaire were superior when they were owned by GM in the 1970's.

chop461948 11:54:26 PM Sep 01 2008

also - it is good to have a 'foodsaver' vaccum machine. works great and removes all the air - especially from meats - no freezer burn.

Rainmom1117 08:01:47 PM Sep 01 2008

Purchased an old up right full aize freezer 2nd hand 20 years ago (really) for $150.00. It is still working like new and has saved me a LOT of money. I buy in bulk at Costco and BJ's and supermarkets always have sale meats early in the morning.

usaxyzhosay 06:06:23 PM Sep 01 2008

We have a garden and between canning and freezing, we have our stores for the winter. Best part of freezing is the sales you can work with. Nothing is better than pulling the frozen blackberries out to make a pie or breaded eggplant to make a lasagna. Home made teriyaki sauce and chicken on sale – put in a zip lock freezer bag, when thawed and on the grill, just absolutely fabulous. Had this freezer for 25 years (came with the house). Brother in law bought 2 in the last year for his garden.

usaxyzhosay 06:06:07 PM Sep 01 2008

We have a garden and between canning and freezing, we have our stores for the winter. Best part of freezing is the sales you can work with. Nothing is better than pulling the frozen blackberries out to make a pie or breaded eggplant to make a lasagna. Home made teriyaki sauce and chicken on sale – put in a zip lock freezer bag, when thawed and on the grill, just absolutely fabulous. NEC National Electric Code does not allow for a refridgerator or freezer in the garage unless the electrical parts are at least 18" off the floor due to gasoline fumes that could accumulate because of the car or gas can. Units with the compressor at the top are ok (but rare)

BNovakosh 03:11:41 PM Sep 01 2008

I love having a freezer . I buy my beef at $2.29 a pound bulk can't beat the price . I will have my own garden next year and save mega bucks on freezing my own produce . It's a lot of work but all worth it and it will taste very fresh !!