Should I buy a small freezer for meal prep?

Yes—if you regularly meal prep, batch cook, or buy in bulk, a small freezer is often worth it. Extra freezer space makes it easier to portion meals ahead of time, store ingredients, and take advantage of bulk sales without cramming everything into the fridge freezer.

Good reasons to buy one

• You cook in big batches and want to freeze multiple meals at once.
• You buy meat, produce, or staples in bulk and need somewhere to store them.
• Your current freezer is already full, so adding space would reduce waste and stress.

Reasons to skip it

• You rarely freeze meals or mostly eat fresh food within a few days.
• You’re bad at tracking what’s in the freezer, so food could get forgotten.
• You don’t have a practical spot for it.

A few practical tips

• A small freezer can be a good fit for meal prep, but the right size depends on how much you actually freeze and how often you shop.
• Chest freezers tend to hold cold better when opened less often, while upright freezers are usually easier to organize and access.
• Measure the space first and make sure you have a safe, dedicated outlet; avoid using an extension cord unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it.

If you do buy one, think about how often you’ll use the extra capacity. If your meal prep is occasional, a small freezer may be more convenience than necessity.