A chest freezer is an appliance shaped like a large box (or chest) with a hinged lid that opens upward. Most models are rectangular in shape although some compact models can be shaped more like a cube. It is a standalone appliance separate from your standard upright freezer or fridge freezer in your kitchen. You can efficiently stack packages of meat, veggies, whole turkeys, poultry and other bulky items that do not fit in your smaller freezer. A chest freezer is commonly used to store large quantities of food away from your main kitchen area, usually in a garage, basement or utility room. Chest freezers are popular for busy families that may have their own vegetable patch or small farm. If you purchase bulk meats from a butcher, it is great for storing several months of meals. When used properly they help you to reduce waste and lower your food bill. Chest freezers first became popular in the middle of the 20th century when refrigerators were smaller and had a tiny freezer section. The chest freezer improved your ability to reduce food waste. They became less common as refrigerator technology improved and fridge freezers grew in size. They are still economical to operate as the door is only opened perhaps once a day or even once a week.