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How to Budget for a Garage Deep-Freezer

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How to Budget for a Garage Deep-Freezer

A smart strategy to stock up on bulk groceries without draining your checking account all at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $600 before anything else
Across the 0% window $33.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $600 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Having a deep-freezer in the garage means you stop running to the store every time you need a bag of frozen peas. You can buy meat on sale and actually have the space to store it, which saves you a ton over the long run.

Wait until the fall to shop, when stores rotate inventory and clear out old floor models. Getting a few quotes from local appliance shops before you pull the trigger will help you find the best price on a reliable unit.

Remember that the 0% window is a deadline, not free money. If you have any balance left after the 18 months, the bank will start charging you interest on the remaining amount, which will cost you more than the freezer is worth.

The steps

  1. 01

    Set your price limit

    Aim for a $600 budget for a solid mid-sized freezer. Don't forget to factor in a small amount for a heavy-duty extension cord if your garage outlet isn't right next to the wall space.

  2. 02

    Time your purchase

    Hold off until the fall months. New models hit the floor then, so stores are eager to clear out last year's stock to make room, which is your chance to snag a deal.

  3. 03

    Compare local quotes

    Check at least three different appliance retailers in your area. Ask them if they have any floor models or scratch-and-dent units that work perfectly fine but cost much less.

  4. 04

    Use your credit card

    If you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay off the $600 at $33.33 per month over the 18-month window without paying any interest.

  5. 05

    Automate the payments

    Set up an automatic monthly transfer of $34 from your checking account to your credit card statement. This keeps you on track so the freezer is paid off before the intro window expires.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy a chest or upright freezer?

Chest freezers are more energy-efficient and hold more, but they are harder to organize. Upright freezers take up less floor space and make it easier to find your food, so choose based on your garage layout.

Does a garage freezer use a lot of electricity?

It adds a little bit to your monthly bill, but modern Energy Star models are quite efficient. Just make sure the door seal is tight so the motor doesn't have to run constantly.

What if the freezer dies?

Most new freezers come with a manufacturer warranty that covers the compressor for a few years. Keep your receipt and the manual in a safe place so you have the details if you ever need to file a claim.

Do I need a special outlet?

Most standard chest or upright freezers run on a normal 120-volt household outlet. Just make sure you aren't plugging it into a cheap, flimsy extension cord, as a dedicated outlet is always safer.