How Much Freezer Space Do You Need for a Quarter, Half, or Whole Beef?
If you’re thinking about buying a quarter, half, or whole beef in Des Moines, Iowa, one of the first questions families ask is simple:
“Do I even have enough freezer space?”
The good news? Most households in Central Iowa already have more freezer capacity than they think — and with a little planning, storing custom beef is easy, practical, and incredibly rewarding.
Below is a clear breakdown of how much freezer space you need, what cuts you’ll receive, and how Maxwell Custom Beef makes the process smooth from start to finish.
Freezer Space Breakdown: Quarter, Half, or Whole Beef
* Quarter Beef
Estimated packaged weight: ~100–120 lbs
Freezer space needed: ~3–4 cubic feet
A quarter beef fits comfortably in:
A top-freezer refrigerator
A small chest or upright freezer
This option is perfect for:
First-time bulk beef buyers
Couples or small families
Anyone wanting to try freezer beef without a big commitment
You’ll receive a great mix of steaks, roasts, and ground beef, all custom cut and vacuum sealed.
*Half Beef
Estimated packaged weight: ~200–240 lbs
Freezer space needed: ~6–8 cubic feet
A half beef fits well in:
A standard chest freezer
A medium upright freezer
This is the most popular option for Des Moines families because it provides:
Excellent value per pound
Enough beef to last most families 9–12 months
Maximum flexibility in custom cutting options
If you cook at home regularly, this is often the sweet spot.
*Whole Beef
Estimated packaged weight: ~400–480 lbs
Freezer space needed: ~12–16 cubic feet
A whole beef requires:
A large chest freezer
Or two smaller freezers
Best for:
Large families
Multiple households splitting a beef
Anyone looking for the best price per pound
This option gives you the widest variety of cuts and complete control over how everything is processed.
Why Custom Beef Is Easier to Store Than You Think
At Maxwell Custom Beef in Des Moines, all beef is:
Professionally cut
Optional: Vacuum sealed
Freezer Paper wrapped
Clearly labeled
Stackable for efficient storage
This means:
No bulky Plastic packaging
No freezer burn
Easy inventory and meal planning
Most customers are surprised by how neatly everything fits once it’s packaged.
How Long Will Freezer Beef Last?
Properly vacuum-sealed or Freezer Paper wrapped beef can last:
12–15 months in a standard freezer
Even longer in a deep freeze
That means one purchase can supply your family with high-quality Iowa beef for an entire year — without worrying about weekly price swings at the grocery store.
Tips to Maximize Freezer Space
Use flat-stacked packages (Maxwell Custom Beef does this by default)
Group cuts together (ground beef, steaks, roasts)
Label one freezer shelf “Beef”
A little organization goes a long way.
Why Des Moines Families Choose Freezer Beef
Families across Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Altoona, West Des Moines, and Central Iowa are switching to freezer beef because it means:
Fewer grocery trips
Consistent, high-quality meals
Long-term savings
Knowing exactly where their food comes from
Once your freezer is stocked, dinner decisions get a whole lot easier.
Ready to Fill Your Freezer?
Buying a quarter, half, or whole beef from Maxwell Custom Beef is one of the best investments you can make in your family’s food supply.
If you’ve been wondering whether you have the freezer space — now you know you probably do.
👉 Contact Maxwell Custom Beef in Des Moines, Iowa today to reserve your beef share and start eating better all year long.
