Freezer containers (merged threads)

AussieLass

There was a thread about this not long ago. If you use search the thread should come up but by memory the best solution was to use plastic containers with different coloured lids for different things. IE: yellow lid for chicken, red lid for meat etc. HTH

Reformed_Money_Waster

squeaky wrote:

As for reheating, the method of choice is yours, i.e. decant it into a saucepan on the hob, in a dish in the oven, or in the microwave. But you need to ensure that the meal is reheated thoroughly throughout which means getting it all up to a minimum of 72°C

Well as I'm using take-away style foil containers it'll be defrost and then straight in the oven for me. Cheers.

squeaky

Three recent threads that should help a lot here :-

Containers for freezing
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=161830

OS Containers
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=137901

Best freezer containers ona budget
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=136435


Good luck

mah_jong

Thanks for the links, squeaky.
i am trying to organize my freezer so that I can get to something easily. I freeze things in bags inside my lakeland containers , but then I can have around 40 bags of soups, stews etc as I batch cook, in amougst the bags of veg, chips and chickens. Everything gets muddled, I came across the tomato pasta sauce I thought I used up yesterday, on my hunt for bread (I freeze that in batches of two slices!), hence my post today. I have tried listing things but then I cant always find it, so gave that idea up!

I think I will have to get very different carrier bags so that I can find what I am looking for. Its hard on my hands plunging them into the permafrost!!! Now who does carrier bags in yellow, red , blue etc etc???

A full chest freezer must be more difficult to keep organized than an upright one complete with shelves!!

mah

PS anyone else find that writing directly on the bag is more lasting than an added tag (had a pile of those at the bottom at the last defrost!

KatrinaC_2

mah_jong wrote:

I have tried listing things but then I cant always find it, so gave that idea up!

Blu-tack the list to the inside of the freezer lid/door. Use a see through plastic wallet thing to waterproof it.

mah_jong wrote:

PS anyone else find that writing directly on the bag is more lasting than an added tag (had a pile of those at the bottom at the last defrost!

yup - I use clear plastic bags and write on it with a CD marker pen. I suppose you could always try using a chinagraph pencil (is this the right name for it - it's the name we use in our house! Sort of like a kohl eyeliner affair) if you're loathed to get rid of your plastic boxes.

Kat

Skintmama

I probably should have put this in the Obvious Tips thread as it is something I have only "discovered" recently. Put a nice warm pair of gloves on when rummaging in the chest freezer. I then find that my fingers are not then too cold to put things back neatly. As my freezer is in an outhouse I no longer dread going there quite as much.
I use a leather pair, I imagine woolly ones might stick to things

carol_a_3

I got a set of large heavy duty bags from Lakeland a few years ago, not sure if they still sell them. Two each of red (for meat) yellow (carbs...chips, garlic bread, pies etc) blue (fish) purple (veggie meals, quorn etc) and green (vegs) I use my basket for ice cubes, lollies and open bags of peas. The bags are still going strong. My freezer is a 3/4 size chest one and is much easier to manage with these bags.

melancholly

Skintmama wrote:

I probably should have put this in the Obvious Tips thread as it is something I have only "discovered" recently. Put a nice warm pair of gloves on when rummaging in the chest freezer. I then find that my fingers are not then too cold to put things back neatly. As my freezer is in an outhouse I no longer dread going there quite as much.
I use a leather pair, I imagine woolly ones might stick to things

and as soon as i read this it hought 'how sensible'!!! so ashamed that i didn't manage to think of it for myself!!!
I use tesco bags with all the same things in them, tied up at the top, then write in biro what's in that bag..... that way it's also easier to get to the bottom of the freezer by removing 5 plastic bags, rather than everything being separate.

mah_jong

thanks for the ideas folks!!

I have spent this morning turing out the freezer and getting it organized. I have a list beside it showing whats in the carrier bags, there are half a dozen.
Fish ...yellow bag,
chicken bits ( I usually half a packet and then freeze ) M&S bag.
Veg, Somerfields.
Soups, red bag,
single meal portions in the blue bag.
bread and pastry stuff in the book bag

Its so organized!! And easy to get to the big stuff, as you say by lifting out the bags! With my nice warm gloves! ! Great idea!!
Mah

elona

I had some large plastic boxes which I filled with meat stuff in one- veg in another- dessert stuff in third one - fish stuffin fourth - bread and rolls in another etc and then stacked them next to and on top of each other.

even if I need something that is on the bottom of the freezer - it is easier to just lift off 2 or 3 boxes at a time then replace them.