Personally, I would get a mini upright freezer likethis Midea instead of a chest, as it will make it easier to access the contents. Here's a smaller Whynter that might be large enough for you, and this is the same brand as my ice cream maker, which I am very happy with.

I have what I think is a ten cu ft but more will depend on what you use it for. You state meat but that can vary in size. Most are similar heights but I would suggest purchasing one that has at least one hanging basket or at least a ledge that baskets could be hung from. Some that I looked at when I purchased this one did not. You could simply put a small plastic bin inside but those can get tipped over moving things. For my personal use a 5 cu ft would be too small.

When I purchased the beef and lamb share last summer both around 40 pounds I was surprised how much room it took up.

We have a 2 person household and have a very large chest freezer. It's usually three quarters full and organized with boxes and bins. We live in a semi-rural area so I do stock up on frozen veggies and meat as well as storing pantry items like flour and dry cat food. The amount of freezer space you need is personal for sure. The ONE recommendation I have is to buy a freezer that is manual defrost.

Frost free freezers remain frost free by cycling between cold and warm, resulting in less than favorable longer term storage conditions (aka freezer burn).

An under-counter freezer would give you the space above to hanging without impeding opening the freezer.

We have a big chest freezer in our basement. Bought a 6.5 cu ft upright freezer for additional space. Very happy with it. If/when the chest freezer dies, I'll get a full size upright. I really dislike the chest freezer, seems like whatever it is you need, it's on the bottom lol.

We have had both styles and I prefer the upright with some extra bins added to it. I disliked digging through the chest freezer too.

We have a side by side in the office in the barn that we brought with us when we moved here. Inside is a fridge with a freezer above it. In the new barn is a chest type 7 cu. Ft freezer. I thought it would be a hassle to dig in it, but there are 3 bins across the top and it hasn't been a problem. I also have a small, square fridge that would be counter or table top size for cold drinks in the new barn. I use them all.

All I can say is, if you want one, better be patient.

We started looking and were told 3 mo wait at best...could be longer.

Apparently with covid and people stocking up and being at home, freezers have been in high demand.

Annie I have heard thst also. I think we lucked out, we found ours at Sam's Club. Still listed on their website. Possibly not available at all locations?

I saw some mini freezers like the link Lars posted at Walmart last week. Can't remember the exact price though but I thought it was pretty expensive for the small size. I think I paid around $450 for the 15 cu/ft chest freezer I bought last March.

Thank you all! I keep an inventory on the kitchen fridge so I think a chest would work. Still thinking though.