vacuum food sealers

[RonB]

I've been researching these sealers online and have not come anything in the
$75-$175 range that I feel 100% comfortable with. They either break fairly soon (less than 1 year), or waste too much bagging material. One Foodsaver, (mod # V2830) and one Deni, (mod # 1940) have great, but very limited reviews.
What I'm looking for is one that will seal reliably, last at least several years, and not waste the roll material - some require 3" more than you need.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanx,
Ron

 

[Fern Modena]

I have a foodsaver, and I love it. It *does* waste about 3" every time you use it, though. And you have to learn how to use it...if you plan to put raw meat into it, you have to include a paper towel so that the towel takes care of the liquid that forms.

I don't know if you live near a Bed, Bath and Beyond, but if you do, they mail out 20% off coupons, and send them if you register online. Foodsavers are pretty much the same price everywhere, so 20% off is a good deal. I've used the coupons for rolls, too, although I've found them at K-mart on occasion.

Fern

 

[Passepartout]

I have the little hand-held Foodsaver. It does OK for short-term storage for home use, but won't do what the OP wants, plus the proprietary zipper bags are fairly dear.

Jim Ricks

 

[thheath]

I've had the FOODSAVER V2460A for over a year and I love it. As mentioned it does waste a couple of inches when you go to seal the bag but other than that I can't say enough good things.

 

[RonB]

Thanx for the info everyone. I'll probably go with a Foodsaver ~ Ron

 

[pranas]

I have an older Foodsaver model and it has worked fine for five or so years. One of the best purchases I made. I also use it reseal potatoe chip and coffee bags, an unexpected bonus.

 

[GadgetRick]

Been considering getting one of these. Do they actually allow you to freeze stuff and keep the food ok for longer periods? What other advantages do they offer?

 

[Passepartout]

Do they actually allow you to freeze stuff and keep the food ok for longer periods?

Yup. You can buy bigger packages of your favorite cheeses and meats and freeze extra without freezer burn. Probably not real cost effective for leftovers unless you are saving them for extended periods, but do-able.

I've vacuum packed my home-smoked salmon, trout, turkey, and jerky and sent it to family and friends as Christmas gifts.- with ice-packs in cold weather, of course, on perishables.

As mentioned above, the ability to re-seal, and portion out potato chips, pretzels and other bagged foods is a bonus. It keeps us from just emptying the bag when it's opened, helping the weight loss.

All-in-all, a worthwhile gadget. With your username, I can't believe you've waited this long.

Jim Ricks

 

[thheath]

Been considering getting one of these. Do they actually allow you to freeze stuff and keep the food ok for longer periods? What other advantages do they offer?

Yes, very much so.

I buy meats from Costco, seal them and they are perfect months later. No freezer burn, same red color and no effect on quality.

The cost of the bag material versus the food costs makes it a non issue. Oh yeah, buy that stuff at Costco too.

PS: Fun gadget too.

 

[GadgetRick]

All-in-all, a worthwhile gadget. With your username, I can't believe you've waited this long.

Jim Ricks

I know...
:::holding head in shame:::

Just been a tough year financially. Plan on getting one soon though.

 

[Mel7706]

Problems with sealing mostly liquid

Don't own a FoodSaver but have been using a Magic Vac for years. The one I have has a variable rheostat for sealing different thicknesses of plastic.
The trick to sealing is not getting moisture under the seal line. A couple ways to avoid that is to freeze the fish, meat, soup, on a tray or bowl, remove it and vacumn seal. Some items without too much moisture can use a strip of paper towel below the seal to stop the moisture. Also, make sure that the top of the bag is clean, as well as, the heat strip and rubber seals. Bought a case of FoodSaver bags on line from FS at a good discount several years ago. Only have a couple boxes left. It has become an essential appliance.

 

[GetawaysRus]

I have a Foodsaver as well. It does keep your meats fresh for many months. We too will buy in bulk at Costco or stock up when a local market runs a good sale. The savings on buying meats and fish in bulk and the freshness when you open the package more than make up for the cost of the rolls.

I have an older unit. Some of the newer units have cannisters that can be vacuum-sealed. I'm tempted to buy a newer model, but my old unit just keeps on going. It has been very reliable. I'd say that we've gone through at least 4 coffee-makers and more than a few toasters in the time that I've owned the Foodsaver (though admittedly I don't use the Foodsaver every day).

 

[JoeWilly]

Ron,

Don't know if you're a Costco member or not, but they have one for around $150.00. If you don't like it, Costco has an excellent return policy. My neighbor has a model where you pull out as much as you need (its a continuous roll), then cut it so there's minimal waste.

 

[RonB]

Ron,

Don't know if you're a Costco member or not, but they have one for around $150.00. If you don't like it, Costco has an excellent return policy. My neighbor has a model where you pull out as much as you need (its a continuous roll), then cut it so there's minimal waste.

Thanx. Yes I'm a Costco member, but, unfortunately, the one they sell has close to the worst reviews...

Ron

 

[EAM]

We have a Foodsaver. It was particularly useful in packing meals for a backpacking trip. Helped cinserve space in the pack.