Need recommendations for food vacuum sealer

[Bird]

Get one with the auxiliary port. It's handy.

Seemed like a good idea, but what do you use it for? I used ours with the marinator bowl once just to see how it worked, and haven't used it since.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I have a foodsaver; actually two of them. When I called the company for new gaskets, I ended up buying a new "gamesaver". I use mine probably once or twice a month, and go through several rolls of packaging during the year. When the sweet corn is harvested, I use it to put up a couple bushels at least...also lots of hamburger and other specials.

My only complaints are as follows: The packaging material is about $20 for two 11" X 16ft rolls...so if you're thinking of saving a lot of money, you have to factor this in. Secondly, it does not work well on wet foods. I have put the corn in the freezer overnight and package it the next day. This works very well, and the vacuum stays very well. Thirdly, I found that the package sometimes loses vacuum, so I always double seal mine. Lastly, mine is the model that sits flat. In order to get the package to seal more easily, you need to place the package on a book or some object that brings the bottom of the package up level with the lid...otherwise you have to use a bit more of the packaging material. They have an upright model, but have no knowledge of it one way or another. I am reasonably happy with mine, although sometimes I have to wait between packages for it to cool down.

Seems like we had a long thread on this subject a year or so ago?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/280939-food-saver-vacuum-pack.html

 

[JRobyn]

We have two Foodsavers, really like them both and have had no problems. We bought one at a yard sale for $2. It is a much older (maybe Italian made?) and will only use the small bags, but for the price, we aren't complaining! I was actually very surprised that it worked perfectly without any rebuilding!

- Jay

 

[Western]

If y'all didn't read the link I posted, you should, at least on the VacUpack deluxe. With the piston pump, you can actually clean it with water! From what I am reading, water is what kills most of the cheaper units (non-commercial) since they mostly use a diaphragm pump (must stay dry)

What attracts me to the V deluxe, 4 heat settings, so any bag will work and can be used, watery foods like , fish, meats, and whatever are no problem and the various heats setting seal them all. The fact that parts are readily available up to a total rebuild, is awesome. Not cheap out the door, but possibly a tool for a lifetime? This is a Home/ light commercial use packer/sealer.

I have read overall good reviews on the Gamesaver as well, iirc it is also made ,or marketed by Foodsaver? There was a site from Alaska I read, where the homesteader types swear by it (the Cabelas version)

IDK, but I have read allot of repair issues on the newer Foodsavers, function issues as well, but I suppose it will be directly related to just how much people actually use them. 2-3 times a year over 10 years "aint" much. A whole gardens worth, or bulk buys could really tax a cheap sealer IMO. but IDK.

I am still researching, but keep coming up with the VacUpack recommendations from people that do allot and are aware of the difference (which I am not, but learning)

BTW, I have read some "pros" that said they reverted back to the older v750 or older Foodsaver models, for reliability. They do say the new styles are "purdy" though:laughing:

 

[TnAndy]

After going thru several cheaper ones, I bought a Weston 2300. Had it several years now. We use the heck out of it when we do a beef or pork.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

Seemed like a good idea, but what do you use it for? I used ours with the marinator bowl once just to see how it worked, and haven't used it since.

re: auxiliary port. There are pre-made bags and tubs that use the aux port. Generally you don't use them, but once in a while they are the only solution, particularly if you have wet food.

 

[Western]

Well, we ordered the VacUpack Deluxe. I will update when it gets here next week and we get to use it. We have been getting buckets of beans, corn and his should make it that much better.

Thanks for all the reply's , did allot of reading and feel very confident with this purchase. Comes with a 5 year service contract (free) for repairs and 2 year warranty, so I will give it a work out!

Any sealing packing tips, please keep them coming. I know it comes with a hose for jars, but for the life of me, I cant see what that would do? Better than canning I mean.

 

[Chilly807]

We've had a food saver for several years, maybe a 2230? Anyway, no problems other than waiting when sealing several bags. We've probably gone through at least 10-15 rolls of bag material, can't remember the last time I threw food out with freezer burn.
Not bad for less than $100.

 

[Pete Judd]

Just looked on Ebay and after seeing 50 ft rolls of the bags with a reasonable price, I am thinking about getting another one. But on Ebay, there where so many model #s. What are the good ones to buy? Or the ones to avoid.

 

[Bird]

Just looked on Ebay and after seeing 50 ft rolls of the bags with a reasonable price, I am thinking about getting another one. But on Ebay, there where so many model #s. What are the good ones to buy? Or the ones to avoid.

I'm not sure whether some are better than others, or whether it's just a matter of some having more features, or different colors, or upright vs. flat. We bought one several years ago as a gift for a daughter and she's been happy with it, but I don't remember the model number. Then a year ago, we got ourselves one, different model number (V3880) and we're happy with it, although it has some features that we never use.