FoodSaver Vacum Sealer

buckeyefarmer · May 3, 2016

Have one, rarely use it.

SirReal63 · May 3, 2016

If they would work easily on mylar bags, we would have one.

milkman · May 3, 2016

We bought one off one of the shopping channels and used it three or four times at the end of garden season, put it away and then when the garden time came around again, the thing wouldn't work. Looked up the paper work and only guaranteed one year, it was the Food Saver. I saw one at Rural King that is by Food Saver, but called the Game Saver and it has 10 year warranty, had it two years and still going. The Wal Mart Food Saver has a one year limited warranty. The wife uses ours a lot and likes it.

flyerdan · May 3, 2016

I've had one of the basic models for a couple years now, like it a lot. I also get meat when it's on sale and repack it into smaller lots. Also, I get 5 pound bags of shredded cheese, and fill a small container to work out of and reseal the bag so it will keep. Same with the big bags of salad, if you can keep the air out you avoid spoilage in short term critical items.
A lot of prepper sites advise sealing some matches and fire starting stuff, and maybe some dry socks if you spend a lot of time out or on the water.

JRobyn · May 3, 2016

They work terrific for vac sealing and freezing smoked salmon. I get a whole smoked filet at Costco or Sams, slice it in about 3/4" wide strips and then divide the whole sliced thing in about 5 or 6 portions. Wrap each portion in waxed or freezer paper, then vac seal each one. Each package will keep well in the deep freeze for a year or more. And then each package makes for about two weeks of perfect slices for morning bagels.

sixdogs · May 3, 2016

buckeyefarmer said:
Have one, rarely use it.

I used to think the same way until the Mrs showed me all the uses for preserving and keeping foods fresh. I can have three year old coffee beans that are as fresh as new and fish, vegetables or whatever long past it's sell-by date and can't tell the difference. Try it; you'll like it.

reb · May 3, 2016

That is one of SWMBO's favorite tools. One trick she has found is to wet the seals if the machine won't draw a vacuum. Bought her an extra set a while back, but she hasn't needed it yet.

buckeyefarmer · May 4, 2016

We like it, just havent used it much. She doesnt want it kept out on the counter, so it's boxes in the basement until she wants something sealed. Usually that is cookies to send to the college boy.

PhysAssist · May 4, 2016

buckeyefarmer said:
We like it, just havent used it much. She doesnt want it kept out on the counter, so it's boxes in the basement until she wants something sealed. Usually that is cookies to send to the college boy.

If that were the case for us, we'd never use ours either, but because it's on the counter near the fridge, it gets used constantly and saves us money in both being able to buy ahead and in avoiding spoilage.

Even steaks can be frozen and when thawed and cooked right, still taste fresh.