ksrogers- You are presently using the bags from heinsohn's? I have bought bags from other sites in the past like Hantover and a butcher supply company which the name escapes me right this minute, and I have been disappointed. One bag was kind of crinkly looking and for the life of me I could never figure out why sometimes it worked and others I could not get it to vaccuum if I stood on my head! I like the price of Heinsohn' especially because my husband told me last night that he would like a "gun cover"--one end would be sealed and the other he would fold over and clip. I would appreciate any input.

Some of bigger length rolls from Heinsohns are special as they are used in comercial vac pak sealers, and they are 12 inches wide. Item #645521. These are 50 foot long rolls with a similar embossed surface on the inside compared to FS. The plastic seems a bit softer feeling, but they work just fine for use on the FS machines, as well as Deni, Black and Decker, and Seal A Meal. If you like the stiffer plastic ones from FS, then that might be your only option. I use all three widths, 6, 8, and 11 inches and don't bother buying premade bags. I also own an impulse bag sealer that seals an edge in 2 seconds, and can do as many as 30 per minute. Always be sure the bag plastic lays flat with no creases when its in the heater strip. Any creases, liquids, or other debris in the seal area will prevent a good seal. I usually do a second seal a bit further right after the final first seal. To make a bag for a fire arm, you can use the 11 inch wide, or also try the 8 inch wide. Seal just one end and you should have a decent bag of any length you desire. I use my impulse sealer for first bag seals off rolls, as the FS machine seems to shut down once the heating element gets too hot. The impulse sealer was bought on eBay, at about $65. I use it to also make fruit tree limb covers for some of my fruit trees. The thin white non woven plastic fiber cloth that comes in big sheets is easily cut and sealed to make bags to cover a single fruit, or a big long one to cover a whole fruit tree branch. The use of this for reducing insect damages as the bugs cannot get inside.

Yet another Food Saver sale. This sale ends tonight 12/15/08 Everything is 25% off and is also free shipping. Enter in PROMO CODE- X8FEAAA to get the discounts and free shipping. This is done at checkout

Here is a link that might be useful: Foodsaver info

Just got a new email from Jarden. They are offering the deluxe model 2860 with an original price of $250, but now at $96. Also free shipping on orders over $100. This special price is good until 12/30/08.

Here is a link that might be useful: Food Saver sale

Just received another email from Food Saver. They are offering free shipping again until 1/12/09, as well as big discounts off some canisters, as well as a model V2830 machine for just $60. The discounts are supposed to be applied at checkout, but you may have to call them if the link doesn't work correctly.

Here is a link that might be useful: Food Saver sale

Looks like the link I provided isn't activating the promotion code. If you have problems and the order is not going through at the special price at checkout, I suggest that you call them instead and mention the special prices, so they can supply you with a promotion code. You can also email me and I will forward the original email they sent me.

It might be a good idea if you are interested in or have a Food Saver to sign up for their emails and then you will receive their specials...They have some pretty good ones now.

I agree. Its one 'junk mail' I like!! Not many please me as much as theirs.

Well I belong to the King Arthur web group too and I love their catalog and recipes. I just thumb through the catalog and drool over all the nice kitchen stuff. I have bought nothing from them but I love the catalog and emails.

Yes, Iget teh KA catalogs too as well as Spices etc. Penzeys and about 60 different garden seed catalogs, with fertilizers, and other gardening supplies. Right now I have just cleared out last years catalogs to make room for newer ones. I used to save all the KA catalogs just for the recipes, but most are just too sweet and too tempting for a diabetic. I have bought some items from them however, like their high gluten bread flour and some of the multi grain mixes. Many of my breads have been ideas that were on their pages or web site. Now I even get Betty Crocker emails. Usually junk mail arrives in bunches just after someone has gone to a web site to create those free electronic greeting cards you get by email. They sell the addresses so your usually on a long list for spammers.

What burns me is you can't get on to America's Test Kitchen web site to get any of their program recipes without subscribing to their magazine. I did that a while back and just cancelled it once I got the recipe I needed. They used to be free like a lot of other things.

As mentioned above if you wish to take advantage of the special Food Saver offers, you will have to EMAIL ME so that I can forward the email to you that offers the special pricing and free shipping. Once you go to their web site, be sure to sign up for the emails, so that future promo offers will be sent directly to your email box.

I just looked & see that the Food Saver model V2830 is on sale again for $59.99 until 1/12/09. I'm not at all familiar with these things... can someone tell me if they've used/liked this model? Which features does it have (or is missing) that are really useful?

I see they have a number of models, and if this one is missing something that I'll later regret, then I'd rather pay a little more to upgrade. Else, if this one has most everything the average person needs, I think I'll get it.

Thanks for your advice!

I just posted this same info above.

Compared to my original one with just two vacuum settings and the port for canisters or Ball jar adapters, this V2830 model also includes a built in roll holder/cutter and a means to pump a vacuum on the canister without having the main sealer also running at the same time. A wider sealing area. It also has 2 vacuum speeds and a setting for moist and a setting for dry goods, plus instant seal. The price of mine 3 years ago was about $169 from BJ's and included a seperate roll cutter and two canisters. This V2830 model, for the price is well worth it!! If you intend to order one, it MUST be done through the email link to get the promo price. I have also asked anyone interested, to email me so I can forward that email to them. Phone orders or direct internet orders will not give that promo price, as it must be done through the forwarded email link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Food saver V2830 info

Hi Ken, I ordered one yesterday on line. I Think its a great deal. The promo happens at the very end, they show you the price of $99.99(?) and then the discount costed with free shipping. I live in Connecticut so I had to pay tax on it ...but still a good find thanks for the heads up.

Big Al

Yes, it was a really great deal. I even bought a spare unit about a month ago when it was on sale. My original one came with a seperate bag roll holder/cutter which was included in the accessory pack. The new one has it built in. They also offered a roll holder a while back, that allows my older FS unit to sit on top of it and dispense bags out from underneath the FS machine.

Currently, I am also working on building up several vacuum pumps that can be connected to the small FS accessory hose/fitting thats used on the canisters. This unit will allow pumping down to a stronger vacuum, for the canisters and the Ball jar attacment sealer device. It will be suitable for all round type FS cansiters, but will collapes the square ones due to the very high vacuum. The vacuum pump is bigger, and a little heavier and has an 8 ounce moisture trap attached, along with a vacuum gauge. This newer design uses a higher efficiency dual piston pump, compared to my original diapham pump. The dual piston type pump has a stroke length of about 3 times that of my original diaphram type, it will pull a stronger vacuum much faster too. Its use would be for delicate pickled items that use full strength vinegar and salt without any added water in the brine. His method has proven to work for 3 years now, as my pepperoncini have not failed or shown any signs of spoilage.

The last sale that I received was 25 % off and free shipping. This was off of the bulk roll price also. I wanted to order 10 rolls of 8" and 10 rolls of 11", however it would not change the order from 1 to 10 rolls. The computer would state that there was a problem on their end. OK I called Foodsaver on the phone, only to be told that they knew nothing about a 25% off, and would not give it to me. I finially just kept clicking one roll until it got to the 10 that I wanted, had to do it for the 8" and the 11" but the totals added up. so I got the rolls for $5.24 per roll, free shipping plus tax.

The issue may have been due to an older web broswer. I still prefer to use teh old and discontinued Netscape mostly, but do have some web site issues. Even for that, my Internet Explorer cannot be updated as it thinks I am running a MAC! Its never been or ever been a MAC! As to the sales staff, at off hours they have outside help that has no idea what offers are in effect. I have seen that occur a few times, but every once in a while when I call them, I get someone who knows everything about their product like and even the unlisted items. I don't recall that persons name, but it was easy to deal with by phone. At the bottom of the FS web pages, there is 'contact us', where you can type in the web site error or issue that you have. Usually they do read these and make any necessary corrections if they find the problems. As mentioned, before, the promotional offers are mostly for those customers who provide an email address and ask to be put on their email list and be sent the sale offers.

I had an issue with another web site where I was ordering about 10 different items, every time I went 'back' to the web site listings pages, the items I had previously selected were deleted. I was not able to go back and forward, so everything had to be written down and typed in manually and NOT use the back and forward buttons to get the 10 items I wanted.

Ken, have you tried the web browser FireFox ? I use it instead of I E. I find it a better and safer browser to use plus you can customize it. You can keep both on you computer and switch between the two and see if its for you. Just a thought.

Big Al

My system is still windws 98 and since its not really broken, I live and deal with the minor issues. It aint totally broke yet, so it isn't going to need fixing. At some point, eneregy and time are needed for me to build up a newer system. I can't install Firefox or any other browser under the current flaky OS I am still using. Thanks for the info, as I have it as a download link and saved file. Many times web sites are poorly managed too, so the issues are sometimes noticable with any kind of browser.

The link isn't bringing up the same page anymore with the sales price like before... but the sale is supposed to be until midnight 1/12. Does anyone know if I can still pull it up?

ksrogers, you said something about an email... but did you just mean using the link they sent you in the email or do you have to "reply" to the email they sent you?

Thanks!

I receive a Food Saver email directly from them about every 2-4 weeks. These have a FORWARD TO FRIEND link I can click on within the email. This brings up a web page with blank boxes were I manually type in an email address that I wish to forward the Food Saver email too. This will send the same email and its special link to anyone I type in with a valid email address. I cannot be sure, but SOMETIMES the special pricing for these sales will come up at the final payment screen. Sometimes not. I don't have anything to do with Food Saver directly and have only supplied their specaia offer links to web pages through the email links I get. If you want to become a regular Food Saver Customer, you need to get onto their email list so that you will also get the special offer emails. Someone else said that they went to the FS link and was able to get the big discount and free shipping once they were ready to type in a credit card for payment. If the prices don't change and don't show the special promos, then don't place the order that way. The ONLY other way is to email me through here, and I will forward that special email to you and then you place the order that way. This most recent offer is set to end on Monday night 1/12/09 at 11:59 PM EST. So get moving!! Emails have built in links in them. Some times you can simply click on the text or graphics within an email and it will go to a web site. You don't reply to these emails, you use the links (objects) within them to get to the internet sales.

Just got another Food Saver email. This time, they are offering the biggest gallon and a half (6 quart) canister for $20.00, as the regular price is $25.00. This thing is big, 8 1/2 inch diamter by 11 inches tall. Its used with the vacuum hose fitting on most Food Saver devices that have an accessory port. Its also useful in marinating and brining meats under vacuum. Also great for any dry goods to keep them fresh and moisture free. If the sale price doesn't come up correctly, just email me and I will forward to you, the original email I get from FS.

Here is a link that might be useful: Food Saver 6 qt. canister

Yet another 4 day sale at Food Saver. This one is for many items at 15% off the appliances, and more on some other selected items. The offer is valid only until Sunday 3/8/09. I see rolls selling for 30% off, 2 quart canisters for $13, as well as some produce keepers. If the direct link doesn't work above, just email me and I will forward the original email from them that will activate the discounts.

I can't find the bag roll 645521 on the link but the bags seem like a really good price too.

If thats the 6 inch wide rolls, I think they may have discontinued them. Try calling them by phone, as they may still have some. A while back I bought about 20 of the 6 inch wide rolls, just for freezing individual packages of breakfast sausage patties or a few links. They do offer pint bags however, but not the 6 inch wide rolls.

I order 200 bags and even the bags are a good buy...

Here is an alternate source for 6x10 inch bags suitable for the FS.

http://www.butcher-packer.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_39&products_id=486

The source also has 8 and 10 inch wide bags.

Here is a link that might be useful: Alternate 6

Just got a mailer from Food Saver. They still sell the 6 inch bags, referred to as pints, but not the 6 inch rolls. They are offering several sale prices on 8 and 11 inch bags and rolls as well. There is also a new bag called Freeze N' Steam, which can also be cooked in the microwave. There is a special deal on the regular bags so you can get some of the Freeze 'N Steam for free. Mention coupon code- C9FDFREE Offer is good until May 31.

I ordered the Heinsohn's bags on Monday afternoon and they arrived this morning...Nice service. They are pretty close to where I used to live further south ...closer to Houston so obviously I can get quick service.

I bought stuff from them too. Mostly meat grinder parts though, and sausage mixes. I do find the plastic bag materiial is a bit softer and more flexable compared to the FS ones, even though the thickness is the same. I think its because FS uses a couple of different types of plastics laminated together. All have that quiclted embossed side however, which helps to pull a better vacuum before sealing.

I am not disappointed in the bags...they are nice bags...however, my Foodsaver will not pull a good vacuum on them...I am going to use them for sure but I want the better vac of the food saver bags....Did you find this to be true?

Are your bags embossed with those tiny squares? The FS generic sources say to place embossed quilted side face down in the machine where the heat seal strip is located. The quilting texture is very necessary. I have not used many of the generic rolls yet, but my tests seem to work just fine. Usually I seal them a second time by puling out the bag about half an inch and seal again. I also have an impulse bag sealer. It has an adjustable timer to set it for different seal stengths. If I am making many bags from rolls, I use that to seal the bottoms first. Its seal area is slightly wider and is very consistant. The impulse sealer can seal the bags under 2 seconds each. Bought mine on eBay for about $40. Quite heavy and comes with a spare, replacable heat tape. The FS has a built in sensor that shuts off the heater if it gets too hot from many seals one right after another.

No embossed surface...just smooth plastic...I don't think they will vacuum but I can use them for other purposes.

Thats probaly why they don't work well. The sources I posted, both say that their rolls are quilted on one side. All of mine are too. A plastic straw placed inside just below the seal area and going to the bottom of the bags might help to pull more vacuum.

I have an order ready to go for 5 rolls and 10 boxes of bags from Foodsaver. I work too hard on raising my veggies, preparing them etc to compromise the storage. I was thinking about the zip loc vac thing in the other thread and I thought, I'd be raving mad if I used it and my stuff had freezer burn...

With 1 mil freezer zipper bags, and not offering much in the way of long term freezing protection, you would have to also use freezer paper or some other air tight heavy plastic to prevent drying and freezer burn. As mentioned, the sausage making sites I listed have the quilted plastic rolls too. If you ordered through FS directly, hope you used that code I provided so you can get a decent discount. Check out eBay as well as sometimes there are vendors there that sell cheaper too. If you have a lot of bagging to do, it makes more sense to use a faster method to pull air out and seal all in one operation.

Hi ksrogers -

I tried using that code on their website, and it said invalid code. Do you have to call them to use it?

Thanks :)

Just looked into a bit more and it seems they ran out of stock - such a shame because I am ordering the rolls anyway.

Per their website -

The "Get 10 Free Bags" promotion has been terminated. Due to high demand, for our Free FoodSaver® Freeze 'N Steam bags, we are now out of supplies! Thank you for your interest in the new Freeze 'N Steam microwave cooking bags and we hope that you will continue to visit us at www.FoodSaver.com to see other great products and special offers.

The FoodSaver and Jarden Consumer Solutions Team

I was just going to say to call them, but I guess that mailing promo really hit home for some people. Its a shame they have run out so fast. Because the promotion is going on until may 31, they may get more in stock before the deadline. There is no mention of 'while supplies last'. The promo code is used for both web orders and phone orders. I posted the info on the same day I got the mailing. Suggest that you sign up for their email offers, so you won't miss out on any specials.

Just got another email from Food Saver. This time they are offering a $99.99 FS machine model V2060 for just $46.99. This one has a short time limit of 5/2/09. Web site purchases only, and there is no mention of a promo code, so they must go by email subscribers. If interested, I can try to forward the email to you. Also, orders over $100 have free shipping.

Just thought I'd share a 30% off coupon. If you buy 5 rolls of bag material, they discount online to 6.99 per roll. With the 30% off, I paid $4.89 per roll!
Oh, the code is b8fc30a for 30% off

{{gwi:962768}}

$133 initial payment and $40 a month for 2 months there after. It's really hard to beat this kind of deal.

Lately it seems the FS material has gotten thinner and the bags are not holding in the freezer. Most show the crack or tear.

I have been buying the "off brand" of ZIPVAC universal vacuum sealer bags and the material is much thicker and they are hlding great. And they are a lot cheaper. If you have a Menards home center near you, you may want to try them. Rolls are $3.99 each, any size.

Thats the 1st I have read about this. Everything I have read, people think the FS bag rolls are the best, but pricey. Buying them for under $5 a roll made me take the plunge.

I have neer had bad FS bags or rolls. The alternate sources I posted have similar quilted bag rolls, and they are a bit softer and slightly more flexible. I have not seen any tear or crack yet. FS bag rolls are 3 mils of plastic, with 2-3 different kinds of plastic layered together. The Zipper bags are only about 1 mil thick as most other plain freezer zipper bags.

FS bags have 5 layers and I would assume thats why they are more stiff than the lessor cost variety.

I just bought a new one on sale. My old one was smaller and wouldn't work with the 11 inch bags. It will be nice having the larger size for my freezer. I have the jar sealers and canister set. That is a really good price.
Donna

Yes, you are right. I was thinking of the 3 mil thickness, but they do have 5 layers of plastics. There needs to be that embossed quilting inside so the vacuum is pulled more evenly while the bags collapse.

Just got an email from Food Saver. This time its for a canister assortment priced at 60% lower than original. They request teh following code in order to get teh big disount-
USE CODE: S9FEAAA AT CHECKOUT

THe original price was $65.99 and is now on sale at $19.99 PLUS fee shipping!

Not a bad deal for all these cansiter sizes. In the bundle is also a rectangular canister and a food grater that sits on top of it. The offer also includes two 11 inch bag rolls, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.25 quart sized canisters, along with three 25 ounce leftover canisters.

Rats. An hour later and it's already out of stock.

Gee, sorry to hear that. I got that email this morning at 1:15 AM. It also mentions while supplies last. I bet it was gobbled up very fast for that price.