Vacuum sealers

25 years ago

I've been thinking for a couple years of getting one, have seen them on tv infomercials, but hesitate because of the price and the thought "will I really use it"? I would like anyones opinion on owning one; do you use it and was it worth the price? And brands; are there any brands that are better and any to stay away from? What to look for? Any features that are especially helpful? Storage? I honestly feel I would use it since I have a garden and think it would be wonderful for freezing veggies besides being able to freeze food portions with no freezer burn and the ease of pulling something out and popping it in the microwave or boil it but still have home cooking without all the preservatives, sodium and all the other unwanteds. I appreciate everyones thoughts and experiences on this, thanks.

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Comments (23)

csnugs_hotmail_com
25 years ago
I have one. I use it a lot! It is so great for sealing up portions of different sizes and since it takes out all the extra air from the package there is less chance of freezer burn. Just MO here, but I really think they are a worthwhile item.
deb46y2_aol_com
25 years ago
I looked on Ebay for mine too high. Found a great one on Ubid.com with the jar attachment for 49.00 plus shipping. Very happy with it and the price was worth it as I go in spurts using it. Sometimes alittle and sometimes I use it alot. Just check out all the internet sites and find a good deal. Mine is the compact II Foodsaver by Tilia.
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vacuum sealer won't pull vacuum
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Comments (1)
Do you hear the pump running? Carefully check both the foam gasket on the base, just behind the heat element as well as the top foam gasket for attached debris. Most models also have a small plastic drip tray at the bottom (behind the heating element) that collects moisture as its dropped into the plastic tray slot inside the foam seal area. The top foam seal is cemented on, so dont attempt to remove it, but the bottom foam gasket is removable and can be cleaned underneath it as well. If the pump has ever been exposed to actual moisture, it could have been damaged. Any trace of moisture of any kind that can get pulled into the pump will cause it to fail. Mine also has the external vacuum port on top, but that also relies on the foam gasket to make its internal seal properly. If the vacuum port hole is 'stuck open' it can cause the vacuum loss, so try placing a finger firmly over that small vacuum port hole on top to see if its pulling a vacuum there when you start it to seal a bag. If it is pulling on your finger, the unit may have to be replaced. You can pull out the black foam seal on the bottom and wipe under it with a damp cloth or paper towel. Any trace of lint or debris in, and on the black foam area can cause a loss of vacuum. If there are any tears on that black foam gasket top or bottom, it will need repacement. I just removed the plastic tray on mine, that collects moisture, and found that the end that is to the right of the gasket, had some dried up stuff in there, which I wiped out. Finally, the plastic bag material should be quilted like the original FS rolls and bags. You can seal regular zipper plastic bags, but they will not be as effective in removing the air from inside. Here, I use a seperate vacuum pump for my higher vacuum needs (pickled pepperoncini, meat marinades), and that unit has an 8 ounce capacity moisture trap that catches every single drop of liquid that might get inside the hose. Lucky for me, even if it did, the special vacuum pump has rubber diaphrams that can be cleaned easily. Suggest that you call their customer service on Monday. Here is a link that might be useful: FS replacement parts.
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So much for promising I would post an evaluation after I used my new sealer. I totally forgot to do so. I splurged on the Ary VacmasterPro 305, buying it from their website. It was by far the best price I could find at the time. I preferred it to the 350 because I store it in a vertical position on my countertop where it takes up only 3 or 4" of space horizontally. I do have to store it carefully because the lift-up sealing section falls upon when it is stood upright on the back. Not a problem--that side goes to the wall which holds it together. I do not think they still sell this model. The 350 is significantly thicker and would require as much as 7 or so inches of horizontal storage when stood on end. The 305 is not available on Amazon either so it may no longer be available. I have used mine with the old FoodSaver and Sous Vide Supreme bags, with some bags I bought on line, and with the provided bags from Ary. No problems with any of them--although I did have to shorten the sealing (not vacuuming) time because it was melting all the way through the bags. I cut bags from a roll to the length I want (or select a pre-used one) and seal one end, then vacuum and seal the second end. I waste far less this way than if I was using a machine with stored roll dispenser. I can seal the first end with about 1/2 of waste. (I leave less waste than the 305 video on the VacMaster website shows.) Then I cut the bag 6 or so inches longer than I need and use Dcarch's system of wrapping the food in an unused produce bag from the grocery produce department before inserting it into the vacuum bag. Finally I vacuum seal the second end of the bag, again losing about 1/2" of bag, wrap the excess bag over the food, and stick it in the freezer. Because this vacuum sealer seals a double line instead of a single one, I usually do not bother to seal twice, as I used to with the FoodSaver and SousVide sealers. No problems with losing vacuum while frozen. Hasn't happened yet, anyway. And no problems with re-using the bags when the current food is removed. A quick wash and dry and I store the used bags until needed. I often get three or four uses from a single length, each time losing an inch or so to the sealing process. Makes my stingy heart happy. These suckers are expensive. Occasionally the inner bag leaks when I sous vide meat. Doesn't affect the vacuum at all, of course. These used bags are usually pitched unless the leakage was very slight because it is hard to be certain all of the gunk is washed out. Overall I am very pleased with the sealer and would buy the same again. Hope this info is useful, although I think it has all been said by others before.
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Comments (9)
I think there has been discussion about the best way to freeze foods, (especially meats), a number of times. I always freeze meats in individual portion size pieces in a cheap bag, such as the fold over sandwich bags or produce bags before I seal them. Then I package several servings in one larger bag, leaving a lot of extra bag at the top when I seal. That way the bag can be easily cut open, the number of servings you want removed, & then reseal the bag. As IC pointed out, the bag is washed a lot easier that way. Meat juices never touch the sealed bag at all. And it can be reused a number of times. I've ordered some of the expandable bags for large items, and some of the freeze & steam bags. I want to make some of my own vegetable mixes to freeze that can be cooked in the microwave. I think there was a thread on a very similar subject fairly recently. There are a number of those mixes on the market, but most of them are pretty high in sodium, which is something I have to be very careful about. They are also pretty expensive. So I figured with the freeze & steam bags, I can use my own recipes and it would be healthier. And getting the bags on sale makes it cheaper, too. Rusty
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vacuum sealer to use with Sous Vide?
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Comments (15)
Air displacement is to keep the food submerged. The reason many of use foodSaver sealing methods straight from the butcher or farm is to SV multiple packages for that nights meal but to freeze the others for later meals. Or to FoodSaver raw butchered or hunted/fished for later frozen meals that can be SV'd later. A sealed, air/oxygen removed package, will have a much longer freezer life. I don't bother with FoodSaver for a one-off preparation. Water displacement/ immersion is fine. September/October month we often have 30 lbs of moose from a neighbors hunt and our cod fishing, 50-80 lbs...that needs good sealing for best freezer storage. In packages for a 2-4 person meal. Labeling is key. Take two 4 person out for 8. Take a 4 person out for a second day taco night. I just took out a SV cooked short rib for tacos for tomorrow night. It will thaw and I'll toss it in the oven for a quick roasting. 20 minutes with a miso/kimchi glaze....while prepping the avocado/ salads/fresh whatever I find in the crisper drawer...
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matbri_epix_net
25 years ago
I too got my tilia compact II on ubid for 49$ what a great price, I use mine everyday. I have not had to throw out lettuce, grapes, tomatoes, carrots, etc. It is worth every penny. No more freezer burnt meat, Ilike to buy in bulk to get the best price and then I separate and vac seal and it will keep for 2 years.
tckl1_home_com
25 years ago
Here is a helpful hint--never pay full price for refill bags or rolls! The Tilia comes with a sheet where you can order those items but you can find them MUCH cheaper at places like SAM's Club, Costco...
candghays_earthlink_net
25 years ago
Here's another vote for Tilia...we have had it about two months, or less, using it like crazy, don't know how we did without it and we are only getting started.

We put salad in the largest canister (two people), stays nice, all week. Also, this is the first time I have been able to freeze bread, with out worrying about it getting freezer burn...just remember, freeze BEFORE you vacuum pack it....you have heard the term flat bread ?...LOL

Joy
JimiJosGal_aol_com
25 years ago
We purchased the Tilia Foodsaver (Compact II) not long after it hit the airwaves, and we LOOOOOVE it! If you can find it on one of the auction sites for $49, then by all means, go for it! (I'm still choking from seeing those posts above. LOL)

After we got it, I took it over to my DM's house so she could try it out. The very next day she was at Wal-Mart, purchasing her own. However, the one they sell does *NOT* have the wide-mouth jar attachment (at least they didn't then, and didn't have them when I was there two days ago). I happen to use a lot of jars; my mother does not. So think about which model is right for you.

The bags can be found at Wal-Mart, and it's cheaper than sending away to Tilia for them. The manufacturer claims the bags are reusable, but I've found they don't seal quite as well as a new bag does. Still, I can't imagine being without our machine. HTH =o)
RuthieG_mediaone_net
25 years ago
They have them on ebay running about 80 bucks give or take and they have one on ubid right now that is at $59. I might just bid on one. I saw the old DaZy seal a meal on ebay for next to nothing. I know it's just a simple unit but does anyone use those.
candghays_earthlink_net
25 years ago
Hi Ruthie, I used to have one. The Seal-A-Meal works (for sealing a bag), but it's not the same thing as the Tilia Foodsaver (vacuum). The S.A.M only seals, it does not remove the air from the bag and it's the air that does the damage (especially when freezing).

Joy
lannie_stic_net
25 years ago
I just bought my VS a couple, of days ago. I think I am going to love it! I would really like some of the canisters. Anyone know where to buy them cheaper. Seem kind of expensive!

Elaine
RuthieG_mediaone_net
25 years ago
Elaine, what kind did you buy?
lannie_stic_net
25 years ago
Ruthie, I bought a Tilia from Sam's. The bags are great, but I think it would be nice to have the canisters. A really small one came with my sealer and I put my coffee in it. The square one sounds great for marinating meat! Haven't tried the jars yet, but plan to soon. Thanks,

Elaine
candghays_earthlink_net
25 years ago
Elaine, I'm sorry I don't know were to buy them cheaper, I also would like to know. I have three (they came with it), I use them every day and would like more. I have salad and strawberries in two of them, right now. I haven't tried jars, yet. I have not used the bags, either, I buy the rolls that you cut to size, it's much less expensive...the, bags you make from the rolls are always the right size. I have sealed extra flour, sugar etc., to keep it fresh, dry, and bug free.

I find myself sealing every thing, that isn't nailed down...I, warned my DH to keep moving...LOL

Joy
MFar22655_cs_com
25 years ago
I also love my compact Foodsaver II. But I read that you should not seal powdery things, like sugar and flour, in bags, only jars and canisters. If in bags, some of the powder can get sucked into the machine and damage it. I found some big jars at "Organized Living" but I'd like some gallon sized ones. I think the canisters are very expensive and hope the price comes down. I think this thing is worth every penny I paid for it. Have had it 1 year.
gadgets77_hotmail_com
25 years ago
Here is the link to where I bought my Professional II Foodsaver last summer and some accessories in the winter. I had to call then but they now have online ordering. I just went there and ordered some more containers. The shipping is a little high, but I've had NO problems with them at all.
It's in Canada but they have a money converter right on their site to find out what it will cost in American dollars.

Here is a link that might be useful: Foodsaver Accessories
candghays_earthlink_net
25 years ago
Peggy, I'm sure you are right, about the powder getting sucked in...I should have made it clear, I left the flour and sugar in the original bags they came in (checked to be sure there were no leaks) and sealed them.

Joy
matbri_epix_net
25 years ago
I bought my cannisters at service merchandise for 19$ for a set of 3, and they have the square one for 19 also. I got alot of Ball canning jars and theya re great, once you start with the jars you will be so surprised at what you can use them for, my cherry tomatoes stay fresh for weeks, also grapes, cubed cheese for the kids to snack on, mixed up chicken salad and tuna salad for lunches, i can make more at a time and it keeps longer. I got the jars for about 6.50 a dozen for quart size and the same price for 1/2 dozen 1/2 gallon size, I am trying to get some gallon jars from where i work.
lannie_stic_net
25 years ago
Thanks everyone. I plan to check to see if we still have a Service Merchandise in San Antonio. The one in the part of town where I do most of my shopping closed a of couple of years ago. I still haven't tried the jars, but plan to do that today after....I wash the car and mow the lawn, and do laundry, and, and and......I'd better get off the computer and get with it!! Later everyone......
RuthieG_mediaone_net
25 years ago
I have a bid on a unit at ubid.com. Right now it is at 54.00...but still has till 6 PM PT.......

Here is a link that might be useful: ubid
smrgardner_hotmail_com
25 years ago
I also purchased my canisters at Service Merchandise. If we write to Sam's we might get them to carry them also. I buy all my bags for different locations because they are cheaper than Tilia. I re-use my bags, so a few rolls last a very long time. I think I have thrown away two or three in two years since I had my machine. I also freeze everything I can put my hands on. I have mine on the counter and use it daily.
Good luck
Angie
fadelfm_aol_com
25 years ago
can anyone with an objective view share their experience with the pump n' seal?
rpsteele_key-net_net
24 years ago
Just was reading over the forum and was wondering
what model you all have.I seen the one at Wal-mart
and it was model 350 and it was for $99.Is this a
good price?I would love to have one.
Thanks Trish
carolinachick
24 years ago
The 300 doesn't have the jar port so it cannot seal jars or canisters. You can go to QVC and get the Compact II that comes with bags (both the 11" and 8"), rolls (same), canister, universal lid and bottle stopper for about $125 plus s&h. I found it to be a better deal than Sam's and BJ's that is $129 (canister is smaller and I don't think you get the bottle stopper). Ubid still has them occassionally, but they are refurbished. If you go that route, make sure it is MANUFACTURER refurbished. That means it is to the standard of a new model, by the manufacturer, not just by a repair shop (you can read the details on the Ubid site). Love it, except for uneven items, like chicken nuggets, have trouble getting a seal. Any ideas on that, by the way?
rpsteele_key-net_net
24 years ago
Thanks Carol,
I am not sure on the chicken leg sorry, I have been looking at the one at Wal-mart for a long time.The one
reason why I didn't buy it was it didn't have the can thing.
I just hate to have to order stuff but guess I will huh?
Thanks again
Trish

Vacuum sealers

Comments (23)

csnugs_hotmail_com

deb46y2_aol_com

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