Vacuum Sealer recommendations?

[Wao nahele wahine]

We have been stocking up on supplies (water, fuel, food, toiletries, paper products, etc.) so we can limit our trips into town.

Does anyone have any vacuum sealer recommendations? I've never owned one, and thought that there must be folks on Punaweb who have used or owned them.

Wahine

[HI_Someday]

I have a Kenmore Select Seal-N-Save and use it all the time. It really makes a difference preventing freezer burn on foods (and in my mind longevity). I usually buy hamburger in bulk and freeze small portions. I also buy steak in multi-packs and freeze individually. Buying bulk saves some money, however the bags cost $ and along with the sealer cost, I don't know the return on investment. That being said I would highly recommend them for the convenience alone.

Tip: make hamburger patties and seal them individually. Do the same for the buns, but only vacuum out some of the air -just until the bun starts to squish. When your ready to use it, cut a small corner off the bag and put it in the microwave for about 10 seconds on 1/2 power. It will warm the bun and steam it a little so it's not dry.

[mmbvd7]

Only used the Food Saver brand. Really cuts down on freezer burn on meats. If freezing items with liquid, need to let them freeze to "set up" first. Ours in antiquated, so I am curious as well. For the bulkier items, use of heavy duty yard trash bags have worked for us. Pack them full of paper products, suction air out with vacuum hose, twist the remainder of plastic bag and knot. Will hold seal unless the plastic is torn. Not recommended for food items, but perhaps dry goods, paper products, etc.

Best wishes

[kalakoa]

Save money buying bulk, yes, minus the cost of sealer bags, true, but when used together with a chest freezer ... saving a few trips to town more than makes up the difference.

[HI_Someday]

Another thing I've done with mine that would be of interest to you, given recent events, is to make ice packs. I buy a continuous roll in 2 sizes/widths (that way you can make a bag any length you want). Sealer has a built in cutter so I pull out the length I need, cut it off then seal one end and add water. Place sealer near counter top edge so bag with water is hanging down, squeeze most of the air out and seal the open end. When you lay the pouch flat in the freezer it will make a reusable ice pack. Repeat as needed.

[Wao nahele wahine]

Thank you all for the suggestions and comments. It's much appreciated.

Wahine

[Lin W]

Space Bags are good for large items such as paper goods, photo albums, bedding, etc. They are just heavy duty plastic zip-lock type bags with valve to remove air with vacuum cleaner hose. I've seen them at Cost-U-Less and Walmart. I've had good luck with them.





I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.

[JG-HPP]

Just saying...I'm really disappointed in the Food Saver I got from Cost Co. If I buy in bulk, it will only seal a few packages before needing to cool down. So it's seal a few, wander around awhile, seal a couple more, wander some more. Every few bags, it just doesn't vacuum, but seals with the air still in. That's a big waste of expensive bag rolls. Still, it beats just ziplocks.

[Wao nahele wahine]

I ordered a vacuum sealer today from Amazon....will post how it works once I get it. HI_Someday...the one you recommended wasn't currently available from Amazon. Lin, I guess I should have clarified that I was looking for recommendations for vacuum sealers for food. I do have quite a few space bags, though. JG-HPP, sorry to hear about your Food Saver experience.

Wahine

[VancouverIslander]

I've been quite happy with the sealer I got from costco. I've sealed up 10 sockeye salmon quite nicely without it needing to cool down nor have I had any problem with it creating a good vacuum.