Vacuum Sealer

[dlatin]

I'm thinking about getting a vacuum sealer to keep extra food I smoke. I figured it would keep extra pulled pork, brisket, etc. Does anyone have any experience with these?

I'm not hoping to spend a lot but am willing if this is the only way to get one worth getting?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[WithoutAClue]

The Reynolds Handi-Vac is a "cheap" solution if you don't plan to use
it very often. Uses special 1 quart & gallon zip bags instead of the roll
of plastic the bigger systems use.

The starter kit can be found for about $10 and bags will run you $3-5
per package depending on size. HEB, Randalls & Wally World carry them.

 

[cbs]

I have a food saver that I really like. One of the big advantages of the foodsaver is the ability to take the bag and throw it in boiling water to heat it up. Food tasts almost as good as the first go round. I'm not sure if the other brand mentioned has that ability.

The foodsaver does allow you to buy pre-sized gallon and quart bags, but the roll of bags is cheaper and obviously more flexible.

Whatever brand you get, you'll be glad you have it.

 

[Seattle Husker]

I've got the foodsaver brand and couldn't be happier. It allows me to buy the big packs of meat at Costco. I break them down into dinner sized packages and vacuum seal those babies. They last at least 6 months all sealed up.

 

[NickDanger]

Another thing you can do with the sealer is freze a big chunk of ice in a tupperware and then take it out and seal it up. Mine have lasted at least 7 years and they work great in the ice chest without getting food wet with melted ice. They naturally refreeze to the size of a cooler bottom if you have room to let them lay flat in the freezer.

 

[dlatin]

Yes, these are all reasons I wanted to get one of these, except I hadn't thought of the Ice Idea - GENIUS!

Back to my originall questions, what brand/model would you recommend, I've seen several for Food Saver, but I'm guessing there are many models of this.

Thanks in advance

-D

 

[NickDanger]

I'm pretty sure I have the Foodsaver brand, but wouln'd know about comparisons anyway since I only have the one. I would guess they would all be similar.

 

[brntorng]

By far the most popular consumer brand is Foodsaver, made by Tilia, and for good reason. Their vacuum sealers are sturdy, work well, and seem to last forever. I suspect the guts of most of the models are the same with the difference between models being cosmetic, small features, and included accessories. We found a nice unit at Tuesday Morning for a great price and use it all the time. Works great for freezing fresh roasted coffee beans so they don't go stale. Costco also carries a top end unit for a good price and appears to offer the best price on rolls of bags.

 

[cbs]

In addition to ice bags, which Nick mentioned (btw, where have you been?), I use them as a pseudo chafing dish. Put some water in a bag or two, seal it, and then put the bags in a pot of boiling water. When the bags of water start boiling, you can put them in an ice chest with whatever food you need to keep hot. A couple of towels on top, and the food stays warm for a long time.

 

[GHoward]

How do the bags handle the microwave?

 

[NickDanger]

They do fine in the microwave and explode nicely if you don't vent them.

cbs - I was sick

 

[BigWill]

**** dude..you OK?

 

[flaco]

I will buy the big blocks of cheese, cut off a quarter of it to use and vacuum seal the rest. It seems to last forever.

Where are the cheapest deals on the bags?

 

[brntorng]

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