Need vacuum sealer recommendations

[Ka Honu]

My (very old) FoodSaver died tonight but luckily a guy down the street has one and loaned it to me for the evening.  I can't borrow his indefinitely so I guess I better get a new one.  Any recommendations on makes and models with which you are familiar will be appreciated.  I'm not tied to the FoodSaver brand so if you really like something else, please let me know.

Thanks.

[fpnmf]

Lisa B at vacum sealers ltd is a great vendor.

In  many folks opinion her bags and sealers are superior to all others.

The prices are much cheaper than FS too.

She has outstanding customer service.

I havent told her I was here yet but will today and she will join and intro.

Here's a blurb from another site that has this months discount code and URL.

I have a cheap sealer and her bags work much better than FS.

    Craig


Our June discount code recently expired, and I want to give the new discount code. This code is valid through August 31, 2012.
 
Save 10% off all of your FoodSaver supplies and our VacMaster vacuum sealing residential equipment.
 
Just enter SM812 at checkout and the discount will automatically be applied.
 
We also carry chamber vacuum machines and supplies for the professional smoker!
 
Take care, and thanks for your business!
 
Lisa
Vacuum Sealers Unlimited
Vacuumsealersunlimited.com

[muebe]

 

http://www.amazon.com/Weston-65-0201-Pro-2300-Vacuum-Sealer/dp/B001GP81R2/ref=sr_1_1?s=appliances&ie=UTF8&qid=1342699320&sr=1-1&keywords=weston+vacuum+sealer

[mikecorn.1]

This is the one I have. Works good. I use it with Rival brand bags from Walmart. They are nice and thick.



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[teesquare]

Tortuga:

I have used most of the FoodSavers - and the one that has lasted the longest for me ( still use it -virtually daily) is an OLD one that holds a roll of film, and has a cutter blade - and that is it. I have had it for 10-11 years.
Have several friends using the GameSaver by FoodSaver. It can run on 12vdc and 120vac and I am told it has a more heavy duty pump.

The Cabela's CG-15, which is a version of the Weston 2300 is the Cadillac. I love it. It will suck the air out of a bag so well that it will collapse and crush a beer can in the bag! And - it will take 15'' wide bags - so if you want to pack a whole brisket, or large boston butt, etc...

The Weston/Cabela's is all stainless,  and all the parts are readily available from several on-line vendors. BUT...it is approx. $450.

[ACW3]

I have the Cabelas CG-15 and love it.  Cabelas has a sale on them periodically.  I happened to hit a sale and free shipping.  Delivered for less than $400.  I have had mine about two years.  No problems.  It is essentially a commercial-grade vacuum sealer.  I believe the extra money spent was an investment.  This thing will be around for a long time.

Art

[squirtthecat]

Weston has the 2300 refurbished for around 330 bucks..   Check their website.

After burning up 3 FoodSavers, it would be a wash to buy one of those instead.

[TwoPockets]

I bought a FoodSaver Gamesaver Pro last year and while bagging up 30lbs of smoked sausage yesterday it quit vacuuming, it would still seal but not suck the air out. I got my old original FoodSaver out and it worked OK. I don't know if the new one just got overheated or if it has a problem.

I had a problem with my old FoodSaver not getting all the air out and fixed it by taking out that foam oval and getting some grit off the bottom, if yours is running but just not getting all the air out, try that.

[Ka Honu]

It's running and not getting any of the air out.  I'll strip the seals and see if I can clean it up but I think they're shot and don't think you can buy replacements.  Thanks.

[teesquare]

E-bay  Turtle...I have seen them there. As well - there are on - line parts merchants.

T

[muebe]

When my foodsaver dies I will step up to a Weston

[Pappymn]

I am never the brightest guy in the room, and I have never used a vacuum sealer. Do they really make that much difference? I wrap everything in saran wrap a couple of times, and then into a zip top bag. Am I missing something?

Go easy on me, I have a wife and kids.

[Ka Honu]

The Weston looks pretty cool but not sure I can justify the cost.  I'm not so old that I refuse to buy anything with a five-year warranty but if I have to replace a $100 FoodSaver every 8-10 years, I'll be in my 90s by the time the Weston amortized itself.

[teesquare]

I am never the brightest guy in the room, and I have never used a vacuum sealer. Do they really make that much difference? I wrap everything in saran wrap a couple of times, and then into a zip top bag. Am I missing something?

Go easy on me, I have a wife and kids.

When you remove the ability for oxygen to get to the item - you stall the degrading effect of "oxidation".  So, yes - I believe you will find that the lifespan of vacuum sealed frozen goods can be 5 times greater than non vacuumed.
But - here is another secret: Your freezer is part of the problem - if you are using a self-defrosting freezer. The better type for longest storage is a commercial type. Which simply means that it is not an auto defrosting unit.
In the auto defrost mode - the freezer must warm up to (usually) the lower 40'sF - long enough for most of the ice to melt, and drip down to the pan below your freezer. During this warming period - everything in the freezer is also beginning to defrost on the edges. So - when it re-freezes, you get the little ice crystals forming on your food that we all call - freezer burn....

[teesquare]

The Weston looks pretty cool but not sure I can justify the cost.  I'm not so old that I refuse to buy anything with a five-year warranty but if I have to replace a $100 FoodSaver every 8-10 years, I'll be in my 90s by the time the Weston amortized itself.

Summon your inner semite Turtle......

I got my Cabelas CG-15 for $125 on Craig's List.

Go to:   www.searchtempest.com    This is a dedicated search engine for Craigs List. It allows you to type in your zip code, search criteria, and milage radius to search ( hint: put "all" in the radius to search the entire U.S. )