Food Saver 101

You don't have the wide-mouth jar sealer? The regular-mouth has to be ordered separate and mine doesn't fit. The wide-mouth is a godsend for jelly and such.

Which model did you get, Donna? The Vac 500? 550? 1050?

Mine's pretty old...Compact II.

Thou Joe Person: What ARE ya'll talking about? Can I see one of these doohikies? Web site? Sounds cool. Thanks. Acarriii

Here's the link
Food Saver Website. I haven't had time to look at it.

I got my FS at Wal-Mart and it cost about $100. I have a feeling I got the plain jane model. Well, I'll just wear it out and get a fancy one!

Donna

Donna,

Yours is fine. I have the same "version" spent about that price at Sam's but I've had mine for 2 years (and it might have died recently).

The "fancy" ones, according to most, don't do a better job, unless you're talking the restaurant versions. If you look at the pump size, they're pretty close.

I haven't found a good source for cheap bags, you'll spend most of your $$$$ on those. I by the rolls so I can do the size I want. I do cooked ribs and they work perfect.

Here's a recommendation:

I take brisket or pulled pork and put them in "serving" sizes then freeze. Take them out of the freezer as needed. I add a little juice to the pork, let it sit, then seal it. To rehead the pork, just do what they say and drop it into boiling water, comes out like the original. Nope, dont boil the brisket.

"Also as long as I got ya; Why is salt used in rubs for briskets when
salt is a dehydrator and dryness is a major complaint of brisket?"

Damn good question, Lamar! I use no salt on any meat until served and then the choice is up to the eater. The exception is brined things.

Donna,the nice thing about the 1050 and the Pro II models is that they have a progression of indicator lights that show a successful seal......They also have a manual override on them, if you need to control when or how much......The lights especially help on the jars and canisters.....The chain department stores in FL have been running the 1050 kits in their current sales.....One word about the walmart FS is that they may not have the port for the vac hose,which is necessary to do all other than bags.

Donna,

The cheapest place I have found on the Web is at:
Goodman's FoodSaver Page

Is the Pro II model worth the additional $100 over the 1050? I can't really say as it's the only model I've used. It is easy and convenient. I do like the jar sealing attachment, and the canister that comes with the machine does a really great job keeping cookies fresh.

Hope this helps.

I think the one that Wal-Mart is pushing is the Vac 300, which is the base model. Great for bags, but that's all it does, I believe.

Well, do I ever feel stupid. I have Model 350, which does not allow me to brag and pretend to be one of the big boys. Hmph! Now I have to do some research and spend a bunch of energy justifying how I NEED one of the others. Hmmmmmmmmm ... maybe *Cookshack* needs one to keep at my house ... Stuart? ...

Donna

PS I did what Smokin' mentioned ... portioned the meat for family meals, fs'ed it, and froze it. I brought some brisket back by using the defrost cycle on my microwave (shudder) and it worked great.

And now that I know that I have the same kind that Smokin' has I don't have to feel sorry for myself. After all, if *he* uses it, it *must* be okay. (When do I get paid for remarks like this, Smokin'? )

Donna

Just FYI...

If anyone is looking for a FoodSaver, check this out:

Refurbished FoodSavers

Have any of you used a Minipack FoodVac?

http://www.officezone.com/food-vac.htm

No, never heard of it, but a food saver from an office place?

For that price, go with one we know is good, do a google on sinbo sealers

I got a great Foodsaver for a lot less than the one you're looking at. It holds 11" roles of bags. Has a tube for removing air from canisters and bottles(for saving wine for example). It's great. Take a look:


T000-18004-001 FOODSAVER® V3840

The kit also comes with one role for making bags and an assortment of bags.

I find it very handy.

Best one is the one from Costco for the money. The option for manual sealing is wonderful. If you have a wet product, place a doubled up folded paper towel at the top of the bag. Then hit manuel seal and if any water starts to make it through, stop. It will then seal. Jamey

I've conducted all the research on FS bags. You can look up online coupon codes all over the internet and get 30 percent off the FS website. Also, over 100 dollars, there is free shipping. ALSO, if you order of eight of a single item, there is an additional 30 percent off. Got em down to about 19-21 cents for quart bags and 22-24 cents each for liner foot of 11 inch bags. I also ordered a bunch of the ziploc FS bags with the 7 dollar device. They work great for jerky, but you can't freeze them.

I have had this one for over 2 years, its costs more but does a better job and should last a lifetime. Its so much stronger than my old foodsaver brand. I like the Weston bags much better too.
http://www.amazon.com/Weston-6...Sealer/dp/B001GP81R2

Wow Rich, nice sealer. What made you purchase this one? Did you do a lot of research and then you decided? I have a foodsaver that is still working but on the older side. This may very well be my next purchase when mine dies!

Thanks for the info. Vicki - Oh, I put it on my Wish List, maybe hubby will see it

I did allot of research and read reviews, watched youtube videos etc. The 2 biggest sources of reviews are on Amazon and Cabelas.

Smokin' I know what ya mean about the $$$ of rolls.
I bought a couple rolls (50') of the economy bags from Vacuum Sealers Unlimited. That is the equivalent to 3+ of the FS rolls.
You have to make 2 rolls out of them to fit in the machine. The width is fine and 1/2" wider than the FS.
I have reviews going on a few other forums, along with a discount code for forum users.
I don't know if I'm allowed to post it here, but I'll be happy to pass it along.

The econo rolls 11.5 X 50 are about $14 each with the discount. The premium combo with 2- 8 X 20 and 4- 11.5 X 20 are $27 with discount.

Therefore Econo are $28 for 100 feet @ 11.5 inches vs Premium @ $27 for 120 feet (with 40 feet @ 8 inches and 80 feet @ 11.5 inches).

FedEx is $13.

Well it was a gift from the wife but I use the commercial grade one from Cabela's pricy at $400 but dang it is good.

quote:

Originally posted by Jarhead 1970:
I don't know if I'm allowed to post it here, but I'll be happy to pass it along.

Please let us know. As long as they're not selling smokers, links to good deals for Forum Members is a good thing.

quote:

Originally posted by SmokinOkie:

quote:

Originally posted by Jarhead 1970:
I don't know if I'm allowed to post it here, but I'll be happy to pass it along.

Please let us know. As long as they're not selling smokers, links to good deals for Forum Members is a good thing.

Alright, here y'all go. This is good til the end of May and it's for 10% off before shipping.
Code = SMOKEMAY2012

Alright, here y'all go. This is good til the end of May and it's for 10% off before shipping.
Code = SMOKEMAY2012[/QUOTE]


My discount code was: 10MAY2012

Either one will work.
I received an email requesting that I change it.
I believe it is to keep track of forum member purchases and possibly future specials for members only.

Jarhead/anyone else,
What's your opinion of the economy bags compared with foodsaver bags? I got the premium and they are ok but I like the foodsaver bags better because they are thicker. I'm guessing that between SAMs and Costco the savings is nominal because of the $13 shipping.
Joe M

I have stuff frozen for almost a month and they are holding fine.
I have pulled pork, pulled chicken, sliced ham, bacon, smoked sausage, pulled beef and some dried peppers packed. Not one has failed, unlike FS bags that I have used.
I'm in the process of putting my review on my blog for reference.
I just got the variety bundle of bags, which are premium quality and will get them tested this week. Also got some of those fancy zipper bags for spices, since I buy 1+ pounds at a time.
Heres my Blog (in progress)

Please let me know how the premium compare to the ecomony grade. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Donna:
I bought a Food Saver a couple of days ago and it has come to my attention that perhaps I did not get the one does many tricks. This was a big oversight on my part as I love those tricked out kitchen gadgets.<br /><br />Anyone wanna talk about your Food Saver, what it does, and what you like about it?<br /><br />I already know that Andi blows up marshallows in jars with hers. <br /><br />Donna

I have bought the FoodSaver V3835, and I am very happy with it and use it a lot. Occassionally I use bags, but the most economical way to use it is with jars. Thanks for sharing this information.

COSTCO has a FoodSaver @$30 off now and May 10th to June 3rd $8 off a combo box of bags/rolls ($32 final price)
1 roll 8 inch x 20 ft/4 rolls 11 inch x 16 ft and 36 quart bags.

I buy foodsaver rolls direct from foodsaver. I haven't found a bag that can seal babybacks as well as the foodsaver bags. You can get a discount when buying in quantity.