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Vacuum sealing

Brett_Whistler_218044

I know this has been covered in the discussions and you have an entire article regarding this. I think my question is a little different than what I've seen in the discussions or read in your article.

I know I don't 'need' a vacuum sealer to get started...but would YOU have one in your sous vide kitchen? I am ready to order a Vacmaster VP-215 chamber sealer, but won't if you tell me it's a total waste of money. Is there anything you prefer cooking in a vacuum sealed pouch...or that really needs to be?

I have 2 Joules coming...and want my system perfect!

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Comments

tshewman

Yes and Do. I have the VP 112 and have heard great things about the 215. If you can swing it, pull the trigger. If you can afford two, send one to me. ;-) The only caveat is you must share your results. :-) Enjoy!

lfmichaud

I have the VP215 and I have worked with the VP112 and if you have the space and the money it's clearly the best buy.

HammeredChef_DEFINITELY_does_NOT_work_at_22134

I'm with Todd and Louis, I also have a VP112 and use it almost daily. NO, you don't have to have a chamber vac to cook SV HOWEVER, its ability to degas something (be Careful), compress and store are just a few advantages.. One big advantage I found was the ability to "glue something up" (TG) vacuum and cook immediately with out having to wait for it to set.

Rob

Matthew_Snyder_68770

I'll just echo what everyone else has said re utility. I cook sous vide almost every time I'm in the kitchen now, and I don't have a chamber vac myself - perhaps ChefSteps will consider exploring the world of home sealers if Joule is successful. But if I came into the $$ and a space to set it up I consider it a priority purchase. I just, sadly, have other priorities at the moment. Hrmpf.

Eric_So_267001

I have a VP-215 chamber sealer, I believe the newer models from Ary VacMaster are based on pressure rather than time, so it might be a good idea to look into those.

Anyways, a chamber vacuum sealer is a powerful piece of kit. Not only for SV cooking or with the Joules, but also for general food store, prep, and other fun things that can be done with a good vacuum. The only thing with the VP-215 is to make sure you keep an eye on the oil and change it as necessary.

However, you also should know you don't need one. The water displacement method works well enough for SV cooking.

Also, you haven't already, the next thing to look at would be containers. What are you going to be cooking in?

Kelvie_Wong_181775

Has anyone heard anything about the VacMaster Duo550? It appears to be a new product, and seems to be more practical (price and looks-wise) in an amateur kitchen such as ours, but it's hard to find any reputable reviews of it.

Brandon_Byrd_40557

You absolutely don't need a chamber vacuum sealer. You don't even really need an edge sealer. But if you have the money and space, you should absolutely get a chamber vacuum sealer. I have a VP-112, and have been delighted. If I had the money and space for one of the nicer ones, I would have gotten one. You won't regret having one, provided that it's in an accessible space and that you don't have to go into debt or something to purchase it. Just get one.... any one... and you'll be happy.

As a home user, the cheaper Vacmaster is perfect. I would have gotten one with the oil pump, but didn't have the overhead space to fit it into my kitchen so I got the less expensive model with a piston pump that doesn't require as much space for the lid to open. It's still perfect for my needs. Unless you have a restaurant or catering operation (or are made of money) I don't see why you need a model that costs more than $1000. If you're ready to buy the VP-215, just freaking do it. Enjoy all the quick pickles and booze-infused watermelon you can stomach while you wait for your Joules to ship. You won't be disappointed.

tshewman

Vacmaster itself has a good reputation, so I wouldn't be reluctant about it's operation abilities. My personal concern with the Duo is it appears the limited chamber size pouch (12X10). I use larger than thaht on the VP112. That doesn't make it a better unit, but it is something you may want to consider.

ejf12009

I'll jump on the bandwagon. I got a VP112 super cheap from the Walmart pricing deal (mistake?) a few years back, and much to my surprise I now use it almost every time I cook. Common uses are sealing for sous vide, storing leftovers compactly, quick pickles, compressing fruits, degassing...

Before I got the sealer I thought it'd be something of a toy purchase and not worth the money at regular list price. Now it's so much a part of my cooking that if this one goes I'd buy another at full sticker price the same day. Or maybe a VP215, I hear the oil pump maintenance is really no big deal!

Brett_Whistler_218044

I'm getting the point! 👍🏻 Seems the VP215 is highly endorsed and recommended.

Any comments from the CS moderators?

I think I'll be ordering today

Brett_Whistler_218044

@Brandon Byrd...the VP215 isn't $1,000. It's $899 with free shipping. And Vacmaster has regular sales. I'm getting mine for $755 including shipping

Brandon_Byrd_40557

I didn't mean to imply that the VP215 cost more than $1000. I was thinking of the higher-end Minipack and Henkelman machines.

Brett_Whistler_218044

@Eric So...The compact size of the Joule leads me to believe I can use a large stock pot for now. I will probably invest in a cambro and lid in the future. I'd rather have an insulated and covered/sealed container if possible.

Brett_Whistler_218044

Any suggestions on bags? Size? Thickness?

Jack_Mayer_85396

Brett, that sounds like a really nice price. I have the VP-215 and am very, very pleased with it! I find I use it far more than I expected to.

Eric_So_267001

Sorry, I've been a bit busy. However Ary usually has a sale on bags once a year. Stock up on the largest bags that fit (I forget the size off the top of my head) and the smaller ones. I find I rarely use the medium sized bags.

3mil is fine so far. I haven't run into any issues, even with bone.

Brett_Whistler_218044

VacMaster has the VP215 on sale for 30% off for the next 2 day (4/5-4/6)

Brett_Whistler_218044

Thanks Eric