nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

FoodSaver vac pack machines

gwertheim

Hey all,

I'm looking for a vac pack machine and I'm looking at a FoodSaver. I'm wondering about the quality and if I can use better quality vac pack bags.

What do you think?

Find more posts tagged with

What About Tools?

Comments

fisher23

I've had a Food Saver and a Nesco edge sealer they both worked fine. I had the Food Saver for about 10 years when it quit and then I got the Nesco. I bought the Nesco because it was cheaper, saving for a chamber. I liked them equally, they both have the accessory port and about the same power. They both use any mesh type bags. IMHO vacuum sealer bags are a step up. I now have a chamber vacuum (VP215) and I love, love it. The other thing about a chamber vacuum is the bags a much less expensive. Some like the rolls so they can make bags to the size they like. I prefer pre made because three sides are factory sealed. Just a note, you don't have to seal these bags to use them, the inversion method and clipped to you vessel works fine. Vacuum sealing bags are recommend for all cooks over 158°F, as the seams can come apart on Ziplocs at higher temps.

hairyotter_273859

I know a lot of people who have had FoodSaver machines and they work well year after year. I've had several Foodsaver models. I don't know what happens (user error most likely) but the first few bags would vac and seal perfectly then it would stop vacuuming (or do a partial vacuum) and then just seal. I'd get frustrated and put the thing away. A few days would pass, I'd try again and it would work perfectly. Then next time same problem. I'd buy a new model and again inconsistent performance. I don't think it's the machine, I think it's me or something I'm doing wrong. One day I spent 40 min trying to vac and seal 4 bags. I don't suck liquids into the chamber, the gaskets are in perfect conditions. Maybe it was overheating or who knows what the problem was but it was just very frustrating. Last month I bought the FoodSaver gamesaver outdoorsman. Used it a few times, worked well then the last time I used it the darn thing would get stuck in vac mode and would not seal. It would vacuum but I'd have to hit the seal button to initiate the seal. The seal would be perfect. In the last few years I've spent hundreds of dollars and still not satisfied. So I've taken the plunge and ordered the Vacmaster vp120. It's kind of an entry level chamber vacuum. It should be here tomorrow, I sure hope I don't have problems with it. I've got the touch of death with these machines, I hope the curse is gone.

As far as the FoodSaver GameSaver Outdoorsman, the machine seems very well built. Solid, nice size and easy to use.

fisher23

If you can afford it, a chamber is the way to go. You will be totally surprised how well your VP120 works. I had the exact same issue as you with my edge sealers, I found that it was heat in the sealing bar that caused it not to seal. If I had more that two or three things to seal it happened all the time. I finally learned to let it cool or even ice the sealing bar and that helped a lot. Finally, as you, I just got tired of having to play with it every time so I took the plunge too.

hairyotter_273859

I'm looking in my pantry thinking where the hell am I going to put this thing? Somethin's gonna have to go.

wolfiegirl

Yer gonna need a good amount of space that can hold a good amount of weight. PLUS room enough to open the lid using two hands, one on each side of the lid. Work that out and you'll be very satisfied.

gwertheim

I wish I could get a VP120 but I live in a condo with LIMITED space and I need something that can be moved easily. . .any recommendations??

wolfiegirl

@hairyotter_273859 Saw your comment in the tracking preview but it didn't post in full in the thread. I'm looking forward to see your pantry and I'm sure I won't be underwhelmed!!