A vacuum sealer is an important tool in the arsenal of any skilled chef – bbq, backyard, and even professional. They come in incredibly handy. With proper usage, a vacuum sealer will pay for itself within its first year.
Here are some of my favorite uses:
FoodSaver V2244 Review
When I originally set out to acquire a vacuum sealer, I aimed high and planned to purchase a higher end Foodsaver. Thankfully a friend stepped in and loaned me his higher end unit. Aside from having more buttons, it also had features like a bag roll storage compartment and a bag cutter. After a 2 weeks of using it, I realized all of these whizbang features pretty much sucked. I didn’t want to leave the unit on my countertop ALL the time, so the bag storage/cutting features were useless (actually more of an inconvenience for actually storing the unit)
I decided simpler is better and purchased the FoodSaver V2244. It has everything I need. Manual mode works best so you can control the vacuum level if needed (when sealing liquidy foods).
I’ve had my V2244 for 4 years now, according to Amazon. It still works great. I purchased it with 3 rolls of bag material as well as some assorted bags. I’ve since bought replacement rolls from ebay (they work just as well).
I also purchased a Foodsaver Quick Marinator. I really like this contraption as well. You put your meats in it along with the marinade. The lid seals and has a valve that you hook up to the V2244 (the hose comes with the V2244). Vacuuming the air from the container allows the marinate to go deeper into the meat without waiting hours and hours. Perfect for the procrastinator like me!
Thanks for posting this. Been thinking about one but didn’t even think about the uses I could use with BBQ. Just thought on how much food we throw out in general. Great tips on how you use it with your BBQ. I’m like 90% there on buying one. Seen them on tv a bunch the time.
My wife and I purchased a foodsaver as a present to ourselves for Christmas. It wasn’t the 2244, but it wasn’t a high-end unit either. We got it on sale, so we didn’t pay much more than you did for the 2244.
After using it only 1 week, I can agree that most of the extra features, including bag storage, isn’t needed. In fact, I would say the bag storage/cutter might be a hindrance, especially if you use different size rolls, because you feel as if you need to use it, even though you don’t.
So, yeah, save the money. I’d just make sure that the model I bought had an accessory port, because of the quick martinet, as you mention, but also for the mason jar attachment. I store rubs and sauces in mason jars, and I hope to purchase the mason jar attachment soon so I can vacuum seal those.
Troy – thanks for the review. I completely agree that this is one tool that a griller should have on hand. Some of my uses include: Dividing big pulled pork cooks into portions and then sealing and freezing them. Just drop the frozen vacuum bag in boiling water to bring it back to temp and you have delicious, hot pulled pork! I also use it to seal vanilla beans to keep them fresh, cut up salmon fillets, roasted green chile, slab bacon, spices, roasted coffee beans, etc. This is one piece of equipment that is very versatile and will save you money!
I posted a thread where they are selling it for $60, not sure for how long.