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Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: feeshrman on November 01, 2015, 10:45:43 AM

Title: Food saver
Post by: feeshrman on November 01, 2015, 10:45:43 AM
I'm looking to purchase one of those vacuum type bag sealers. I'm seeing a wide variety of models and pricing. From $120-$450. Anyone with experience or suggestions? Any particular models to stay away from?
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: jcnaz on November 01, 2015, 11:25:01 AM
I'm looking to purchase one of those vacuum type bag sealers. I'm seeing a wide variety of models and pricing. From $120-$450. Anyone with experience or suggestions? Any particular models to stay away from?
I don't have one, but there is some discussion here:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=13389.0

And. @Troy 's review here:
http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2014/12/28/best-vacuum-sealer-for-bbq-foodsaver-v2244-review/

Let us know what you get, I still need to buy one too.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Troy on November 01, 2015, 02:50:57 PM
My V2244 is still running strong. Used it twice today actually!!
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: pbe gummi bear on November 01, 2015, 03:09:15 PM
I used my V2244 3x today and it was struggling pulling a good vacuum. I had 3lbs of bacon in a gallon bag and it had trouble sucking the air out. I had to cycle the vacuum a few times to get it to clear out and even then the vac was weaker than normal. This has never happened before; later on I checked the seal and some debris was keeping it from making a good seal. I'll have to keep tabs on it periodically and keep the seal clean. I reseated the vacuum seal on the unit and everything seems to be working just fine now. With that said, I like the simplicity and compactness of the entry level models. I assume that the quality would be similar between this one and a sub 200 dollar model.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: jfbincypress on November 01, 2015, 04:41:27 PM
I picked up a V3460 for $60 on Craigslist...with $50 in bags thrown it. I had an older model, but love this newer one more.


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Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Troy on November 01, 2015, 04:52:05 PM
I used my V2244 3x today and it was struggling pulling a good vacuum. I had 3lbs of bacon in a gallon bag and it had trouble sucking the air out. I had to cycle the vacuum a few times to get it to clear out and even then the vac was weaker than normal. This has never happened before; later on I checked the seal and some debris was keeping it from making a good seal. I'll have to keep tabs on it periodically and keep the seal clean. I reseated the vacuum seal on the unit and everything seems to be working just fine now. With that said, I like the simplicity and compactness of the entry level models. I assume that the quality would be similar between this one and a sub 200 dollar model.

is the foam seal getting loose at all?
I did replace mine earlier this year when my unit was not vacuuming well. I think it was like 6  bucks.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: mirkwood on November 01, 2015, 07:09:14 PM
I scored a V3825 for like 10 bucks at Goodwill a couple of months ago, it just needed a
small bit of cleaning and it works great and am really happy with it so far.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: pbe gummi bear on November 01, 2015, 07:43:08 PM
I used my V2244 3x today and it was struggling pulling a good vacuum. I had 3lbs of bacon in a gallon bag and it had trouble sucking the air out. I had to cycle the vacuum a few times to get it to clear out and even then the vac was weaker than normal. This has never happened before; later on I checked the seal and some debris was keeping it from making a good seal. I'll have to keep tabs on it periodically and keep the seal clean. I reseated the vacuum seal on the unit and everything seems to be working just fine now. With that said, I like the simplicity and compactness of the entry level models. I assume that the quality would be similar between this one and a sub 200 dollar model.

is the foam seal getting loose at all?
I did replace mine earlier this year when my unit was not vacuuming well. I think it was like 6  bucks.

Possibly. I brushed the debris off the foam seal and now it pulls vacuum just fine. I may also start storing unlatched to keep from compressing the foam.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: austin87 on November 02, 2015, 03:39:47 PM
I just bought this and like it so far http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U738ZE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

I got mine on an Open Box/Amazon warehouse deal and saved $30 or so on a unit that someone purchased and then decided to return without using.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: brewtownbeatdown on November 05, 2015, 08:59:10 AM
I've used FoodSaver machines for the last 20years.  Just bought my third machine a year ago. I usually buy the mid-level ($100-$150) units, because I don't "buy into" all the new accessories they come up with. Just need a bag sucker/sealer & hose attachment.  You might think you'll never recoup the initial investment, but anyone who cooks as much as all of us, will be ahead within a year. Dang thing saves me a ton, since nothing gets freezer burned & tossed.  When I make chili, it's always about 5gals a batch. I'll bag the leftovers after a few days & freeze (can boil the bags).  Gotta manually seal right before chili hits seal strip area.


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Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on November 05, 2015, 09:38:49 AM
Now you guys have me checking out foodsavers!  And I could use one right now since I have pulled pork and brisket in the fridge that needs to be frozen within a day or two if I can't finish it up.

Amazon has a really nice one right now for $119 for Prime members.  I might have to pull the trigger on this deal.
http://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-Sealing-Retractable-Handheld-Heat-Seal/dp/B00DI342IW/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1446748467&sr=1-1&keywords=food+saver&refinements=p_89%3AFoodSaver (http://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-Sealing-Retractable-Handheld-Heat-Seal/dp/B00DI342IW/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1446748467&sr=1-1&keywords=food+saver&refinements=p_89%3AFoodSaver)
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Tommy B on November 05, 2015, 12:06:10 PM
I am on the fence about buying a food saver. Lets say you seal pulled pork into individual portion bags to pull out for dinner. How do you typically reheat your leftovers? Do you need to pull the meat out and put in fridge in advance to thaw or do you typically throw the bag in boiling water until it feels hot and serve? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on November 05, 2015, 12:10:00 PM
I am on the fence about buying a food saver. Lets say you seal pulled pork into individual portion bags to pull out for dinner. How do you typically reheat your leftovers? Do you need to pull the meat out and put in fridge in advance to thaw or do you typically throw the bag in boiling water until it feels hot and serve? Thanks in advance.

I'm hoping you can just pull out and put in some simmering water!  If anyone can comment on this, as well as if you can throw a frozen bag in a crock pot to reheat that would be great!  Otherwise I'll have to do some trial and error reporting in a few days once mine arrives.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on November 05, 2015, 12:13:21 PM
Did a quick google search and this was the first result:
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141614 (http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141614)
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Troy on November 05, 2015, 12:51:50 PM
i freeze pulled pork and ribs all the time

to reheat, pull sealed meat from freezer and put in a stockpot of hot water over low heat

it works great and tastes just as good as when it came off the smoker
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Jon on November 05, 2015, 03:57:42 PM
Now you guys have me checking out foodsavers!  And I could use one right now since I have pulled pork and brisket in the fridge that needs to be frozen within a day or two if I can't finish it up.

Amazon has a really nice one right now for $119 for Prime members.  I might have to pull the trigger on this deal.
http://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-Sealing-Retractable-Handheld-Heat-Seal/dp/B00DI342IW/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1446748467&sr=1-1&keywords=food+saver&refinements=p_89%3AFoodSaver (http://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-Sealing-Retractable-Handheld-Heat-Seal/dp/B00DI342IW/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1446748467&sr=1-1&keywords=food+saver&refinements=p_89%3AFoodSaver)

Good job spotting that! I just bought it.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on November 05, 2015, 03:59:42 PM
@jon - nice!  I can't wait to have a bunch of the smoked meats I usually give away to friends and neighbors just sitting in my freezer for an easy reheat in simmering water lunch! (I work from home)


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Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Jon on November 05, 2015, 09:22:43 PM
Not just that, with a vacuum sealer it is more practical to get stuff like the Costco/Sams whole cuts. I've avoided those previously, even though they were quality meat at a great price, I knew that some would be wasted or frozen improperly. With one of these things I'll buy them.

I've wanted one of these for years, and put it off for varying reasons (money, wife, counter space...etc.). This time I just said "screw it, I want it." I find myself saying that more and more as I grow older.

And this is a good deal. At the list price, I would probably want the thing to have at least one more "vacuum attachment." Well, we are saved from that requirement.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: pbe gummi bear on November 05, 2015, 11:50:22 PM

I've wanted one of these for years, and put it off for varying reasons (money, wife, counter space...etc.). This time I just said "screw it, I want it." I find myself saying that more and more as I grow older.


Same here. The food saver pays for itself in short order.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: brewtownbeatdown on November 06, 2015, 04:28:00 AM

Now you guys have me checking out foodsavers!  And I could use one right now since I have pulled pork and brisket in the fridge that needs to be frozen within a day or two if I can't finish it up.

Amazon has a really nice one right now for $119 for Prime members.  I might have to pull the trigger on this deal.
http://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-Sealing-Retractable-Handheld-Heat-Seal/dp/B00DI342IW/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1446748467&sr=1-1&keywords=food+saver&refinements=p_89%3AFoodSaver (http://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-Sealing-Retractable-Handheld-Heat-Seal/dp/B00DI342IW/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1446748467&sr=1-1&keywords=food+saver&refinements=p_89%3AFoodSaver)

This should help you pull the trigger. It can seal BACON my friend. That's right, you could buy your miracle cure in bulk now. You can even use the dang thing when marinating turkey burgers in BACON.


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Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on November 06, 2015, 05:28:18 AM
This should help you pull the trigger. It can seal BACON my friend. That's right, you could buy your miracle cure in bulk now. You can even use the dang thing when marinating turkey burgers in BACON.

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LOL!  I pulled the trigger yesterday before I was overcome with thoughts of bacon on facebook.  I think the food saver on my mind for a few days was blocking my normal thoughts of bacon and they all came spewing back out after I had ordered the foodsaver!
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: brewtownbeatdown on November 06, 2015, 07:36:59 AM
BTW, you're not a true FoodSaver owner until you've poofed up a few marshmallows with it. Use fresh marshmallows for best effect.


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Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on November 06, 2015, 08:58:49 AM
@brewtownbeatdown -  Just googled it and saw a video.  Going have to see if I can find some Peeps this time of year to play around with!
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: brewtownbeatdown on November 06, 2015, 09:32:45 AM

@brewtownbeatdown -  Just googled it and saw a video.  Going have to see if I can find some Peeps this time of year to play around with!
I've never had much luck with Peeps. Maybe they weren't fresh enough, or it's a denser marshmallow.  Christmas tree Peeps would look awful sweet all poofed up.


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Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on November 06, 2015, 12:30:50 PM
My saver arrived about 30 minutes ago.  So far so good!  I have some pulled pork and some brisket vacuum packed and in the freezer that probably would have been throw out or given to a neighor in another few days.  Can't wait to reheat something I've bagged and frozen!
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Uncle Al on November 06, 2015, 05:50:10 PM
Costco has the 4980 on sale for $119.99. http://www.costco.com/FoodSaver%c2%ae-4980-Automatic-Vacuum-Sealing-System.product.100219510.html (http://www.costco.com/FoodSaver%c2%ae-4980-Automatic-Vacuum-Sealing-System.product.100219510.html)  I saw them yesterday on sale in the store too.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MrHoss on November 07, 2015, 05:08:57 PM
Got one of these almost 2 years ago from Costco. May not be restaurant grade but damn good for what it is.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Jon on November 07, 2015, 10:17:44 PM
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2015/11/07/imaged4171.jpg)
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on November 10, 2015, 08:15:49 AM
No complaints so far. 

3 bags of pork ribs (a rack and a half) and half of a brisket.   
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/10/398078ae79fbb60b69e4dfc1c128ab06.jpg)


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Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: mcgolden on November 10, 2015, 01:52:57 PM
I love my FoodSaver.  When you're doing a 10 to 14 hour low and slow, you don't want to just do 1 butt.  You gotta have leftovers.  I portion them out, pack them in FoodSaver bags and freeze.  After a few months, the pulled pork still tastes great.  Beyond that, I don't know since pulled pork doesn't last longer than that in my house.

Also, if you want to do cold smoked cheese, which I strongly recommend, the FoodSaver is a must.  You need to seal the cheese for 2-3 weeks before eating or it'll taste like an ash tray.  But after a few weeks, you'll have something amazing.  And with the FoodSaver bags the cheese can last a few months refrigerated, or longer if frozen.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on November 10, 2015, 02:17:56 PM
Also, if you want to do cold smoked cheese, which I strongly recommend, the FoodSaver is a must.  You need to seal the cheese for 2-3 weeks before eating or it'll taste like an ash tray.  But after a few weeks, you'll have something amazing.  And with the FoodSaver bags the cheese can last a few months refrigerated, or longer if frozen.

Glad to get this info...I know you are supposed to seal it up and let it sit to let the smoke move throughout the cheese, but didn't know it tastes bad until that process is done!
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: mcgolden on November 10, 2015, 07:31:38 PM
Also, if you want to do cold smoked cheese, which I strongly recommend, the FoodSaver is a must.  You need to seal the cheese for 2-3 weeks before eating or it'll taste like an ash tray.  But after a few weeks, you'll have something amazing.  And with the FoodSaver bags the cheese can last a few months refrigerated, or longer if frozen.

Glad to get this info...I know you are supposed to seal it up and let it sit to let the smoke move throughout the cheese, but didn't know it tastes bad until that process is done!
Oh my God it's horrible! [emoji37]

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Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: austin87 on November 10, 2015, 07:56:16 PM
I can verify the above claims are true. Even my cold smoked bacon tasted like an ash tray until it hung out in a bag for a week or two.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Tommy B on November 20, 2015, 10:26:28 AM
I just found a foodsaver V3425 at an estate sale for $15. I pulled the trigger. It lit up when plugged in and the motor seemed to run. Hopefully it is all in working order.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Hell Fire Grill on January 09, 2016, 06:12:49 AM
I used my V2244 3x today and it was struggling pulling a good vacuum. I had 3lbs of bacon in a gallon bag and it had trouble sucking the air out. I had to cycle the vacuum a few times to get it to clear out and even then the vac was weaker than normal. This has never happened before; later on I checked the seal and some debris was keeping it from making a good seal. I'll have to keep tabs on it periodically and keep the seal clean. I reseated the vacuum seal on the unit and everything seems to be working just fine now. With that said, I like the simplicity and compactness of the entry level models. I assume that the quality would be similar between this one and a sub 200 dollar model.

is the foam seal getting loose at all?
I did replace mine earlier this year when my unit was not vacuuming well. I think it was like 6  bucks.

Possibly. I brushed the debris off the foam seal and now it pulls vacuum just fine. I may also start storing unlatched to keep from compressing the foam.

@Troy
@pbe gummi bear

Moisten the seal with a damp towel or it can be soaked in water for a few minutes before use and it'll suck like prostitute in a pulpit.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Tommy B on February 08, 2016, 10:56:36 AM
rando question: where do yall buy replacement bags?
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on February 08, 2016, 11:01:27 AM
rando question: where do yall buy replacement bags?

I buy them from Amazon.  Not sure if they are the cheapest place, but its easy!
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: stubblebum on February 09, 2016, 05:02:30 AM
I have not bought any vacuum bags from here but have read good reviews and will buy from them next time I need any.

http://shop.vacuumsealersunlimited.com/ULTRA-Bags-Rolls-for-FoodSaver-VacMaster-Weston-etc_c278.htm

If you do a search you can probably find a code for 10 percent off. I would add a link but it is a thread on another forum and I am not sure about the rules regarding this.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Easy on March 10, 2017, 09:20:51 AM
If you write info on vacation bags, it surprises you when you pull out some pulled pork you did 6/7 months ago and after heating in boiling water and you open and that fresh smoke smell hits you. Enough said.


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Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: MINIgrillin on March 10, 2017, 05:24:20 PM
rando question: where do yall buy replacement bags?

Sams club.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Shoestringshop on March 11, 2017, 04:47:18 AM
rando question: where do yall buy replacement bags?

Ebay
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: oldsmoker on March 11, 2017, 11:21:52 AM
Food vac bags .  only place to buy bags and rolls.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Jammato on March 19, 2017, 02:17:09 PM
I use just the basic style food saver, not one of the fancy models. I works great cost is minimal and I buy the bags in rolls not individual bags, that is a lot cheaper. I also get my bags off Amazon using non name brand which are really cheap and work just as well. I find the food saver line of bags are very costly. I use it all the time as I buy a lot of meat in bulk. Was at Costco the other day and they had those long pork loins on sale so I bought 5, cut them all up into 6 pieces and started up the food saver.

another think I like to do is mix meats with spices and marinades and then seal them. pop them in the frog for a day till the stuff soaks in and then freeze them for future use. I do not know if the day in the frig helps but I figure if I give it time to penetrate before freezing it has to help. But then I do not know if that is scientifically accurate.

Now my brother has one of those food savers that they sell on tv with all the bells and whistles, I have never known him to do anything but use the bags or the storage boxes, and I can do that with my bottom of the line model.
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Joetee on April 18, 2017, 11:54:41 AM
I'm looking to purchase one of those vacuum type bag sealers. I'm seeing a wide variety of models and pricing. From $120-$450. Anyone with experience or suggestions? Any particular models to stay away from?
I would suggest getting one with the mason jar attachment. You might use the jars more than the bags for veggies etc.

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Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Jammato on April 18, 2017, 05:29:15 PM
I believe they all come with the air hose now
but I could be wrong
Title: Re: Food saver
Post by: Joetee on April 19, 2017, 06:09:49 AM
The bags run about $1.00 a foot. I use them very little. But since I've seen the mason jar attachment work, I'm convinced it's the way to go except when your marinating meat.

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