Asking for foodsaver recommendations

[richinlbrg]

I know there was a thread on foodsavers some time ago, but I can't find it when I need it. ARGGHHHH

We are looking to give a foodsaver as a gift. We are thinking of the foodsaver 4980.

Thoughts/experiences/recommendations?

The recipients tend to buy meats in bulk and like to freeze. I assume they'll be coking for leftovers, as well.

TIA!

[HorseDoctor]

Stick with something fairly basic. Rarely need or use all the "bells & whistles". The more extra "stuff" you get the more there is to go wrong. I think I remember that some of the more "automatic" ones were a bit of a problem if you want to use something like the dry age steak bags.

[fzxdoc]

richinlbrg , I have a similar-looking model of Foodsaver (4860), and I love it. I store almost all of my freezer goods in it. My older Foodsaver died after over 10 years of frequent use. It was an entry-level one. I like this one much better.

Kathryn

P.S. Here is the topic about Foodsavers:

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/pitmaster-general-discussion/92189-how-do-you-wrap-your-meat-for-the-freezer

[richinlbrg]

fzxdoc , is your Foodsaver (4860) a vacuum sealing system?

[richinlbrg]

Never mind, I found your model! Thank you, Kathryn!

[Powersmoke_80]

@richinlbrg Sams club sale ends Nov.27th

Sam’s Club Shops & Promotions Promotions Home Holiday Prep FoodSaver V4825 Series 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System
FoodSaver V4825 Series 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System

by FoodSaver | Item #: 376761 | Model #: 4825-002 |

(560) |


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[oldsteve]

I bought the model 4980 at Costco when they first went on sale 10-29-15. It replaced a 10-11 year old foodsaver that finally gave up the ghost. I have had limited experience using the new one but one thing is apparent right away, it is much slower at vacuum sealing when using the automatic mode. I use the manual mode instead. One feature I use everyday is the retractable handheld sealer. It works great sealing the special zipper bags they make. Cheese, lunch meat, and other items you use all the time can be opened and resealed very quickly. I'm hoping this model lasts as long as some of my previous foodsavers. I believe this model from Costco has a 5-year warranty.

[oldsteve]

The foodsavers from Costco and Sam's Club are the same machine. They change the model number depending on whose selling it. Both are on sale right now.

[richinlbrg]

OK, a VERY belated thank you!

We got the 4980, gifted it and it went over well.

OK, we actually got two 4980s. #1 thought it looked and sounded like a good idea, so she got one for us, too. We've been so far behind, I just opened ours and used it for the first time today. Got a big tenderloin at Costco, cut it into individual steaks and bagged them in pairs.

Thank you all for your help and guidance!!

Looking forward to it getting a lot of use!

[DWCowles]

Why thank you richinlbrg you are so nice

[richinlbrg]

Smh

[Ninja Q]

Thought I'd throw this into the discussion. I use a Cabelas brand vaccum sealer. I believe it's a commercial or heavy duty model, all stainless steel. It's a double piston pump and works great for us. I fish a lot. During tuna season, I go through at least 100' of 11" wide bag rolls. Bluefin, yellowfin, yellowtail, duck, quail, pheasent, dove, and grocery store buys all work great. I can keep fish about as close to fresh for a year no problem in the freezer. The best price I've found for bag material is through Cabelas. I use this:http://www.cabelas.com/product/cabel...aler+bag+rolls

And the rolls work for foodsaver brand sealers just fine. About $15 for 50'. Best price I've found. When on sale, I pick up about 10 boxes for even cheaper. Just thought I'd throw this experience into the discussion...

[Willy]

Zip Loc brand has come out with bags (rolls) for the vacuum sealers. I just used it for the first time today--so no pluses or minuses to report yet, aside from the fact they seem a bit sturdier than Food Saver brand and were a bit cheaper too.

[Dr ROK]

Found these on amazon and they are 5 ply vs most that I find that are 3 ply.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IDUX4CK?keywords=commercial%20vacuum%20sealer&qid=1455140889&ref_=sr_1_31&sr=8-31

[fzxdoc]

I've been looking for bags other than the Foodsaver brand because my vacuum sealed smoked sausages leak fat to the outside when stored in the freezer for a month or more. I've never seen that before.

Maybe I'll give Willy 's or Dr ROK 's suggestions a try.

Kathryn

[mgaretz]

I finally bit the bullet and bought a chamber sealer. Wow! Once you get one of these there's no going back. Still have my foodsaver but haven't used it since the chamber sealer arrived. Here's the one I got: http://www.webstaurantstore.com/ary-...VMASVP112.html

[Dr ROK]

Jealous!

[fzxdoc]

Whoa baby, that's one heckuva sealer, mgaretz ! If I was a sous vide afficionado, I'd be down for something like that, though.

Kathryn

[fzxdoc]

Thanks for the additional info, mgaretz . I'm going to work or a rationalization. I don't sous vide, but longer, safer food storage is definitely right up my alley.

[mgaretz]

I also am having a lot of fun compressing fruits. It also works well for flash pickling. Cucumbers to pickles in 2 minutes!

[Dr ROK]

Sealing liquids is one of the main reasons I'd like to have one like this. Maybe someday when my kids are not taxing my budget anymore

[jlazar]

I have this model of Foodsaver and love it. Used it for pulled pork, pulled beef, brisket, ham, chicken, ribs, sausages, fatties, soups. Works well with all.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FXI5GDK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

I like this brand for bags.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DSST17O?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

The quart bags or rolls are the ones we use 90% of the time. Pint bags are really too small. I wouldn't freeze that small of a portion. Would just use Ziploc instead. You need at least a roll of gallon size for large items but not used that often.