Vac Sealer shot??

[bbq_esq]

I froze a bunch of steaks last week after Costco rib roast sale. I was in the freezer for something else and noticed the spots in the picture. I’m a little concerned my vacuum sealer, which is a very old food saver v2440, may not be getting the job done.

should I be worried? I have 450 dollars worth of prime ribeye in there. If I need to I will get a new vac sealer and re do them.

[Ace]

I'm not 100% sure but those white spots look like small air pockets that frost has formed. Waiting for someone with more experience to chime in on this...

[bbq_esq]

That is definitely what it is. I’m just not sure if that’s enough for freezer burn to form?

[WI Bubba]

It certainly looks like you still have a little bit of air in the bags, but I don't know if it's enough to really make a difference.

On the other hand, I am duty bound to by the Rules of The Pit to encourage you to spend money on new stuff. So yes, your vac sealer is shot and you need one of these.

[WI Bubba]

bbq_esq If you use it a lot, then one thing to consider is that the bags are a lot cheaper. So what you would be doing is saving money in the long run. I don't think you can afford to NOT get one.

[N227GB]

Another vote for an Avid Armour chamber sealer!

[rmeugene]

You would NOT regret a USV32 purchase!

[Oak Smoke]

I don’t think I’d worry about these too much. There’s not enough air in them to hurt IMHO. I would start looking for a new one soon so you’re not left in a mess when this one dies. I bought my last one off eBay . I saved quite a bit and it was still new in the box.

[Johnny Booth]

+1 on that, mine is not performing like it was. On the hunt for a new one,

[Panhead John]

I wouldn’t worry about it too much, they should be fine. However, some of the spots look a little big to me, like not all the air was sucked out. As WI Bubba mentioned, we are bound by The Pit rules to encourage spending money on new stuff as often as possible. I’ve got a great recommendation for you on a new vac sealer, and it’s on a Cyber Monday sale for only $119….😳 I bought this same Potane model 3 years ago and paid $150. It works great and It’s also got built in roll storage and a built in bag cutter. Those are 2 features you definitely want, no matter which one you buy. I’ve probably sealed over 100 bags with it so far and haven’t had any seal failures and….you can seal as many bags as you want in a row…..no down time between bags while the motor cools off. It comes with an extra gasket and 1 8” and 1 11” bag rolls. Highly recommended…

https://a.co/d/1gld9lo

[J-Melt]

I also purchased this sealer and only ever have an issue if the guy using it cuts his bags too small for whatever he is sealing. I may want to get a replacement on the user...but at least the hardware is worth the money!

[Panhead John]

I only did that about 10 times myself…..🙄

[texastweeter]

I see that sometimes if after its frozen the bag gets ruptured from being banged around in the freezer.

[bbq_esq]

Nothing like that, they are in a chest freezer in the garage where no one rummages but me.

[Hulagn1971]

texastweeter funny you mention that. I have to give my wife a gentle reminder any time she is looking for vac sealed meat in the freezer to be careful and not drag anything around in there. A nick is all it takes. Sous vide is one thing, cooked in hot water is another.

[Jerod Broussard]

Stuff could probably stay in the freezer another year with no ill effects.

[bbq_esq]

That is good to hear. Won’t last that long of course.

[DavidNorcross]

I see no issues either. However, I am always one to highly recommend spending money especially when it comes to Avid Armor…

[58limited]

If you're using a FoodSaver style sealer the gasket can go bad and let a little air in before the heat seals the bag. Replacement gaskets are available.

[bbq_esq]

Yeah I replaced the gaskets about a year ago when it wasn’t forming a good seal.

[fracmeister]

Then again, this is a really good one. and Amazon has it for 500$ more than this link. https://www.katom.com/953-VP540.html...hoCX48QAvD_BwE

[briano52]

Those spots are little air pockets that develop frost. Doesn't look like there are enough of those to matter much. I vac seal a lot with a high-end Weston. I occasionally get a few frost spots. More can develop over time if the seal is not perfect. When I see spots, I try to use the food sooner than later. Works for me.

[bbq_esq]

Good to know. I would expect to get through those in the next 4-6 months? I'm going to get a new sealer for the other roast I have that is still in the original vac seal in my fridge.

[briano52]

Less than good seal can be caused by an old rubber gasket that will cause failed seals. The gaskets shrink and get stiff over time which affects the seal. Every vac seal maker sells replacement gaskets. They have almost always fixed seal issues for me. And much cheaper than buying a new machine!