I have a 5 +year old Food Saver and am not pleased with its performance which is inconsistent- level of vacuum varies, bags frequently difficult to insert to start vacuum, etc. Also I find its not wide enough either. I’m looking at these and for anyone with experience or recommendations. http://www.webstaurantstore.com/ary-...120VMA380.html P.S. Amazing how fast internet ads appear, less than 1 minute after I posted this an ad appeared in my Facebook feed
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All I have experience in, since I'm new to vacuum sealers, is this model. It's one of the newer models of Foodsaver, and on sale. I have no complaints but haven't been around the block either.
I just replaced my Food Saver with another one just like it. I wish I knew about this unit before it did that. This thing looks a lot more heavy duty than the Food Saver.
If you can freeze the soup or sauce in the bag before sealing, it works great. We do that for stock and chile sauce. Also the best way to do soft or really wet food.
If you think you would be doing a lot of liquids, and don't want to freeze first, the chamber vac is it.
I bought the VacMaster Pro 380 earlier this year. It's my first vac sealer and I did a LOT of homework before deciding which to buy. I've mostly use it for packaging steaks that I age at home in my Steak Locker and repackaging larger boxes of bulk frozen foods, but have also used it often with the optional marinade container. I have ZERO complaints about it. It's worked absolutely flawlessly for me I have encountered none of the problems I read about in other vacuum sealers while I was deciding which one to buy. Yes, it's a little pricier than many others but it's also more heavy duty than most.
Wow you have a Steak Locker! I looked at those very nice!! I had to go with the Steakager Haven't tried it yet cause the fridge I got to use it in is always full of over flow items so Jealous the Steak Locker looks Awesome!
I was close to buying the Steak Ager, but got a great deal through Cabela's. I've only aged prime rib but have saved about $900 versus a good steak house. Seriously considering buying a cheap band saw so I can age some short loins for T-bones and porterhouses!
I have a VacMaster Pro 380 as well. Industrial strength unit, with replaceable parts to keep it running for a long time. I also have some of their other products, and they're all built like tanks. The VacMaster VP215 chamber unit seals bags with stronger vacuum, and is also capable of sealing liquids and powders, but can't bag items as big as the ones the 380 can. I like them both.
I buy direct from VacMaster at http://www.vacmasterfresh.com and they have some holiday sales going on right now. 20% off the Pro 380 (still not as cheap as Webstaurant Store, but I'd rather buy direct), and also some good discounts on bags and rolls. Check out their Outlet section as well.
Vacmaster (ARY) makes great stuff. I have one of their chamber sealers and love it. But have you tried replacing the seals on your Foodsaver? Often that is all that it takes to bring them back to like new performance. As a test, lightly wet the seals. If the sealer works like new, you know you need new seals.
Another recommendation for VacMaster. I've been happy with the Pro 350. It uses the same size rolls & bags as the FS. My fave features: Pulse mode, vacuum level setting, seal time setting. Operation is a little different from FS: They don't use a lid catch / lock, so you have to lightly press the lid down until the vacuum holds it down. Since that was the part that died and couldn't be repaired easily on my old FS, I considered that a plus.
I was really tempted by the Duo 550, but couldn't justify doubling size, weight, and cost.
Yah, the chamber bag size limitation was the kicker for not getting the Duo 550. Size and cost difference to add a really small chamber vac just didn't work out.
This is a new product and company that I originally backed on Indiegogo in 2013. The product is now available for order, and I really like it. The homebase serves as a large storage center that is easily sealed and opened. You can put bread, muffins, etc. in and they will not mold. I have also seen people use the homebase to store coffee or tea. The homebase can then be used to vacuum-seal the coveros. The covero is a large or medium container that can be vacuum sealed. The homebase can also seal bags like the vacuum sealers you are discussing above. As I said, I have had a good experience so far with the product.
LOL I just got mine in a couple days ago. Just now trying it out seems like a good unit Bigger than I realized it would be but thats good. The tubs that came with it are the perfect size for my fridge and the bags work great.
I've got the VacMaster VP-112p (or one of its predecessors). Have had it about 4 years, and it's flawless. Not having to worry about liquids, special (and more expensive) bags, etc makes it a champ. It does take up counter space, is heavy, and kind of expensive up-front. But I went through 3 Foodsaver style vacs in about 6 years - I'd never go back.
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I am a foodsaver fan. We had a V2222 that fell to the floor during a "cabinet malfunction" and part of the lid broke. However, the sealing and vacuum still worked and we were able to get another 3 years out of it. Replaced it with a similar model. I think if I were to upgrade, I'd probably go with a chamber sealer (providing we can find the counter space).
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The VacMaster VP215. It's an awesome sealer. liquids, meats, veggies etc all come out great. I sealed a bunch of jerkey and brought them up to AK this summer. Huge hit. They bags remained sealed all the way through the trip.
They are more expensive, but they work great, they are built to last and they do an incredible job. And surprisingly enough......the bags are cheaper than the economy Vac sealer bags. Link is below,
The VacMaster VP215 chamber vacuum packaging machine provides all the great features of the VP210, but with added power! It can apply up to 29 3/4"Hg of suction, when most competitors' models can only reach 26" at most! This powerful tabletop chamber vacuum package machine is ideal for liquids and liquid-rich foods since air is sucked out of the entire chamber when sealing, not just the bag itself. By doing so, the air pressure is equalized both inside and outside of the bag, keeping liquids in and ensuring a superior seal every time. The VacMaster vacuum packer features a 1/5 hp oil pump (3 oz. bottle of oil included) and a 10" wide double seal wire for optimum results and long-lasting use. This unit ships with (20) 6" x 8" bags, (20) 8" x 12" bags, and (20) 10" x 13" bags that are microwave safe, boil safe, freezer safe and perfect for sous vide cooking! Additionally, you will receive 2 filler plates to help save time when sealing smaller batches. It's easy to use and clean too, thanks to its crystal clear digital display and stainless steel construction. The smoky-clear lid makes it easy to see and monitor the vacuum process. This unit works best with soups, stews, and marinades, and can keep game meat and fish fresh over a long period of time. By storing meats scent-free, users can preserve their favorite dishes and help eliminate waste of bulk quantities of foods. This item requires a 110V electrical connection. Overall Dimensions: Left to Right: 14" Front to Back: 20" Height: 15" Chamber Dimensions: Left to Right: 11 1/4" Front to Back: 15 1/4" Height: 5" Seal Bar: 10 1/4"
I didn't end up buying one. I still have the one I was "using". But the owners are basically family and they just said to hold on to it because I smoke all the meat they seal anyway! Win Win!!! badf00d
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I have a FoodSaver 4840, and I really like it. It works with ziplock brand vac bags as well as FoodSaver. It has a retractable handheld attachment that can either seal ziplock reusable bags, or be used with the marinator. It was one of the top rated sealers on the market. FoodSaver also has a line of "liquid block" bags that you can use with their sealer. They keep the liquod from being sucked into the machine. I am quite happy with it.
Thanks - good info all! The Pit rocks! Personally don't need to seal liquids and will just put a folded paper towel at the top of the bag when sealing "moist" product.
Better is to freeze the liquid first then seal. You can freeze in a plastic container that you can pop the ice out of when frozen or just fill the bag, close it temporarily with some binder clips then freeze, being sure to stand it upright so it doesn't spill.
Thanks for all the help - meant to post this a while ago. Got the VacMaster Pro 380 and really like it. Among the best features is being able to see where you are sealing so that you are able to better keep the end of the bag flat and you know when you're in the sweet spot. I never got a seal like this with my Food Saver and while it served me well for many years, this new one is highly recommended.
Thanks for the follow-up and review. I love my Foodsaver but will admit that I rarely get a seal that tight. Good job with the photo. If my unit ever goes out on me I will remember this photo and will have a tough decision to make. Much appreciated.
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