Kitchen

[Biftu]

Ok, i started searching for vacuum sealer and became a bit overwhelmed, so many to choose from.  i don't need anything fancy since I don't buy in bulk or freeze all that much.  For those who have a vacuum sealer could you recommend what features you find helpful?  Also, do all replacement bags work on all models?  I don't want to buy a model that I have trouble finding bags for.

[deeva]

I've had a Foodsaver for twenty years. I have a basic model a moist and dry setting for sealing. I only use Foodsaver or Seal a Meal bags ( also made by Foodsaver). The bags work on all Foodsaver brand vacuum sealers. 

I seldom use the setting for sealing the Foodsaver canisters. 
If you don't buy in bulk or freeze that much, you probably don't need a Foodsaver. 

[Scooby Doo]

Have you tried wrapping the meat in freezer paper or aluminum foil, then put in a zip plastic bag?  It works quite well.  But don't forget to write on the bag, or put a note inside, of the contents and date.

[Nonametoday]

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@Scooby Doo wrote:

Have you tried wrapping the meat in freezer paper or aluminum foil, then put in a zip plastic bag?  It works quite well.  But don't forget to write on the bag, or put a note inside, of the contents and date.

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@Scooby Doo 

My grandmother was faithful to seek information from the county agent (which is a division of the state university that has an agricultural and home economics department) and the information is supplied by them.  She always told me to wrap in aluminum foil and plastic.  Otherwise, it would be freezer burned.  She even did bread that way and it kept forever.  I wish I was such a handy housewife as she.  It looks like we may be going into a Depression so I may have to learn.

[aubnwa01]

I buy most of my meat at Costco & repackage it into meal sized packages with my Foodsaver for my freezer when I get home.

[Roscoe the Rascal]

I try and eat what is in the freezer as often as possible.  I hate when I toss and think what was the reason for buying it then.  Not saving anything that way.  We just don't eat like we once did.  When I get stuff from the Q a box of whatever it is lasts a longtime.  We share with my daughter and family who live next door now.  Less waste for sure.  

Our freezer is what we call the community freezer.  If she didn't help herself now and then we would have way too much.  They have a freezer too but ours is the extras or meals we share together mostly.    My hubby loves to shop for food.  I love to shop for everything else!

[Jo1313]

Wouldn't be without my foodsaver...I make portion sized pkgs...I foodsaver cooked food also..Nice to take a pouch out with something when I don't feel like cooking..

Rolls and bags are available in most kitchen Depts..I just ordered some from BB&B and used the 20% off coupon...the bags you make are reusable.

[kaydee50]

DH uses the handheld vacuum sealer that we got from HSN.  We don't vacuum large amounts of anything so this smaller version works well for us.

[Eileen in Virginia]

I've had a Food Saver since QVC first introduced them. My first one was a Food Saver and it lasted for almost 20 years. Its replacement is a NutriChef from Amazon that works just as well as the first one and was much less expensive. I don't use any of the accessory pieces, just quart and gallon bags.

I shop at BJ's and buy our meats and some fish in bulk. I break them down into more manageable portions, shrink wrap and freeze them. They're always in perfect condition when I use them. It's also great for storing hard cheeses, which I can reseal as needed. Earlier this week I broke down an 11 pound pork loin roast into 2 roasts and 2 packs of 4 chops. I froze the chops & one roast and cooked the other roast a few days later. I estimate that I've saved thousands of dollars buying in bulk. I wouldn't have been able to do this to a great extent without my food saver. I've never had to throw anything that I've shrink wrapped away. 

[LindaSal]

I generally wrap my meats in saran wrap and then place it in a freezer bag (Ziploc).  It seems to work pretty well.   You really do need a seperate freezer that does not self defrost.  It's the defrosting mechanism that causes the frost to form on the food.  I don't presently own an additional freezer but have been bugging DH for awhile now to research them.