Kitchen

[autumnsunset]

We are thinking of buying a food saver if you own one is it worth the money? Food is getting so expensive especially meat if I see meat on sale I like to buy extra but it does get freezer burn fast in zip lock bags. I needed two pounds of ground beef for Lasagna I was shocked at the price and I saw a larger package of ground beef on sale but I knew it would not last long in the zip lock bags.

I was worried about the cost of the bags but I know I can buy them on Amazon and get them at BB&B and I can use a 20% coupon. I bought a small box of zip lock bags about two weeks ago they seem thinner and almost $10 dollars for a small box ridiculous and they do not keep food too long. We are just trying to decide is a food saver worth the cost.

[Perkup]

I'm also considering buying a Food Saver. Can anyone tell me what the top of the line QVC carries? I'd like one, but If I can't get the best, I'll wait. Any suggestions on features would be appreciated also.

[Nightowlz]

We have a food saver. It's worth it for us since we buy bulk & when things are on sale. I just bought the cheap FoodSaver from Wal-Mart for $70. It's $80 but it had a $10 off coupon on it when I bought it. I figured if it did not last long we would not be out so much money. We have been using it for a couple of years. I usually buy the rolls & cut bags to size for what we need. Comes in handy for resealing bacon since we eat it on Sat or Sun & don't eat again until the following weekend.

[Nightowlz]

On 6/1/2014 Perkup said:

I'm also considering buying a Food Saver. Can anyone tell me what the top of the line QVC carries? I'd like one, but If I can't get the best, I'll wait. Any suggestions on features would be appreciated also.

Q does not carry the top of the line. If you look on FoodSaver site online you can see they sell one for $450. http://www.foodsaver.com/vacuum-sealers The one Q sells for $80 is the one I have & does what I need.

[BornToShop]

I have the FoodSaver, K40199 & I cannot say enough great things about this machine. DS just left the "nest" so it's just DH, me & the dogs. The pay-off for us is the leftovers that I can now save as well as meats, etc. I recently packaged our Easter Honey Baked Ham. The preservation is phenomenal & what a HUGE difference from the freezer burned ham of the past. Be sure to take the time to read the instructions carefully. This machine can do so much. I had a slight learning curve learning to judge the amount of the roll to use based on what I was packaging, but after a couple of trys, you get the hang of it. I plan on buying some of the FoodSaver containers to try out the marinating feature. I've been told this is a real flavor enhancer taking far less time than the usual overnight process. Again, you will not regret the investment.

[debic]

I have an auto start one and while I like it, you use a lot more bag. Not sure I'd buy one like that again. Also if you plan on using jars make sure there's an attachment. I especially like the bags when I'm freezing leftovers, they reheat really nice in simmering water. I freeze in a plastic container and pop it out and put it in a vacuum bag. That way it's nice and uniform for stacking. I use it more for dry goods and 1/2 gallon jars. I've been collecting them for many years. Keeps food from going stale, getting buggy, or humid if you live in a humid place. I think I couldn't live with out mine.

[chickenbutt]

Well, YMMV of course, but it's totally worth it to me to vacuum seal. I use mine frequently. I have a few Foodsaver units and one LEM vacuum sealer.

I could go on all day, but it would probably not be seen anyway, so I'll not bore you, but I'm absolutely the queen of all vacuum sealing! ha! I would write a book of tips and ideas, if I thought it would sell, because I am so seriously, weirdly, neurotically, into proper food storage.

But one main moral of the story is that your food items that are stored in the freezer vacuum sealed will last, and stay absolutely PRISTINE, or the very longest time. I've just recently cooked a couple of chicken breasts that I vac sealed and have had in the freezer for over two years. You would never know it. There is no other way to store food that is within a galaxy of being as effective. You MUST remove all the air in order to preclude the myriad of things that happen to foods in the freezer.

[autumnsunset]

Thank you all for posting we decided to try a food saver I am so tired of buying zip lock bags and the food going bad so fast and the zip lock bags are getting thinner and more expensive. I think in the long run it will be a good investment. Thank you all for answering.

[debic]

If I were ever to buy a different one, it would be the one that folds up for counter storage.

[stilltamn8r]

this is my second one- Gave the first to my son and DIL who love it- got the kind which folds "up" on the counter so has a small footprint..

Just today, I needed some chicken breasts for some chicken divan I wanted to make- I had already been to the store, so searched my freezer and found 2 breasts that I had vacuum sealed iin 2009!!!- I cooked and shredded them and guess what? They were FINE! after 5 years!

I don't recommend 5 years, but, hey , good to know...