vacuum sealers

I’m tired of foodsaver vacuum sealers, they just don’t last. Has anyone tried VacMaster? I’m looking for something is going to last without going to a full commercial model/cost. Thanks

The Cabelas top end model (now on sale $450), plus extra discounts with coupons, is a terrific model. It has a strong vacuum pump and the seal is wider than the cheap models.

I’ve seen the Cabelas top end model at work. Top notch that’s for sure.
The Model below, although a FoodSaver, I’ve seen used many times.
I have a freind out in South Dakota that keeps one there and we have literally sealed 100’s of Walleyes and can’t say how many Phesants and never seen a bog loose it’s seal.
There is absolutely no comparision between the quality of seal between this one and the ussualy white Foodsavers you see at regualr everyday stores.
Don’t know if Samns has some kind of right too (never looked into) but never seen anywhere else either.
I do beleive he double seals every bag just to be safe.

I am buying one of these and throwing my old Foodsaver out the door.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/foodsaver-v3820-vacuum-sealing-system/prod3750777.ip?navAction=

OUrs is a Rival Seal a Meal. The wife says she hasnt ever been happy with it. Glad this post came up because we will be looking for a new one after this deer season.

Had a gander mt thing that never really worked now have Food Saver V2220. Can’t see it ever not working at this point.

I’ve had good luck with Foodsaver. Maybe because I’m not a heavy user? My current model is a Game Saver pro-plus.

for fish and smaller batches. ziploc has these bags that have a vent or sometype of deal you put a pump on and suck all the air out. work very well been super impressed. obviously not the same as a big food sealer but heck works good.

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I’ve had good luck with Foodsaver. Maybe because I’m not a heavy user? My current model is a Game Saver pro-plus.

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x2 I have the Gamesaver Bronze and I’ve sealed 5 boar, 4 deer, wild turkery and countless fish, plus grocery items. I haven’t had an issue yet. It has a lifetime warranty as well. I have no idea what their customer service is like as I have not needed them. Maybe I just got lucky??

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The Cabelas top end model (now on sale $450), plus extra discounts with coupons, is a terrific model. It has a strong vacuum pump and the seal is wider than the cheap models.

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Weston pro 2300 vacuum sealer,

Essentially the same as the cabelas unit that can be picked up on line for $400 without having to open up a credit card account to get the savings.

What ever you do do not skimp on the quality of plastic you use. The Weston brand rolls that can be cut to size are great. In comparison Food Saver brand ice crystals started to form after 4 weeks Weston after 3 months no ice crystals.

The Cabelas brand plastic at 4 mill look to be a good choice but those are pre cut. Handy but rather wasteful for small stuff. Picking up different sizes becomes a storage issue.

Not sure what model food saver I have, but it is about 10 years old. It was their top end model when I got it. Have had zero issues with it and it gets used a ton. I’ve packed at least a dozen deer, pheasants, ducks, beef, and more fish than I care to count. Fish never stays in the freezer longer than 3 months. I’ve had venison that has been in the freezer for a year and seems as fresh as if it were only in there a week. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another food saver, but I wouldn’t buy their low end units.

Over the years we have had a couple of the “Food Saver” vacuum packers. The first one lasted about 3 years and then finally died. At the time it was $300 +. We then got a different Food Saver and have been pretty much fighting with it ever since.

My wife does most of the sealing. With both units the biggest complaint has been getting a good seal if any moisture in the bag gets onto the sealing strip. It seems no matter what you are dealing with this is a problem. The dryer you can keep the contents the better the seal will be. Definitely easier said than done when dealing with the likes of fish, or venison in marinade. Usually by the second deer I am reminded this was never written into her contract.

This brings me to another thought. Years ago when the sealers were just getting into homes, I distinctly remember all the hype about vacuumed packed food and the fantastic longevity of it. I remember claims of food practically lasting longer than the Grandkids. We have never found that to be true. It seems to last only slightly longer than the old double wrapped freezer paper era. At least that’s our experience.

The other day I was at the local tire shop waiting for my car to get finished up. I happened to spot an outdoor magazine ( I want to say “Outdoor Life” but not sure) and they had a vacuum packer top choice review. Anyway they tested like eight or so and the top one ended up being a Oliso Pro VS97A. I noticed two “Food Savers” and each being down the list. The Oliso is a heavy brute weighing in at 55 pounds. Anyway reviews can be found with the help of Google. The thing that caught my eye was the rave it was given for maintaining a dry seal. The editors acknowledged the moisture problems with many other brands stating that problem was nonexistent with the Oliso. That and being able to use the bags up to 10 times each.

WS

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Over the years we have had a couple of the “Food Saver” vacuum packers. The first one lasted about 3 years and then finally died. At the time it was $300 +. We then got a different Food Saver and have been pretty much fighting with it ever since.

My wife does most of the sealing. With both units the biggest complaint has been getting a good seal if any moisture in the bag gets onto the sealing strip . It seems no matter what you are dealing with this is a problem. The dryer you can keep the contents the better the seal will be. Definitely easier said than done when dealing with the likes of fish, or venison in marinade. Usually by the second deer I am reminded this was never written into her contract.

This brings me to another thought. Years ago when the sealers were just getting into homes, I distinctly remember all the hype about vacuumed packed food and the fantastic longevity of it. I remember claims of food practically lasting longer than the Grandkids. We have never found that to be true. It seems to last only slightly longer than the old double wrapped freezer paper era. At least that’s our experience.

The other day I was at the local tire shop waiting for my car to get finished up. I happened to spot an outdoor magazine ( I want to say “Outdoor Life” but not sure) and they had a vacuum packer top choice review. Anyway they tested like eight or so and the top one ended up being a Oliso Pro VS97A. I noticed two “Food Savers” and each being down the list. The Oliso is a heavy brute weighing in at 55 pounds. Anyway reviews can be found with the help of Google. The thing that caught my eye was the rave it was given for maintaining a dry seal. The editors acknowledged the moisture problems with many other brands stating that problem was nonexistent with the Oliso. That and being able to use the bags up to 10 times each.

WS

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We have had the same problem and cured it by rolling a piece of paper towel up and placing it between the food and where the seal will be.

The white Foodsaver has been a good unit for us for the last 5+ years, but we don’t use it all that much, maybe every couple of months at the most.

Al

With most food sealers moisture is the biggest issue. Some solve it with a piece of paper towel as explained above.

I prefer to put the fish, meat, whatever in the freezer bag, fold it over and stick in the freezer, unsealed.

Quick freeze it for an hour or two, then pull it back out and seal it. The free standing moisture will be frozen solid but not the contents themselves.

Although this method does require a little more diligence, it solves the moisture problem issues and allows me to use a regular food saver instead of spending two to three times as much on one of the more expensive models.

On a side note, I always double seal. (Just in case)

Good tip Joel. Will need to try that one. I used to use the paper towel in the bag, but would sometimes end up with the paper towel becoming one with the fishes so to speak, and I don’t like to bread my fish in paper. Currently, I just roll the fillets on paper towel before sealing to take the moisture off, and that works for me.