Vacuum Sealer Comments

[Patdaddy]

Ok, I just tossed out my last "discount store" vacuum sealer.
What I really want is a Kotch 250 with a gas exchange, wife just balks at me spending 3K on the real thing..."SIGH", probably something to do with my gun collection, cars and 4 wheelers...
So been looking at a Pro Vacuum Sealer #2300, anyone have any comments?
Much appreciated...

[mikecorn.1]

Why not!! Looks like it has some
Good review on amazon.


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[Salmonsmoker]

I've been through two vacuum sealers and the third is into it's "golden years" and it's been re-built several times. The first was the original Foodsaver from back in the '80s. (1980's, that is). The second and third are HD home units like the one you're looking at. Next one is going to be a chamber sealer, and not one made in China. I haven't been able to find a countertop unit mabe in USA, but there are several high quality Italian units. Remember, the vac bags run around $.29/bag for a 6x10 microfiber bag  www.vacuumpacker.com and the chamber seal bags are around $.03/bag. I go through at least 500 a year. That's $15 vs. $145. Mayhaps you could trade a 4-wheeler for one? :( 

[Patdaddy]

LOL on trade a 4 wheeler, glad you didn't mention the guns, good call tho.

I use the sealer not quite as much as you state you do.
Use it for secondary protein, (post beef, poultry, fish etc...) and also for veggies, rubs, marinates, dairy etc...

Hence when cooking a brisket etc... instead of having leftovers "rot" in the fridge, I prefer to seal them for future use. Something to do with "That Woman and Them" (kids) not eating leftovers more than once. Yes I know spoiled :( 
(I raise my own beef, Maine-Anjou (Steers) and have all my beef processed "off the bone" and heavily vacuum sealed. Got one in the pen now and will get about 800 lbs off a 1400 lb frame. Just don't get no better!!!!)

I have owned several FS Vacuum Sealers and also the Cabela's HD models, now I am looking for something HD "light" with a little more "ump" to it.
I want a Koch (Hobart) Ultravac 250   http://www.kochequipment.com/250/   but the $$ expended based on the volume it can produce, which is much more than I need doesn't justify my intended use. But then the flip side is the $400.00 and change for the 2300 seems to make sense for the use intended. But as you suggested the VacUpack Delux also makes sense.
Just trying to "noodle it all out" as I move to the next step up with the help of peeps like you who have more experience in such matters.

As to the bag issue Koch sells through their UltraSource site  http://estore.ultrasourceusa.com/vacuumpouches.aspx  a pleura of bags that meet my needs and I already have an account with them with a heavy discount off of list.

All thoughts and comments are more than welcome :)

[Salmonsmoker]

Patdaddy,
The guns are "off limits"! I envy you being able to raise your own beef. You're right,"it don't get no better"! Thanks for the link to Koch/Ultrasource. I had not heard of that line of Hobart. I WANT ONE! The website didn't list the cost of the 250. Do you know the $$? Also couldn't tell if the vac bags on your link are designed for the vac sealer with the micro mesh layer or if they're for the chamber sealer. @ $.04/bag, that would be way less than what I'm paying now. I spearfish @ Neah Bay, WA (furthest NW tip of Wa. St.) during the summer and we process our catch at the end of each day including vac packing. The excess water from washing the fillets makes it necessary to fold up a paper towel to place across the bag opening to catch the water being drawn off, or the bag won't seal completely. A waste of bags and extra time. With the chamber machine you can vac pac soup and it won't come out of the bag. I also smoke 250# of Salmon every year along with all of the sausage, hillbilly bacon, Canadian bacon......hmmm now that I think of it, way in excess of 500 bags a year. I have to change my earlier statement. I NEED ONE!  ;D ;D

[Patdaddy]

Salmonsmoker,
Net price runs about $3,000.00, add another $500.00 to $700.00 for the gas flush and double seam sealing. Freight is extra, figure class 125 for freight cost.

When I get to work in the AM I can tell you exactly what they cost and give you a contact person if you want.
You can buy direct from them, but best if you go through a Commercial Kitchen Equipment Contractor or a Dealer for Grocery/Market Store Dealer. http://ultrasourceusa.com/index.php/equipment/product_category/category/vacuum_chamber_machines

By trade I am an Architect/Engineer  specializing in the design of commercial kitchens/laundries etc.., i.e. stadiums, sports venues, collegiate, schools K-12, casinos, hospitals, assisted living centers, nursing homes, spiritual (churches) etc... One of the lines I specify for the larger facilities we do is Koch.

Example...I do all of OSU Sports, they play 7 games a year in their home stadium. Capacity is 70,000 per venue not counting the sponsored "tailgate" functions", one of their big market points is bar-b-que, smoked cheeses and turkey legs. We designed their main kitchen (20,000 sq.ft.) inclusive to the area are two (2), Southern Pride #XLR-1400 smokers http://www.southern-pride.com/_new/products/product-details.php?smokerID=XLR-1400&category=gas  Lets say they are doing pork butts, capacity is on average 1400 lbs / 24 hrs, they may make a run of 10 on the butts = 14,000 lbs. Hence they vacuum pack it up and store it in the walk-in coolers/freezers depending on anticipated demand.

This goes for all products i.e. proteins, grains, dairy, liquids etc... In addition the Facility Management (sports gear/clothing) uses them and one of the larger machines to vacuum pack gear and clothes for road games.
They have six (6) of these machines and they bang them non stop when they start producing, never do they miss a lick. Very reliable, never seen or heard of one breaking down. We also specify them for grocery/markest stores. If you look in the back of your local store that is most likely what you will see.

Hope I didn't bore you :)

If you were closer I would swap beef for salmon!!!!

[Salmonsmoker]

Not bored at all! It's interesting to find out what posters to the forum do for their work. I'm a GC and specialize in custom kitchen/bath remodels. I'm sure I could incorporate one in a future kitchen. ::) ::)