Vacuum sealer

chain smoker · January 03, 2009, 01:07:47 PM

I am considering buying a vacuum sealer to keep my smoked goodness at peak flavor.....any suggestions on which one to buy. Thanks for any input!

westexasmoker · January 03, 2009, 01:11:43 PM

There are many brands out there and they all do the same thing.......I've got an old Kenmore from Sears that I've had for years and it does the job!

C

Habanero Smoker · January 03, 2009, 01:58:45 PM

I've been using FoodSaver for years. Some models give you more options, so it depend on what you plan to use it for, and the price range you have in mind. If you go with the FoodSaver I find that the V3860 is a little tricky to use and get use to.

La Quinta · January 03, 2009, 04:39:16 PM

Habs...I have the 3840...I'm really good with it...what do you find tricky about it?

Smokin Soon · January 03, 2009, 04:57:20 PM

I have been really happy with my foodsaver 3840, but it's my first vac sealer so I dont really have anything to compare it to. It was a bit of a learning curve at first, seems the bags have to be held a certain way to get the thing to go.

Kummok · January 03, 2009, 06:36:28 PM

Using Foodsaver brand for several years and a few thousand pounds of fish (BIG fish ;) ;D ). They really suck! (Sorry, couldn't resist!) Currently on second one after wearing out first one. They do incredibly well for what I demand out of them. And they've come a long way since the first models. For large batches of sealing, I recommend the models that have the bag roll inside and start the process by pressing on the top rather than a separate button...much faster. Their instructions are pretty clear and simple and VERY important when sealing wet stuff. A great inexpensive alternative to the more expensive chamber type for average weekend user.

Smoking Duck · January 03, 2009, 07:05:01 PM

I second the votes for FoodSaver, however, anything that does the job would work well. Seems like the FoodSaver is the most common in these parts and the bags are readily available around here.

SD

La Quinta · January 03, 2009, 07:07:55 PM

SS I am the same...our first one...maybe other models are easier? Don't know...Habs will clarify.

Habanero Smoker · January 04, 2009, 02:58:39 AM

Quote from: La Quinta on January 03, 2009, 04:39:16 PM
Habs...I have the 3840...I'm really good with it...what do you find tricky about it?

The 3860 is a little different from the 3840. The 3860 is what they call fully automatic; but I'm not quite sure what that means in comparison with the 3840. I know I have to let it run for awhile, while the machine detect what type of bag, and if the food is dry or moist; but after 30 seconds the instructions state to retry. Frequently the vacuum will run and not vacuum the air out of the bag. There are times I will have to reseat the bag several times to get the vacuum to work. I do admit once the vacuum starts, it draws the air out quickly, much faster then my previous machine.

It also could be due to the way I cut the bags. I'm having problems using the built in bag cutter. I can't seem to get a straight cut, especially when I'm cutting 8 inch wide bags. The earlier models, you just place the bag in, and close the lid to get a good vacuum, and with most models you decide if you wanted to use full vacuum and stop the vacuum and seal.

I've been busy and haven't been able to contact their tech support. There is a long wait on hold, but now that may schedule is less hectic, I'll give them a call next week.

chain smoker · January 04, 2009, 09:43:34 AM

Thanks for all your input! I think I'm going to go out and buy a foodsaver.

drano · January 06, 2009, 03:30:49 PM

I've got the FoodSaver Gamesaver Deluxe.
It works pretty well. Sometimes the first bag doesn't seal completely. So when sealed beef sticks last weekend, I swithced it to extra seal. All turned out great. Wish I would have done that a couple years ago. (I'm a slow learner).
Mine has the instant seal button (stops the vacuum process, and immediatly seals) which is nice for making your own bags out of a roll, and rolls are the only thing I use.
I don't know how the newer automatics work, but I like being able to control the seal amount (regular and extra), so I can ensure the I get a good seal.
get smokin
drano

Up In Smoke · January 06, 2009, 03:45:20 PM

i have a foodsaver as well, just a basic unit...i think it was around 99 dollars.
it does a great job of sealing ammunition, i mean my excess goodies ;)
i have been using one for quite a while and it works out great for storing stuff in the freezer.
i live alone so its nice to have a means of storing stuff for the long term.

jerry

FLBentRider · January 08, 2009, 03:59:39 PM

I have the foodsaver gamesaver turbo.

It does everything I ask it to do. I find that using an egg-crate from a 2.5 dozen eggs is the perfect height to bring the product up to the sealer.

OliverB · January 17, 2009, 09:06:44 AM

I don't have one yet, but since I just came across it, saussagemaker.com has a unit that seems to fall into the semi-pro category for those that do a lot of sealing or require stronger vacuum. You can see it here:
http://www.sausagemaker.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1376

Not cheap at $399 but might be interesting for some.

I'll probably start out with a food saver, as I'll first have to see how much I'll actually need one before splurging on the more expensive toys :-)

Wildcat · January 17, 2009, 12:14:58 PM

I have an old 550 that still works and late last year purchased the 2840. The 2840 works great.