Considering a FoodSaver
We’re considering buying a FoodSaver
Here’s our situation: We buy meats & breads in bulk every month, and my normal procedure is to repackage everything into Ziploc freezer bags in the portions that we use. This works pretty well, except that some of the items tend to get frost on them inside our freezer. (Especially the breads.) Occasionally we have to throw them out, which is disappointing.
I think our problem is that we open & shut the freezer door frequently, but we just don’t have space for a deep freeze. So do FoodSavers really prevent freezer burn? And do the items defrost in them fine?
Finally, what about the extra cost of the bags? They seem to be quite expensive, especially compared to regular freezer bags bought in bulk. But maybe it would save money in the long run because we wouldn’t have to throw things out occasionally, or to eat things that aren’t quite as nice as they otherwise could have been.
Anyone have pros & cons to share?
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November 6th, 2008 at 6:25 am
I have a foodsaver that’s just taking up space in my pantry. Bags were WAY too expensive, they don’t wash/reuse well, and, in all honesty, a freezer bag and a straw works just as well for us.
If you pay shipping out of Ohio, it’s yours! :)
November 6th, 2008 at 8:14 am
I got the Food Saver brand at a garage sale for $20. It came with 3 canisters and an attachment for wide mouth jars and a couple of rectangle dishes with lids. I love it! I looked on ebay for bags and also the sams website and think that it is worth the cost of the bags with how I shop for bargain meats. Mine came with a big roll of bags so I haven’t bought any yet. I don’t know how I would feel about cost if I had to pay retail for the Food Saver vs just using ziploc and a straw. It does take up space so I would watch for those people like Emily to buy one used- does Emily want to sell hers to you? oh, I see she offered it for shipping costs- jump on it. I figured that for $20 if I didn’t like it I could resell it and make my money back.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Thanks Emily, you’ve got mail.
November 6th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I liked mine but I ruined it by not making sure the food was dry enough. Also for breads, you’re going to have to freeze those ahead and then food saver them because otherwise they’ll get squished. I do think it is very effective against freezer burn on meat. I can never get the same results from ziplock but then I’m not too patient (note the reason the foodsaver is dead! LOL). Definitely look at Costco for the bags and I thought they rewashed fine. It’s a pain but they washed up ok for me.
November 6th, 2008 at 9:53 am
I’ve got the Seal-a-Meal and I love it!. The on) to make casseroles, freeze them, then the next day I’ll pop it out and into a seal-a-meal bag. ly problem that I’ve had is with oily or greasy foods…if the bag is not clean enough, it will not seal. I’ll use the Glad Ware baking pans (8 x
November 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I love my Foodsaver!
You can buy bags in bulk on ebay or use the rolls at WalMart to make your own bags. (The rolls are 3/$12 and shipped free to the store.)
I have a few canisters, 2 marinators (One bought new and one larger one bought at the thrift store) and the jar sealer. I use them all regularly.
Just be sure to freeze meats first or like Peggy said, you can suck meat juice in to the machine and ruin it.