FoodSavers?

[Vitals]

So I'm interested in getting a good saver for the many uses it has. It seems like there is a broad range of models and of course $ you could spend on them. What systems have you guys found that work well and do the job?

 

[colonel00]

First off, got to the foodsaver site and sign up for their emails. They run killer deals all the time. Second, it all depends on what you are looking for. I have a simple one to keep in the kitchen for leftovers and then my buddy and I have a big chamber sealer we use to process fish and game.

 

[Vitals]

I'm looking to get ONE that can be versatile. I hunt waterfowl and upland game as well so the majority of meat would be the size of a duck or goose when breasted out. In order to make it something that is appealing to my girlfriend, its going to need to have a practical use with foods and such. Costco has a seemingly good deal on the V3880 kit. I also have seen some great uses of it to pack down and waterproof clothing for hunts/backpacking. Which model are you using for your fish and game?

 

[colonel00]

I have one that is pretty much the same as the 2244. It is simple but has been going strong for several years now.

The 3880 looks pretty nice and it looks like they are running a deal on the kit. Not sure what it runs at Costco though.

http://www.foodsaver.com/product.aspx?pid=8793

Also, when you need new rolls (rolls are the way to go in my opinion) you can get great deals on Ebay or other online sources that have quality stuff.

Also, check out slickdeals.net and do a search for foodsaver. I find that site is a great way to not only find deals but get people's opinions of what works and what doesn't

 

[realunlucky]

Mine is pretty basic still going strong after 8 years. I actually prefer the bags over the roll when packaging an animal for the convince and also think that they seal better. All bags and rolls are not equal so try them out first. Lost a bunch of deer once to freezer burn in an off brand roll

 

[Elkfitness]

I got the foodsaver bronze from bass pro. It had a better warranty than the other models and vacuum packs the containers as well. My wife got past the camo pretty quick.

 

[Lawnboi]

If your willing to put the money down (there a little expensive) Pick up a chamber vac. In the long run it will save you money cause you don't have to buy the expensive food saver bags. Bags can be bought for pennies for a chamber vac.

Another plus to it, is that you can vaccum seal wet stuff, you can even go as far as to sealing up liquid in the thing. We have owned multiple food savers. Bags were expensive, sealing sucked when you had anything moist in the thing the seal sucked, motors died.....

Got the vacmaster and its all good, the thing gets used constantly at our household. Mainly as I said, because the bags are dirt cheap for the thing.

Heres a link to what we use, do some reading, I think you will find its a much better value for the money.

http://www.amazon.com/VacMaster-Portable-Chamber-Vacuum-Sealer/dp/B003YE8FG0

Oh yea, works well for making backpacking meals as well. You can get thicker bags that are able to take boiling temps.

 

[Derek0525]

Don't remember which model mine is but it will over heat when doing a lot we did 90lbs of elk burger and had to stop a few times cause it would over heat not a big deal not sure if the higher end ones are any better or not think I paid right around $100 for the one I got. I like it better than the butcher paper way though just easier and faster.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

Don't remember which model mine is but it will over heat when doing a lot we did 90lbs of elk burger and had to stop a few times cause it would over heat not a big deal not sure if the higher end ones are any better or not think I paid right around $100 for the one I got. I like it better than the butcher paper way though just easier and faster.

I had the same problem except for mine overheated every other package once you did a few and got it warmed up. Major PITA and ended up returning it.

I've got the Cabelas commercial one now but haven't got ti use it yet.

 

[MAT]

I'm a big fan of foodsaver. Use the rolls, if you are worried about the seal then seal them twice (make a new seam next to the current one). Not sure which one I have buit it has a dry and wet setting, and just a seal function (no vac). Its sometimes best to freeze first with really juicy items (& soft items like fruit).

Works great for backpacking stuff too. My game bags are vac sealed and take up less space and stay dry and clean. So is my first aid kit.

 

[Bughalli]

I have a pretty simple one. Not sure all the bells and whistles are worth it. All it needs to do is pull the air out. I've done many deer, an antelope, couple elk, some salmon and also premade camping food. Never had over heating issues. Still works like the day I bought it (maybe 10 years ago).

 

[cwh]

If your willing to put the money down (there a little expensive) Pick up a chamber vac. In the long run it will save you money cause you don't have to buy the expensive food saver bags. Bags can be bought for pennies for a chamber vac.

Another plus to it, is that you can vaccum seal wet stuff, you can even go as far as to sealing up liquid in the thing. We have owned multiple food savers. Bags were expensive, sealing sucked when you had anything moist in the thing the seal sucked, motors died.....

Got the vacmaster and its all good, the thing gets used constantly at our household. Mainly as I said, because the bags are dirt cheap for the thing.

Heres a link to what we use, do some reading, I think you will find its a much better value for the money.

http://www.amazon.com/VacMaster-Portable-Chamber-Vacuum-Sealer/dp/B003YE8FG0

Oh yea, works well for making backpacking meals as well. You can get thicker bags that are able to take boiling temps.

I agree 100%. We have one of these, and couldn't go back: http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-VP210-Va...&qid=1375730894&sr=8-4&keywords=vacmaster+210

Between fish and big game, we were going through 1 or 2 foodsavers a year. They always break at the worst time too, like 2 in the morning when you just got back to town from dipnetting with your 35 sockeye filleted and ready to seal. The chamber machine is faster, given that you don't have to wait for it to cool down all the time. You get a better seal, better/cheaper bags, and a lot more versatility. If you can get a couple chamber machines together, and get a crew feeding them, you can put some serious food away.

 

[Daniel_M]

Foodsavers. Hate em! Tossed out 5-6 of them in the past 5 years. I'll be moving on to a Vacmaster. Luckily Costco got wise and routinely stocks a VP215. Easy enough for me as I borrowed one so seal up 60# of bear and 85# of salmon several weeks back and to my surprise the wife mentioned wanting one before I even settled on asking!

Vacmaster VP215

 

[colonel00]

Foodsavers. Hate em! Tossed out 5-6 of them in the past 5 years. I'll be moving on to a Vacmaster. Luckily Costco got wise and routinely stocks a VP215. Easy enough for me as I borrowed one so seal up 60# of bear and 85# of salmon several weeks back and to my surprise the wife mentioned wanting one before I even settled on asking!

Vacmaster VP215

These units are legit. Please tell me you didn't pay that much for it. We have one that we picked up from the manufacturer as a scratch and dent/refurb and it is great. It is a hard pill to swallow paying for it up front but you will easily save money in the long run as you can get bags silly cheap for the chamber sealers.

 

[Daniel_M]

Oh hell no I wouldn't pay $1295 for it! Costco lets em go for $950~. They also sell 1000 bags for $60.