I jumped on the VP112 when they first came out years ago. It takes up a huge amount of counter room since the motor is on the back instead of under the chamber. Within 100 bags I started getting sealing cycle fails every 20 to 25 bags. After three years it became every 10 bags, then a few years later every other bag. I called the parts company that VacMaster lists and they diagnosed over the phone and sent me a vacuum control solenoid that controls the way the seal system activates. Its is a normal wear and tear issue and the part is cheap, and I bought two so I did not have to wait next time. Also easy to install except for you will not have the hold down glue for the new part. Takes small hands to get in there and swap out the tubing connections. Even with the new part I get bag seal fails about every 50 bags and have to run it a second time.
You will not be able to "safely" seal mylar retort bags. The seal bar is low wattage with a single heater strip, so you will struggle getting a good, safe seal, on mylar bags for retort pressure canning. A few people claim to get a good seal, but many claim not to get one that survives the canning process.
A local vendor does not like the dry pump sealers. If you process a bunch of oily fish, the oil particulates will eventually contaminate the vac pump and it will fail. They also claim that the dry pump will eventually contaminate the chamber with the fish oil mist, but I can't figure out how that happens with the way the air is routed.
