Keeping Fish Fresh ~ Vacuum Sealers

[KissMyBass]

Hey Guys,

Just curious about everyone's favorite Vacuum Sealer brand. In the market for one and just read and heard too many negatives on the Food Saver. Which one do you like the best? Thanks in advance!

Steve

[Pokerman1]

I have a food saver that I paid around $100 or so online. Had it for about 1 year. I like it, but there is an issue occasionally when the "tray full" light comes on and won't let you continue... usually it requires some 'drying out'. Kind of hard to explain. One day it conked out was when I was vacuum sealing about 50 pollock filets in separate bags. Talk about one lonngggg night. lol

I like the machine, so instead of getting one more expensive I simply bought a back-up model at Walmart for about $140.00. So, on my fishing trips I carry two vacuum sealers, and I always stay at hotels with full kitchenettes and freezers.

Now that I see this in writing, maybe I need to get another pastime.

Joe

[joerosa1]

I use to have a early model of the Foodsaver and it was great. Nice tight seals and no waste in bag material. Time took its toll and the heat sealer broker. I recently picked up a new vertical standing Foodsaver model. The new model is intentionally made to waste six (6) inches of expensive bag materials and the vacuum seal is poor/weak. I recently picked up a VacMaster Pro130 Vacuum Sealer from Costco that is designed more like the earlier Foodsaver but is more commercial quality in design and materials. So far so good, too bad the new Foodsaver is poorly design. Go to Amazon and see the reviews for the new Foodsaver it is the same story.

[Salt]

The food saver that we have is about 7 or 8 yrs. old and still works like a charm. It does get a lot of use. But based on the last reviews I would do some research before buying a new one. I have a back up that is about 7 yrs. old but never used, and hopefully they will last a while.
Maybe you can find a older model on Craigslist or e-bay.

[Jay]

Foodsaver v3825, is the way to go. Had mine for two years and works great. Also bought it on ebay it was the display model for $110. If you want it to last you a lifetime a friendly advice, dry your fish with paper towels before packing. Prevents all the salt water for going into the tray. Make sure you wipe it down and dry the tray afterwards.

[Pokerman1]

Originally Posted by Jay

Foodsaver v3825, is the way to go. Had mine for two years and works great. Also bought it on ebay it was the display model for $110. If you want it to last you a lifetime a friendly advice, dry your fish with paper towels before packing. Prevents all the salt water for going into the tray. Make sure you wipe it down and dry the tray afterwards.

That's very good advice, for sure!

Joe

[jmurr711]

i use the ziploc vaccuum pump being i eat fish 3-4 times a week it is rarely in my freezer longer then 3-4 months and it works great. I did just eat cod from our mass trip last july and it was fine!

[LeftyReeler]

Joey - I made fish cakes a few weeks back from that COD blood bath, let it defrost and was skeptical about the smell once I cut the seal but it really wasnt anything like I feared... very surprised as I know COD and Ling get a distinct/certain eu' de toilette after laying around a few days..."if not take care of that is"

[mark b]

The FoodSaver GameSaver DeluxePlus worked great for me so far. Bagged up over 200 meat and fish and no real problems. You can't go to fast or it overheats & you have to wait a bit for it to start working again.

[jerseyhunter]

I've got a Sears Seal N Save. At the time I bought it, it was the same as the foodsaver and even can use their bags, but at a 30 dollar savings. I've had it for many years now.