if you buy a foodsaver that has the containers, foodsaver makes a small handheld pump which makes things more practical for everyday use like storing cheese, deli etc.

It might be worth checking out if you can find one used. It's one of those items that people think they need until they realize it just takes up space. So they are almost always available to find 2nd hand. I picked mine up for $10 on Craigslist 3 years ago and has worked great. So I don't feel so bad when it sits in storage not being used.

Kohl's has all sorts of Foodsaver models on the shelf, if you want to scout them in person.

I went a while ago, and ended up getting their base model, which is smaller, fits on the top shelf of the cabinet, and cost about $60 after coupon or during a sale.

I figured if it busted , I could get another for the same price.  but it has done fine for the past maybe 4 years?  it's the 8", which covers 99% of the stuff I need to seal.

 Once you choose one , here are a few tips i have found over the years.
   Ziplock brand sealer bags are thicker than food saver bags. Wrap sharp edged bone in meat with plastic wrap first , lightly freeze wetter meats prior to bagging and sealing,and make sure the opening is clean and dry for a good seal. I also wash and reuse my bags whenever i can. :-)

I have a fairly large sealer (Weston Pro-3000). I keep it on a shelf in my garage where I keep a few other items of kitchenware that don't see daily use.

Whenever I need to seal stuff I just load up the bags in the kitchen, put them on a tray and head out to the garage for a sealing session. The sealer is always plugged in and ready to go.

I find that easier than having to get out even a small sealer and putting it back every time I would want to use it even if I just wanted to seal one or two things after dinner or such.

Wolfie51sb said:

Thank you for all of the suggestions and input. Decided to go with this model:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LUGK5QW?keywords=fm2110&qid=1454078735&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Looking forward to giving it a whirl.

Rob, just a heads up, that's the same one I have, and it's on sale at Costco right now for $59.  Good simple unit.

You're welcome, glad it worked out.  I'll let you know where to send my cut.

GregW said:

I have this model:
http://www.amazon.com/Weston-65-0201-Pro-2300-Vacuum-Sealer/dp/B001GP81R2
It has served me well.
It's a bit more expensive than the Food Saver models, however it is built well.

If money is not a concern I would recommend getting a chamber vacuum sealer. It is a lot more versatile and the vacuum bags are a lot cheaper.

I have a Weston brand vacuum sealer that Cabela's sold a few years ago (it's pretty close to the 2300 in the link above). I bought the Weston because I went through 2 or 3 Food Saver models that failed at the most inopportune time. The Weston is user serviceable (by me at least) and has inexpensive maintenance kits.

I have already used the Weston for longer than all of my other Food Savers combined. I buy 4mil bags and rolls from some Internet website and the cost savings is significant over FS bags/rolls. I also agree that the ZipLoc bags/rolls are extremely high quality and usually significantly cheaper than the FS ones.

I believe that if I really wanted to flatten an aluminum can I could do it with the Weston. I usually use the manual vacuum setting with a 3 or 4 second seal. I've never had a bag not seal, ever. I use my vacuum sealer quite a few times each month - I buy bulk meat at Sams/Costco and seal it down into smaller quantities. I buy fresh roasted espresso beans in 1-3# quantities and vacuum seal the beans into ~1 Cup servings and freeze it off. When I go organic, free-range grocery shopping with a gun, I vacuum seal trail mix and snacks for the trip....and when I return with groceries, they get butchered and vacuum sealed.