Foodsaver bag alternative

Cymbaline65

I've been using a Foodsaver 3850 for a few years now and overall, it's provided good service. I did notice that I would run into inconsistent sealing with some rolls of Foodsaver brand bags. Just enough air would seep into the bag over time causing freezer burn. I was inclined to believe it was defective manufacturing of the roll as I was very deliberate in my sealing process.

On a whim, I purchased Vacstrip bags from VacMaster. Bottom line, they work GREAT. 10x better than the Foodsaver brand bags and they channel any food moisture with a secondary liner thus ensuring the seal is tight. I got 60 pre-made bags in 3 sizes for $20. The box says these work for all sealers. Your mileage may vary but they work beautifully for me.

 

henapple

Thanks. .. I'll give them a try.

Cymbaline65

henapple said:

Thanks. .. I'll give them a try.

So Henapple, have you experienced the same problem? You seal up some meat and a week later, air has seeped in? This even happens when I first freeze the meat (per FS advice.) Some rolls work great, some, not so much...

Griffin

Where did you find those?

henapple

Yes...occasionally

Cymbaline65

@Griffin: I found them at a gourmet store in our local outlet mall - The Kitchen Connection. I'm sure you can source them online. This link from Amazon has a different box but I'm sure it's the same thing.  http://www.amazon.com/VacMaster-Vacuum-Bags-Combo-Count/dp/B0012FON6E

Cymbaline65

Here's another source: http://www.meatprocessingproducts.com/ary-944121.html?utm_source=ary-944121&utm_medium=shopping%2Bengine&utm_campaign=googleproducts&gclid=CObYzaaL_rsCFWRk7AodGEYAvQ

RRP

And yet another source I've been using for years. In fact just yesterday I received 100 pint size bags from them for $19.95 - and there is no shipping charges! Works for me!

http://www.thesweetattack.com/page/page/1617042.htm

Cymbaline65

Wow RPP, the 50/50/50 deal is pretty good!

RRP

Cymbaline65 said:

Wow RPP, the 50/50/50 deal is pretty good!

Yes - they package some good combinations! BTW I have yet to ever have a seal break on one, but I sure can't say that about FS bags though!

If you order tell Jen I said Hello!

Cymbaline65

@RPP - I've sealed meats, cheeses, nuts and sausage using these bags and nary a problem. Apparently, the secondary liner also provides a channel for the air to evacuate from the center of the bag first so the vac unit does not have to work so hard and the seal is tighter.

Thinking I may have to hit up SweetAttack and buy a box of bags. Thanks for the intel...

RRP

For those of you interested the bags from Sweetattack have 3 plies instead of 2 like a FS bag. The inner layer is this perforated sheet that allows the air to be sucked out.

MaskedMarvel

Great timing for me - I just ran out of FS bags..  Thanks OP

Cymbaline65

The perforated sheet also channels moisture - slowing it as it creeps up to the heating element so liquids don't interfere with the sealing process.

caliking

Good info to know. Thanks!