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Vacuum sealer

77bronco
77bronco Posts: 56
in EggHead Forum
I have had a couple FoodSaver models in the past. I don’t use it a ton, but they seem to last a couple years and then start to lose suction. Looked at the major brands of sealers and came across a nice deal  on vacmaster 350. Seems to seal very well and be well made.I really like it so far.  $250 with free shipping when I ordered. Replacement parts are available so hopefully the last one I buy. Just thought I’d pass it on in case anybody was in the market. 
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/ary-vacmaster-pro-350-external-vacuum-packaging-machine-with-12-seal-bar/120VMA350.html
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Comments

  • hoosier_egger
    hoosier_egger Posts: 6,808
    Just got one last week myself. It's a beast! 
    ~ John - Formerly known as ColtsFan  - https://www.instagram.com/hoosier_egger
    XL BGE, LG BGE, Med BGE, BGE Chiminea, Ardore Pizza Oven
    Bloomington, IN - Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers!

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  • Woody
    Woody Posts: 125
    have a 2 or 3 year old FoodSaver and experiencing suction problems.  Wondering though if I use it enough to warrant replacing it?

    Woody in Northville, MI
    Large BGE with AR R & B Oval Combo w/Extender and Sliding D Grid, Kick Ash Basket, Smokeware Cap, Wok, Grill Grates and Kettle Q
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  • 77bronco
    77bronco Posts: 56
    Woody said:
    have a 2 or 3 year old FoodSaver and experiencing suction problems.  Wondering though if I use it enough to warrant replacing it?

    I was kind of the same way. We buy bulk on chicken, whole loins, or strips and sometimes other items. Doing some sous vide also. For all the more we do, I probably don’t “need” the vacmaster, but I have a bunch of stuff that I don’t “need” haha. Besides hopefully it keeps me from having to buy a new FoodSaver every 4-5 years. 
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  • Photo Egg
    Photo Egg Posts: 12,137
    I have the Vacmaster 380 and it was the right choice for me. No complaints.Woody said:
    have a 2 or 3 year old FoodSaver and experiencing suction problems.  Wondering though if I use it enough to warrant replacing it?

    Suction problems are normally cause by the seals getting old.
    It's a cheap fix. Normally around $10. Lots of online places sell the parts.

    https://www.amazon.com/Food-Saver-Replacement-Seals/s?k=Food+Saver+Replacement+Seals
    Thank you,
    Darian

    Galveston Texas
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  • Woody
    Woody Posts: 125
    Photo Egg said:
    I have the Vacmaster 380 and it was the right choice for me. No complaints.Woody said:
    have a 2 or 3 year old FoodSaver and experiencing suction problems.  Wondering though if I use it enough to warrant replacing it?

    Suction problems are normally cause by the seals getting old.
    It's a cheap fix. Normally around $10. Lots of online places sell the parts.

    https://www.amazon.com/Food-Saver-Replacement-Seals/s?k=Food+Saver+Replacement+Seals
    Thanks Darian, worth a try to replace the seals. 

    Headed to amazon now:)
    Woody in Northville, MI
    Large BGE with AR R & B Oval Combo w/Extender and Sliding D Grid, Kick Ash Basket, Smokeware Cap, Wok, Grill Grates and Kettle Q
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  • lkapigian
    lkapigian Posts: 11,549
    Another thing , on some Food Savers the "Vacuum " part can be removed and cleaned--I remove mine after every batch of sealing, that trough gets moisture in it
    Visalia, Ca @lkapigian
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  • jlsm
    jlsm Posts: 1,012
    Darian, thanks so much! Brilliant. 
    *******
    Owner of a large and a beloved mini in Philadelphia
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  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,109
    I almost pulled the trigger, but the reviews gave me pause.  I think I'll hold out for the chamber unit because my Foodsaver has been working perfectly for years (I have the big gamesaver).  And I am fairly confident I can fix it if anything goes wrong with the pump or seals.

    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
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  • Shiff
    Shiff Posts: 1,835
    When I bought my first Foodsaver from Costco it was covered by a 5 year warranty. Mine started losing suction after a few years and they replaced it under warranty. I did have to pay shipping, but at least it was replaced with a much better and more versatile unit.
    Large BGE
    Barry, Lancaster, PA
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  • Skiddymarker
    Skiddymarker Posts: 8,528
    Chamber sealer is the way to go. Using the Instant pot to make broth, the chamber sealer prepares liquids for the freezer without trying to balance an open foodsaver bag in the freezer. The cost of bags for a chamber sealer can prove in having one in about 5 years for the average user. I also like sealing dried herbs and spices, easy in the chamber sealer.

    You do need more counter space, but if you have the room, you ill not be sorry.
    I still use my old Foodsaver for making SV bags 
    Delta B.C. - Whiskey and steak, because no good story ever started with someone having a salad!
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  • blasting
    blasting Posts: 6,262
    Skiddymarker said:

    I still use my old Foodsaver for making SV bags 

    @Skiddymarker. ^^^ Curious as to why the fs is your preference for sv?


    Phoenix 
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  • Skiddymarker
    Skiddymarker Posts: 8,528
    blasting said:
    Skiddymarker said:

    I still use my old Foodsaver for making SV bags 

    @Skiddymarker. ^^^ Curious as to why the fs is your preference for sv?


    Had a couple of “leaks” with high temp (185ºf) SV attempts with the chamber sealer bags, could have been my fault, but as i still have three or four rolls of Foodsaver bags, they are getting used up. 
    Delta B.C. - Whiskey and steak, because no good story ever started with someone having a salad!
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  • lkapigian
    lkapigian Posts: 11,549
    Hey @Skiddymarker , which chamber sealer do you have
    Visalia, Ca @lkapigian
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  • 1911Man
    1911Man Posts: 366
    I think my FoodSaver is at least 15 years old now. I replaced the gaskets for the sealing part of it once since I foolishly left it in the locked (or in use position). After I replaced those, it would seal bags like a champ. The only other item to fail was one of the ends of the hose (for containers or the Mason jar item) finally failed due to how much I used it. Also an easy replacement item. So I might have spent $20-$30 in parts total to get my FoodSaver back to 100% state. With how much I've used it, and saved on bulk buys, it's more than paid for itself several times over.
    I use it every week to vacuum seal up half of the turkey breast section I smoke. I take the meat off the bones and seal it up (once not hot) to keep it juicy. I also tend to let the section sit in the juices so that it's able to pull some back in. Of course, the vacuum packing helps that along.
    Side tip. If you're going to vacuum pack moist items (or wet items) roll up a bit of paper towel, trim it to the right length for the bag width, and put that a few inches above the item (inside the bag of course). That will act as enough of a stoppage to keep the juices from getting to the top of the bag. This will help keep cooked meats moist as well as the trough clean.
    Large BGE with CGS Woo Ring, stone with stainless pan, Smokeware chimney cap, Kick Ash basket and Kick Ash can.
    Living free in the 603 (Pelham).
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  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    edited March 2019
    Big chamber units are awesome.  But, they are just that...Big, heavy, space hogs and cumbersome.  I like the Food Saver for its size and I can stow it when I'm done using it.  And I use mine weekly on average.  I'm with Carey...if it fails I'm confident I can fix it and if not I'll get another FS.  It's like getting an electric slicer... Everybody THINKS they want the Big mamajama 12 in Hobart etc and then realize it needs its own table Etc.
    To each their own.
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
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  • Skiddymarker
    Skiddymarker Posts: 8,528
    lkapigian said:
    Hey @Skiddymarker , which chamber sealer do you have
    VP215, bought it used from a local supply house. 
    Delta B.C. - Whiskey and steak, because no good story ever started with someone having a salad!
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  • Canugghead
    Canugghead Posts: 13,714
    Skiddymarker said:
    lkapigian said:
    Hey @Skiddymarker , which chamber sealer do you have
    VP215, bought it used from a local supply house. 
    love my vp215, remember to do periodic oil change!
    canuckland
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  • Skiddymarker
    Skiddymarker Posts: 8,528
    Canugghead said:
    Skiddymarker said:
    lkapigian said:
    Hey @Skiddymarker , which chamber sealer do you have
    VP215, bought it used from a local supply house. 
    love my vp215, remember to do periodic oil change!
    I change the oil once a year. Duty cycle not too much on this unit, but the oil is cheap IMO. The glass filler window is about the same as on my 1100 Virago motorcycle!
    Think it was after discussion with you @Canugghead that I finally bought one. 
    Delta B.C. - Whiskey and steak, because no good story ever started with someone having a salad!
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  • piney
    piney Posts: 1,478
    We have had 3 Foodsavers, they last a couple years and then trash. We have had a Weston Pro-2300 for about 5 years, couldn't be happier! 
    Lenoir, N.C.
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