Food Saver vacuum sealer

[Marie5656]

I have been slowly getting rid of household items I no longer want or need. Now I am considering one of those food saver sealers. Being that I am now cooking and shopping for one, I am deciding if this would be a good purchase.
My niece has one and plans to do up vegetables from their very sizable garden. Thing is, though I have farm markets here, not sure if it would be worth it. I asked her about using it for my soup and chili. She said she finds doing liquid stuff, even if thick, a bit of .a pain and puts hers in Rubbermaid type containers.
Any thoughts?

 

[RadishRose]

Good question. I used to think I wanted one, but I can see it being a pain and unnecessary for more liquid things. I think it's better for cuts of meat and more solid things bought in bulk. Being alone, while I do take advantage of sales, there's a limit to how much ahead I want to be.

It would work better for people who freeze a great deal of items I think. If you do, then it would be great.

 

[C'est Moi]

I have one but I don't use it anymore. You are right that it doesn't work for liquid things; even meat has to be frozen first so that "stuff" doesn't ooze into the seal. The bags are kind of pricey, too.

 

[Marie5656]

@RadishRose @C'est Moi I think you two have convinced me that it is not for me. I think I will buy me a new set of Rubbermaid containers for freezing soup and stuff. I can use foil or freezer zip-lock bags for meat and leftovers.

 

[SeaBreeze]

We've used one for many years, basically we buy things like cheese at Costco, say a large package of American cheese, or Gouda cheese, then vacuum pack parts of it to use when we're ready. If we make a big batch of beef jerky, we'll also pack that in smaller packages that can be frozen and used in the future. Works well for things like that.

Never did use it for any liquids though, or vegetables. It is pricey to buy the bags for it. Honestly, if my husband was no longer with me, I'd probably stop shopping at Costco, and just use some quality containers instead.

 

[Marie5656]

@SeaBreeze I get you about Costco. I got a BJ's membership and have not shopped there since before Rick went into the nursing home. It runs out in January, and I am going to just let it go. I may go there one or two more times to stock up on some things, then I am done. I find that between Amazon and Walmart, I am good

 

[SeaBreeze]

@SeaBreeze I get you about Costco. I got a BJ's membership and have not shopped there since before Rick went into the nursing home. It runs out in January, and I am going to just let it go. I may go there one or two more times to stock up on some things, then I am done. I find that between Amazon and Walmart, I am good

I agree Marie, also the weekly deals at local supermarkets fill in the gaps. The Walmart by me doesn't have the best in the way of produce, seafood, etc. But I do buy canned foods, breads and other stuff there. I would do the same, shop at Costco a couple of times before my annual membership expired and let it go. In fact, I would have never even joined if my husband wasn't so interested.

 

[Patio Life]

We have one and Hubby uses it all the time. He buys in bulk when things are on sale.

If it were just me, I would use my Rubbermaid containers. We use painters tape on the container lids to put what's in there and the date, easy to write on and remove later.

 

[Marie5656]

I agree Marie, also the weekly deals at local supermarkets fill in the gaps. The Walmart by me doesn't have the best in the way of produce, seafood, etc. But I do buy canned foods, breads and other stuff there. I would do the same, shop at Costco a couple of times before my annual membership expired and let it go. In fact, I would have never even joined if my husband wasn't so interested.

I do not buy much produce or seafood at Walmart. Have local places for that. I read somewhere that shoppers should stay away from Walmart produce. My local supermarket is good for lots of things

 

[Marie5656]

@Patio Life by painters tape, do you mean the tape they use to paint around trim? I was trying to decide what to use to mark containers

 

[Ruth n Jersey]

I just use zip lock bags and squeeze the air out of them, then lay them flat in the freezer. After they are frozen I can stack them on end or one on top of each other. I label them with a plain old marker,but do it before I add the food to the bag. Easier that way.

 

[Aunt Bea]

Another vote for plain old ziplock/slider type plastic bags.

I also have a small collection of hillbilly Tupperware containers that I've saved from other foods like cottage cheese.

The only freezer space that I have available is in the top section of the refrigerator and that is enough for me if I manage it and actually eat what I store.

Buy less and eat more!

 

[debbie in seattle]

Have had one for years and used all the time.......that was before life became only me. Nowadays I use Tupperware stuff. Have drastically cut down on cooking and what I buy.

 

[RadishRose]

I was big on the ziplock freezer bags and freezing flat, but recently switched to re-usable containers like Rubbermaid, since all those baggies add to the plastics pollution.

 

[mike4lorie]

We have one, and use it for everything from meats, to soup or sauces, to veggies, to cheese... We love our machine, and yes the bags are expensive, We buy the roll, so we can choose the sizes of our bags. I love the way it seals foods, and nothing gets freezer burnt...