Vacuum sealer -- worth it or not?

[MotherOfGizmo]

So you guys are saying that you actually seal a papertowel in w/ the meat? urplequ:

[sharbur2002]

Yep, sure do.

Sharon

[sharbur2002]

If you don't want to freeze the paper towel in with the meat then quick freeze the meat first then seal in the Food Saver, because that thing is so powerful that it will suck the blood right out of the fresh meat!!!!

Some veggies must be frozen first. I cut up okra for soups, freeze on a cookie sheet then put in bags and seal it up. The okra doesn't stick together in a big clump. I can open the bag, take out a few to throw in soups then reseal the bag.

Sharon

[sharbur2002]

Sorry for so many posts! I just bought this yesterday at Target. It is a quick handheld sealer for the canisters. It now resides on the counter right beside my Food Saver.

Sharon

[MotherOfGizmo]

Don't apologize for the posts! I love hearing all about something before I consider dropping my hard earned money on it! :yes

[sharbur2002]

MOG, I do not blame you. It is a lot of money to spend, but sooooooo worth it.

Try Walmart. That's about the cheapest...around $59 -$99. Next Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's Club. Other places are higher in cost and their website is the most expensive of all.

Sharon

[MotherOfGizmo]

MOG, I do not blame you. It is a lot of money to spend, but sooooooo worth it.

Try Walmart. That's about the cheapest...around $59 -$99. Next Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's Club. Other places are higher in cost and their website is the most expensive of all.

Sharon

That's good to know! 59 sounds loads better than 129~! Plus, right now we're saving for a new computer--so this is the next thing on the list, gives me time to shop around so that's cool!

[LindaJay]

Great info -- thanks for all the posts! Our Walmart and Sams are in one giant building (but you can't get from one to the other inside!). So, I'll check out what Walmart's prices are too! I know the Sam's price is $129, but it comes with extra bags, canisters, etc., so I was also trying to figure out if I would actually use those "extras" or if I should get the basic model. Sounds like I would definitely want canisters for lettuce or other fresh fruits/veggies.

I am just betting that the next time I head to Sam's, I may come home with one of these!

[MotherOfGizmo]

Great info -- thanks for all the posts! Our Walmart and Sams are in one giant building (but you can't get from one to the other inside!). So, I'll check out what Walmart's prices are too! I know the Sam's price is $129, but it comes with extra bags, canisters, etc., so I was also trying to figure out if I would actually use those "extras" or if I should get the basic model. Sounds like I would definitely want canisters for lettuce or other fresh fruits/veggies.

I am just betting that the next time I head to Sam's, I may come home with one of these!

Hey Linda, let me know what you find out at Walmart, save me a trip. Just talked to my mom and she asked me what I wanted for my b-day--betcha can't guess what I said :geek

[LindaJay]

I did it today! Went out to Walmart during lunch, then Sam's. I bought the one at Sam's for $129. It comes with extra bags, canisters and the unit has the build in storage compartment for bags. Walmart has the same model for the same price (at least there is a price label on the shelf for it, but none at my Walmart!).

Walmart also has the unit without the storage bags, etc. But I just sucked it up and bought the whole thing. I haven't had a chance to plug it in and go yet, but I expect to start using it tomorrow.

DH has been looking at the bags and dog, saying "Hmmm. Maybe we can seal the dog up. He'd be a lot quieter then!" I don't hear the dog barking (a Sheltie), so maybe I'd better go check on him!

[sharbur2002]

Yay Linda! :icondance

You live on a Ranch, don't you? We will soon be hearing about all the ways you use your Food Saver.

When I started harvesting vegtables from my garden my Food Saver would actually overheat! I would have to wait until it cooled down so that I could keep on sealing! (it does have an automatic safegaurd so it doen't get too hot)

Have fun!

Oh yea....poor doggie! lol

Sharon

[LindaJay]

Different Linda! I live in the 'burbs of Baltimore! I know who you are talking about -- I haven't seen any posts from her for awhile though. We only have a few blueberry bushes, but you can bet I'll be vacuum packing them -- canisters or should I freeze them first on a sheet, then seal them in a bag?

[sharbur2002]

Ok, my mistake........on the wrong Linda! :wave

Yes, I would spread the blueberries out on a cookie sheet, freeze overnight and then portion out into the bags and seal. Thats what I do with strawberries and any other fruit or veggie that has a high liquid content.

Darn, now I gotta plant some blueberry bushes. Oh.....where to plant them? Maybe in between my Roses!

Sharon