We’re thinking we might like to get one, but it seems there’s a bewildering array of choices – FoodSaver offers 35 different models! Any advice on how to select one to suit our needs, features to look for, brand and/or model suggestions would be appreciated.
Like almost every topic, the first question is “How much do you want to spend?”
How much do we want to spend? Certainly not the $400+(!) I’ve seen for some units.
It seems most are in the 50-200 range. I think we would go to 100 or so, maybe 150, without flinching too hard. I wouldn’t say 200 is totally out of the question but it would just about have to have an automatic nose wiper and butt scratcher if the less expensive units are suitable.
I bought the ZipLok model at WalMart and I’ve been very happy with it. I don’t recall what I paid for it, but it was cheaper than the Food Saver models. It only seals bags, not containers, but that’s all I wanted.
I got the Foodsaver one that’s in the $80-$100 range and I really like it. It will do the containers, but I don’t have them. The Foodsaver units have gotten much better than they were when they first came out. They didn’t work very well, especially with the containers which made the containers a waste of money.
I have a Food Saver in the under $100 range. Couple of things:
- Clean the drip tray. Every time.
- Bags and rolls usually go on sale right at the beginning of hunting season at places like Cabela’s.
- I found the storage containers pretty useless, but I do have a jar lid sealer and I use it to store chopped lettuce after cutting. I’m not all about carting jars of salad around (heavy), but after I cut it, I store it in vacuum sealed jars until I’m ready to make the salad. As a single person, I find it nearly impossible to use up a head of lettuce before it goes bad any other way.
I bought the Ziploc Vacuum over 4 years ago for under $5 and it is still working just fine. I use it for sous vide and for cheese. It probably doesn’t work as well as a $400 system but it does work well enough to suit me.
You could see if any of your friends have one and borrow it to try out. If they bought it more than six months ago, there’s a 90% chance they aren’t using it anyway.
I bought a Kenmore, which is most likely just a rebadged Foodsaver. Been using it for ten years or more without a problem. I’d suggest buying the Foodsave rolls, however. They seem a bit thicker and more user friendly.