We invested in a FoodSaver Vacuum pack machine. The bags are a bit much even at Wal-Mart (box of 5 rolls of 2 sizes for $39 here in southern California) but they really go a long way. You can vacuum pack almost anything and no freezer burn and stuff lasts months and months. We buy in bulk then vacuum pack and freeze. It was a lot of $$ initially but we have SAVED so much in the long run. I buy the 5 lb. bag of pre-shredded cheddar, vacuum pack it and freeze it. It saves so much money since it costs $13 AND I don’t have to shred or grate it myself. After defrosting, I do have to crumble it between my fingers to get it back to it’s normal texture but really not a big deal. We buy meats at Sam’s Club in bulk and do the same thing and do not have to buy any meats for about 3 months. You can also buy the canisters separately and things last in the fridge seemingly forever. Besides my cast iron dutch oven, it’s the best most used item I have.

I have always wondered if they are worth the expensive cost of the bags. But if the quality of the frozen food and freezer life
is a lot better, than it’s definitely something to think about. Also, have you used it for seafood ?

I agree with Jennygirl 100%! I have vacuum sealed everything from parmesan cheese (keeps for months in the refrigerator…just keep resealing as you use it.  I start with a little bit bigger bag to allow for cutting open and resealing) to ice for a sore knee after surgery (can refreeze for another use).  This thing is worth its weight in gold.  I’ve even heard that you can polish silver and seal so that it doesn’t tarnish but I haven’t tried that yet.
Nancy

I have both a Foodsaver and the newer Handivac. Now, for sealing jars, cannisters, etc. the Foodsaver cannot be beat, but for regular sealing I find myself relying more and more on my Handivac and it’s special bags. It’s just more convenient than getting the old luggable out and making the bags. I just wanted to let you know that if you really want to see if you will use it, you might want to try the Handivac first :D It’s about 90 dollars cheaper.

Best wishes,
Erianna

The only seafood I’ve vacuum packed is shrimp and it works fine. I actually haven’t tried fresh fruit (gets eaten too fast). Softer items (like bread) need to be Frozen first before vacuum packed or they will squish. There was a guide that came with it that tells you what you can vacuum pack and how long it will last in the freezer and fridge. I would definetly check out the Handivac? one the other post says is $90 cheaper! I am going to. We’ve had our FoodSaver for about 10 years and it is just now beginning to get a little slower in it’s operation.

One thing with Foodsaver, mine had to be replaced when my then 4 year old pulled out the black seal and it broke. They don’t offer any replacement parts whatsoever unfortunately. It is good to know that they do offer full replacement though within a year of purchase, or did as of 2 years ago.

Here is the Reynold’s website on their Handi-vac. I actually purchased the machine and the bags at Publix when they were on sale a few months ago. I believe the machine is normally about $10 and the bags are about 3.29 for 10 of them. We have begun using the things we froze in the Reynold’s ones now and it seems to have kept the food in good condition just like our Foodsaver has.

http://www.reynoldspkg.com/reynoldskitchens/handi_vac/en/home.asp

Best wishes,
Eri

We’ve always done a lot of fishing, and using the Foodsaver for freezing is absolutely the best! We grow a lot of vegetables in the summer, and stock the freezer for winter. Even after six months, everything is perfectly fresh - no freezer burn. Love my Foodsaver!

I am using my food saver since 15 years… actually i m working lady, i have two children, one is nanthy a daughter and other one is adam a son..my husband is manager in mnc company .. that is why he always comes late night..so i have all the responsibilities of my children..to make balance between family and my work .. food saver helps me a lot..if u want to know more about food saver u can use below link

http://www.foodsaverblog.com/

Never used one…........thanks for the link….......will check it out