Smokin-It User Forum!
Accessories => Gadgets and Gizmos => Topic started by: benjammn on February 11, 2014, 10:52:55 AM
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What brands/models do you guys use? Thanks to PJ for reminding me I need to look into these, been kicking it around for quite a bit. I just want to make sure the unit is sturdy and lasts quite a bit. Plus cost of supplies would be a fact too I guess, though probably cheap online.
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Ben.
I have a FoodSaver Pro III, but they're no longer available. If I were to replace it, the Ary VacMaster 260 would be on my short list. Look for the ability to adjust seal time, and stay away from the "big box" cheapie FoodSavers, they usually don't last.
http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=805.0
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Thanks for the link. I knew I should have just searched first.
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I do a lot of vacuum sealing and I've had my fill of FoodSavers!!! :P
If I were to buy a new suction machine I'd look closely at the VacMaster PRO305....about $255.00
This morning I took delivery of a VacMaster VP215 chamber sealer.
Chamber sealers are much more versatile, better built and more reliable machines....the bags are also very inexpensive. Unfortunately, the machine itself is a bit expensive....I paid $869.00 with free shipping at webstaurantstore.com
(https://www.smokinitforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FvVtSzsh.jpg&hash=3ce94c60c0c8e2e93e59a1831a27631b7d11499f)
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Wow that machine is nice buy way out of range for me. Thanks for the info!
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I'd love to have a chamber sealer, but don't think I could swing a budget authorization on that one! :o If I did a LOT of sealing, though, it's definitely the way to go!
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Made the plunge.... Ary Vacmaster Pro 260 ... It will be here in about a week.
I really need one so I hope she is good :-)
I always procrastinate buying one and then the day I need it ... It's too late because I have about 15 lbs of meat I don't know what to do with. ???
Thanks!
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That one looks nice! Let us know how it works!
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I'm also interested in your pending review on the Ary Vacmaster Pro 260 and VacMaster PRO305 if anyone has / get one!
Also probably a dumb question but how does a chamber sealer work such as VacMaster VP215 work? A normal vacuum sealer pulls air out, that makes sense. But I guess I just don't know how a chamber pulls air out once the bag is placed inside the chamber. Is it submerged in water to help push out the air or what?
Wik
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Wik, the chamber sealers are the way to go, if you can afford them. Instead of a long explanation, here's a video that does a great job explaining it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtxoS9TiC4E
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That was perfect, video worth a 1000 words! Ashamed I didn't find that link myself :-[
Thx
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Gonna have to save my pennies! I must have one!! ;)
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Also picked up the ChefPro 615 slicer to add to the war chest.
While I was there I picked up a turkey fryer with a basket to do some shrimp boil or some wings etc this summer.
I think I can now only spend money on meat. ;D
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Sounds like a nice war chest, Steve!
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Been a bit Crazy and haven't had time to read / post much. Just added 4th girl to our family a few weeks ago. Better half must have thought I had been pretty fatherly this past year as I got the green light for the VacMaster VP215 Vacuum packer for Fathers Day gift! I about fell out of my chair when she said yes. I had to double check a few times to ensure it wasn't a sarcastic response, less I be punished... ;D
Can't wait to try it out. From the reviews I've read most are pretty positive, with only 1 that complained about pump freezing up and having to pay for shipping. Hoping I don't get shipped a lemon out of the bunch, but something I'm sure will rain on my parade.
Overkill for what I do / need, without a doubt - YES. But who said a guy has to be reasonable...
Cheers,
Wik
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Congratulations, Wik! A new girl and a chamber sealer. Wow! Doesn't get much better than that!
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Holy crap, I looked this sealer up and that thing is a beast!!!
Congrats on your new addition!
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I think you're going to love it!
I use mine a lot!
8)
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I went through three different food savers in the last 10 years and they are very frustrating to use. They use way to much "bag" material and often don't seal one end or the other. I consider them to be nothing but junk.
I literally tossed the last one out in the garbage and bought a Weston. It works perfectly and the seals are wide and secure. It is a joy to use compared to the food savers. Picked it up on Amazon for about $400 and worth every penny.
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I also own the Weston 2300 & like it a lot.
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I went through three different food savers in the last 10 years and they are very frustrating to use. They use way to much "bag" material and often don't seal one end or the other. I consider them to be nothing but junk.
I literally tossed the last one out in the garbage and bought a Weston. It works perfectly and the seals are wide and secure. It is a joy to use compared to the food savers. Picked it up on Amazon for about $400 and worth every penny.
I wouldn't consider all FoodSavers "junk," but there is a definite difference in the "big box" home models and their upper-end models. I have a Professional 3 that has been used quite regularly for 10 years, and still going strong. I never have an issue with poor sealing - the Pro 3 has an adjustable seal time, and it pulls a stronger vacuum than the WalMart models. The Pro 3 is no longer made, so I'm not sure I'd get another FS sealer if this one craps out. The Westons and Arys would definitely be in the running, but I think I'll save my pennies for a chamber sealer.
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Chamber sealers are nice if you have a dedicated area to store them as they are very big and heavy.
Maybe all food savers are not junk. But the three I owned sure were:)
Glad you ended up with a good one.
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I have a Food Saver that I bought at Sam's Club probably about 7 years ago and it is still going strong and sealing great.
In a perfect world where I have a house big enough for a commercial sealer and the money to buy it I would. But in my real world, I am very satisfied with my Food Saver.
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I have a Food Saver that I bought at Sam's Club probably about 7 years ago and it is still going strong and sealing great.
In a perfect world where I have a house big enough for a commercial sealer and the money to buy it I would. But in my real world, I am very satisfied with my Food Saver.
Hehe...me too, Gregg! I can always dream though, right? ;)
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I like to buy quality items that will last. After reading a huge number of reviews I ordered an Ary Vacmaster Pro 260. I've never used a vac sealer before but I easily figured out how to use it. The build is solid and has nice storage compartments for bag rolls. It's a bit noisy both for the vacuum and the sealer but I expect this is the case with all such units. I'm happy with my purchase. :D
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I like to buy quality items that will last. After reading a huge number of reviews I ordered an Ary Vacmaster Pro 260. I've never used a vac sealer before but I easily figured out how to use it. The build is solid and has nice storage compartments for bag rolls. It's a bit noisy both for the vacuum and the sealer but I expect this is the case with all such units. I'm happy with my purchase. :D
Let us know how it works out, after you use it for awhile in "real-world conditions!"
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I want to thank the previous posters for their evaluations. I decided to check the vacmaster 260 and found it at webstaurant.com on sale for $157, free shipping, and no tax. I also ordered some knives on poster recommendation at great pricing so I am a happy camper. Thanks guys.
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Bill,
I've been saving my Cabelas points for a sealer upgrade. Definitely report back after you've run it through the paces.