Which Food Saver do you have/recommend?

[Varaile]

A couple of weekends ago I was soooo close to buying a Food Saver, but I couldn't decide which one. They had two very basic models, two middle models and two top end ones (but not the "professional" grade).

The fanciest one had a built in area to store your bag roll, and a bag cutter. Plus all the do-dads and do-hickeys that makes the air come out of containers and jars, plus a manual vacuum button and I don't know what all else.

The plainest one was rather small, and had just the basic vacuum function.

The middle ones were all basically the same: could use an accessory hose, a variety of size of bags, and depending on the model, a liquid sensor button.

So. What's a girl to choose? What kind do you folks have? :confused:

Thanks for your input!

[Lynn B]

Here's a link to an old thread... I remembered it because I started it! :) Lots of good info here, and there's lots of other informative and helpful threads, too.

Food Saver (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12834&highlight=food+saver)

Lynn

[Grace]

If it were me buying another one (I have one now), I'd get the middle of the road one with the liquid sensor. I don't need bag storage on the fanciest one because I only use the pre-cut bags, and I definitely would want one with the hose attachment. Have to be able to seal all the jars!! :D

[Curleytop]

It all depends how you want to use your Foodsaver! I have my Compact, the original since it first came out, about late 1980 or early 1990's. I think the vacuum pump is getting a little slower. When I first got it, I used the bag material, but it is not cost effective for me. I still have a couple of rolls. I used to bag fish, but you know you can wash and use the bags again, but I never got all the fish smell out enough to suit me. I mainly use the JAR SEALER and use the Ball or Kerr jars, various sizes, with the wide mouth.
I also have 3 larger size Foodsaver Smocky color containers. I use them mainly for marinating meat, takes only ½ hour!
I called Tilia, and they said they would send me a reconditioned Foodsaver model 550, since they no longer make the compact or compact 2, this is only a new name. They will charge me $50 plus tax but no shipping. I am thinking about it. They sent me a new hose, but it didn't work any better.
Soooo, think of what you will vacuum pack most, and then check out the various models and features.
I have an outlet inside of a cabinet, so I keep my Foodsaver in a pullout drawer in the cabinet, and it is always plugged in, BUT NOT IN THE WAY ON THE COUNTER.

[gperls]

I've had the Pro II for a couple years now. I've never had a problem with it, and like it's ability to vacuum multiple items at a time, which I understand the lesser units are limited in doing. So when I make a couple gallons of chicken stock, and freeze it in quart jars, it'll keep going without needing a cool down.

I also use the bag rolls, so I can cut them to my size needs. Having the roll stored in the machine is a great convenience.

I like the old saying, "Buy the best and cry once."

[bobmark226]

After reading the threads here last December, I bought the 1050, which is one step up from the basic 550. I did get an exceptional price on it from Amazon ($99), but when I went back immediately after I'd tried it and decided to buy another for a gift, that price totally evaporated and Amazon referred me to outside sources. I absolutely love the thing, although I've not used it for anything except bags (no jars, containers, etc.) and while I was concerned because of some of the "disaster" stories I read, I have had no problems with it whatsoever and consider it indispensable now!

BOB

[swquilts]

We also have a Pro II since mutiple seals are a necessity for use in sausage packaging. I also have the marinating jars, jar sealers, etc.

A quick question though for those you use the jar sealer. Do you have problems with the small mouth one? I have to make numerous attempts to get a seal. No problem with the wide mouth.

(Sorry to hijack....)

[Lynn B]

Originally posted by Grace
If it were me buying another one (I have one now), I'd get the middle of the road one with the liquid sensor.

Grace,

What's the liquid sensor??!! I don't know about that! Thanks! :)

Lynn

[AnnaC]

I have the 1075 and the only reason I have that particular one is that Costco sells it for $139, instead of the retail price of $179 elsewhere. That's the only model they carry so that made my decision easy!! I've used it only once so far and I love it!

[chefjon]

I got the Vac 550 about a year ago and love it. I have the canisters and the square one for marinating, which works really well on cutting down your marinating time. I use mine alomost on a daily basis. I particularly like how it keeps salad fresh days longer in one of the canisters, and my parmesan fresh until the very last use. I highly recommend buying one for anyone who cooks a lot at home and does bulk shopping. I've kept things frozen months longer than if I had used a ziplock bag.

[gperls]

Originally posted by swquilts
We also have a Pro II since mutiple seals are a necessity for use in sausage packaging. I also have the marinating jars, jar sealers, etc.

A quick question though for those you use the jar sealer. Do you have problems with the small mouth one? I have to make numerous attempts to get a seal. No problem with the wide mouth.

(Sorry to hijack....)

The trick with this known problem is to put an extra lid inside the small jar sealer, then place it on top of the lid and jar you want to seal. The extra thickness of the lid in the sealer does the trick (most of the time). I also press down on the sealer as it begins to seal, to make sure it seats itself well.