If you're in the market for a Foodsaver.......

[SandyM]

.......head on over to Target. The 350 is on sale for $99, and the 550 is $129. I don't know the difference between the two, but checking the packaging, the 550 comes with one cannister.

I almost grabbed one, but I'm still thinking about it.

[funnybone]

I almost bought one at Costco, but realized that Food Saver has either updated their models or just changed model names.

About a month ago, they had names such as "Ultra" on their website www.tilia.com (http://www.tilia.com) , and that is the one Costco has. However, now Food Saver has come out with numbers in their names auch as the ones mentioned by SandyM.

Anyone know more on this?

[This message has been edited by funnybone (edited 05-30-2001).]

[Jewel]

I actually sat down and watched the FoodSaver speil on QVC last weekend, and almost called. The ONLY question I have is where do I get the replacement bags, and how expensive are they? I've gotten roped into these types of things before where you get a little supply with the item then can't find the replacements anywhere!

I've been getting along fine with my zippy bags, but then you people come along and make me feel so unprepared. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif Currently, when I freeze raw meat, I wrap in plastic wrap, then wrap in foil, then put in a freezer zippy bag. Will I be able to eliminate any of those three processes if I invest in a FoodSaver?

I also want to know how the jar thing works. I don't want to spend money on their canisters, I'd rather just use Mason Jars. Is that tricky to do? Come on, guys, convince me I need one!! By the way, where do you keep it? I bartered all my counter space away when I got my KitchenAid Mixer a few weeks ago! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[SandyM]

Jewel - sorry, I should have noted - Target had the bags on sale too. I would suspect anywhere you buy the machine, you buy the bags. I could be wrong about that though.....

I know there are rabid fans of the Foodsaver on this BB, so I'm sure they'll come out in full force. If not, you can do a search on here and probably come up with a half dozen links or more of past discussions.

[funnybone]

I've seen the bags at Costco, Linens 'n Things, etc. Where ever it is sold, so are the bags. I am a lousy "freezer" so I want one to do a better job for me - and to cut down on all the food we throw out.

[Norma]

I have never used the canisters. They are expensive and they look like they look bulkier than mason jars. But like I said, I know nothing about the canisters. I got a couple dozen 1/2 gallon mason jars at a garage sale for $5.00. I only use lids that I have carefully removed from my regular canning items...tomatoes,peaches,etc... I have never used new, so there is no expense there for me. I've never had trouble finding bags. They really last a long time if you're careful about not puncturing them.

Like I've said before, I've had mine over 15 years and it's going strong. I use it every day. I love it, love it, love it.

[Joyce]

Bags can be bought at Sam's and Walmart. I am still working on my original supply. They can be reused, washed in dishwasher, microwavable and boilable. The mason jars work well for me. Sometimes when trying to open them, I will ruin a top and it will not reseal, but the tops are only about $1.50 for twelve, so it's fine with me. I am truly enjoying my food saver and must say that it is one of the best purchases I have made.

[Andrew]

"I've been getting along fine with my zippy bags, but then you people come along and make me feel so unprepared. Currently, when I freeze raw meat, I wrap in plastic wrap, then wrap in foil, then put in a freezer zippy bag. Will I be able to eliminate any of those three processes if I invest in a FoodSaver?"

You Betcha!!
The Foodsaver is one of the best appliances we've ever used! It does exactly what the infomercial says. We bought our first one at least 15 years ago and since one of our sons wandered off with it we bought a second one. The bags are reusable many times, just wash them out and let them dry. We've had some cheeses in the foodsaver bags for over 9 months and it's still perfect!

"I also want to know how the jar thing works. I don't want to spend money on their canisters, I'd rather just use Mason Jars. Is that tricky to do? Come on, guys, convince me I need one!! By the way, where do you keep it?"

The best thing about the canisters is they cut marinating time down by hours!! I do most of the cooking and decide in the mornings what we'll have for dinner. By the time something thaws out I usually have just a short time to marinate. If the recipe calls for marinating overnight it can be done in 1/2 hour to 45 minutes in the canisters. By tossing in the ingredients and sucking all the air out opens the pores of the meat and all the goodies rush in and the marinating happens quickly. I use ours at least every other day or so and it sits on the counter top so I don't have to drag it out. BYW, I hate buying cilantro and having it go bad in a short time so I just pop it into a small canister, suck the air out and it lasts sooo much longer!

Andrew

[Jewel]

Thanks for the tips Andrew, but if I spend the cash on a FoodSaver I KNOW I can't spend extra on the canisters. I also don't have much cabinet/pantry space, so I'm worried about storage. Can I still use Mason Jars with the newer FoodSavers? It looks like the suction top thingy only works on the canisters now, almost like they're forcing you to use their storage products. Those things are pricey!

I will probably pick one up this weekend, but I'm still worried about how I'll store things that are a bit softer (like breads and muffins) because I've heard that they'll crush in the FoodSaver, and I'm worried about the canister vs. mason jar thing. I can pick Mason jars up at garage sales very cheap, but I can't buy 10 or 12 canisters! Thanks again! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Jewel]

Originally posted by Norma:
I have never used the canisters. They are expensive and they look like they look bulkier than mason jars. But like I said, I know nothing about the canisters. I got a couple dozen 1/2 gallon mason jars at a garage sale for $5.00. I only use lids that I have carefully removed from my regular canning items...tomatoes,peaches,etc... I have never used new, so there is no expense there for me.

Norma, you seem like my jar expert! Any idea if the newer models can be used with Mason Jars? What do you store in your jars? I also still need to know if I can freeze raw meat without going through the plastic wrap/foil/zippy bag process. Will the FoodSaver bag alone be enough to ward off freezer burn? Thanks! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Curleytop]

This is a review of the canisters:
I have 3 of them, got them years ago when a store went out of business. My son has the large ones as well. The smaller ones are great for marinating meat. Does it in half an hour because you take out the air.
They are also great for crackers and stuff that get soggy. I live in a coastal climate, and that is always a consideration.
I would recommend having at least one canister. I also use the canning jars, 1/2 gallon, pint and quart.

[This message has been edited by Curleytop (edited 06-01-2001).]

[Jewel]

Thanks so much for the extra help, everyone! I'm probably going to take the plunge today after work. Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond (aka: Toys 'R Us) are a block away from each other ON my way home from work. I think I want the 550 model, and if I have to order separate jar sealers I noticed on Tilia's site that they were less than $10 each. Have to find jars anyway!

What I'm still wondering about is kinda lame, but it matters to me! I have VERY limited cupboard space. VERY limited. I also don't have a separate pantry. If I start loading up on jars I don't think I'll have a place to put most of them! I know I'll be able to replace some of the items that are already in the cabinet, so it's like I'm trading. But, a cereal box is 3" wide and deep. If I put cereal in a jar it's going to take up a lot more room, you know what I mean?

Also, I want to be sure: the newer models that you hit one button and it stops when the vacuum process is done...you CAN stop that manually to keep it from crushing something? I understand its not a true vacuum, but if I manually hit the brake, will it still seal it an finish the job? I'm worried about foods that are easily crushed or bruised, like most veggies! Bagged salad always seems to go belly-up within 24 hours at our house and I'd love to vac-pack that, but it seems like it would crush it beyond recognition. Same with fresh green beans and bell peppers. When I saw that infomercial and they did the flour, that finished bag was hard as a rock! I'd hate to think of what its doing to a tender pepper. Maybe I'm stressing too much, but I don't want to use this thing for only meat, cheese, and hard veggies! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Norma]

Jewel, you will need to use jars for the veggies, greens, etc. They keep beautifully.

I don't vacuum pack cereal. But if you had several boxes ahead and felt that you wanted to vacuum pack it, you could slip the whole box into a large bag and stop the suction just when the bag has formed around the box and store it under the bed. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[luv2cook]

norma: I have one but I am having a problem with leakage. So far I've had to throw out a bunch of potatos and onions. The bags *seem* to evacuate the air but then later on I look at them and air has leaked in - and this is on new bags and used! I don't knwo what the problem is and I keep forgetting to call Tilia about it.

[Jewel]

Originally posted by Norma:
Jewel, you will need to use jars for the veggies, greens, etc. They keep beautifully.


Sorry to keep at you guys, but I'm leaving work in 45 minutes to go to the store to possibly buy one of these, and now I'm a bit confused. On the infomercials they use bags for the veggies all the time! Asparagus is even in one of the Tilia photos. Keeping lots of jars in my fridge isn't really convenient, especially when I have drawers just perfect for holding the bags of green beans, celery, peppers, etc.

I understand about the cereal, I think I was just using that as a for instance...I mainly want to replace all of the plastic produce bags that I come home with from the market, and to help with the "what's that smell" game we end up playing at least once every few weeks. We go through the fridge pulling and smelling, trying to find out what's past its prime. Usually it's some sort of fruit or vegetable, usually packed in some kind of baggie. If I can alleviate that, as well as protect my meat from freezer burn, I'll consider it a good buy. I have a feeling I'll be stopping that vacuum quite often so I can do more with it.

What size jars would you put salads and greens in?? The gallon size that Pickled Pigs Feet come in at the deli?? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Norma]

luv2cook, do you mean potatoes and onions that you have cooked? Or raw?

Whenever I have had bag problems, it has been from pinholes somewhere on the bag and they can be VERY difficult to find. Also, across the top of the bag where it seals sometimes isn't a smooth seal. You can see a sort wrinkle in the seal. Air can get in there also.

For the pinholes, if you hold the bag up to a bright light with the white side toward you, you can alot of the time see the hole if it's in the white side. If it's in the clear side I can't see it, but if I lay the bag down flat on the counter and lightly run my fingertips all over it, you can sometimes feel a sorta sharp sensation in the bag. When I find the holes, I put a dab of masking tape over it on the outside of the bag and stick it down good...running my thumbnail or something over and over the tape making sure the edges are down tight. This takes care of the leak and I can keep on using the bags.

[Norma]

Jewel, I've never done fresh veggies that way. I guess you'll have to experiment. I would enjoy hearing about your experiences. It would be very handy to just throw them in the fridge drawer. I have no idea about the greens. Call Tilia?

There's just two of us. I really don't do greens that way. I just use Tupperware and use it up fast.

Good luck!

[Jewel]

Well I just took the plunge and bought a FoodSaver! Bought the 550 Model (Compact II) at Bed, Bath & Beyond for $129. I shifted and shoved, and finally found a place for it on my kitchen counter with an outlet nearby, so it's actually plugged in all the time! Half of my kitchen appliances that I do have on the counter don't have the priveledge of being plugged in all the time, so this is a big deal. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

I already watched the instructional video and I learned a bit more about freezing soft stuff like berries and peaches. They say freeze on a cookie sheet first, then vac-pak. I saw the 'universal lids' and I'm not too thrilled with them, but I think I would like to try putting some of the stuff in my fridge that's in their original containers into mason jars for vac-packing. I have two specific items that I'm hoping I can do: Salsa and Applesauce. Never fails...I only use Salsa a few times per month, and I don't like buying those itty-bitty ones for $4 each. By the time I need it again it's growing stuff, so I end up throwing it out. Same with applesauce! I only use it for lowfat baking. I ALWAYS end up throwing half a jar of applesauce away. Do you think I can transfer salsa, applesauce, pasta sauce, etc into mason jars and keep them in the fridge?

I have tried it on a few items already, all bags since I don't have jars yet. It came with a wide mouth jar sealer but I think I'm going to have to order the standard, 'cause I don't know how easy the wide mouth jars are to find! It came with the small 3/4 qt canister, and I can't think of anything to put in it! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

I vac-packed a flank steak that was discounted today at the store and needed to freeze quickly or die tomorrow, and I did some Italian Chicken Sausage I'd just bought yesterday. Both went into the freezer without any other packaging, like foil or plastic wrap. I'm trusting you people!!

I bought a pound of deli turkey that was on sale, and I went ahead and vac-packed it and put it in the cheese drawer. That will be OK, right? I never saw lunch meat mentioned, and we have a problem of it getting a bit gummy before we can use it all. I also vac-packed a ginger root and put it in the fridge. I'm always finding green and dried-out ginger root in my fridge because I don't use it as often as I should! I hope that works too.

All in all, I'm pleased! Let's see what else this bad boy can do... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[phantomcg]

Originally posted by Jewel:
Norma, you seem like my jar expert! Any idea if the newer models can be used with Mason Jars? What do you store in your jars? I also still need to know if I can freeze raw meat without going through the plastic wrap/foil/zippy bag process. Will the FoodSaver bag alone be enough to ward off freezer burn? Thanks! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif




Well, I'm not Norma, but I do use both the canisters and the mason jars. I got my FoodSaver for Christmas. I use the canisters that I have for lettuce and herbs and I use the mason jars ALOT. I don't even think that I could think of all the things I have in mason jars - I know I have beans, nuts, chocolate chips and brown sugar in them. I tend to use the canisters for things that I open frequently (like coffee) and the mason jars for longer term storage. This is just a personal preference though, I tend to be rough on the lids for the mason jars and since I have the canisters, I might as well use them. And, yes, the FoodSaver bags are enough to keep meat from getting freezer burn.
I have never seen a 1/2 gallon mason jar - are they wide mouthed? I'm going to have to go hunting for them!

Cheryl

[Norma]

Jewel, I went to Tilia's website to see what they say about the new models. For sure,the mason jars will work, but it sounds like you will need a jar sealer for them. Mine came with the jar sealers (wide mouth and regular)and I don't know if the new ones have them included, but you will definitely need them for the mason jars.

I store everything in my jars. Grains, oil, nuts, oreos, olives, coconut, dry bread crumbs, croutons, bread cubes I'm saving for stuffing, yeast, dried fruit, fresh stuff will stay fresh longer. I have frozen shrimp in shells in 1/2 gallon jars because the shells would pierce the bags. Whatever you vacuum pack, you need to store it appropriately..like grains in cupboard, fresh in refrigerator, etc.

Although I'm sure the freezer bag alone will work, I've never done it because I just felt better wrapping it in plastic wrap first. I can sorta scrunch chicken breasts so they are more compact than laying them out on trays to freeze. And they're less messy to handle. Just my opinion.

Anything soft...meat, breads, etc. need to be frozen first, then vacuum packed. With the more delicate breadlike items, after they are frozen, it is possible to control the vacuum so as not to crush the contents. Just when the bag forms around the contents you can stop the vacuum and seal the bag without crushing anything. It's not a true vacuum but it's better than nothing. You could always use jars for the delicate stuff like cookies.

HTH, Norma

[Norma]

Cheryl, yes 1/2 gallon jars are wide mouth. This would be the time of year to find them. I don't always see them in the store.

[Jewel]

Originally posted by kwormann:
We have been talking about one, but need it mostly for cheese and greens. But I saw where maybe it wont work with greens?? WHat are the jars? I cant see greens in jars! HELP http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I am still really new at this, but I think I can help a bit! As for greens, the tough stuff like green beans, asparagus, peppers, can go in bags with no problem. I vac-packed three green bell peppers last night and they did just fine! Next time I think I will seed them first and vac-pack the 3" or 4" wide 'sections' to save room in the drawer, but this worked fine as well.

I ordered the 2.5 quart canister from Tilia that I will put my salad greens in. We buy a lot of bagged salad as well as making our own, and it never fails that halfway through the bag or the lettuce it starts to turn. This way we can dip into the salad, then re-vac it, then put it back into the fridge.

You'll find other uses for it as well. Last night DH and I were talking about 'every time we clean out the freezer' and listed different things that 'go bad' before we can use them. Specifically, DH loves those frozen fish fillets. I'll buy a box of 10, fix him two for dinner, then the box goes into a big zippie into the freezer. Two months later they're crystalized and icky, and get thrown away. Last night I vac-packed the remaining 6 fillets I had in the freezer, discarded the box, and they'll stay fresh! We also remembered the frozen french fries in the bag. They always crystalize and go stale. I dumped the bag of crinkle-fries into a bag, vac-packed them, and they're ready to roll!

This may sound funny, but any woman trying to watch her weight and control the 'snack monster' might understand this. I also think it will help me with snacking. I have a bad habit of grabbing a block of cheese and slicing off a bit to snack on. Or, I'll dip into the Turkey Pepperoni and eat a handful. I vac-packed both these items last night. If I want any of these foods 'on impulse' I'll have to cut it open, pull it out, slice it up, put it back, then re-vacpack it. I think when I see it all pretty in the package, it may deter me from grabbing and eating. Make sense at all!? (blush).

Trust me, you'll find uses you will never think of now. DH was a little miffed that I bought this yesterday, until I showed him (in writing) how much longer food will keep, and also showed him what his beloved fish fillets looked like in the freezer. He's hooked. Plus, from a man's point of view, it may be a kitchen tool, but it's still a 'gadget'. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Jewel]

One more thing! Just found Food Saver accessories cheaper than Tilia and cheaper than Bed, Bath & Beyond. I just ordered the 3-piece canister set, which was $15 cheaper than BB & B. They're out of stock on the marinating canister, but should have them in within 2-3 weeks. Bags are about $1 cheaper than retail here in Seattle. Here's the link if anyone is interested:
http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodli.asp?Keywords=food+saver&Home=prod&Advanced=spine

Happy vac-packing! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Grace]

You will love it Jewel, I have one too, and use it all the time. Sounds like what you did with your meats and stuff is just fine. I just wanted to add two things - first of all, the wide mouth jars are not that hard to find, and worth searching for. You'll have a dickens of a time fitting stuff into the opening of the smaller jars. My regular grocery store had them, and they come in a case of 12 for really cheap (like less than $10?? I think.) The lids are separate, and really, cheap, like $2 or something. I like the jars a lot. You'll be happy with them, for sure.

The last thing I wanted to mention is the applesauce problem you have. I used to have that problem too (since I also only use it for baking), but I switched to buying the "snack pack" sizes (they come in a pack of 8, 4 oz. each which is exactly a 1/2 cup, which is what almost every recipe calls for). It's perfect. I always have fresh applesauce on hand, and I almost never have any waste (and it's only a little bit - like if the recipe calls for 1/3 cup instead of a 1/2, then I have what, 1-1/2 tblsp. leftover or something?). So you might want to consider that instead of vac-sealing the big applesauce jar (although that would work for awhile too). Good luck and have fun with your new toy!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Grace (edited 06-02-2001).]

[luv2cook]

norma: it was fresh pot. and onion and they were new bags http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif

[Grace]

luv2cook:

I had a problem with a bad batch of bags once, they would vacuum and seal, but it wouldn't be long before they were all full of air again. I called Tilia and they said to send the bad batch back and they'd send me a new batch. They told me they have this problem from time to time.

[kwormann]

We have been talking about one, but need it mostly for cheese and greens. But I saw where maybe it wont work with greens?? WHat are the jars? I cant see greens in jars! HELP http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Jewel]

JLK, if you have a Costco anywhere near you they have a one-step-up from the 550 model that comes with a 3-piece canister set, two universal lids, 2 bottle stoppers and a lot of bags and rolls for $159. This AFTER I bought my 550!

I ordered a bunch of accessories from Tilia and found them much cheaper on the Cooking.com site, and they even have the VAC 550 for $129:
http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodli.asp?Parsed=True&Keywords=FoodSaver

Also, if you find a FoodSaver Compact II, it is just the new name for the VAC 550. Good luck! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by Jewel (edited 06-06-2001).]

[JLK]

Ugh, I'm so frustrated. I was so interested in this food saver since reading this post. Last night I went on a hunt to find it. My first attempt was Target. I searched but they did not have it anywhere. When I asked someone they looked at me like I had 3 heads. Then I went to Walmart but they only had the 350; I want the 550. Finally I went to Linens N Things who does carry it but they are out and won't have it in for 2 weeks. I may try another Linens N Things.