Favorite Vacuum Sealer???

[miss_jayne]

good tips on the 'not so expensive' ones.

i am just worried that i might overheat one doing a ton at a time.

how many have some of you done in a row? is there a 'cooling' time for in between say, 10 items sealed etc?

thanks for the input.

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
Yes, I have seen my friends overheat after 5 or 6 birds. Her's is a $50
Food Saver. Mine has never overheated, even after a big Costco trip.

 

[miss_jayne]

Quote:
Yes, I have seen my friends overheat after 5 or 6 birds. Her's is a $50
Food Saver. Mine has never overheated, even after a big Costco trip.

i am thinking of getting the Food Saver at Sam's club tonight.

 

[PurpleChicken]

The one my friend had, which I didn't like, was the one that seals when
you hold down the cover. Don't get that one. Get the one with the latch
on the side and buttons.


If you are getting it to package you large meat birds DON'T DO IT!!!!
THEY WON'T FIT IN THE BAGS!!!! Unless you halve or quarter them.

 

[miss_jayne]

Quote:
great! mine are huge. i cannot fit my meaties in a gallon bag. NOW WHAT????

 

[PurpleChicken]

I had to use these for my Rangers:

http://heftybrands.pactiv.com/HeftyOneZip/OZJumbo.aspx

 

[Wildsky]

Seems like if you want them to last a while in the freezer - you're going to have to cut them up - I'm not sure how long zip lock type bags will keep a chicken from freezer burn.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

We have a Sears one, which is very small scale. The only problem, besides it not being as wide as needed, is that the food item has to be absolutely dry or completely frozen solid for the machine to seal properly.

If there's even one droplet of moisture along the heated seal strip, the seal is ruined. Very frustrating.

So I'd advise against a small scale one like Sears. Good luck with your hunt!

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
I agree. I try to remove as much air as possible but they still get the
white crystals on their skin.

 

[miss_jayne]

thanks all!

i used 2 gallon ziplock's last time.

well, i decided if i am paying all that for the bag stuff for the sealer, to let a processor do it for me this go round, but i am still going to get a sealer for the future.

the processor is only 20 minutes from me and charges 1.50 a bird including bagging and weighing! if i want them quartered/butchered special, another 50 cents. not too shabby!

pushing these guys out two more weeks...they should be ginormous!