What did you do in the garden today?

[akroberts1085]

The bags are even better than the zipper bags. I used about 6 rolls of bags last year. You cut the bags to fit what you want. They hold up to the freezer and you can put the older stuff on the top of the freezer and put the new stuff below it. And of course you can date and label it.

 

[saysfaa]

I just realized I ditched the water bath canner at some point, or it’s out in the garage and I have no idea where.

Do you have a pressure canner?

It is less convenient than a water bath canner but will work if you just don't engage the lid. I put up with the inconvenience so I don't have to store the bulky thing the ten months of the year that I don't want to use it.

Edit to fix typo

 

[TJAnonymous]

Question for those using vacuum sealers right now. I saw an infomercial recently where the sealer was handheld. I think it was the PowerXL Duo but I can't be certain. The benefit allowed you to hold the bag upright or put it in a bowl (if you were sealing a liquid such as soup). It also allowed you to seal at an angle across a bag and not just horizontal.

When I am looking at sealers online from Walmart or Amazon, none appear to be handheld or able to be used this way. They all look like you keep them sitting flat on the counter top.

What are your actual experiences with this? Do you use your sealer as a handheld tool?

 

[igorsMistress]

Do you have a pressure canner?

It is less convenient than a water bath canner but will work if you just jot engage the lid. I put up with the inconvenience so I don't have to store the bulky thing the ten months of the year that I don't want to use it.

Thank you, I do have one. I was thinking about trying that actually

 

[chickengr]

Dear Wife wanted me to get a vacuum sealer. I don't know the first thing about them, and neither does Dear Wife. At any rate, our Thrift Store had a used Deni Vacuum Sealer on the shelf last week for next to nothing in price. It came with the instruction manual, but no bags. I figure I will try it out on some regular baggies and if that works, maybe buy a roll of vacuum sealer bags from Amazon.

Here is the closest Google picture of what my used Deni Vacuum Sealer looks like...
View attachment 3630634
I don't think they make them anymore, but if it still works, it might be worth buying a roll of bags. If we don't like it, maybe we will learn about the process and can make a more informed decision next time. At any rate, I paid almost nothing for this one, so I won't feel bad if it does not work out for us.

If anyone has some good advice on using vacuum sealers, or what brands to look for and which brands to avoid, please let me know. Thanks.

you can seal any bag with that sealer. ages ago there were no rolls of bags.

 

[Sally PB]

It is less convenient than a water bath canner but will work if you just don't engage the lid. I put up with the inconvenience so I don't have to store the bulky thing the ten months of the year that I don't want to use it.

I did that for years. I finally bought a waterbath canner because it's much lighter. Just thin steel, instead of thick heavy aluminum.

 

[pennyJo1960]

I have a food saver brand from Costco.
About 3 years old. rolls or singles can be used.
You can also suck the air or not.

 

[gtaus]

you can seal any bag with that sealer. ages ago there were no rolls of bags.

Thanks.

 

[gtaus]

I have a food saver brand from Costco.
About 3 years old. rolls or singles can be used.
You can also suck the air or not.

Do you use your vacuum sealer? I am just wondering if it's worth getting into this stuff or are other methods of preservation better?

 

[pennyJo1960]

Do you use your vacuum sealer? I am just wondering if it's worth getting into this stuff or are other methods of preservation better?

Use it all the time I love it never fails.