Foodsaver alternatives that cost less and are better quality

[lokiju]

My wife and I have had a Rival (Target generic) food saver for the last 2 or so years but it doesn't suck out the air very well anymore and hardly ever seals the bag.

We tend to buy bulk (6-10lbs) of chicken and steaks and ground beef from places like Sams Club and Costco and a vacuum sealer is a must have for us.

Since this one has all but given up on functioning, we're now in the market for a new sealer.

I'm leaning towards getting a FoodSaver V2460 since it seems to be the only thing they make that doesn't have terrible reviews now days.

But I'm wondering if there is something else out there that can use FoodSaver brand bags but works better and cost less.

Anyone?

:beer:

 

[alkemyst]

If you were truly buying bulk this would be what you need: Link

 

[Pliablemoose]

I have this one: V3835 and the reviews are spot on, I wouldn't purchase it again, however, I got it from Costco, so when it breaks, I'll get the next generation.

Have you ever used the bags that Wal Mart sells?

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
I have this one: V3835 and the reviews are spot on, I wouldn't purchase it again, however, I got it from Costco, so when it breaks, I'll get the next generation.

Have you ever used the bags that Wal Mart sells?

I have the same one and agree with it's problems, BUT the bag sensor is better, in my experience, than not having anything. It's good at spotting when a bag is folded in an improper way, which would lead to a bad seal. With my old Foodsaver I would screw up one out of 6 or 7 bags, I haven't screwed up a single bag with my new one. Yes you lose an inch, but it's better than losing 12 inches of bag with a bad seal.

 

[lokiju]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
I have this one: V3835 and the reviews are spot on, I wouldn't purchase it again, however, I got it from Costco, so when it breaks, I'll get the next generation.

Have you ever used the bags that Wal Mart sells?

I was all set to go out and buy that yesterday but decided to read up on reviews first and it doesn't look very promising.

I've never used the off brand bags from Wal-mart since I just buy the big box roll from Costco or Sams whenever I run out.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
I have this one: V3835 and the reviews are spot on, I wouldn't purchase it again, however, I got it from Costco, so when it breaks, I'll get the next generation.

Have you ever used the bags that Wal Mart sells?

I have the same one and agree with it's problems, BUT the bag sensor is better, in my experience, than not having anything. It's good at spotting when a bag is folded in an improper way, which would lead to a bad seal. With my old Foodsaver I would screw up one out of 6 or 7 bags, I haven't screwed up a single bag with my new one. Yes you lose an inch, but it's better than losing 12 inches of bag with a bad seal.

True enough...

I have a ribeye marinating in beer in the fridge ATM

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
I have this one: V3835 and the reviews are spot on, I wouldn't purchase it again, however, I got it from Costco, so when it breaks, I'll get the next generation.

Have you ever used the bags that Wal Mart sells?

I have the same one and agree with it's problems, BUT the bag sensor is better, in my experience, than not having anything. It's good at spotting when a bag is folded in an improper way, which would lead to a bad seal. With my old Foodsaver I would screw up one out of 6 or 7 bags, I haven't screwed up a single bag with my new one. Yes you lose an inch, but it's better than losing 12 inches of bag with a bad seal.

Yeah, that's the one I have as well. The sensor fails to trip probably only 1/4 of the time...which just requires me to adjust how I'm holding the bag and then it's fine.

But yeah, got it at Costco, so I'll just get a new one if it breaks or the sensor dies.

 

[Modelworks]

Ziploc bag and a straw also works nicely.

 

[Pliablemoose]

As far as functionality, I think Foodsaver is the best game in town, not sold on the canisters, at least they look nice though.

 

[CPA]

How big are your sealed packages? Bigger than an alternator?

 

[wiredspider]

i use a handi vac, at least that is what I think it is called.

 

[BillGates]

Originally posted by: wiredspider
i use a handi vac, at least that is what I think it is called.

Same here -- made by Reynolds -- less than $10, bags are around $2.50 for 14 of the smaller ones. Seems to work great to me.

 

[Perknose]

I do the whole process manually, using a heavy gauge aluminum foil over "saran wrap", and that works for me.

Airtight, price is right, and a lifetime guarantee.

Knowledgeable cooks have used my method for decades upon decades, but, HEY, nice shiny machine there, Chief!

Just saying.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Perknose
I do the whole process manually, using a heavy gauge aluminum foil over "saran wrap", and that works for me.

Airtight, price is right, and a lifetime guarantee.

Knowledgeable cooks have used my method for decades upon decades, but, HEY, nice shiny machine there, Chief!

Just saying.

+ using a straw to suck the air out of the ziploc