I don't have a Foodsaver. When I buy quantities of fish, I separate it
into meal portions, put it into a Ziploc bag, cover the fish with water then
freeze. It's moist and just fine when it thaws.

Question: with a Foodsaver, is the fish sealed with no liquid and what's
the quality like when the fish is thawed?

In fact, does *anything* dry out or freezer burn after it's thawed? I
think that's my stumbling block to buying one of these things.

Dora

--

limey wrote:
> I don't have a Foodsaver. When I buy quantities of fish, I separate it
> into meal portions, put it into a Ziploc bag, cover the fish with water then
> freeze. It's moist and just fine when it thaws.
>
> Question: with a Foodsaver, is the fish sealed with no liquid and what's
> the quality like when the fish is thawed?
>
> In fact, does *anything* dry out or freezer burn after it's thawed? I
> think that's my stumbling block to buying one of these things.
>
> Dora
>

I bagged fresh tuna with it and had no problem at all. Only thing I put
in the bag was the fish. No water, or anything. The stuff we had 10
months was just the same as the day I brought it home fresh. But tuna
as a fairly meaty fish. I may be leary of a delicate fish such as
flounder. The suction/vacuum may be too much for it and squish it but I
don't know.


As for anything drying out or getting freezer burn? Never.

--
Steve

"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
> limey wrote:
>> I don't have a Foodsaver. When I buy quantities of fish, I separate it
>> into meal portions, put it into a Ziploc bag, cover the fish with water
>> then freeze. It's moist and just fine when it thaws.
>>
>> Question: with a Foodsaver, is the fish sealed with no liquid and what's
>> the quality like when the fish is thawed?
>>
>> In fact, does *anything* dry out or freezer burn after it's thawed? I
>> think that's my stumbling block to buying one of these things.
>>
>> Dora
>>
>
> I bagged fresh tuna with it and had no problem at all. Only thing I put in
> the bag was the fish. No water, or anything. The stuff we had 10 months
> was just the same as the day I brought it home fresh. But tuna as a
> fairly meaty fish. I may be leary of a delicate fish such as flounder. The
> suction/vacuum may be too much for it and squish it but I don't know.
>
>
> As for anything drying out or getting freezer burn? Never.
>
> Steve

Thanks, Steve. That answers my questions. I don't know why I've been
fighting getting one of these - I'm usually a gadget freak. (Anyone want an
unused Jack LaLanne Juicer (laugh)? ).

Dora

"limey" > wrote in message
> Thanks, Steve. That answers my questions. I don't know why I've been
> fighting getting one of these - I'm usually a gadget freak. (Anyone want
> an unused Jack LaLanne Juicer (laugh)? ).
>
> Dora

I resisted too for a long time. Would not be without one now. I've had food
in the freezer for YEARS and it was still as good as when put in. No frost,
no burn.

"Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote in message
.. .
>
> "limey" > wrote in message
>> Thanks, Steve. That answers my questions. I don't know why I've been
>> fighting getting one of these - I'm usually a gadget freak. (Anyone want
>> an unused Jack LaLanne Juicer (laugh)? ).
>>
>> Dora
>
> I resisted too for a long time. Would not be without one now. I've had
> food in the freezer for YEARS and it was still as good as when put in. No
> frost, no burn.
What puts me off about getting a unit is when I see someone writing about
$59 for bags. Yikes! I've only casually looked at the prices of bags at
Costco and it frightens me. I suppose a lot of people think it's worth it.
I have a sub-zero frig/freezer side-by-side and I don't feel that I have a
lot in it even though it is full all the time. The freezer has drawers so
that ziplocks aren't sliding out onto the floor everytime you open the door,
but the slippery bags seem like they would take up a lot of room.

I'm getting ready to teach myself how to make some danish pastry and
doughnuts. I know we can't eat all I can make in one day, so I'm wondering
how pastries fare in the bags. Is pastry something that you wouldn't
consider putting in them because they would be low cost vs. cheap labor.
Any thoughts might help.
Thanks,
Dee

"Dee Randall" > wrote in message

> What puts me off about getting a unit is when I see someone writing about
> $59 for bags. Yikes! I've only casually looked at the prices of bags at
> Costco and it frightens me. I suppose a lot of people think it's worth
> it.


Every time the bag is sealed, about 3/4" of material is used, but the bags
are re-usable three or four times. You don't have to lay out $59 to buy a
roll of them in Wal Mart. While not cheap, they are durable, can be boiled,
and seal out the air very well.

I wash the bags and put them over a bottle to dry.

"Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote in message
.. .
>
> "Dee Randall" > wrote in message
>
>> What puts me off about getting a unit is when I see someone writing
>> about $59 for bags. Yikes! I've only casually looked at the prices of
>> bags at Costco and it frightens me. I suppose a lot of people think it's
>> worth it.
>
>
> Every time the bag is sealed, about 3/4" of material is used, but the
> bags are re-usable three or four times. You don't have to lay out $59 to
> buy a roll of them in Wal Mart. While not cheap, they are durable, can be
> boiled, and seal out the air very well.
>
> I wash the bags and put them over a bottle to dry.
Thanks.
Are the bags at Walmart generic, or are they specific to the foodsaver that
you have? (I don't know if there only ONE brand of a food saver)
Dee Dee

Dee Randall wrote:
<snip>
> Thanks.
> Are the bags at Walmart generic, or are they specific to the foodsaver that
> you have? (I don't know if there only ONE brand of a food saver)
> Dee Dee
>
>

I believe that FoodSaver is trademarked so if it says FS then it's for
the Tilia. The bags aren't cheap but as Edwin said they are re-usable.
I turn 'em inside out and put them in the dishwasher over the "spikes"
on the racks. If you checkout their site (and maybe even get on their
mailing list) every once in a while they run some fairly good deals and
I stock up. I stopped getting the pre-made bags as they're more
expensive and I'd rather size them myself. Here's an example of a sale
item from them:
http://foodsaver.jardendirect.com/pr...CatalogID=1007

As for the donuts, etc. that would depend on if you have a model that
you can control the vacuum on or not. Mine's an older model and I have
no settings for it. I made the mistake of trying to cut a hoagie
(submarine, grinder, or whatever it's called in your local) in half and
sealing them to keep 'em fresh. Well, DUH the half the I did seal was as
dense as a freekin' concrete block, and I'm not kiddin'.

--
Steve

"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
> Dee Randall wrote:
> <snip>
>> Thanks.
>> Are the bags at Walmart generic, or are they specific to the foodsaver
>> that you have? (I don't know if there only ONE brand of a food saver)
>> Dee Dee
>
> I believe that FoodSaver is trademarked so if it says FS then it's for the
> Tilia. The bags aren't cheap but as Edwin said they are re-usable. I turn
> 'em inside out and put them in the dishwasher over the "spikes" on the
> racks. If you checkout their site (and maybe even get on their mailing
> list) every once in a while they run some fairly good deals and I stock
> up. I stopped getting the pre-made bags as they're more expensive and I'd
> rather size them myself. Here's an example of a sale item from them:
> http://foodsaver.jardendirect.com/pr...CatalogID=1007
>
> As for the donuts, etc. that would depend on if you have a model that you
> can control the vacuum on or not. Mine's an older model and I have no
> settings for it. I made the mistake of trying to cut a hoagie (submarine,
> grinder, or whatever it's called in your local) in half and sealing them
> to keep 'em fresh. Well, DUH the half the I did seal was as dense as a
> freekin' concrete block, and I'm not kiddin'.

> Steve

Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.
I assume the bread is what you are referring to as dense as a freekin
concrete block; I wonder what happened to the bread in your sub and would
that be the case for all breads?

Does it take out all of the air out of bread, and then it has to be
reconstituted with air when you take it out (i.e., let sit); is that the way
it works?
Thinking ahead, well, this couldn't be the way it works, or fish would be a
shriveled up mess. Very, very curious to me.
Dee Dee

Dee Randall wrote:

>
> Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.
> I assume the bread is what you are referring to as dense as a freekin
> concrete block; I wonder what happened to the bread in your sub and would
> that be the case for all breads?
>
> Does it take out all of the air out of bread, and then it has to be
> reconstituted with air when you take it out (i.e., let sit); is that the way
> it works?
> Thinking ahead, well, this couldn't be the way it works, or fish would be a
> shriveled up mess. Very, very curious to me.
> Dee Dee
>
>

The unit that I have has no vac. settings so it just maximum suction.
I don't know if there would be anyway to reconstitute a sandwich. The
unit sucks almost all of the air out of anything that's in the bag.

I cut a piece of the sandwich off with a sharp knife and tried to chew
it, forget it... no way no how. I think that would be the case with all
breads if you don't have the adjustable vacuum. I don't know if it
would be any better with the adjustable model, someone else would need
to chime in on that one.

--
Steve

On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 12:20:06 -0400, "Dee Randall"
> wrote:

>
>"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
>> Dee Randall wrote:
>> <snip>
>>> Thanks.
>>> Are the bags at Walmart generic, or are they specific to the foodsaver
>>> that you have? (I don't know if there only ONE brand of a food saver)
>>> Dee Dee
>>
>> I believe that FoodSaver is trademarked so if it says FS then it's for the
>> Tilia. The bags aren't cheap but as Edwin said they are re-usable. I turn
>> 'em inside out and put them in the dishwasher over the "spikes" on the
>> racks. If you checkout their site (and maybe even get on their mailing
>> list) every once in a while they run some fairly good deals and I stock
>> up. I stopped getting the pre-made bags as they're more expensive and I'd
>> rather size them myself. Here's an example of a sale item from them:
>> http://foodsaver.jardendirect.com/pr...CatalogID=1007
>>
>> As for the donuts, etc. that would depend on if you have a model that you
>> can control the vacuum on or not. Mine's an older model and I have no
>> settings for it. I made the mistake of trying to cut a hoagie (submarine,
>> grinder, or whatever it's called in your local) in half and sealing them
>> to keep 'em fresh. Well, DUH the half the I did seal was as dense as a
>> freekin' concrete block, and I'm not kiddin'.
>
>> Steve
>
>Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.
>I assume the bread is what you are referring to as dense as a freekin
>concrete block; I wonder what happened to the bread in your sub and would
>that be the case for all breads?
>
>Does it take out all of the air out of bread, and then it has to be
>reconstituted with air when you take it out (i.e., let sit); is that the way
>it works?
>Thinking ahead, well, this couldn't be the way it works, or fish would be a
>shriveled up mess. Very, very curious to me.
>Dee Dee
>
You learn to freeze certain things before vacuuming them. I have kept
cheese in the refirgerator for over a year with no problems. Looked
and tasted just as good as when it was purchased.

I bought 4 chuck roasts this week and put them in the FS bags. Even
if they get lost in the back of the freezer for the next 2 years they
will still be just fine.
--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974

"The Cook" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 12:20:06 -0400, "Dee Randall"
> > wrote:
>
>>
>>"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
>>> Dee Randall wrote:
>>> <snip>
>>>> Thanks.
>>>> Are the bags at Walmart generic, or are they specific to the foodsaver
>>>> that you have? (I don't know if there only ONE brand of a food saver)
>>>> Dee Dee
>>>
>>> I believe that FoodSaver is trademarked so if it says FS then it's for
>>> the
>>> Tilia. The bags aren't cheap but as Edwin said they are re-usable. I
>>> turn
>>> 'em inside out and put them in the dishwasher over the "spikes" on the
>>> racks. If you checkout their site (and maybe even get on their mailing
>>> list) every once in a while they run some fairly good deals and I stock
>>> up. I stopped getting the pre-made bags as they're more expensive and
>>> I'd
>>> rather size them myself. Here's an example of a sale item from them:
>>> http://foodsaver.jardendirect.com/pr...CatalogID=1007
>>>
>>> As for the donuts, etc. that would depend on if you have a model that
>>> you
>>> can control the vacuum on or not. Mine's an older model and I have no
>>> settings for it. I made the mistake of trying to cut a hoagie
>>> (submarine,
>>> grinder, or whatever it's called in your local) in half and sealing them
>>> to keep 'em fresh. Well, DUH the half the I did seal was as dense as a
>>> freekin' concrete block, and I'm not kiddin'.
>>
>>> Steve
>>
>>Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.
>>I assume the bread is what you are referring to as dense as a freekin
>>concrete block; I wonder what happened to the bread in your sub and would
>>that be the case for all breads?
>>
>>Does it take out all of the air out of bread, and then it has to be
>>reconstituted with air when you take it out (i.e., let sit); is that the
>>way
>>it works?
>>Thinking ahead, well, this couldn't be the way it works, or fish would be
>>a
>>shriveled up mess. Very, very curious to me.
>>Dee Dee
>>
> You learn to freeze certain things before vacuuming them. I have kept
> cheese in the refirgerator for over a year with no problems. Looked
> and tasted just as good as when it was purchased.
>
> I bought 4 chuck roasts this week and put them in the FS bags. Even
> if they get lost in the back of the freezer for the next 2 years they
> will still be just fine.
> --
> Susan N.

Oh,my! I just looked online and I see (including eBay) these models, V845,
V1085, Prof II Turbo Food Vac, 1050, 350 Kit, Vac550, and costco hs Tilia
Advance V2490 Food Saver PulseVac Control $124.99
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...av=&cat=&s= 1
I don't know enough about this product, but to just purchase the one at
Costco, because I feel that it is probably the most commonly used, and
probably a good value. The size is abt. 10x17 & 4.5" High. That's too big
to put on my already over-loaded countertop. Do you put yours away when not
in use?
Dee Dee

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to
be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
--Marcus Aurelius
******

"Dee Randall" > wrote in message
...
>
> "The Cook" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 12:20:06 -0400, "Dee Randall"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
>>>> Dee Randall wrote:
>>>> <snip>
>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>> Are the bags at Walmart generic, or are they specific to the foodsaver
>>>>> that you have? (I don't know if there only ONE brand of a food saver)
>>>>> Dee Dee
>>>>
>>>> I believe that FoodSaver is trademarked so if it says FS then it's for
>>>> the
>>>> Tilia. The bags aren't cheap but as Edwin said they are re-usable. I
>>>> turn
>>>> 'em inside out and put them in the dishwasher over the "spikes" on the
>>>> racks. If you checkout their site (and maybe even get on their mailing
>>>> list) every once in a while they run some fairly good deals and I stock
>>>> up. I stopped getting the pre-made bags as they're more expensive and
>>>> I'd
>>>> rather size them myself. Here's an example of a sale item from them:
>>>> http://foodsaver.jardendirect.com/pr...CatalogID=1007
>>>>
>>>> As for the donuts, etc. that would depend on if you have a model that
>>>> you
>>>> can control the vacuum on or not. Mine's an older model and I have no
>>>> settings for it. I made the mistake of trying to cut a hoagie
>>>> (submarine,
>>>> grinder, or whatever it's called in your local) in half and sealing
>>>> them
>>>> to keep 'em fresh. Well, DUH the half the I did seal was as dense as a
>>>> freekin' concrete block, and I'm not kiddin'.
>>>
>>>> Steve
>>>
>>>Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.
>>>I assume the bread is what you are referring to as dense as a freekin
>>>concrete block; I wonder what happened to the bread in your sub and would
>>>that be the case for all breads?
>>>
>>>Does it take out all of the air out of bread, and then it has to be
>>>reconstituted with air when you take it out (i.e., let sit); is that the
>>>way
>>>it works?
>>>Thinking ahead, well, this couldn't be the way it works, or fish would be
>>>a
>>>shriveled up mess. Very, very curious to me.
>>>Dee Dee
>>>
>> You learn to freeze certain things before vacuuming them. I have kept
>> cheese in the refirgerator for over a year with no problems. Looked
>> and tasted just as good as when it was purchased.
>>
>> I bought 4 chuck roasts this week and put them in the FS bags. Even
>> if they get lost in the back of the freezer for the next 2 years they
>> will still be just fine.
>> --
>> Susan N.
>
> Oh,my! I just looked online and I see (including eBay) these models,
> V845, V1085, Prof II Turbo Food Vac, 1050, 350 Kit, Vac550, and costco hs
> Tilia Advance V2490 Food Saver PulseVac Control $124.99
> http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...av=&cat=&s= 1
> I don't know enough about this product, but to just purchase the one at
> Costco, because I feel that it is probably the most commonly used, and
> probably a good value. The size is abt. 10x17 & 4.5" High. That's too
> big to put on my already over-loaded countertop. Do you put yours away
> when not in use?
> Dee Dee

Now I see a V2440 at Amazon for $129.99 (with a $25 off for orders over $125
& free shipping)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...ance&s=kitchen
but my usual dilema -- they have just too darned many models & extras. I
feel like I'm on TV paid programming, and feel like giving up.
Dee Dee

On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 18:53:57 -0400, "Dee Randall"
> wrote:

>
>"Dee Randall" > wrote in message
...
>>
>> "The Cook" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 12:20:06 -0400, "Dee Randall"
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
>>>>> Dee Randall wrote:
>>>>> <snip>
>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>> Are the bags at Walmart generic, or are they specific to the foodsaver
>>>>>> that you have? (I don't know if there only ONE brand of a food saver)
>>>>>> Dee Dee
>>>>>
>>>>> I believe that FoodSaver is trademarked so if it says FS then it's for
>>>>> the
>>>>> Tilia. The bags aren't cheap but as Edwin said they are re-usable. I
>>>>> turn
>>>>> 'em inside out and put them in the dishwasher over the "spikes" on the
>>>>> racks. If you checkout their site (and maybe even get on their mailing
>>>>> list) every once in a while they run some fairly good deals and I stock
>>>>> up. I stopped getting the pre-made bags as they're more expensive and
>>>>> I'd
>>>>> rather size them myself. Here's an example of a sale item from them:
>>>>> http://foodsaver.jardendirect.com/pr...CatalogID=1007
>>>>>
>>>>> As for the donuts, etc. that would depend on if you have a model that
>>>>> you
>>>>> can control the vacuum on or not. Mine's an older model and I have no
>>>>> settings for it. I made the mistake of trying to cut a hoagie
>>>>> (submarine,
>>>>> grinder, or whatever it's called in your local) in half and sealing
>>>>> them
>>>>> to keep 'em fresh. Well, DUH the half the I did seal was as dense as a
>>>>> freekin' concrete block, and I'm not kiddin'.
>>>>
>>>>> Steve
>>>>
>>>>Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.
>>>>I assume the bread is what you are referring to as dense as a freekin
>>>>concrete block; I wonder what happened to the bread in your sub and would
>>>>that be the case for all breads?
>>>>
>>>>Does it take out all of the air out of bread, and then it has to be
>>>>reconstituted with air when you take it out (i.e., let sit); is that the
>>>>way
>>>>it works?
>>>>Thinking ahead, well, this couldn't be the way it works, or fish would be
>>>>a
>>>>shriveled up mess. Very, very curious to me.
>>>>Dee Dee
>>>>
>>> You learn to freeze certain things before vacuuming them. I have kept
>>> cheese in the refirgerator for over a year with no problems. Looked
>>> and tasted just as good as when it was purchased.
>>>
>>> I bought 4 chuck roasts this week and put them in the FS bags. Even
>>> if they get lost in the back of the freezer for the next 2 years they
>>> will still be just fine.
>>> --
>>> Susan N.
>>
>> Oh,my! I just looked online and I see (including eBay) these models,
>> V845, V1085, Prof II Turbo Food Vac, 1050, 350 Kit, Vac550, and costco hs
>> Tilia Advance V2490 Food Saver PulseVac Control $124.99
>> http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...av=&cat=&s= 1
>> I don't know enough about this product, but to just purchase the one at
>> Costco, because I feel that it is probably the most commonly used, and
>> probably a good value. The size is abt. 10x17 & 4.5" High. That's too
>> big to put on my already over-loaded countertop. Do you put yours away
>> when not in use?
>> Dee Dee
>
>Now I see a V2440 at Amazon for $129.99 (with a $25 off for orders over $125
>& free shipping)
>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...ance&s=kitchen
>but my usual dilema -- they have just too darned many models & extras. I
>feel like I'm on TV paid programming, and feel like giving up.
>Dee Dee
>

I have been using the Foodsaver for probably 10 years and have
upgraded as they improved. I just go the V2490 at Costco on Tuesday.
I wanted it because you do not have to hold the button down while it
is vacuuming and the seal is wider. It also holds a roll of bag
material.

If you look in some of the kitchen stores you can find pre made bags
of different sizes and rolls for less than the suggested retail.
--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974

"The Cook" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 18:53:57 -0400, "Dee Randall"
> > wrote:
>
>>
>>"Dee Randall" > wrote in message
...
>>>
>>> "The Cook" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 12:20:06 -0400, "Dee Randall"
>>>> > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
>>>>>> Dee Randall wrote:
>>>>>> <snip>
>>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>>> Are the bags at Walmart generic, or are they specific to the
>>>>>>> foodsaver
>>>>>>> that you have? (I don't know if there only ONE brand of a food
>>>>>>> saver)
>>>>>>> Dee Dee
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I believe that FoodSaver is trademarked so if it says FS then it's
>>>>>> for
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> Tilia. The bags aren't cheap but as Edwin said they are re-usable. I
>>>>>> turn
>>>>>> 'em inside out and put them in the dishwasher over the "spikes" on
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> racks. If you checkout their site (and maybe even get on their
>>>>>> mailing
>>>>>> list) every once in a while they run some fairly good deals and I
>>>>>> stock
>>>>>> up. I stopped getting the pre-made bags as they're more expensive
>>>>>> and
>>>>>> I'd
>>>>>> rather size them myself. Here's an example of a sale item from them:
>>>>>> http://foodsaver.jardendirect.com/pr...CatalogID=1007
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As for the donuts, etc. that would depend on if you have a model that
>>>>>> you
>>>>>> can control the vacuum on or not. Mine's an older model and I have
>>>>>> no
>>>>>> settings for it. I made the mistake of trying to cut a hoagie
>>>>>> (submarine,
>>>>>> grinder, or whatever it's called in your local) in half and sealing
>>>>>> them
>>>>>> to keep 'em fresh. Well, DUH the half the I did seal was as dense as
>>>>>> a
>>>>>> freekin' concrete block, and I'm not kiddin'.
>>>>>
>>>>>> Steve
>>>>>
>>>>>Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.
>>>>>I assume the bread is what you are referring to as dense as a freekin
>>>>>concrete block; I wonder what happened to the bread in your sub and
>>>>>would
>>>>>that be the case for all breads?
>>>>>
>>>>>Does it take out all of the air out of bread, and then it has to be
>>>>>reconstituted with air when you take it out (i.e., let sit); is that
>>>>>the
>>>>>way
>>>>>it works?
>>>>>Thinking ahead, well, this couldn't be the way it works, or fish would
>>>>>be
>>>>>a
>>>>>shriveled up mess. Very, very curious to me.
>>>>>Dee Dee
>>>>>
>>>> You learn to freeze certain things before vacuuming them. I have kept
>>>> cheese in the refirgerator for over a year with no problems. Looked
>>>> and tasted just as good as when it was purchased.
>>>>
>>>> I bought 4 chuck roasts this week and put them in the FS bags. Even
>>>> if they get lost in the back of the freezer for the next 2 years they
>>>> will still be just fine.
>>>> --
>>>> Susan N.
>>>
>>> Oh,my! I just looked online and I see (including eBay) these models,
>>> V845, V1085, Prof II Turbo Food Vac, 1050, 350 Kit, Vac550, and costco
>>> hs
>>> Tilia Advance V2490 Food Saver PulseVac Control $124.99
>>> http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...av=&cat=&s= 1
>>> I don't know enough about this product, but to just purchase the one at
>>> Costco, because I feel that it is probably the most commonly used, and
>>> probably a good value. The size is abt. 10x17 & 4.5" High. That's too
>>> big to put on my already over-loaded countertop. Do you put yours away
>>> when not in use?
>>> Dee Dee
>>
>>Now I see a V2440 at Amazon for $129.99 (with a $25 off for orders over
>>$125
>>& free shipping)
>>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...ance&s=kitchen
>>but my usual dilema -- they have just too darned many models & extras. I
>>feel like I'm on TV paid programming, and feel like giving up.
>>Dee Dee
>>
>
> I have been using the Foodsaver for probably 10 years and have
> upgraded as they improved. I just go the V2490 at Costco on Tuesday.
> I wanted it because you do not have to hold the button down while it
> is vacuuming and the seal is wider. It also holds a roll of bag
> material.
>
> If you look in some of the kitchen stores you can find pre made bags
> of different sizes and rolls for less than the suggested retail.
> --
> Susan N.

Gee Whiz, Susan, I can't thank you enough. I'm going to get it the next
time I go there! I know I'll find a place for it.
Tee Hee:
Remember this -- very little is needed to make a happy life.
--Marcus Aurelius

Dee Randall wrote:
<snipped for bevity>
The size is abt. 10x17 & 4.5" High. That's too
>>>>big to put on my already over-loaded countertop. Do you put yours away
>>>>when not in use?
>>>>Dee Dee

I have the same problem in my small kitchen. It's well worth the steps
to get it out of the closet and take it back.


--
Steve

"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
> Dee Randall wrote:
> <snipped for bevity>
> The size is abt. 10x17 & 4.5" High. That's too
>>>>>big to put on my already over-loaded countertop. Do you put yours away
>>>>>when not in use?
>>>>>Dee Dee
>
> I have the same problem in my small kitchen. It's well worth the steps to
> get it out of the closet and take it back.
>
>
> --
> Steve

Thanks for your encouragement, Steve. I believe you. I have things in the
storage room that I can't keep available, and it always is well worth it. I
have cookbooks in another room and I have to go searching thru them, so it
is just the nature of the beast - cooking.
Last night I threw out a piece of cheese that I had been looking all over
for a long time -- and it was expensive! I mentioned to DH that this
'machine' will pay for itself in wasted cheese.
Dee Dee

I bought a food saver last summer...

We resealed the inner bags of cereal boxes, crackers and Mylar bags
containing potato chips etc. I haven't used it much during the rest of the
year but it sure saved a lot of things from the damp NE summer. Resealing a
potato chip bag also keeps me from eating them when I shouldn't!

Storage... well, it's in my bathroom closet <grin> if it was out in plain
site I know I'd use it more.

Rina



"Dee Randall" > wrote in message
...
>
> I have things in the storage room that I can't keep available, and it
> always is well worth it. I have cookbooks in another room and I have to
> go searching thru them, so it is just the nature of the beast - cooking.
> Last night I threw out a piece of cheese that I had been looking all over
> for a long time -- and it was expensive! I mentioned to DH that this
> 'machine' will pay for itself in wasted cheese.
> Dee Dee
>
>

Rina wrote:

> I bought a food saver last summer...
>
> We resealed the inner bags of cereal boxes, crackers and Mylar bags
> containing potato chips etc. I haven't used it much during the rest
of the
> year but it sure saved a lot of things from the damp NE summer.
Resealing a
> potato chip bag also keeps me from eating them when I shouldn't!
>
> Storage... well, it's in my bathroom closet <grin> if it was out in
plain
> site I know I'd use it more.
>
> Rina
>
>

You haven't used it for freezer storage?!? You're missing out on one of
the best uses.


--
Steve

I tried the freezer bags with some pork chops & steaks, I hated all the
extra plastic edges sticking out everywhere... my freezer looked like a
mess, I couldn't wait to use the stuff up and get rid of all the "baggies"
I think the bags are expensive and its wasteful for me to store something in
a freezer bag for the limited time that I'll have it in our freezer. I only
have a side by side refrigerator/freezer there isn't that much room to store
things for a long time.

Rina



"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...

> >
>
> You haven't used it for freezer storage?!? You're missing out on one of
> the best uses.
>
>
> --
> Steve

Rina wrote:
> I tried the freezer bags with some pork chops & steaks, I hated all the
> extra plastic edges sticking out everywhere... my freezer looked like a
> mess, I couldn't wait to use the stuff up and get rid of all the "baggies"
> I think the bags are expensive and its wasteful for me to store something in
> a freezer bag for the limited time that I'll have it in our freezer. I only
> have a side by side refrigerator/freezer there isn't that much room to store
> things for a long time.
>
> Rina

Everyone's different and has different needs I guess. It made my freezer
much easier to find things in. <shrug>


--
Steve

"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
> Rina wrote:
>> I tried the freezer bags with some pork chops & steaks, I hated all the
>> extra plastic edges sticking out everywhere... my freezer looked like a
>> mess, I couldn't wait to use the stuff up and get rid of all the
>> "baggies" I think the bags are expensive and its wasteful for me to store
>> something in a freezer bag for the limited time that I'll have it in our
>> freezer. I only have a side by side refrigerator/freezer there isn't that
>> much room to store things for a long time.
>>
>> Rina
>
> Everyone's different and has different needs I guess. It made my freezer
> much easier to find things in. <shrug>

> Steve

Steve, can you bag and freeze several items together - e.g., two hamburgers,
several pieces of fish, a couple of steaks, etc., and still get a
satisfactory seal, or do you have to package everything individually? The
former would certainly make things easier to find in the freezer.

Dora

limey wrote:
>
>
> Steve, can you bag and freeze several items together - e.g., two hamburgers,
> several pieces of fish, a couple of steaks, etc., and still get a
> satisfactory seal, or do you have to package everything individually? The
> former would certainly make things easier to find in the freezer.
>
> Dora
>

There are only two of us in the house. I package enough of "whatever"
to feed two. Two burgers, chicken breasts, sausages, fish, etc...

In the freezer (we keep most frozen stuff in a 20 cu ft commercial unit)
I have shelves for poultry, pork, beef, and venison. The door and bottom
drawer are for misc. stuff, veggies, etc. Finding things really isn't
much of an issue but I have to remember to label the beef packages with
the cut or else Nancy doesn't have a clue. ;-)

It's also a good idea to date them.



--
Steve

Never read the fine print. There ain't no way you're going to like it.

"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
> limey wrote:
>>
>>
>> Steve, can you bag and freeze several items together - e.g., two
>> hamburgers, several pieces of fish, a couple of steaks, etc., and still
>> get a satisfactory seal, or do you have to package everything
>> individually? The former would certainly make things easier to find in
>> the freezer.
>>
>> Dora
>
> There are only two of us in the house. I package enough of "whatever" to
> feed two. Two burgers, chicken breasts, sausages, fish, etc...
>
> In the freezer (we keep most frozen stuff in a 20 cu ft commercial unit) I
> have shelves for poultry, pork, beef, and venison. The door and bottom
> drawer are for misc. stuff, veggies, etc. Finding things really isn't
> much of an issue but I have to remember to label the beef packages with
> the cut or else Nancy doesn't have a clue. ;-)

Steve, can you give me an idea what items you seal that you don't freeze.
Thanks,
Dee

"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
> limey wrote:
>>
>>
>> Steve, can you bag and freeze several items together - e.g., two
>> hamburgers, several pieces of fish, a couple of steaks, etc., and still
>> get a satisfactory seal, or do you have to package everything
>> individually? The former would certainly make things easier to find in
>> the freezer.
>>
>> Dora
>
> There are only two of us in the house. I package enough of "whatever" to
> feed two. Two burgers, chicken breasts, sausages, fish, etc...

Thanks - there are only two of us here also.
You're packaging in the way I would want to, so that's good news.


> In the freezer (we keep most frozen stuff in a 20 cu ft commercial unit) I
> have shelves for poultry, pork, beef, and venison.

We have just a 14 cu. ft but I've always tried to keep it organized. Ha.
Sadly, when DH puts things away he has his own system so it's culture shock
to find something.

I do identify and date. He doesn't. There's a death penalty in this
state.

Dora

Dee Randall wrote:

>
> Steve, can you give me an idea what items you seal that you don't freeze.
> Thanks,
> Dee
>
>

In my case, not a lot really. The unit I have doesn't have the
adjustable vaccum so I can't seal anything without totally sucking all
of the air out and compressing it. If I had the canisters I'd probably
seal flour, etc.

For unfrozen stuff that I do use it for though is blocks of cheese
stored in the refridg. They last a lot longer and no mold on 'em at all.
I also make "survival" packs for my trips into the woods. Toilet
paper, matches, etc.

My biggest use is for the freezer. We're kind of bad in that area and
used to lose food due to freezer burn. In the three years that we've had
the sealer, we haven't thrown out one thing from freezer burn.

--
Steve

Never read the fine print. There ain't no way you're going to like it.

limey wrote:

>
> We have just a 14 cu. ft but I've always tried to keep it organized. Ha.
> Sadly, when DH puts things away he has his own system so it's culture shock
> to find something.
>
> I do identify and date. He doesn't. There's a death penalty in this
> state.
>
> Dora
>
>
ROTF!

I was going to get the 14 ft one with just the two of us but the 20 was
the smallest commercial grade that I could find and I like being able to
take the temp. lower. Mine's set for around -15dF.

For us it actually works. We buy beef by the hind quarter and half pigs
from a local butcher. We stock up on turkey breasts and chicken when
they're on sale. Plus I hunt. With all of that stuff it's usually
pretty close to full.

--
Steve

Never read the fine print. There ain't no way you're going to like it.

"Dee Randall" > wrote in message

> Steve, can you give me an idea what items you seal that you don't freeze.
> Thanks,
> Dee


I'm not Steve, but I'll tell you what I do.

Cheese is a good one to seal and keep literally for months. If we buy a
large block, some will just get wrapped for use in the next week or two, the
rest vacuum sealed.

Last week it was a half of a chicken. Cooked and ate half on Sunday, vacuum
sealed the rest and held it for about 5 days. Not vacuum sealed, I'd be
afraid of eating it after three. I'll seal sauces in jars to extend shelf
life by 3 to 5 times.

"Edwin Pawlowski" > wrote in message
.. .
>
> "Dee Randall" > wrote in message
>
>> Steve, can you give me an idea what items you seal that you don't freeze.
>> Thanks,
>> Dee
>
>
> I'm not Steve, but I'll tell you what I do.
>
> Cheese is a good one to seal and keep literally for months. If we buy a
> large block, some will just get wrapped for use in the next week or two,
> the rest vacuum sealed.

Say, a 2-3 lb. block of Parmesan Reggiano, or Jarlsberg cheese, would you
vacuum seal it and always keep it in the refrigerator, not the freezer?
>
> Last week it was a half of a chicken. Cooked and ate half on Sunday,
> vacuum sealed the rest and held it for about 5 days. Not vacuum sealed,
> I'd be afraid of eating it after three. I'll seal sauces in jars to extend
> shelf life by 3 to 5 times.

Chicken in vacuum seal held 5 days in refrigerator, not the freezer, right?
Thanks,
Dee
>
>

"Dee Randall" > wrote in message
>
> Say, a 2-3 lb. block of Parmesan Reggiano, or Jarlsberg cheese, would you
> vacuum seal it and always keep it in the refrigerator, not the freezer?

Correct. Look at the labels on the commercially packed stuff and it has
months of shelf life. No air = long time.


>
> Chicken in vacuum seal held 5 days in refrigerator, not the freezer,
> right?
> Thanks,

Right. In the freezer, it could be kept a couple of years. Yes, years.

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> "Dee Randall" > wrote in message
>
>>Say, a 2-3 lb. block of Parmesan Reggiano, or Jarlsberg cheese, would you
>>vacuum seal it and always keep it in the refrigerator, not the freezer?
>
>
> Correct. Look at the labels on the commercially packed stuff and it has
> months of shelf life. No air = long time.
>
>
>
>>Chicken in vacuum seal held 5 days in refrigerator, not the freezer,
>>right?
>>Thanks,
>
>
> Right. In the freezer, it could be kept a couple of years. Yes, years.
>
>
Be careful what you vacuum seal. Anaerobic bacteria can be a problem.

--
Bob Wheeler --- http://www.bobwheeler.com/
ECHIP, Inc. ---
Randomness comes in bunches.

"Bob Wheeler" > wrote in message
...
> Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
>> "Dee Randall" > wrote in message
>>
>>>Say, a 2-3 lb. block of Parmesan Reggiano, or Jarlsberg cheese, would you
>>>vacuum seal it and always keep it in the refrigerator, not the freezer?
>>
>>
>> Correct. Look at the labels on the commercially packed stuff and it has
>> months of shelf life. No air = long time.
>>
>>
>>
>>>Chicken in vacuum seal held 5 days in refrigerator, not the freezer,
>>>right?
>>>Thanks,
>>
>>
>> Right. In the freezer, it could be kept a couple of years. Yes, years.
> Be careful what you vacuum seal. Anaerobic bacteria can be a problem.
>
> --
> Bob Wheeler --- http://www.bobwheeler.com/

I had to look it up:
"Anaerobic bacteria are bacteria that do not live or grow in the presence of
oxygen."
Are all these bacteria on
http://trishul.sci.gu.edu.au/courses...anaerobes.html
anaerobic?
Thanks,
Dee Dee

Dee Randall wrote:

>
> Steve, can you give me an idea what items you seal that you don't freeze.
> Thanks,
> Dee
>
>

I am not Steve, but I also use Foodsaver for non frozen things. Mainly
for cold cuts and cheese that I bring from an ethnic store that I go to
no more than 2 times a month. Sliced ham which would go bad in fridge
after 3-4 days will keep 2 weeks, non sliced even longer. Same with cheese.

Monika

Bob Wheeler wrote:
<snip>
>>
>>
>> Right. In the freezer, it could be kept a couple of years. Yes, years.
>>
> Be careful what you vacuum seal. Anaerobic bacteria can be a problem.
>

I'm not familiar with those but I figure if normal proscribed methods
are followed to ensure that there's no cross-contamination and the
freezer being at least negative 15dF (-26dC) there shouldn't be any
problem. And for the cheese, coldcuts etc that end up in the refridge.
Heck, they don't last long enough for anything to form anyhow. ;-)

I think that avoiding x-contamination and proper cooking procedures are
probably the keys for safety.

Can you site some instances where this may come into play? I've
certainly not had any problems in three years of using the FoodSaver.

--
Steve

Never read the fine print. There ain't no way you're going to like it.

Dee Randall wrote:
<snip>
> What puts me off about getting a unit is when I see someone writing about
> $59 for bags. Yikes! I've only casually looked at the prices of bags at
> Costco and it frightens me. I suppose a lot of people think it's worth it.
> I have a sub-zero frig/freezer side-by-side and I don't feel that I have a
> lot in it even though it is full all the time. The freezer has drawers so
> that ziplocks aren't sliding out onto the floor everytime you open the door,
> but the slippery bags seem like they would take up a lot of room.
>
> I'm getting ready to teach myself how to make some danish pastry and
> doughnuts. I know we can't eat all I can make in one day, so I'm wondering
> how pastries fare in the bags. Is pastry something that you wouldn't
> consider putting in them because they would be low cost vs. cheap labor.
> Any thoughts might help.
> Thanks,
> Dee

I find it cheaper to make my own bags from rolls.

About "sliding out". I generally freeze things like soup and stew.
For those, I use the 1/2 gallon cardboard cartons that milk/juice comes
in. I put the bag(s) in the carton, then label the carton. They stack
well, protect the bag corners from breaking when frozen, and generally
make my freezer contnets easier to store. Some shelves they can stand
upright, some shelves they must lay down, so I put a label where it
will show, and then when I open the freezer, I can easily read the
cartons. Actually any cardboard or plastic box will work, I just have
a lot of cartons, and my bags fit well inside them. I am careful when
stacking multiple bags in a carton to have all the corners on one side
so the bags do not interlock, otherwsie getting one out is a pain.
betsy