Originally posted by Todd Randall:
I've had this happen on some of my vac seals. Doesn't matter the shape of the food, moisture content, whether or not it's frozen first, etc. Sometimes the bag just doesn't want to cooperate. I also get confused as to whether the checkerboard side of the bag goes up or down. Seems like up would be the logical choice, but down works better for me I've found out.
The sealer just doesn't seem to suck sometimes. I think this is what you experience RD. Not saying that all the above could have the same effect and result. But I keep one of my fingers on the "cancel" button at all times and I can usually tell right away if the air is coming out like it should or not. And you will be able to tell as well after you get a couple "good" ones under your belt. I try to cancel it before the sealer kicks in, so I can rearrange, switch bags, say a prayer, whatever, and try again so as not to waste those bags. We are working with a less than industrial strength sealer, I'm sure some of it has to do with that to.
Todd