anyone try this
- Thread starter Corey Elks
- Start date
The thicker material used in Foodsaver bags plus the "melted" plastic seal (for lack of a better term) versus the zipper in less expensive storage bags is what makes the difference in performance with the Foodsaver.
Regards,
Chris
Regards,
Chris
My thoughts, take 'em for what they're worth:
Most people don't use zip-lock bags to store stuff for extended periods of time; most of it is meant to be eaten within a week. The benefit for short-term is probably not that great and I doubt I'd use it for that.
As far as storing foods for extended periods of time: Chris is right in regards to bag thickness. A test by America's Test Kitchen showed that the primary factor in how well food stays sealed is bag thickness. The Foodsaver bags were rated as being OK for 6 months, and I assume they're also made to stretch around the food, while the plastic in the zip-lock bags probably doesn't.
Next is the quality of the seal. If you use cheap bags, I doubt you'll keep a vacuum. Even more expensive bags would be questionable long term.
Finally is the issue of how well the vacuum is established in the first place. It looks like it uses a piece of material to allow the air to be driven out and somehow keep from coming back in while the chamber is pressurized. Pull out the card and seal. It's a neat solution allowing you to seal the tabs, but I would guess that there's going to be quite a bit of residual air (comparatively speaking) left in the bag after all that.
Most people don't use zip-lock bags to store stuff for extended periods of time; most of it is meant to be eaten within a week. The benefit for short-term is probably not that great and I doubt I'd use it for that.
As far as storing foods for extended periods of time: Chris is right in regards to bag thickness. A test by America's Test Kitchen showed that the primary factor in how well food stays sealed is bag thickness. The Foodsaver bags were rated as being OK for 6 months, and I assume they're also made to stretch around the food, while the plastic in the zip-lock bags probably doesn't.
Next is the quality of the seal. If you use cheap bags, I doubt you'll keep a vacuum. Even more expensive bags would be questionable long term.
Finally is the issue of how well the vacuum is established in the first place. It looks like it uses a piece of material to allow the air to be driven out and somehow keep from coming back in while the chamber is pressurized. Pull out the card and seal. It's a neat solution allowing you to seal the tabs, but I would guess that there's going to be quite a bit of residual air (comparatively speaking) left in the bag after all that.
Steve Holat
TVWBB Member
Nobody else sucks the air out of bags that are nearly zipped and then seals 'em?
Geir Widar
TVWBB Wizard
Looks like something I could do, and actually does quite often by inhaling thru a straw inserted into a ziplock bag.
The argument that the berries does not get chrushed, just shows that the vacuum is not much to write home about.
The argument that the berries does not get chrushed, just shows that the vacuum is not much to write home about.
Michael G. (Canada Mike)
TVWBB All-Star
Two thoughts. 1] nothing sold on television works the way it's supposed to. Never.
2] Given the price if you wait for a sale, you can get a foodsaver for just a bit more. I have one and love it.
Cheers.
2] Given the price if you wait for a sale, you can get a foodsaver for just a bit more. I have one and love it.
Cheers.
Jim H.
TVWBB All-Star
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Steve Holat:
Nobody else sucks the air out of bags that are nearly zipped and then seals 'em?
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I do this for brines & marinades but not for long term storage.
Nobody else sucks the air out of bags that are nearly zipped and then seals 'em?
I do this for brines & marinades but not for long term storage.
Matt H
TVWBB Fan
I use this. It's cheap and works pretty well. The bags are about the cost of regular ziplock bags, and are pretty durable. They can be used for sous vide cooking..
http://www.ziploc.com/Products...spx?SizeName=Starter Kit
http://www.ziploc.com/Products...spx?SizeName=Starter Kit