Hear's my latest:Another update to provide maybe helpful information.
The Pro 2300 by Weston is now about 13.5 years old. Still working fine. I had a power cord failure, easy fix. Recently the vacuum limit switch or the seals need replacement. Only because the auto stop function has started failing. I've ordered gaskets and a limit switch. I'll report back on that.
The unit still works fine otherwise just have to do a manual seal. Very pleased with the product after many years of use. I purchased the Pro2300 in 2008. Not bad. I've taken this on fishing trips and packed/sealed pounds of fish. It is a weekly user anywhere from 1-3 days a week as the chamber sealer took over daily duty. Parts still available from Weston but starting to get scarce. Not a bad run.
The ARY VP112 has served me well. After 6 years I had to replace the tray assembly for $152. That was April 2019. The plastic rim cracked and allowed vacuum to leak out while sealing. All worked well after that for another 3 years. Currently I have the same issue with the tray, the black plastic rim is cracked on this one now as well. The vp112 and vp112s are now discontinued. Parts are generally unavailable. A nice long run. But with the cracked rim I think it's likely this unit goes in the recycle if I can't get another tray. I'll be searching for a replacement chamber sealer.
There are 3 models/manufacturers I'm looking at for prosumer chamber sealer. ARY, Weston, Avid Armor. Right now Avid Armor has the lead in terms of price point.I do like a dual pump so that might lead me to one of the others. ARY support has told me they have no plans to replace the VP112/VP112s level product into their line up.
I don't think I would actually. They're honestly too cheap to buy and too cheaply made to bother withIt must know that if it acts up you'll tear in to it
Likely not I appreciate the mixers for how they're engineered to be properly serviced. With proper skills, test equipment and tools they can be maintained literally for generations. As long as parts can be obtained is the caveat. I took a nice machine in for service last week. Looked to be from the mid 60s. Very well used BUT mechanically in VERY good shape. But sadly the speed control of these old machines can and does fail (or perhaps some of the motor windings are shorted as well) causing the old style resistor with mechanical governor to start getting "smoking" hot" literally within seconds of being turned on. Sadly while the parts are simple to replace, and recalibrate the machine's speed ranges, they have not been made for years in favor of using a solid state rectifier/regulator. Less heat, more efficient operation better overall. But, I've had to scrap more machines because of this. Sadly no way to effectively convert them to the newer solid state design.OMG I did dismantle one years ago; it was jammed packed--tighter than a can of sardines. Larry would enjoy at least looking inside.
Have the anova precision pro as well.I switched to Anova a couple years ago and could not be happier. Blows away my old Foodsaver.