I was recently asked a question about FoodSavers by a relative that was thinking about purchasing one. They were wondering if they are worth it and what models are best.
I have owned a FoodSaver for several years. When I use it I love it, but I have not used it as much as I thought I would. My FoodSaver is FoodSaver brand, but it is an older lower end model.
Over all I think it was worth buying even though I have not used it as much as I planned to.
I would like to know what your thoughts are on FoodSavers? What advice do you have about buying one?
Are FoodSavers worth it? Do they save enough money to justify the expense? Is it worth it to buy the more expensive model or do the less expensive ones work the same?
My mom owns a FoodSaver and I really, really want one! I have found that when I use the Foodsaver for freezing meats and produce, that it definitely makes them last longer and they still taste fresh when I pull them out! I also definitely love how quick things can be thawed when in the FoodSaver bags! It saves a ton of time.
I too do not use mine as much as I should.But I do think that it really saves from freezer burn so I try to remember to use it. Food that I save sealed stays much better and tastes much better than I food I not ‘seal’
I have the Rival version, and for storing items long term in the deep-freeze, I love it. For short-termed freezing, I don’t bother with it. I did learn, recently, how to use it in conjunction with dry storage and canning jars and want to explore that a lot, but I’m not wanting to keep it out enough to do it. I also don’t keep enough in dry storage that sits for longer periods of time.
But if you use the hose attachment and the jar attachment and your canning lids, you can use the FS for that, as well.
I love, love, love my foodsaver!!! If you are a freezer fanatic you’ll come to love yours too. I don’t use it for re-packaging raw meats. I mostly use it for leftovers and when I double meals to freeze for later. Everything from taco meat, shredded chicken, par-boiled ribs, casseroles, etc. It’s perfect for soups and stocks. Freeze the soup, then vaccuum seal. Your soup is ready to boil-in-bag now – I love being able to boil in bag to reheat. I use it to store leftovers too. I’ll freeze a couple servings of thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, veggies, a ‘gravy ice cube’, then freeze. Perfect for a quick dinner and it’s even microwavable in the bag too!
I also love my FoodSaver. We bought it at Costco, on coupon, last year. I use it mostly for freezing meats. When I did freezer meals to use after having a baby and it worked great for some of those, too. After several months, those meals are still great. I have used my FoodSaver a lot more since I moved it to a more easily accessible location.
I HAVE HAD ONE FOR YEARS. IT WORK GREAT WITH BULK CHEESE.I NEVER THROW OUT CHEESE ANYMORE BECAUSE OF MOLD.
My foodsaver is totally worth it. I’m on my second one, my first one wore out. I freeze a lot of fresh vegetables and I love buying meat in bulk and I freeze it. I also freeze meals. I’d seriously be lost without my foodsaver.
I have often wondered if FS’ers were worth it. I’m so glad this topic is being discussed. Since I don’t have one, I will be interested in reading other’s thoughts and opinions.
@Pat, I agree with you! I’ve thought about buying one but haven’t been sure. I think the idea is great though!
I have the older FoodSaver but I don’t use it much. I tried freezing pasta sauce and it was a mess. I have been looking at the newer models as might be a better option. They are a stand up type so you get a better seal. You really need to be careful on the seals as they can melt and not have a complete seal on the older models. I would like to create easy meals which are quick and easy. Freeze cooked pasta and rice. I’m looking into cooking 30 meals in a couple of days and freezing them and defrost. I just have to get it all on paper. I used to can things but not much for years. I need to get back into it. Canning is better with friends I think.
i have both an older model and a newer one. i absolutely love having them. the older one works great still. but doesnt do liquids very well. the newer ones have options for liquids. i have a small family and we never use a whole head of lettuce at once. so i vacuum seal it and put it in the fridge. and it lasts for a long time. i also try and seal all my meats when i get home from the store. the meats comes out looking a lot better. the tubs that come with them i use for fresh fruit like strawberries and such that go bad fast. i would definitely recommend them for anyone.
I actually bought mine for $1.00 at a thrift store. I use it a couple times a month and love it. For me, it was worth the investment.
Thank you so much for this topic! I have been debating getting one for freezing meals. We have a baby due in February. When we had our son 2 years ago we spent $400.00 for one month eating out and do not want to make that mistake again! 🙂
We have had ours for a couple of years.. and honestly I love it.. it is one thing that really works.. it keeps the freezer burn out.. if you buy in bulk it is wonderful.. I meat and chicken and portion it out into the bags.. I had bought bulk sausage and put it in regular freezer bags.. it went grey in like 2 wks.. but I have had sausage in the food saver bags keep for months..and it does not lose it color.. I have never used it for tomato sauce or liquids though.
Sue in NJ
I am also glad you posted this topic, I’ve been having a similar debate w/ myself over whether to invest in one or not. It really helps to know about the older ones not being very good with liquids but i hadn’t thought about freezing it then sealing it (like with the soup). You guys have answered a lot of my questions about the bags being able to be boiled & microwaved too 🙂 Thank you so very much!
I received mine as a gift, so “ROI” isn’t a factor for me. I do think the refills are expensive though. I don’t have a lot of counter space, so it doesn’t get used as much as it could. I’ve learned two things though:
1) Don’t try to vacuum seal baked goods – it sucks the air out, hence – flat bread
2) It’s really great for re-sealing other bags (chips, frozen veggies, etc.) after they’ve been opened. (just don’t use the vacuum feature).
-Christina S.
I use the Foodsaver V2840, really like it a lot. Actually just the other day I made a sort of DIY flexible ice pack using water & grain alcohol sealed up in a double layer of bags. It worked really well for my toothache 🙂
My first one was a used one I got off craigslist but I thought the new one was worth getting when I could afford it. I think it depends on how much you actually use it, of course, but the way I figure it getting a used sealer is a good start and then upgrade if you end up using it a lot.