Quick question: Anyone out there own a food sealer?

[mommaU4]

My aunt wanted me to go online and research the different brands for her because she wants to get one for her DH. So I'm at the computer trying to think where I could go to get info on a food sealer and then I thought I'd try here first.

So if anyone owns or knows anything about those food sealers I could use some info. How do you like it? Is it worth the money? Which brand to buy?

Come on guys, I told my aunt people on the DIS know about everything! Prove me right. Thanks!!

 

[aprilgail2]

I have one and I love it! The food in the freezer lasts longer and doesn't get freezer burn! Even cheese which I never get to finish because it gets moldy lasts way longer when its selaed up rather than just stuck in a zip lock bag!

 

[hiwaygal]

We don't have one yet...but I've been researching them and I can't wait to get one!!

From what I've found, the Tilia brand is the *best*...I know there are others that work just fine, but sometimes I want the *best* 'cause to some extent, you do get what you pay for! I did a google search and I think Biz Rate had a bunch of ratings on them...consumer reports does too, I think.

The prices on them have come way down...you can get a "decent" one for about $100...I think the Tilia's are running about $140 (give or take).

 

[Shelby5514]

I second the Tilla. I bought DH two years ago for Christmas. He uses it ALL the time. We buy cheese in 2# bricks from GFS and he cuts it into smaller chunks. He also likes to vacuum seal steaks or chicken with marinade in the bag. Occasionally we'll buy large packs of meat at Sam's and re-package it into single meal sizes before freezing.

 

[mommaU4]

Thanks for the quick responses guys! The Tilia brand was what I was looking at so I guess that's what I'll recommend to her. If anyone else has any other input please feel free to post away!

 

[Jockaroo]

We got my Mother the Food Saver (I believe it is made by Tilia, but is called "FoodSaver Automatic vaccuum sealer). It was a Christmas gift a few years ago and she loves it and uses it often. Basically the higher the model number the more powerful it is and the more features it has. Look for one that auto seals without using your hands and has an adaptor tube that allows you to seal the canisters they provide as well as your personal mason jars. (You may get a canister and the jar sealer with your set or need to make a separate purchase.) My mom's came with premade bags and a roll of bag material. She prefers making her own custom bags. We included a set of the canisters with her gift and they really work to keep cookies fresh. I think we paid about $120 for hers and it came with a "free" accessory kit.

It works very well and she is happy with it. She's given me items that she has sealed and they really have the air sucked out of them.

 

[Alaska Catdog]

We have a foodsaver that my DH loves. He uses it for everything. I am not allowed to touch it. This is our second foodsaver. The first one broke the first time I tried to use it. All of our vaccumn cleaners break when I touch them too. Now I am not allowed to touch any vaccumn in our house. I highly recommend this approach to anyone who hates to vaccumn.

 

[tkd lisa]

Another foodsaver person here. Good friends of ours recommended it. We had them pick ours up (paid them for it) at the base exchange day after Thanksgiving and it was $65 for the unit, adapter kit, some bags plus the roll stock, and one canister. It included a video on how to use it.

I do like it when I use it, but I don't pull it out enough. I should store off things like flour and sugar, since I only use a lot of them at the holidays. Note to self - Vaccuum seal the flour this weekend!

 

[elgerber]

I'm on my second Tilia Food Saver here. They are fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not use it enough, but they work wonderfully! I would highly recommend the Tilia brand if she wants one.