Foodsaver sucks - or doesn't

[fishlkmich]

I bought a Foodsaver for a trip about a month ago. I watched the DVD and semi-froze our fillet chunks before trying to package them with the Foodsaver. After sealing about 30 bags the vacuum stopped removing air from the bags. I was very careful not to allow any moisture into the unit. I returned it, tried it out at home, took it on our last trip and it failed even sooner - same problem. I called the company and they said that it was defective. I returned it for cash. I'd really like to own one of these that works and I know that some of you use these for packing your fish. Am I doing something wrong or has the product just gone downhill over the years? Do you think that I may have stumbled on a bad batch and should try another store? Should I go to another brand? Should I just give up?

[cliffd]

I bought a Foodsaver for a trip about a month ago. I watched the DVD and semi-froze our fillet chunks before trying to package them with the Foodsaver. After sealing about 30 bags the vacuum stopped removing air from the bags. I was very careful not to allow any moisture into the unit. I returned it, tried it out at home, took it on our last trip and it failed even sooner - same problem. I called the company and they said that it was defective. I returned it for cash. I'd really like to own one of these that works and I know that some of you use these for packing your fish. Am I doing something wrong or has the product just gone downhill over the years? Do you think that I may have stumbled on a bad batch and should try another store? Should I go to another brand? Should I just give up?

I love my FoodSaver, when it works. I have had great luck but they do start to fail after a while. For that reason, I bought mine at Sams with the extended warranty. When my first one failed I got a check in the mail (since they cannot be repaired) and I bought another one. I figure that if they fail within the warranty/extended period then I will not feel guilty for getting something for free. If they live through that period of time and die two days later then I will be happy to shell out more cash from my pocket.

[brdhntr]

I have their Professional II? model that I've had for at least 5 yrs that still works great. Used it for every type of wild game, and don't pay any particular special care of it, just wipe out any liquid from the trap at the end of a sealing session.

[King Crawler]

I've had mine for two years without any problems. I really like it.
What sort of "failures" are you having? Is the motor quiting? One thing I have had to periodically do is clean out the air intake tab (the piece that extends into the bag). If it gets plugged up it cannot evacuate the air. This sometimes happens on the first bag of a session.

[Badboy69]

I own a Rival that I've had for 2 yrs. and not had a problem one with it. But one thing I have noticed is that when you are packing food (with Rival anyway) if I'm moving along to fast, I have to wait for the seal strip on the machine to cool down or the motor won't run...must be some kinda overheat feature so the machine can't be damaged. Usually only takes a minute or less and it starts right back up. Not sure if this is the same on the FoodSaver, but you might want to give it a try.

[dajinkx]

Biggest problem I've had with my Foodsaver has been when there are small wrinkles in the plastic bags that prevent the machine from pulling a good vacuum. Make sure that the plastic is laying smooth and you will get a good seal.

The machines should be free, because they are making a $$$ fortune selling the bags. How long before the Chinese start copying and ship in cheap knock-offs?

Bob

[King Crawler]

I've tried some of the knock-off bags, and they don't work!:dizzy: Foodsaver has got ya!

[Blaketrout]

Mine finally went out on me this past spring. It still did a fine job of taking the air out of the bags but would not seal when all the air was out (Green light wouldn't come on). So I guess I'll just have to shell out the dough for another one. I've heard good things about the stainless commercial grade units out there but the price is :tdo12:. Not sure if it would be cheaper to buy the expensive one that would last 10 years or buy 5 cheap ones that last for 2/3 years..

[TSS Caddis]

Same here, just bought a new one Monday night. No problem pulling the air out, just would not seal

[Shoeman]

Moisture seems to be a huge issue when trying to obtain a proper seal.

I keep mine cranked to 5 (sealing temp) and add a rolled-up paper towel above the meat/fish. As it draws the air out, the water/blood will collect in the towel and doesn't compromise the seal.

I also find myself rolling the bag down some prior to adding the contents. It also seems to help keeping it dry for a better bond

All of them are somewhat temperamental and the heating surface and gaskets needs to be checked periodically for any debris

It also doesn't hurt to add another sealing bead above the initial one.

Make sure your bags are big enough and leave enough allowance at the top. I try to leave 2-3". That prevents the wrinkles

[andy capp]

The machines should be free, because they are making a $$$ fortune selling the bags. How long before the Chinese start copying and ship in cheap knock-offs?

Bob

I've tried some of the knock-off bags, and they don't work! Foodsaver has got ya!


They already made knockoffs, and they work very well. I am on my second 200 this year. Great bags......half the price ;)

www.thesweetattack.com

[suckerbass]

They already made knockoffs, and they work very well. I am on my second 200 this year. Great bags......half the price ;)

www.thesweetattack.com

just make sure that they dont use lead paint ;)

[Kearly Shuffle]

Moisture seems to be a huge issue when trying to obtain a proper seal.

I keep mine cranked to 5 (sealing temp) and add a rolled-up paper towel above the meat/fish. As it draws the air out, the water/blood will collect in the towel and doesn't compromise the seal.

I also find myself rolling the bag down some prior to adding the contents. It also seems to help keeping it dry for a better bond

All of them are somewhat temperamental and the heating surface and gaskets needs to be checked periodically for any debris

It also doesn't hurt to add another sealing bead above the initial one.

Make sure your bags are big enough and leave enough allowance at the top. I try to leave 2-3". That prevents the wrinkles

GREAT IDEA!!! I always semi-freeze my fish, and I still have a problem with moisture. Especially with them big juicy salmon fillets! ;)

[andy capp]

just make sure that they dont use lead paint ;)

I cant tell you if the knockoff are made in china or not, same with the foodsaver bags.......the foodsaver itself is probly made there....all of its accesories are :rolleyes:

[Shop Rat]

I have a foodsaver and it is great. There are 2 things to be careful of when sealing bags. 1. make sure there is NOTHING on that sealing area, it will not finish the seal with out a complete seal. 2. Be careful to make sure the mouth of the bag is entirely inside the seal, or it will not work. If the bags are not cut straight (from the roll), sealing might be difficult.

If these 2 things are watched carefully, you will love the machine. If it still does not work properly, you have a bad machine.

For beginners, there is one more thing to make sure of. DO NOT let up on the button until the machine stops. When I have someone helping me with a deer, they sometimes let up on the button when the green light comes on. That green light is telling you it is sealing, it stops on its own.

Follow these 3 and you will have success. :):corkysm55 I wouldn't do without mine.

[TSS Caddis]

I have a foodsaver and it is great. There are 2 things to be careful of when sealing bags. 1. make sure there is NOTHING on that sealing area, it will not finish the seal with out a complete seal. 2. Be careful to make sure the mouth of the bag is entirely inside the seal, or it will not work. If the bags are not cut straight (from the roll), sealing might be difficult.

If these 2 things are watched carefully, you will love the machine. If it still does not work properly, you have a bad machine.

For beginners, there is one more thing to make sure of. DO NOT let up on the button until the machine stops. When I have someone helping me with a deer, they sometimes let up on the button when the green light comes on. That green light is telling you it is sealing, it stops on its own.

Follow these 3 and you will have success. :):corkysm55 I wouldn't do without mine.

How many years have you been trouble free? My last one lasted around 3 before it went kaput and I think many have had the same experience. Nothing to do with how you are sealing, just the life of the unit.

[lil daddy]

Love the paper towel idea.I usually pat dry first with a towel then vac seal seame to work fine for me

[cduced]

They already made knockoffs, and they work very well. I am on my second 200 this year. Great bags......half the price ;)


+1 for the sweet attack. Good product, prices and service.

-- Bud

[Hunt4Ever]

I don't like Foodsaver. I'm on my third and the bags are expensive. I'm getting a chamber sealer (TC-280, should be here this week). Watch the video at the link. Watch them seal the chicken and the salmon.

http://www.sealersunlimited.com/DZ-260.html

[fishlkmich]

$1,395.00 !!!:yikes:

Looks nice, though!!!

[Attic_Insane]

I bought a $99.00 foodsaver model and the thing broke almost instantly. I hated it for multiple reasons, you could not stop it once you started it. it would seal a non vacuumed bag even. POS

Then I had to get the upgrade model for I think $250.00 It is expensive, But it is worth it not to have to continuously screw around with fighting the $100. POS. It never wanted to seal, or vacuum. one or the other every dang time, Never Failed.
I heard the average bags brack down is $0.40 "40 cents" per bag Pricey but its worth not wasting fish in my book


Believe me Go with the more expensive unit or if you Hunt4Ever and have lots of $$ But a commercial unit.