[Shellydav]

Does anyone here have experience with a Foodsaver as a money saving measure?

We are considering it, but I thought I'd see what the frugal folks at AFC know!

[littleprincess]

I have a foodsaver and I love it. It's great when I come across great sales on meats etc. It really does make the food last much longer.

[Shellydav]

Little Princess, do you use it to keep foods in the fridge, or only in the freezer?

For instance, I bought a couple of pounds of lunchmeat at the deli. Could I seal up some if it, then open and use it, then reseal it and extend it beyond the recommended week?

[mochamom25]

I'm really considering one too!

[bnkkey]

I have only used mine for the freezer and I love it!!! Sorry I dont know the anwser about lunchmeat in the frig

[danielephant]

have you checked out the foodsaver website, maybe your answer is there. I got one when foodsaver.com was having a really good sale on one it was 24 bucks and my SIL got it for me for Christmas I just started using it this week and i love it!

[fierrbugg]

We love our FoodSaver and have killed one over the years - because we used it sooo much (nearly any time I buy meats, I foodsaver and freeze them). We've used them for about 10-ish years. The newer ones have attachments that help seal canning jars, etc. So you can use it for quite alot more than meat. That being said, we do use it mostly for meat but have also used it to create homemade frozen dinners and to keep already frozen homemade chicken stocks safe from freezer burn.

In theory you could use it and reseal it for lunch meats - but you're going to be cutting it open and losing an inch of bag space each time you do probably (as far as I know, the manufacturer says the bags can even be washed and reused). But with something that you're going to be using potentially each day - you might try doing what the Economides' do (if you don't know who they are do a google or amazon search for 'America's Cheapest Family'). They suggest using a regular ziploc bag for lunch meats that you aren't freezing, but add that putting a paper towel in the bag helps w/ moisture and bacteria issues.

[Shellydav]

Originally Posted by danielephant

have you checked out the foodsaver website, maybe your answer is there. I got one when foodsaver.com was having a really good sale on one it was 24 bucks and my SIL got it for me for Christmas I just started using it this week and i love it!

Thanks...will do! Hubby and I were just talking about investigating further this morning!

[Shellydav]

Regarding my questions about using the Foodsaver for deli meats...I just found this very affordable option at the Foodsaver site: a handheld vac.sealer specifically for deli items.

FreshSaver® Handheld system by FoodSaver®

I thought someone else may be interested!

[endlesoul]

I see on their sight that they have a "Deli Container" MODEL # FSFRAN0224-000
FoodSaver® Deli Containers are great for keeping deli meat, cheeses and other refrigerated foods fresh longer. $7.99.
Canisters for Vacuum Sealers from Foodsaver®

This has me thinking I should buy one my self. Also the "FoodSaver® Rectangular Canister TWO QUART SIZE W/ CHEESE GRATER Model # T020-00079-010. Its on the previous page on the link above.

We use our 12 yr old food saver for freezer and we have the canisters for wild rice etc.

I love the idea of doing cheese with it in the fridge but hated opening up the bags and trying to reseal. The canister would be a real saver. Especially with summer around the corner.

[Kolibree]

Love my foodsaver!! I use it most in the summer when the garden is overflowing with fresh veggies.
When I buy lunchmeat, I separate it into smaller portions that will get used up within a couple of days, and package them in foodsaver bags. Nothing gets wasted. I do find that ham will have some extra liquid when defrosted, but I just soak it up with a couple of paper towels.

[katallan]

I use the handheld freshsaver and the refridgerator bags for deli meats and cheese. works great! and I can reuse the bags!

[Shellydav]

Originally Posted by katallan

I use the handheld freshsaver and the refridgerator bags for deli meats and cheese. works great! and I can reuse the bags!

Are you referring to the 29.99 handheld model or a countertop model? I am just wondering if the handheld is "good enough" or if I should move up to the $60 model?

Does anyone know if there is much difference in suction?

[katallan]

Originally Posted by Shellydav

Are you referring to the 29.99 handheld model or a countertop model? I am just wondering if the handheld is "good enough" or if I should move up to the $60 model?

Does anyone know if there is much difference in suction?

Sorry my computer has been on the blink! I have the plain handheld I bought on sale from foodsaver for less than $10. It looks like this one but no base.

http://www.foodsaver.com/Product.asp...=1152&pid=7076

[Shellydav]

As mentioned in above posts, I've been considering a Foodsaver, if only for lunchmeats and cheeses, for a few weeks now.

After comparing the $30 handheld Freshsaver to the $70 countertop model, I decided on the latter...and was just about to order when I considered checking to see if anyone was selling them through Amazon.

The $30 handheld is available through Amazon for $16.99 new.
I snagged a $70 Black countertop model for $27.70.

AND I still got free shipping!

Both models come with the same accessories as they do if you buy through Foodsaver. com (two deli-meat containers, and a selection of two bag sizes).

Amazon did have other larger Foodsaver vac sealer models on
there, but I didn't do any comparisons.

FYI:

• The handheld seems to be a great bargain even at $29.99, but I learned that the charger-base does need to stay plugged in on the counter. I don't need one more vampire draining electricity. Plus, it is white adn my kitchen has a black countertop.
  
  On the other hand, the black model I purchased might sit on the counter, but it won't use electricity when I am not using it. AND it goes with the kitchen.
  

• It looks as if you can buy many of the Foodsaver supplies at Amazon, but the prices were higher than those at the Foodsaver site. Shop around!
  

[katallan]

When I called Foodsaver about an issue I had with a box of bags that looked like they had been through the wringer after being shipped ( which they replaced with no problems. Customer service is great! ) the representative told me that you could call them and that their prices were cheaper than online! I will have to check it out next time I order bags.

Also be sure and sign up for their emails because there a lot of the specials!

[Shellydav]

KATALLAN was RIGHT! The Mealsaver countertop system I bought from Amazon at such a great deal was defective. I emailed Foodsaver and Amazon on Saturday. Amazon sent me directions to send back to the vendor at my expense, and suggested I reorder rather than exchange. Foodsaver put a new one in the mail this morning....then sent me a confirmation that it is on its way. I didn't even buy it directly from them!

They asked that I ship the defective one back as son as I receive the new one, and said I could keep the bags and containers that came with it!

I will deal with them directly from now on!
Michelle