Vacuum sealer.

Definitely rolls. The ones I use come in two different sizes and both are used in our house.

I don't know which brand you're using, but look for containers as well. I use them all the time for wet marinades.

The uses with these things are endless. It goes way beyond the kitchen with me.

I have a Food Saver, and it does have containers. It also has two different sized rolls.

Thanks!

That's the one I use. Let me know if you have any questions.

get the rolls. costco always has 'em

I have a question for you guys with these- Do your frozen foods last longer? I tend to freeze steak or chicken, usually I label it & if I find it 6 months later I throw it out knowing it's lost quite a bit in that time in a ziplock in the freezer. Would a vacuum sealer allow me to feel better about that meat?

That is what the maker claims. I can't answer that from first hand experience, but some of my local friends swear by it. And the fact that Flannery ships vacuum sealed and frozen kind of affirms that. They were split on rolls and bags for usage, however.

Rolls, just make sure you cut strait! Yes, with the air out, it will protect against freezer burn. Also great for marinating. Love mine!

quote:

Originally posted by Dom'n'Vin'sDad:
I have a Food Saver, and it does have containers. It also has two different sized rolls.

Thanks!

What model#. May look into it.

Now you guys are making me want one. Counter space is so dear though that I hate buying new appliances to sit in the kitchen. If I see one at Costco I might end up buying, damn you all!

quote:

Originally posted by grossie:
Now you guys are making me want one. Counter space is so dear though that I hate buying new appliances to sit in the kitchen. If I see one at Costco I might end up buying, damn you all!

Same issue. We put our grill and crock post into teh panty when not in use. ALso converted two base cabinets to pull out drawers. Have the toaster and Cuisinart on the top shelf, and run to cord to an outlet when required, else out of sight and mind.

Thank is the reason I asked what model Food Saver so I can allocate space. PS: still awaiting the model. Have a window open to Amazon to buy one.

quote:

Originally posted by grossie:
I have a question for you guys with these- Do your frozen foods last longer? I tend to freeze steak or chicken, usually I label it & if I find it 6 months later I throw it out knowing it's lost quite a bit in that time in a ziplock in the freezer. Would a vacuum sealer allow me to feel better about that meat?

I don't know if anything will make you feel better about your meat, but yes, your frozen foods will last longer. I always date the bags when I freeze something, and have no hesitation to use meat that was frozen within the past year or so. This was the primary reason I purchased mine years ago.

We usually buy our meat from Costco in bulk, and then I break it down into individual meal size portions. For instance, the filets usually come in packs of 4. I know that our family will only eat two at one meal, so I will freeze two in a bag. The best part about this is the defrosting. Because they are sealed, I defrost just by placing the sealed bag in a sink of cold water for about 30 minutes prior to prep. I always hated defrosting meat in the microwave, and I never remembered to take something out of the freezer a day or two ahead of time.

As an aside, Foodsaver also makes a wine stopper that allows you to vacuum an open bottle. I only use it if I think its going to be more than a few days before I reopen the bottle.

quote:

Originally posted by grossie:
Now you guys are making me want one. Counter space is so dear though that I hate buying new appliances to sit in the kitchen. If I see one at Costco I might end up buying, damn you all!

I store mine on a shelf in a cabinet and only take it out when I need to use it. Although if I was going to buy one now, I would probably get this. I like the vertical design. You can probably do better on the price at Costco or some other place, and they usually package them to include canisters and extra rolls of bags.

That is the link I was going to show too. My model is a V2460, and DnVsMom got it on closeout. The models on the website are all newer.

I also store mine in our rotating, below counter cabinet, which is also where the food processor, crock pot, coffee grinder, spice ginder, blender, etc. are.

DVD

Thanks for the info. Have a lot of frozen stuff, meats, veggies, breads and the like. will need to clear out a spot on the pull out shelf

quote:

Originally posted by thelostverse:

I don't know if anything will make you feel better about your meat, but yes, your frozen foods will last longer.

Nice! I was really hoping it would make me feel better about my meat. Maybe one of those trick mirrors would do the job there?

A vacuum sealer is on my costco list now. I might have to go there today to check it out.

I bought 1 @ Costco years ago and that's the best kitchen accessory I've ever bought.
I use the rolls as well. Seriously, once frozen, it will last forever. I've had steaks from over 2 years that tasted like fresh steaks and so on.

quote:

Originally posted by grossie:
Now you guys are making me want one. Counter space is so dear though that I hate buying new appliances to sit in the kitchen. If I see one at Costco I might end up buying, damn you all!

+3 or so. I lost count.

If you folks with large families or do a lot of entertaining have a Business-Costco near you, you can save even more by buying your meat by the case, like the restaurants do. Last time I was in, they had several cuts of beef, pork, lamb, & chicken in boxes that were about 2'x2'x3'. A vacuum sealer would be perfect for that.
I buy a lot of kitchen items there, as it's virtually a discount restaurant supply store.

I came home with a V3825 today from costco and some ribeyes. What a cool toy this is! I already did the steaks, but I'm leaving them in the fridge for now, prob end up throwing them in the freezer in a day or two. Even though it makes my meat look smaller I think I'm going to love this appliance! Even my wife seems impressed so far.

The Costco bonus is a few extra bags, and a marinating container along with the unit, all for $150.

The Foodsaver is one of the best kitchen tools of all time. Meat, frozen will be good even beyond 1 year (tried and tested on 40 lbs of King salmon fillets). My other major use is for cheese. Seal it up and cheese keeps well (no mold, no slime) for up to a year (claimed by a friend - no cheese lasts that long in my house!). I also have the wine stoppers - works great up to 4-5 days.

Rolls and yes, stored in pantry as well...

We use their special cork to vacuum out the air from wine bottles.

I've been using my vacuum sealer like crazy, I love it.

I have a question for the group: Has anyone tried vacuum sealing fresh herbs? I grow assorted herbs in the summer and inevitably I throw out a ton of them because they need harvesting to prevent flowering. I just vacuum sealed some basil, oregano, and dill, and tossed them in the freezer. Anyone ever try this? I'm curious what will become of this or if you have any tips.

Grossie, if you cook with them they will be fine and serve their purpose. Just don't expect to use them as garnish like basil or mint chiffonade, etc, as they will be wet.

Thx, ArieS. I will likely be just cooking with them.