Foodsaver vacuum packs - Yes or No

We always get our meat vacu-packed by the butcher when heading out on extened trips - this allows keeping in the fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks. Veggies go into re-usable 'Fresh and Crisp' bags - there are lots a few types out there that absorb ethylene which is the gas that ripens fruit and veggies. They work well. I think the vacumn packs are really a thing of the past and not really required.IMHO

Cheers John

We vacuum seal our meat most of the time . It allows us to portion up our meats. It also allows us to carry meat in the fridge and freezer. IMHO i think they are a handy gadget, you can seal left over stew, spag bol, soup etc, even make large reuseable ice blocks. Butchers will vacuum seal for you but if you get meat on special from a super market they dont do it. We always stock up when meats is on special.

We think that the vacuum packers are great, not just a toy. We often buy meat in bulk and vacuum pack it into serving size bags, we are careful to lay them flat when freezing as they then pack better in limited freezer space. Another benefit is that the bags are really tough and not easy to puncture with rough handling.

Bags can be reused for food if carefully washed, or if you like, store those items that you need to carry, but may not use, like spare clips for the hitch pin. Just put the loose items in the bag and seal, no moisture or dust gets in and they are easier to find.

Paul.

wouldn't be without our sunbeam 550 as freezer space is at a premium when on the road/track.
found ours particularly good for those barra fillets even if freezing.
also one butcher told us that you can buy cheaper bulk (read tougher) meat and leave in vac pac infridge for up to 3 months which tenderises it. n.b.. fridge must be 4 degrees or less for this to work.

cheers graham

We too are pro the vacume sealer .... we recently purchased another ...... brand was Campfire [$130] and cheaper than the Sunbeam we left at home, bags are cheaper also.

For all the reasons the others have mentioned, plus fresh fish vac sealed and then frozen tastes nicer than frozen in freezer bags.

Keep the comments coming - I am learning.

and Thanks everyone.

LJW

I have found vacuum packed meat looses flavour over time where frozen is not so. After a month I have discarded meat although perfectly edible.
All our meat is all frozen now.

The gadget is very good for preserving spare parts like wheel bearings etc.....and that's about all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ern,
Your even more of a old synical old bugger than I am. LOL

John

We have a magic vac & love it , meat can be flat packed , doesn't go icy. keeps really well..We also have an 80 ltr Engel Fridge/Freezer in the car & we keep our spare frozen stuff in there...We also seal welding rods to keep them dry . [bush welding].
wheel bearings to keep the dirt out, Lollies & left over biscuits, fruit cake last extremely well also. & the list goes onnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.