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GENERAL CHEESE MAKING BOARDS (Specific Cheese Making in Boards above) => EQUIPMENT - Aging Cheese, Everything Except Caves => Topic started by: Cheese Head on November 19, 2010, 01:56:46 PM

Title: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: Cheese Head on November 19, 2010, 01:56:46 PM
Well, it's time to start making cheeses again and my biggest remaining problem is humidity control so I've finally broken down and bought a FoodSaver Brand model V3240 sealer (note, click Vaccum Sealers at top menu to see all), 17 rolls of 11" x 16' (enough for 20 years!), and one small container to try vacuum marinating meat.

I ordered online from their website to here in Texas as I had a coupon (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=154299&t=2354603). Reason for loading up on lots of rolls is I used the $130 off $260 coupon as for only $30 more I got an extra $100 worth of rolls. Plus they have free shipping, total including sales tax for me was $147.99, rolls were $4.30 each + tax.

While an upright sealer, which are generally poorly reviewed versus the older horizontal units, this and cheaper V3040 and more expensive V3250 appears to be a new upright series and thus hopefully better. Stock picture from website below, website description is:I'll post pictures and reviews of it in this thread after arrives and after use.
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: Helen on November 19, 2010, 04:08:59 PM
This is fancy... Much fancier than mine. Congratulations on the good deal!

Have you vacuumed anything yet? When I got mine, I went into a vacuum frenzy.  >:D
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: Boofer on November 19, 2010, 04:27:40 PM
Pretty cool.  8)

Congrats on your good fortune.
The vacuum sealer has to go down as one of man's greatest ideas. I love mine (Foodsaver V2830). Great piece of equipment.

-Boofer-
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: ConnieG on November 19, 2010, 04:32:28 PM
I'll be curious to hear how you like it - I want to get one in the future. 
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: iratherfly on November 20, 2010, 09:32:18 AM
Speaking of vacuum frenzy... I just began cooking Sous Vide lately. It's a phenomenal cooking method to master. For us cheesemakers who are accustomed to keeping liquid at a fixed temperature for hours, it is a lot easier than other people to master.  Sous Vide simply means "vaccum" in French and it requires to vacuum anything you can imagine... put it in a large bath of low heat water and let it cook under vacuum. Some people buy a $1000 immersion circulator or a $450 Sous Vide machine which I find idiotic, just use a good thermometer and a 5 gallon pot and you got it! (Large pot, like milk keeps a stable temp for many hours)

The idea is that if you want a medium steak at 130F your water is 130F and it pasteurizes and cooks the food, then it doesn't matter if it's in the water 2 hours or 8 hours, it's always perfect medium and never overcooks. (it also keeps all the moisture and full nutritional value and is perfectly even. Just brown the skin in butter for 1 minute when ready to serve).

As you can imagine, I now use more vacuum material than toilet paper; a scary addiction.  Thanks for the coupon!!!
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: Brie on November 20, 2010, 11:44:47 PM
I've been using a the foodsaver vacuum sealer for about 7 months and I love it--no more waxing cheese and a spacesaver in my cave. As for sous-vide, Yoav--we have been using it in food service industry for years for quantity cooking; and appears now is en vogue for home cooks (and yes, I've seen the sticker tags on sous-vide machines). I find it too tedious and time-consuming myself; yet a very good use of the vac method.
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: iratherfly on November 21, 2010, 08:33:04 AM
Yes, I first run into it in 1992 in food industry but I could never have imagined doing it at home until I saw it in the store and realized that I don't need the pricey machine. I mean... I already know how to keep the temp stable and that in a generous 5 Gal pot it will remain stable for hours. All I needed was a good digital candy thermometer. As it turns out - super easy.  Perfect temp, texture and flavor, amazing jhuiciness, more nutritional value and FAR LESS to clean. Also not being able to screw it up by overcooking it means I can just put it in the water and attend to other things: make other foods, entertain guests etc. Just take it when I am ready to eat and it's already perfect - every time. Amazing!

Made very lean medium steaks last week, even pink throughout. Full of juicy moisture. No mess, no dishes to clean, no waiting, no over-burning them or having gray outside with pink only at the center. When ready to serve I just take them out and crisp them for 30 seconds/side in butter. How easy is that?  But of course, this is just one thing. amazing root veggies, perfect tuna, even turkey!!!

Here is my pre-thanksgiving test. Brined this drumstick with water, 5% salt, then pimenton, bay leaves, pepper, juniper berries, allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg. Came out amazing.
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: blairw75 on November 23, 2010, 07:31:16 AM
Hi Everyone

I have just been thinking of getting one of these vac sealers myself. Bad thing is I can't get access to the foodsave brand over here in New Zealand, and I suspect they run on 110v. We use 220v here

So I'm looking at one of these
http://www.fridgetech.co.nz/page/2276/ (http://www.fridgetech.co.nz/page/2276/)
Could someone with experiance in these things check it out and advise if they think its suitable?
Or compare to the V3240
What pressure does the V3240 vac too?

I know there is a lot of junk out there that doesn't vacuum or seal very well

Any advise would be great
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: iratherfly on November 23, 2010, 12:54:11 PM
blairw75, I think many people love the FoodSaver brand because it's a reliable household brand that has been around for many years so they are assured that there is future supply of the vacuum bags and rolls whenever they need them. I have never heard of this brand (though it may be popular in another part of the world), so just make sure first that there is a good supply of the materials. Without these, even an otherwise perfect vacuum sealer would be useless.
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: Boofer on November 23, 2010, 06:27:56 PM
I have just been thinking of getting one of these vac sealers myself. Bad thing is I can't get access to the foodsave brand over here in New Zealand, and I suspect they run on 110v. We use 220v here

So I'm looking at one of these
[url]http://www.fridgetech.co.nz/page/2276/[/url] ([url]http://www.fridgetech.co.nz/page/2276/[/url])
For the Fridgetech model you might inquire whether there is a warranty or a 30-day return policy. That way at least you would be covered if the thing didn't perform as expected.

It looks and sounds (from the text) like a Foodsaver. It is quite possible that the technology has matured and been passed around so that the quality and performance equitably mimics the brand-name Foodsaver. Perhaps the Fridgetech model is a licensed European/220v version of the Foodsaver product.

I believe the sealer technology in most of these vacuum sealers will reseal a bag of potato chips. That might make the worry of finding suitable bag material less of a problem.

Just my 2¢.

-Boofer-
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: Ken on November 24, 2010, 04:14:48 AM
blairw75, you should check out www.shopbot.com.au (http://www.shopbot.com.au) and and look under small kitchen appliances.
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: blairw75 on November 25, 2010, 07:52:28 AM
Thanks for the reply's everyone
Lots of good info here

Ken have you got one of the sunbeam ones?
Does anyone know if they are any good?

I used to have a cheap one with a single wire to seal the bag, but it was usless
I guess the double is better, do the foodsaver ones have a strip instead of a wire?
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: msandlie on November 29, 2010, 09:53:47 PM
Ok well I have been thinking of using a food saver to avoid paying 6 or 7 dollars for a pound of cheese wax, and speedier sealing.  But before I did do this, i had a few questions.

1.. this replaces the need for sealing your cheese with wax, but if i'm doing farmers cheddar, there tends to be some water seepage? coming from the cheese even after sealing it due to the fact that it's just not pressed with a lot of weight.  after a few days, it stops leaking extra water as the salt pushes it out.  with the food saver, the water would have no way of escaping.  that's one concern...

2.  I'm assuming the food saver is a way to contain 86% or so humidity in your cheese? so  no more leaving a bowl of water in the cheese cave (fridge)?

Also a side note.. does everyone here still buy cheese flake salt or are there better local options for adding salt to your cheese?  What do you use? 

Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: Ken on November 29, 2010, 11:47:10 PM
No I haven't, blairw75, but I'm am trying to convince my wife that i need one.

msandlie, I don't buy cheese salt from the online cheese shop, Here in australia we have cooking salt, which hasn' t got any iodine in it. much cheaper too.

Ken
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: acstokes on November 30, 2010, 02:29:35 AM
Msandlie,
Quote
with the food saver, the water would have no way of escaping.  that's one concern...
You can occasionally open the package and dry the cheese or mop up any liquid with a paper towel and reseal it.
Quote
I'm assuming the food saver is a way to contain 86% or so humidity in your cheese? so  no more leaving a bowl of water in the cheese cave (fridge)?
Right. No more leaving a bowl of water in the cave.

Fred
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: blairw75 on November 30, 2010, 10:12:30 AM
Got the foodsave 660. Found it locally

Sealed up a few cheeses and it seems to work a treat

Much better and defiantly much easier to use than the last one I had

Good strong vacuum around the cheese and it seals with a strip not a single thin wire

Ken, buy the wife one for Christmas :-)
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: Ken on December 02, 2010, 05:49:42 AM
Thanks for the ingfo blairw75. Where did you buy it?  and good idea, I might ask the wife to buy me one for christmas.
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: blairw75 on December 03, 2010, 07:03:57 PM
I got mine from the local retravsion store. Most appliance stores would have them I think.
They had a few different models but as I had a cheap one that was no good I didnt want to muck around this time.
Get heaps of bags, I'm already out.
The wife has been using it more than me!
I hope Santa gets you one
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: iratherfly on December 04, 2010, 01:42:46 AM
Okay you guys I've been good this year so I think that for the holidays I too deserve a proper FoodSaver.  I have had it with my lame vacuum sealer and now that I do lots of sous vide cooking too, I just can't afford unreliable bags.

Which model would you recommend?  Please keep in mind that I am a Manhattan apartment dweller so counter space is at premium. I would like something that can be stowed away.
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: susanky on December 04, 2010, 12:44:05 PM
I have an email from Foodsaver to get 60% off and free shipping on the V3460, which looks fairly compact.  I think you need to click on the link in the email for the discount to be applied at checkout.  If you are interested PM me your email address and I will forward it to you.  Says normailly $139, now $55 with this deal.  Only good for 2 more days.  Merry Chistmas to you!
Susan
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: iratherfly on December 06, 2010, 10:47:05 PM
Ooooh I hope I am not too late Susan, will PM you immediately!

Thanks!

By the way... it's "happy Hanukkah" in our house :)
Merry Christmas to you though! ^-^
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: susanky on December 07, 2010, 12:09:44 AM
Sorry.. Happy Hanukkah!  And Happy Holidays to all.  That offer expired midnight last night.  But will keep you posted if I see another.
Susan
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: iratherfly on December 08, 2010, 09:16:48 AM
Used the other coupon and got the top of the line model v3840 - I think it's the best band for the buck (and frankly I don't have space for all the accessories that comes with the more expensive kits).

The original $173 deal includes 1x 2 ¼ Quart Size Oval Marinator, 2x Heat Seal Rolls - 11in. x 10ft. each, 6x Pre-Made Heat Seal Bags - Quart-size, 4x Pre-Made Heat Seal Bags - Gallon-Size. They also added a free FreshSaver (their handheld electronic portable cordless sealer which they sell on the site for $20), free shipping (love it) and ...the coupon knocked the price down by $60 to $113 for all of that. Not too shabby!

Thanks for the coupons!
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: msandlie on December 08, 2010, 06:08:39 PM
Hah great idea.. I got my wife the 5 quart kitchen...  I could ask her to buy me the food saver :)  Thanks for the idea.

Thanks for the ingfo blairw75. Where did you buy it?  and good idea, I might ask the wife to buy me one for christmas.
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: tananaBrian on December 08, 2010, 06:57:10 PM
Hi Everyone

I have just been thinking of getting one of these vac sealers myself. Bad thing is I can't get access to the foodsave brand over here in New Zealand, and I suspect they run on 110v. We use 220v here

So I'm looking at one of these
[url]http://www.fridgetech.co.nz/page/2276/[/url] ([url]http://www.fridgetech.co.nz/page/2276/[/url])
Could someone with experiance in these things check it out and advise if they think its suitable?
Or compare to the V3240
What pressure does the V3240 vac too?

I know there is a lot of junk out there that doesn't vacuum or seal very well

Any advise would be great


For what it's worth, I think the FoodSaver brand is OK for low-use households.  They built their reputation long ago, but have been since purchased by another company (can't remember the whole story) and the quality is no longer the same.  I have, here in Alaska where hunting and fishing is a way of life, vacuum packed thousands of pounds of food ...and while my FoodSaver was up to the task for awhile, it failed.  First the sealing became unreliable, then the vacuum pump failed to draw a high enough vacuum.   I was surprised to open it up and find the cheap little plastic pump with plastic piston ...surprised that it worked and lasted so long with components like that.  Again, it would be fine if I only needed a light use packer and wanted to save money, but my needs are greater than that.  I ended up replacing the unit with a Magic Vac Maximum that cost a little over $200 at the time.  It's no longer made, but it continues to work like it did on the first day that I got it, and it's been used very heavily.  Here are the features that I would personally look for in a vacuum packer (reasons in parenthesis):


Just my 2-bits and my experiences... we vacuum pack an average of 300 pounds of meat and around 30 to 50 salmon and other fish every year.  My Magic Vac model is no longer available, but we've had it for 10+ years now and it's still going strong.  The heat sealer is showing a little age but operates just fine.

Brian
Title: Re: Vacuum Sealer - FoodSaver Brand, Model V3240
Post by: iratherfly on December 20, 2010, 09:21:33 PM
I ended up getting the v3840 using the coupon that was on this thread. I have been vacuuming everything in site!!! It's a strong, high quality machine and the bags are of very good quality. This is meant for long time sealing and not something that would lose vacuum within a few days, weeks or even months. The plastic is also heavy and won't tear. As I said before, I use it for Sous Vide as well as cheese and it is safe for cooking in it! (it is made for cooking so no chemicals go into your food). It has multiple settings for soft or hard food, dry or wet food so you can seal gentle or seal very hard. It works with pre-made bags AND with rolls that let you create your own bag in your desirable size (there is a built in apparatus to place the roll and cut it with a guillotine style slider - very nice!) It also has a retractable bag opener (cutter) and a retractable hose attachment that connect to hard vacuum containers that you can use for storage or marinating. It's the best thing if you don't want to spend $1000 on a commercial vacuum chamber. I couldn't be happier. The only drawback is the size - made for the suburban American person with a 2-car garage and a kitchen the size of an Olympic pool. I cannot store it in my New York City kitchen.

As for 220V - just use a power inverter/converter. I go to Europe and Israel a lot and I always take them with me. Just make sure to buy a good quality one: good brand, certified (such as ISO9000, UL Listed, CE etc.) built-in fuse. Make sure it converts the voltage from 220V-250V to 100v-110v as well as the Herzage from 50Hz to 60Hz -and make sure it has enough amperage to support what you are connecting to it.  Most of these units are good and trustworthy, but some cheap ones can malfunction and burn your unit.

Like many appliances, it is possible that FoodSaver brand is sold under a different name in different countries.  FoodSaver is a one of many subsidiary brands of consumer appliance giant Jarden. Other Jarden brands you probably know may include Sunbeam, Crock Pot, Bionaire, Rival, Mr. Coffee, Holmes, VillaWare, Oster (and others). Each one of these brands have additional brands under it. FoodSaver is part of the Sunbeam brand for example. A Vaccum sealer similar in power and components to the basic FoodSaver models is also sold under the Rival brand in some international markert under the name Seal-a-Meal.  Where in the world are you? There is probably a local version of it wherever you are