New 5000 series Foodsaver

[Roy M]

I just purchased a new Foodsaver vacuum bagger system from Costco (about $150). This version is WAYYYYY different and better than its predecessors, plus there are now resealable, zip-lock bags with vacuum ports. The new version of sealer unit has a hand piece accessory that works with quart and gallon sized resealable zip locks, as well as a group of hard plastic sealing boxes. There are also LARGE size conventional vacuum sealed bags that can be used for really large packages like a whole turkey. The new system is faster to use, and uses less of the rolled vacuum bag material. But the zip lock bags are my favorite for everyday use, sealing cheese and lunch meats, fresh veggies for the reefer, and not having to throw plastic bags into the trash as often as with conventional zip locks. The vacuum can also be controlled for fragile items you might want to seal with less vacuum. Very cool. Glad I've got an inverter outlet in the galley.

[a64pilot]

Link to these reusable ziploc bags, or a name maybe?

[Roy M]

For the bags: Specialty Vacuum Seal Bags and Rolls | Foodsaver

For the unit itself, the YouTube version is best:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wd8J9ojMG30&t=14s

Costco is selling them for about $150 USD, and $40 for a big box of spare bag materials. I'm going to purchase the zip locks direct from Food Saver.

[a64pilot]

Thanks, we have one, a smaller one, I have no idea of the model number

[Roy M]

I had one of their earliest models, which eventually bit the dust. This 5000 series is a whole different deal. I'm really caught up with how intuitive it is to use (and reuse).

[SVTwilight]

Thanks for the tip! I will need to get one.

Looks like $169 on amazon with a starter kit....

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by SVTwilight

Thanks for the tip! I will need to get one.

Looks like $169 on amazon with a starter kit....

Vacuum sealer has been on my list for a couple of years. Looks like it's time to actually get one.

Researched the various 5000 series models. I think that the ones on Amazon FM5480 are made for Costco and identical to the FM5460 sold direct from Foodsaver. Only difference, the 5460 has a $9.00 jar sealer adapter and a few dollars more in bags. However if you buy the 5460 direct you get free shipping, probably no sales tax (I get charged by Amazon) and Foodsaver will throw in a free $22 marinator.

OR I found the 5480 on eBay for $139.99 with free shipping and looks like the same bags as the Amazon version.

[Jdege]

Does it still need those expensive channeled bags?

I've been using a Sinbo DZ280 for a number of years.

It's solidly made and has served me well.

What I really like about it is that it uses a snorkel, instead of a channel, so it will work with cheap commercial vacuum seal bags, instead of the expensive microchannel bags.

[Lepke]

A poor man's way with a ziplock is use a big bowl of water. Lower the bag almost to the top and the water pushes most of the air.

[buzzstar]

Originally Posted by Lepke

A poor man's way with a ziplock is use a big bowl of water. Lower the bag almost to the top and the water pushes most of the air.

Would it be even better if you used hot water, which would warm the remaining air. This air would contract even more when it cooled? If it works, would it be worth the extras effort?

[CarinaPDX]

Good to know that you think the 5xxx series is much better. My question is, have you opened it and looked inside? If so, how did it look? Any photos?

My problem is that I bought one of the old ones at Costco (about $130 + extra bags) about 5 years ago, but didn't actually try it for a couple of years. It failed the 2nd or 3rd time I used it. It seems that the vacuum cut-off switch is not working, so it doesn't switch from vacuum to sealing. I opened it to have a look - there is almost nothing inside the box, and what is there appears cheap and poorly done. Based on manufacturing cost it should be $30, not $130. If it worked reliably that might not matter, but looking at the Amazon reviews there are a lot of folks who have had them fail early. I am having a hard time justifying paying for the "new, improved" version on the hope they have improved the quality.

Greg

[Jdege]

Originally Posted by CarinaPDX

My problem is that I bought one of the old ones at Costco (about $130 + extra bags) about 5 years ago, but didn't actually try it for a couple of years. It failed the 2nd or 3rd time I used it.

I've been cooking most of my meals Sous-Vide for more than five years, using my Sinbo vacuum sealer every time. It's worked flawlessly.

[Roy M]

Not wishing to enter into a competition or flame war, I presented my information to those who might be interested in new products. So far, I am quite impressed with the new technology. Those who prefer alternate methods or products are welcome to express their opinions. I think folks are quite capable of making their own decisions on this and other products or means to the end. I'm happy, and I hope others are as well.

[Symphony]

for either the Sinbo or the Foodsaver -- any reports from actual users what size of supply of bags one needs?
for instance - there is a supply given with the Sinbo and the Foodsaver initial purchase - how long might that last if a person would preserve a bunch of food one day, then eat it over 4 weeks of meals, eating the preserved stuff for a meal every other day?
thanks

[Jdege]

The Sinbo didn't include bags. But it will work with bulk commercial bags.

Commercial Vacuum Sealer Bags | Vacuum Packaging Bags