I'm in the market for a new vacuum packer. I'd like to keep it under $150 but I'm all about quality, so that cost limit is flexible too. I'd love to hear what you are using, brands you like, cheap sources of bags... whatever. Before I buy I wanted to run it by the ETS crew for some advice on the make and model I should get.

Thanks!

And if anyone knows of a good one for around $75, please tell. My budget is tighter than I'd like, but the Dept of Ed said something about a chainsaw and a repoman in reference to my head a few months ago. :P

I have and love the 'foodsaver' brand. I also spent money for a 'few' accessories. The best I picked up was the mason jar sealer. They have 2 different sizes and it will vaccuum seal the jars wonderfully. I keeps bulk food well stored for us.

I also us it for sealing documents and clothes (as needed). Just recently I came up with an idea to take a bunch of leaking reusable ice packs, cut them open and pour them into vaccuum seal bag. I froze the bag and will seal it soon.....the nice thing...I made this new "ice pack" to fit the cooler. It lays flat across the entire top of the contents and leaves no spaces. I think I will put it into a second bag to prevent it from leaking. So far so good though.

I'll apologize though as I don't know the going prices... <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Even if you don't remember the prices, what model(s) do use? I'm very curious as most of the lower end ones are a mixed bag in the reviews. The mason jar sealer is a great idea! Those are far cheaper to procure than most of the specialized vacuum containers.

I've used the 'foodsaver' brand also for 15+ years. Google foodsaver or tilia and you should find their website.

We've always used the bulk rolls -- 8" & 11.5" width.

The mason jar sealer works well. With a little care when opening, the lid is reusable

I don't know prices but I bought mine at Costco -- which they still stock, along with replacement bags.

Thanks, I have a Googled a lot of them and Tilia is always on the list. But I've seen poor ratings on some of their models. The 2440 seems to fair well in customer reviews. I'm curious what model you are using now.

I took a look at my unit -- Foodsaver Ultra (35-0602).

I'm sure it was discontinued long ago. I try to label the purchase date on all my equipment purchases. The Ultra is dated 02/1997.

I would have guessed older but it has worked flawlessly. It's used about twice a month, and with a large food purchase, it's run until everything is ready for freezing.

Well, that certainly speaks to decent quality if a piece of consumer electronic/kitchen gadgetry lasts for 10 years. Any idea if that was the low, middle, or high end for their gear at the time? From what I can tell, the higher end stuff seems to be made better, but it could be just people who didn't read the instructions or had inflated expectations doing the reviews...

It was an above average unit. At the time they had no where near as many models as they do now. IIRC -- it was the best or second best unit before entering the commercial type models. And about the same price as they are now at Costco.

In the end it's just a plastic box, vacuum pump and a seam sealer. Follow the directions, keep it clean and you should be good to go.

Will I purchase another unit when this one falls on its sword? Yes.

Whichever path you take I'm curious to hear how it works out.