A while back, Mr. Ritter had a bad review entitled "FoodSaver Sucks, Not Vacuum We're Talking About" of the new Food Saver vacuum sealer, http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=61

I was researching vacuum sealers and came across something called a "Sinbo" sealer. The unit is sold under several names including:

http://www.sorbentsystems.com/sinbosealer.html
http://www.vacnbags.com/product/DZ-280

This item is NOT made by Tilia, the probable dominant vendor of vacuum sealers in North America.

Initial research seems to indicate several advantages:
1. it does not use special (more expensive) channel plastic bags. Small quantity/individual bags are sold : http://www.butcher-packer.com

2. replacement parts, including the heater, nichrome wire, readily available. http://www.saveonsealers.com/sinbo.html

3. supplies are available in cheap 500' rolls. http://www.dougcare.com/packsupplies/vacuumrolls.htm

This research also indicates disadvantage:
1. The manual is AWFUL, being translated into English after a series of prior translations. People have to figure out how to work the machine on their own.

2. Getting the hang of the machine is sometimes tricky.

3. Some reports indicate the need to press down on the latch.

4. The vacuum of the Sinbo MIGHT be less.

I can not find sufficient reports as to the reliability of the unit. I have, however, found a fairly universal complaint of the reliability of Tilia FoodSaver units.

Is anyone familiar with this unit? Mr. Ritter's post refers to a "Jimbo" sealer, likely the same item as above but he didn't want to change due to the initial capital outlay.

In summary, the major advantages of the Sinbo is lower cost of supplies and availability of spare parts.

Conway Yee


Edited by yee (05/24/12 03:23 PM)
Edit Reason: additional research data