Can you use any bags with the FoodSaver?

If you want to use your FoodSaver® appliance to re-seal, but not vacuum package a bag (without removing the air first) you can use it on Mylar type (strong, thin polyester) or stiff plastic bags, not any other types. For example, you can re-seal potato chip bags.

Can you use any bags with vacuum sealers?

Not any bag will work for vacuum sealing. Regular bags leak oxygen and will not hold a vacuum. When looking for a vacuum bag, be sure the bag specifies being a barrier bag. The amount of barrier will depend on the thickness of the materials and what the bag is made from.

Can I use regular Ziploc bags with FoodSaver?

Ziplock bags can be sealed with a FoodSaver for a stronger seal that can be used for long-term storage. The FoodSaver will remove the air and seal the Ziplock bag, allowing the contents to stay fresh for a much longer period of time.

Can I use normal plastic bag for vacuum sealing?

Yes, it's possible to vacuum seal your food at home without a vacuum sealer! All you need is a zip-top plastic freezer bag and a bowl of water.

What kind of bags do vacuum sealers use?

For an External Suction Vacuum Sealer

If you have an external suction vacuum sealing machine, you are going to want to use mesh lined vacuum sealing bags and rolls. The patented technology of VacMaster mesh-lined bags ensures superior performance on all vacuum sealers.

Vacuum Seal Ziplock Freezer Bags with Food Saver

Is a FoodSaver worth buying?

For those looking to expand their food storage and have freezer space to spare, a vacuum sealer will help expand the shelf life of many everyday foods by up to 4-6 times. Simply, if you look for deals to buy food in bulk, have a home garden, hunt, or fish then yes, a vacuum sealer is well worth the money.

Why are my vacuum sealed bags not staying sealed?

It may be too long for your bags. If your vacuum sealer isn't sealing the bags all the way through, try increasing the seal time. The bags may need a little more time to properly seal. Also, check your heat seal tape... it may need to be replaced if it has been overly used.

What should you not vacuum seal?

How long does food last in a vacuum sealed bag?

Frozen food that is vacuum sealed lasts an average of 2-3 years, while it will last 6-12 months, on average, stored in other ways. Most vacuum sealed foods will last in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks, which is much longer than the typical 1-3 days food will last when stored conventionally in a refrigerator.

Are all vacuum sealer bags the same?

Each different brand of vacuum sealer has designed their machine to operate at a slightly different temperature, so using Vacuum Sealer Bags from other manufacturers can be problematic, as they may not seal properly or may melt creating a mess or causing damage.

How long does meat last when vacuum-sealed?

Meats, like beef, poultry and fish, generally only stay fresh for about six months when stored in the freezer by conventional methods. Using your vacuum sealer can extend that shelf life to about two to three years.

Can I vacuum seal lettuce?

Yes, you can vacuum seal lettuce. Typically, vacuum-sealed lettuce can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator, more than double its usual lifespan of three to six days! Start by cutting your lettuce however you would like. Then, thoroughly wash it and use a salad spinner to dry.

Can you make your own vacuum sealer bags?

You can easily make your own vacuum sealer bags for storage to save space and money at the same time.

What sizes do FoodSaver bags come in?

Why are vacuum sealer bags textured?

Why is one side of a vacuum sealer bag thicker? The thicker side of a vacuum sealer bag is also the textured side, the texture is created by hundreds of microscopic one way air valves that allow air escape but not get back in.

Can you vacuum seal soup in bags?

Put the soup or stew in a container or even a FoodSaver® bag and only seal it. Put it in the freezer after. The trick is to freeze those soups or liquid items in a container before vacuum sealing. Once that soup is frozen, take it out of the freezer and move it into a vacuum seal bag.

How do you vacuum seal a Ziploc bag with water?

All you'll need is a Ziploc bag and a bucket (or pot) of water. It's that simple. Just dip the bag into the water and watch as the air leaves the bag and your food becomes vacuum tight against the plastic. All you need to do is seal the bag just before the last corner hits the water and you're good to go.

Can you wash and reuse FoodSaver bags?

FoodSaver® Bags that previously contained fruits, vegetables, breads and dry goods can be washed and reused. FoodSaver® Bags that contained raw meats, fish, eggs or un-pasteurized cheese should be discarded after use because they may contain invisible bacteria that will remain after washing.

Do you have to pre freeze meat before vacuum sealing?

Meat does not need to be frozen before vacuum sealing. If it is fresh, and you freeze it right after you vacuum seal it, it will stay fresh even if it wasn't frozen first. However, it might affect the meat's flavor if it isn't frozen first.

What size vacuum bags do I need?

A cup of liquid and dried beans fit a 5”x7” vacuum bag, still allowing room to make a seal. Small 5”x7” vacuum bags are perfect for spices, dried fruits, and more. A pint of both liquids and solids fits loosely in a 6”x10” vacuum bag. The additional space leaves room to make an airtight seal.

How thick should vacuum seal bags be?

The standard thickness of a bag for general vacuum sealing and sous vide is about 70 microns. For longer shelf life, it's best to use thicker bags – 100 or 115 microns.