Sous Vide - What's Your Setup?

[SconnieQ]

I have a VacMaster sealer, which has a nice wide seal, and I double seal for sous vide. I also use VacMaster bags. Foodsavers have a narrower seal if I recall, so I would triple seal. It probably has to do more with the quality of the seal than the bag itself. It should work fine.

 

[Libohunden]

Unfortunately, I have one of those "stand up" models of the food saver, which at about $180 was not worth it in my opinion.  I can't double seal with it.  The sealing action is automatic or I can push the button to seal but the bag has to be inserted into the slot a specific length for the sealing action to come on.  Very frustrating but it was my first vacuum sealer and I didn't know what to look for in a sealer.

Which models of vacmaster's do ya'll have and how well do you like them?

 

[SconnieQ]

When I double seal, I put the bag as far into the machine as I can, then vac seal. Then I pull the bag out a little bit, then hit the "seal only".

The FoodSavers are probably overpriced, but many people on this forum use them and have fine luck with them. I have a VacMaster Pro140. The model is no longer available. It is similar to their Pro110, but more powerful. The Pro140 retailed for about $150, but I got it when they were selling out of the model on sale for $79. I don't think the Pro110 would be an upgrade from your FoodSaver. And the next higher model VacMaster is about $300. You might want to get suggestions from people who have Westons. My dream would be to get a chamber sealer, so I could seal liquids. But they start around $600-$700 for a basic model.

 

[drains]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/301822597677?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

This might be interesting.

 

[Libohunden]

Great price but check the description.

Missing Seal Bar and Piston Pump
COSMETIC WEAR - REFER TO PICTURE FOR DETAILS
SOLD AS IS (REFER TO PICTURE)

 

[SconnieQ]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/301822597677?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

This might be interesting.

Why would you even sell a vacuum sealer without a seal bar and piston pump? They should just throw that thing out! I have been bidding on slicers for about 6 months and won this one yesterday (link below). Retails for $299+ new. I would never pay $299 for this slicer, because there are a lot better slicers out there for $300, but for 50 bucks, I think it'll do! I only paid $15 shipping, not $28. Ebay is a great place to buy this kind of stuff, because this is just the kind of stuff people buy or receive as gifts, then never really use or use a couple times.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331881803952?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

One of the big advantages to a Chef's Choice slicer is the ease of cleaning (compared to other slicers anyway). They are designed for all of the pieces to come apart easily. That's important, or you are never going to want to use it if it is a pain to clean.

 

[drains]

Well alrighty then since you want to get picky and want one that actually works here you go. This ain't a bad price and you don't find these around for less. Or I haven't seen any. I got one,of these when they were 79 bucks on close out but this isn't a bad price. I have been very happy with it
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/ary-vacmaster-pro-140-external-vacuum-packaging-machine-with-12-seal-bar-and-dual-piston-pump/120VMA140.html

 

[SconnieQ]

I have the same one and also got it for $79. I thought they were discontinued. I think Webstaurant Store is one of the few places that still has them.

 

[drains]

There are some still out there but usually are priced around 200 plus shipping. The link I posted offers free shipping. Not a bad deal at all. If mine quit working I would jump on that.

 

[Libohunden]

Went to one of the local restaurant supply houses today. They had round Cambro's. But in the Square 12 qt models, they only had them from Carlisle.  They look the same as a Cambro and made in Oklahoma. Anyone seen this maker before?  I picked one up with lid for about $18.

https://www.amazon.com/Carlisle-10724-07-Capacity-Polycarbonate-Container/dp/B004NEWDEA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1466804019&sr=8-5&keywords=Carlisle+12+qt

 

[SconnieQ]

Amazon does not seem to be the best place for good prices on this stuff. Restaurant supply websites or Restaurant Supply stores are the best. I think if it's polycarbonate, it's pretty much the same thing. I still like Food Service Warehouse the best if you can not buy it locally. But your $18 with lid is a good price.

http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/cambro/12sfscw/p1473305.aspx?selectedProduct=12SFSCW135

 

[Libohunden]

Agreed!

What size hole do I need to cut in the lid?  Anyone know?

 

[SconnieQ]

Agreed!

What size hole do I need to cut in the lid?  Anyone know?

Here's a post that discusses it.
http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=4659.0

I still use a couple sheets of plastic wrap (photo attached), and it works great! But the custom lid is a much more elegant solution.

 

[DivotMaker]

Agreed!

What size hole do I need to cut in the lid?  Anyone know?

Maybe this will help...in the Sous Vide section:

Cutting the Lid