Buy once cry once vacuum sealer??

[Tracker0721]

What’s everyone’s recommendations for a vacuum sealer? It’ll be split between some friends and family so a big mix of fish and game but I’d bet there’s been half a dozen to a dozen low end sealers burned up between us. I like the looks of the Weston pro series with replaceable elements and the see thru lid.

[Whitpirate]

Vakmaster VP215 with oil pump.  Chamber sealer and I’ve done close to 5k lbs of meat in mine. 

[luvmystang67]

Vakmaster VP215 with oil pump.  Chamber sealer and I’ve done close to 5k lbs of meat in mine. 

Same, VP215, I'd never be again without it.  Bought mine for $650 on sale back in 2016 I think, they're more now.  I did see that costco had a chamber sealer for like $400/500 (LEM brand) and I'm sure its fine also.  You'll want the oil pump though, so make sure it has that.

[h20hunter]

Not sure the model....LEM....it's a heavy beast and gets it done.

Will never buy a foodsaver or basic kitchen model again.

[Woodchuck]

Not sure the model....LEM....it's a heavy beast and gets it done.

Will never buy a foodsaver or basic kitchen model again.

[kselkhunter]

I just have a Cabela's brand commercial 15" model.  I don't know who they OEM it from.  But it has worked very well for many years. 

[Twispriver]

I also have a Cabelas commercial sealer and it works well compared to the Foodsaver kitchen model that I had before but when it inevitability craps out I am going to the chamber sealer.

[trophyhunt]

I bought one of those cabelas ones years ago, pain in the azz if there was ANY moisture on the bag, wouldn’t seal at all!  And now it doesn’t even seal dry bags. Need a good one as well. Mine was not the commercial one, cost a couple hundred is all.

[Twispriver]

I will add that I liked the bag cutting feature on the Foodsaver model - the worst part of packaging for me is cutting and sealing custom sized bags from a roll

[Alan K]

Vakmaster VP215 with oil pump.  Chamber sealer and I’ve done close to 5k lbs of meat in mine.

 

Went through several vacuum sealers before finally biting the bullet and stepping it up to the VP215. Used it for all kinds of stuff over the last several years. Buy once cry once piece of equipment.

[Wetwoodshunter]

So... I had a LEM from Costco. What a POS, maybe I got a lemon but 10/10 bags wouldn't seal. I now have a VacMaster 215 it works well and is way quieter and faster than the LEM.

As far as the Lem goes, I contacted warranty 2x. Tried troubleshooting everything. Replaced parts sent from the factory. I love their products for everything else I have but the Vac sealer is bottom of the barrel. Buyer beware, at least Costco's return policy was great.

[MtnMuley]

Not sure the model....LEM....it's a heavy beast and gets it done.

Will never buy a foodsaver or basic kitchen model again.

 

[Reidus]

Vacmaster VP215.

I'm pretty sure you can replace about any part on the vp215. Don't think that's the case on some of the less costly chamber style vacuum packers.

[CP]

I have the small Avid Armor Chamber Sealer ( USV20 ).

It's been a workhorse, highly recommend it if you aren't sealing very large pieces.  $400 on Amazon.

[bigdub257]

Not sure the model....LEM....it's a heavy beast and gets it done.

Will never buy a foodsaver or basic kitchen model again.

 

 

[ASHQUACK]

We bought a Vacmaster. Put it on a rolling toolbox tray so it's easy to move around. Works awesome and one of my personal best investments in hunting and fishing ever. Nothing like being able to seal a bag of fresh venison stew, freeze and re heat later.

[3boys]

LEM Maxvac. Done hundreds of bags of fish and game. Works awesome

[Tracker0721]

I may have to get more buddies involved in this purchasing thing! That’s definitely the buy once cry once. Does the vp215 really weigh 86lbs?! Things a monster it looks like. I’ll need to research more of the difference of chamber vacs vs regular.

[Alan K]

Yep, super heavy. Keeling it on a roller like ASHQUACK is a great idea!

[hunter399]

I'm still wrapping in butcher paper,then into a Ziploc.
One day I'll upgrade ,I guess ,not this year though.
I try to buy the Ziploc on sale at Costco. They go on sale a few times a year,and butcher paper is always pretty cheap.

[Wetwoodshunter]

I may have to get more buddies involved in this purchasing thing! That’s definitely the buy once cry once. Does the vp215 really weigh 86lbs?! Things a monster it looks like. I’ll need to research more of the difference of chamber vacs vs regular.

I can assure you mine is all of 86 lbs. I did 4 coho today, the 215 is a good machine.
One more thing I noticed different from the Lem is VqcMaster double seals with seal strips.

Looks like others here had better luck than me with Lem. I figured I had a lemon, all their other products I have are awesome.

[fishngamereaper]

I think it's like everything.. everyone's experience will differ.

My Cabela's commercial grade CG 15 is probably ten years old and has sealed thousands of lbs of fish and game..zero issues. Just need to slow your pace on hot days so you don't keep your seal bar hot and get premature seals.

My buddy has the same one, no issues but wanted the newest and coolest. So he bought the VP.  He's replaced two pumps in two years... probably a lemon, but who knows. I don't think there is a absolute right answer...

So I think you should buy one of each.  and cry twice and one time.

[Colville]

Wish it held more volume.  looks like packages have to be pretty small.  I'll pack 5 to 10 lbs of burger to be pulled later and worked into sausage, I don't think I can fit that kind of volume in the 215.

[Stalker]

I may have to get more buddies involved in this purchasing thing! That’s definitely the buy once cry once. Does the vp215 really weigh 86lbs?! Things a monster it looks like. I’ll need to research more of the difference of chamber vacs vs regular.

I can assure you mine is all of 86 lbs. I did 4 coho today, the 215 is a good machine.
One more thing I noticed different from the Lem is VqcMaster double seals with seal strips.

Looks like others here had better luck than me with Lem. I figured I had a lemon, all their other products I have are awesome.

I recently purchased a LEM MaxVac Pro from Costco, couldn't beat the price $599.00.  Have been sealing bags of mushrooms, about 70 bags so far and it has not missed a beat.  I have inspected the bags and they all have "double seal strips" on the bags.  I like others got tired of buying the foodsavers every few years so again for the money I didn't see how I could go wrong.  I will normally process 2 elk and atleast 1 deer a year and then a number of other items like crab and mushrooms.  Hope this helps.

[NOCK NOCK]

So, the LEM vacmax / vacmax pro......is that a chamber sealer or a vaccum sealer?

[Alan K]

Wish it held more volume.  looks like packages have to be pretty small.  I'll pack 5 to 10 lbs of burger to be pulled later and worked into sausage, I don't think I can fit that kind of volume in the 215.

5 lbs isn't a problem, 10 lbs might be pushing it though.

I vac pack pre-sliced jerky strips in 5 lb packages to pull out, season, and toss in the dehydrater when we are craving it.

[Stalker]

So, the LEM vacmax / vacmax pro......is that a chamber sealer or a vaccum sealer?

https://www.costco.com/maxvac-pro-chamber-vacuum-sealer.product.100536866.html

[JDHasty]

Scratch and Dent ARY VacMaster VP215 Chamber Vacuum Packaging Machine with 10 1/4" Seal Bar

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/outlet/120VMASVP215/36737.html

$782.24 free shipping

[luvmystang67]

Scratch and Dent ARY VacMaster VP215 Chamber Vacuum Packaging Machine with 10 1/4" Seal Bar

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/outlet/120VMASVP215/36737.html

$782.24 free shipping

Thats a good deal, someone should be buying this.  I would if I didn't already have one.

[h2ofowlr]

Vacmaster VP215.

I'm pretty sure you can replace about any part on the vp215. Don't think that's the case on some of the less costly chamber style vacuum packers.

Bags are relatively inexpensive and it works great.

[luvmystang67]

Vacmaster VP215.

I'm pretty sure you can replace about any part on the vp215. Don't think that's the case on some of the less costly chamber style vacuum packers.

Bags are relatively inexpensive and it works great.

I end up around $0.06 or so per bag.  Most of my stuff goes in 10x13" bags, great for probably 2 lbs of meat or less.  They look great too if you're sharing.

[Parasite]

Avid Armor USV32 here. Looked at and liked the Vacmaster , but the Avid Armor was less expensive, didn't need to be shipped as freight, was available, suited my needs as a single guy, and it was light enough to lift it with no problem. No issues with it so far.

[NOCK NOCK]

We’ll I purchased a Avid Armor a420 vac sealer
Worked one time then would not pull a vacuum. Bad reviews say they have an issue with the foam seal… if you push down after locking it, it then vacuums. Not something a new machine should do. Email and a call so far and zero response back from AA.

May try the LEM or Weston next (vac not chamber)

[Parasite]

Email and a call so far and zero response back from AA.

Slow responses from lots of companies these days due to staff shortages, being too busy, etc.

[CP]

We’ll I purchased a Avid Armor a420 vac sealer
Worked one time then would not pull a vacuum. Bad reviews say they have an issue with the foam seal… if you push down after locking it, it then vacuums. Not something a new machine should do. Email and a call so far and zero response back from AA.

May try the LEM or Weston next (vac not chamber)

Try wiping the seal with a damp cloth before you use it. 

[NRA4LIFE]

My VP215 has easily paid for itself now in bag savings, maybe twice by now.  I think I am now up to 8000 bags purchased.  8 1/2 years now and it is still going strong.  If I ever have to buy one again, I'd go with a 12" sealing bar.  The bags I use the most are 6" wide.  I could do 2 at a time with a 12" bar.  I bag my grind meat in 5 lb packages no problem.  10 may be possible if the 2 spacer plates are removed.

[Stein]

You guys must vac a bunch more stuff than I do.  If the chamber bags are .07 and foodsaver style are .22, it costs $0.15 a bag more.

I maybe go through 100 a year, pretty much only sealing fish and the random pork chop.  Thus, I'm paying $15 more a year in bags.  If a chamber machine is $600, it would take me 40 years to break even assuming it lasted that long.

I have one actual Foodsaver machine I bought in 1998 and it still runs.  My son was gifted one on the youth hunt and it had a Walmart $20 sticker on it and it works even better than my old one.  Either one fits easily in a drawer and are way faster than chamber sealers.

I'm guessing some of you guys must use a ton of bags every year.

[3boys]

You guys must vac a bunch more stuff than I do.  If the chamber bags are .07 and foodsaver style are .22, it costs $0.15 a bag more.

I maybe go through 100 a year, pretty much only sealing fish and the random pork chop.  Thus, I'm paying $15 more a year in bags.  If a chamber machine is $600, it would take me 40 years to break even assuming it lasted that long.

I have one actual Foodsaver machine I bought in 1998 and it still runs.  My son was gifted one on the youth hunt and it had a Walmart $20 sticker on it and it works even better than my old one.  Either one fits easily in a drawer and are way faster than chamber sealers.

I'm guessing some of you guys must use a ton of bags every year.

For me it was once i used a chamber vac there was no going back. Much better seals and ease of use. It is huge and a pain to move around but a cart made it easy. I do around 200-300 bags a year for freezer use as well as the occasional sous vide use.

[lewy]

Anybody know where I can get a vac master locally

[Tbar]

Costco. Order the bags on Amazon.https://www.costco.com/maxvac-pro-chamber-vacuum-sealer-.product.100536866.html

[CP]

You guys must vac a bunch more stuff than I do.  If the chamber bags are .07 and foodsaver style are .22, it costs $0.15 a bag more.

I maybe go through 100 a year, pretty much only sealing fish and the random pork chop.  Thus, I'm paying $15 more a year in bags.  If a chamber machine is $600, it would take me 40 years to break even assuming it lasted that long.

I have one actual Foodsaver machine I bought in 1998 and it still runs.  My son was gifted one on the youth hunt and it had a Walmart $20 sticker on it and it works even better than my old one.  Either one fits easily in a drawer and are way faster than chamber sealers.

I'm guessing some of you guys must use a ton of bags every year.

For me it was once i used a chamber vac there was no going back. Much better seals and ease of use. It is huge and a pain to move around but a cart made it easy. I do around 200-300 bags a year for freezer use as well as the occasional sous vide use.

Yeah, a chamber Vac is way better than the bag suckers.  But mine (Avid Armor USV20) is about the size and weight of a toaster oven and stores on a book shelf.  I still have a foodsaver but it never gets used anymore. 

[lewy]

Are those Lem’s close in quality to the vacmasters?

[luvmystang67]

There are several other added benefits to the chamber sealers:

1) You can do something else while its sealing, its really a one-man show.  You close the lid, and you can prep the next one while its running or write labels.

2) It looks DAMN NICE! You give some away or whatever, it looks super professional.

3) It never messes up, it does liquids, damp stuff, whatever and is 100%.  Super slick.

4) Yes, bags are one size (whatever size you buy), but you never have to cut and seal anything.  Its not that hard to cut meat into bag sized pieces.

5) You have a lot of selection on bag thickness, buy what you need.

6) You're at the edge of the space time continuum.  You can boil liquids at room temperature.  Want to see something cool, put a marshmallow in there.  You're making outer space in your kitchen!

[Angry Perch]

You guys must vac a bunch more stuff than I do.  If the chamber bags are .07 and foodsaver style are .22, it costs $0.15 a bag more.

I maybe go through 100 a year, pretty much only sealing fish and the random pork chop.  Thus, I'm paying $15 more a year in bags.  If a chamber machine is $600, it would take me 40 years to break even assuming it lasted that long.

I have one actual Foodsaver machine I bought in 1998 and it still runs.  My son was gifted one on the youth hunt and it had a Walmart $20 sticker on it and it works even better than my old one.  Either one fits easily in a drawer and are way faster than chamber sealers.

I'm guessing some of you guys must use a ton of bags every year.

You're way too good at math for this hunting and fishing stuff!   

Try paying off a $1200 fish finder with "free" perch!

[CP]

I gotta try a marshmallow in there.

[NRA4LIFE]

It's entertaining for sure.

[NOCK NOCK]

I gotta try a marshmallow in there.

Take a vid and post it.   Almost as good as microwaving a peep. 

[lewy]

Thanks for the link I ordered one up

[huntnnw]

I bought one of those cabelas ones years ago, pain in the azz if there was ANY moisture on the bag, wouldn’t seal at all!  And now it doesn’t even seal dry bags. Need a good one as well. Mine was not the commercial one, cost a couple hundred is all.

Cabelas " commercial" is a joke. Im on number 2 and will be buying a chamber sealer this month