Doing some serious shopping around for a vac sealer. Budget says Foodsaver is a stretch and VacPro is only a dream. So Foodsaver it is.
What a PITA. Foodsaver site is only slightly helpful. Try to compare models and most have no features listed. I don't seem to be able to compare between this model in 3000 series and that in another series at all. I find sealers on retail site and they are not listed on Foodsaver site. No doubt they are Foodsaver, just some variant not listed. I'm guessing some of that is assigned model numbers for specific vendors, mostly tells them where you bought it, maybe a variation in what comes with it.
Thought about Smokinal's offer but shipping was a killer. He still has them if someone more local is interested http://smokingmeatforums.com/index.php?threads/foodsaver-vacuum-sealers.253995/
While awaiting the bad news from Al re: shipping, I checked with Foodsaver "Live Chat" about availability of parts. They told me not supported anymore. Next I came across their parts page and the parts were listed and in stock. Now I don't know how much faith to put into the "Live Chat" people or the site. Somebodies full of it. For the record parts are available through the aftermarket for not much money.
I don't even know what features I really want. A simple vac and seal without on-board bag storage can be had for less than 50 bucks. I think I want a bit more than that, as the Shebeast has expressed an interest because of freezer burn, and the more it will do the more use she will have for it, the less likely I am to hear about a waste of money and counter space.
For the moment the front runners are a 3920, a 4440 or a 5480 I found on fleabay.
Sorry had to vent, this is driving me nuts. Rant over !
What a PITA. Foodsaver site is only slightly helpful. Try to compare models and most have no features listed. I don't seem to be able to compare between this model in 3000 series and that in another series at all. I find sealers on retail site and they are not listed on Foodsaver site. No doubt they are Foodsaver, just some variant not listed. I'm guessing some of that is assigned model numbers for specific vendors, mostly tells them where you bought it, maybe a variation in what comes with it.
Thought about Smokinal's offer but shipping was a killer. He still has them if someone more local is interested http://smokingmeatforums.com/index.php?threads/foodsaver-vacuum-sealers.253995/
While awaiting the bad news from Al re: shipping, I checked with Foodsaver "Live Chat" about availability of parts. They told me not supported anymore. Next I came across their parts page and the parts were listed and in stock. Now I don't know how much faith to put into the "Live Chat" people or the site. Somebodies full of it. For the record parts are available through the aftermarket for not much money.
I don't even know what features I really want. A simple vac and seal without on-board bag storage can be had for less than 50 bucks. I think I want a bit more than that, as the Shebeast has expressed an interest because of freezer burn, and the more it will do the more use she will have for it, the less likely I am to hear about a waste of money and counter space.
For the moment the front runners are a 3920, a 4440 or a 5480 I found on fleabay.
Sorry had to vent, this is driving me nuts. Rant over !
