Slicer and vacuum sealer

[bregent]

I've got a FoodSaver RT-FM2000 that I got on Woot 5 years ago for $39. I use it almost daily for small jobs, and monthly for bigger jobs (10+ bags). I like the fact that it is lightweight and easy to handle, and stores in a kitchen drawer so I can use it whenever I need it. If you plan on doing really big sealing jobs, then a heavier duty machine is recommended as it will recover faster.

For slicing cheese is a serrated blade preferable over a smooth blade on a slicer?

The serrated blade works fine for everything except slicing things paper thin. I used the non-serrated blade for years but switched last year to serrated to cut some loafs of bread. Since then I haven't needed to switch back, but will next time I need to slice up some charcuterie.

 

[chopsaw]

That's a great price on the game saver . I paid $220 for mine 10 years ago . Works great .

 

[whistlepig]

Both the Chef’s Choice 615 and LEM Maxvac 250 were delivered this week. Both are nice looking units. I plan to try them out this weekend on a 7 pound eye of round using Bearcarver’s sammie recipe. Is best to put the eye of round in the freezer for awhile before slicing both before and after smoking?

 

[old sarge]

Enjoy! For slicing meat I try to get a hard chill on it. Don't be surprised if you get a tail (small flap on the bottom of the roast) after a few slices; just flip the meat over for the next few slices. I also partially freeze juicy meat before sealing to avoid juices being sucked into the seal. Sometimes I use a rolled up paper towels between the meat and the seal area to absorb juices. LEM also sells absorbent pads for wet product:

Absorbent Pads for Vacuum Bags | Roots & Harvest Homesteading Supplies

Finally, a solution to reduce juices and liquid from being pulled into the sealing area of your vac bags! A must for sealing high moisture foods.

www.lemproducts.com

 

[whistlepig]

The Chef's Choice 615 and LEM MaxVac 250 arrived this week. I sliced some eye of round (partially frozen) for jerky last night and although out of the box this slicer looked a little small and inadequate once I started using it I am very pleased with it. Pretty powerful slicer.

One I got the LEM MaxVac 250 set up I vacuumed packed about everything I could find. It's really quick and easy to use. Almost fun to use. After reading about vacuum sealing I really should have bought one a long time ago.

 

[old sarge]

The CC 615 and 615a is pretty popular around here. Search for it and you will find a lot of hints and tips. As for vac sealing you can take advantage of bulk buys and save money.