This is my first vacuum sealer and I have nothing to compare it to, but I am wondering as an avid cook how did I live to be almost 60 without ever owning something like this. This is an amazing and practical toy. I love buying meat on sale, in bulk, and being able to package it in an airtight seal. Lately, instead of cooking one thing at a time, I've been filling the smoker, grill, oven, whatever and vacuum sealing the leftovers for the freezer. Come home after work, throw a couple bags in boiling water, steam some veggies and dinner is ready. Even the wife loves it! I smoked up a bunch of chicken, turkey, ribs and a brisket over the weekend, she got home earlier than I did one day and when I got there she had everything portioned up, sealed and on its way to being frozen. She thought is was very cool how easy it was to use, one hand operation and all ........ just thought I would throw this out there in case anyone was interested in a new vacuum sealer, plus you get a great discount from a forum sponsor.