Vacuum sealer questions - UPDATE, bought the...

[02ebz06]

While sealing my 48 bags of green chili, I noticed the lock handle was broken on my oldest FoodSaver.
It is supported from both sides, but one was broken.
So I want to get a new sealer to replace it.
It's a real time save having two when you are doing mass quantities. At least 48 bags is mass quantity for me anyway.

I don't think I want to jump to a chamber sealer, as I assume bags would be different and would need to stock bags/rolls for both.
Plus they are bulkier.

Looking at these two:
FoodSaver " FoodSaver® FM5200 2-in-1 Automatic Vacuum Sealer Machine with Express Bag Maker"
Nesco "Premium Vacuum Sealer featuring LiquidLock™ VS-22LB"

Both are their companies highest end products (I think).

Wondering if anybody has either.

FS is only 126W, Nesco has 250W, plus for Nesco.
FS is over $100 more, so another plus for Nesco.
Express bag maker, a plus for FS
Fs - 5 year warr. Nesco - 1 year, plus for FS
They both have a liquid mode, which I like. I'm guessing it extends seal time.

Manuals weren't overly helpful.

So, hoping some of you have one of these sealers, here are some questions:

FS Owners:
What do you think of the express bag maker feature? That would cut seal time in half.
I have it envisioned how I think the process works, but can you explain it ?
Overall Likes/Dislikes?

Nesco Owners:
Does the 250W power make a big difference? I would think it would speed the vacuum process.
Says dimensions are 16x14x12 - Is it really a foot tall?
Overall Likes/Dislikes?

For both:
Had any problems?
Can you make small custom bags? I make small bags for pepperoni for one pizza. No more that 3" high.
How is the endurance for repetitive use?
My current FS units can go about 30 for one, and 40 repetitions for the other before overheating.

Thanks

 

[chopsaw]

They both have a liquid mode, which I like. I'm guessing it extends seal time.

My experience is it shortens the vac time before sealing . At least it does on my Food saver . Keeps the liquid from getting sucked into the end of the bag .

 

[Parshooter]

I have a NESCO but not that model. And no, it's not a foot tall, just about 4-6 inches, with the top down but not latched (how it should be stored). Mine has a regular and gentle suck mode. Gentle is for watery stuff, it's a suck with less pressure. Only issue with it is that it is picky about bags. I bought a 6-pack off Amazon and they wouldn't work. Has something to do with the pattern of the nubbies inside the bag. Had to buy NESCO brand bags, and of course they are more $. They, NESCO, said Food Saver bags would work also. You can make any length bag you like. I've only seen bags with widths of 8 & 11 inches. Not sure about repetitive uses. I only do one or two bags at a time.

 

[mr_whipple]

I just bought the FS 5200 last week, and used it once maybe twice so I can't say I've thoroughly tested it but I'll give you what thoughts I have. The bag maker feature is simply a second heat bar. You roll the bag that's stored in the back of the unit to a white line and hit the seal bar. After sealing it has a razor to cut the size you want after sealing the edge. So... it really doesn't cut time down. I used to cut bags to size when sealing anything more than a single and then seal them one by one... tomato tomato. I don't like the way the bag roll sits in the back as I keep mine in a cupboard above the sink. It's not locked in in anyway so it just flopped out when I went to stow it after use. If you're going to leave it somewhere no biggy. I'll pull it down and look at it when I get home and see if I missed something on that but don't think I did. It's taller than any other I've owned. When you insert the open end of the bag , its a bit higher off the counter than I'm used to and you have to hold the bag as opposed to laying it on the counter and hitting the button. Now there's a bar that runs across right where you're holding the bag and that's all you have to touch to vac and seal once you set your desired level of vacuum. Just gott amake sure you're in there straight. My first time was a wee bit crooked, but the job was done as advertised. All in all I like it as I've had a bad run with vac sealers when my OG Gamesaver died. I bough the Nesco VS-12 last July and that thing seriously made me mad... I didn't even try invoking a warranty. Straight to the trash.

 

[02ebz06]

Only issue with it is that it is picky about bags. I bought a 6-pack off Amazon and they wouldn't work. Has something to do with the pattern of the nubbies inside the bag.

That is interesting because their web site says this:
"Compatible with NESCO and other brand bags and rolls"

 

[02ebz06]

The bag maker feature is simply a second heat bar. You roll the bag that's stored in the back of the unit to a white line and hit the seal bar. After sealing it has a razor to cut the size you want after sealing the edge.
So... it really doesn't cut time down.

Still fuzzy on how that works. Manual was useless.
Is it putting a double seal at the white line, then pull out and cut?

As for the seal area being higher, I made a platform for my GameSaver's to get bag level with seal bar.
Sounds like this seal opening is even higher.

 

[BigW.]

A platform is a great idea!

 

[02ebz06]

Back in my woodworking days, always had stock on hand.
The white (carry handle) slides right under the sealer.

 

[mr_whipple]

Still fuzzy on how that works. Manual was useless.
Is it putting a double seal at the white line, then pull out and cut?

As for the seal area being higher, I made a platform for my GameSaver's to get bag level with seal bar.
Sounds like this seal opening is even higher.

I just took some pics, I'll post them in the AM. Busy busy. No double seal. The bottom heat bar is for sealing only. You roll the bag to the line, lock the lever on the right side then hit the seal button, and when done pull the bag to your desired length and use the cutter. Lather, rinse and repeat as necessary.

And yes on the height.

 

[Fueling Around]

Don't have either model you listed.
Never had a Nesco. I have a Food Saver (not your model) in Florida and a Cabelas here in MN.
I use manual pulse when sealing liquid. I have those liquid rods that came with the Cabelas sealer and those don't work.
I prefer topre-freeze wet items.

Pure and simple, if you want to direct pack wet items, a chamber is your choice.

They sell (no experience) sealing bars with no vac that are meant to prepare bags only.

 

[SherryT]

While sealing my 48 bags of green chili, I noticed the lock handle was broken on my oldest FoodSaver.
It is supported from both sides, but one was broken.
So I want to get a new sealer to replace it.
It's a real time save having two when you are doing mass quantities. At least 48 bags is mass quantity for me anyway.

I don't think I want to jump to a chamber sealer, as I assume bags would be different and would need to stock bags/rolls for both.
Plus they are bulkier.

Looking at these two:
FoodSaver " FoodSaver® FM5200 2-in-1 Automatic Vacuum Sealer Machine with Express Bag Maker"
Nesco "Premium Vacuum Sealer featuring LiquidLock™ VS-22LB"

Both are their companies highest end products (I think).

Wondering if anybody has either.

FS is only 126W, Nesco has 250W, plus for Nesco.
FS is over $100 more, so another plus for Nesco.
Express bag maker, a plus for FS
Fs - 5 year warr. Nesco - 1 year, plus for FS
They both have a liquid mode, which I like. I'm guessing it extends seal time.

Manuals weren't overly helpful.

So, hoping some of you have one of these sealers, here are some questions:

FS Owners:
What do you think of the express bag maker feature? That would cut seal time in half.
I have it envisioned how I think the process works, but can you explain it ?
Overall Likes/Dislikes?

Nesco Owners:
Does the 250W power make a big difference? I would think it would speed the vacuum process.
Says dimensions are 16x14x12 - Is it really a foot tall?
Overall Likes/Dislikes?

For both:
Had any problems?
Can you make small custom bags? I make small bags for pepperoni for one pizza. No more that 3" high.
How is the endurance for repetitive use?
My current FS units can go about 30 for one, and 40 repetitions for the other before overheating.

Thanks

I have the FM5200. As another posted, it can be a PITA due to the height of the slot for the open end of the bag and even more so because you have to press the bar on BOTH sides simultaneously to start the vacuum, so you have to hold the bag in place using both hands AND at the same time, use both hands to press the bar.

I do like the accessory function as I already had the mason jar sealers. I also LOVE the zippered bags (a new discovery for me!). You kind of have to "hold your mouth right" to get it aligned over the port on the bag, but you get the hang of it pretty quick.

It "does" pull a good vacuum and seals the bags reliably, but I'm going to pay closer attention to the overall design of the next one I get...this one seems to be WAY over-engineered!

Oh, and the max size roll that will fit inside is 20'...I didn't know that when I ordered 50' rolls, but I kept the old core and roll a few feet at a time onto it from the new roll until it'll fit.

 

[Parshooter]

That is interesting because their web site says this:
"Compatible with NESCO and other brand bags and rolls"

Well they didn't lie. Their customer service rep told me that a lot of bags aren't compatible. NESCO and Food Saver bags are two that she mentioned.

Interesting conversation on the sealing/cutting of bags. The NESCO has the bar cutter. I always pull the bag to my disired length, cut it, then seal. Never thought about doing it the other way. Six or half dozen I guess.

 

[02ebz06]

I have the FM5200. As another posted, it can be a PITA due to the height of the slot for the open end of the bag and even more so because you have to press the bar on BOTH sides simultaneously to start the vacuum, so you have to hold the bag in place using both hands AND at the same time, use both hands to press the bar.

I saw that in one of the online reviews.
Does sounds rather cumbersome.

 

[02ebz06]

Well they didn't lie. Their customer service rep told me that a lot of bags aren't compatible. NESCO and Food Saver bags are two that she mentioned.

Interesting conversation on the sealing/cutting of bags. The NESCO has the bar cutter. I always pull the bag to my disired length, cut it, then seal. Never thought about doing it the other way. Six or half dozen I guess.

That is bothersome that "all" don't work.
If I decide to get it, I guess I could buy it off Amazon, try it with VacuumSealersUnlimited bags I have, and return it if they don't work.
Pretty much get all my bags from them.

 

[normanaj]

LEM's are on sale right now.15% off and if the order includes a new product 20% off.

Might be worth taking a look.

 

[Jim_C]

I am going to agree with the two previous posts that talk about the 5200. I have one that looks more like the 5460 and have been using it for the past couple of years. Same basic design, and it's the design I'd like to speak to.

The bag making feature is nice, but it's not a time saver.

Because of the height I find the vacuum slot to be a PITA to use, and end up making the bags longer so they sit on the counter, or finding a upside down box or something to bring the bag up to the vacuum slot height. It's difficult to get the bag positioned so it's laying flat across the slot without any wrinkles, and, pressing the two buttons to get it going. I have had my fair share of bags that didn't pull vacuum and I had to hit the cancel button before the seal started so I could go at it again.

If I were to buy another sealer it would not be a sealer where the vacuum slot is so high off the counter.

 

[mr_whipple]

I know I said I'd post these in the AM, but things happened at work where I actually had to ... work. That and the pics aren't as good as I thought, but here goes.


So...here's the lower bag sealer. Pull to that white line lock with the lever and hit the seal bar

Closed and ready to seal

Scale for reference above counter for vac/seal bar.

Roll storage. Just a small cut in the base for the bag to sit in. No restraint at all.

Other side showing the bag and the locking lever for the lower seal bar.

Out of sequence, but ready to close the lower door and seal.

Another shot. Pringles can also for reference. The hot ones Rojo and Barbacoa are pretty tasty BTW.

All said and done, I wish I would have read reviews like this. I very well may not have bought it. The height and the bag storage seem to be not well thought out. I'll keep it till it breaks, but as others pointed out, the height above the counter does kinda suck.

 

[normanaj]

That thing looks like a total pain in the ass.

 

[02ebz06]

I know I said I'd post these in the AM, but things happened at work where I actually had to ... work. That and the pics aren't as good as I thought, but here goes.


So...here's the lower bag sealer. Pull to that white line lock with the lever and hit the seal bar


View attachment 722623

Closed and ready to seal

View attachment 722624


Scale for reference above counter for vac/seal bar.

View attachment 722625


Roll storage. Just a small cut in the base for the bag to sit in. No restraint at all.

View attachment 722627

Other side showing the bag and the locking lever for the lower seal bar.

View attachment 722628

Out of sequence, but ready to close the lower door and seal.

View attachment 722629

Another shot. Pringles can also for reference. The hot ones Rojo and Barbacoa are pretty tasty BTW.

View attachment 722630

All said and done, I wish I would have read reviews like this. I very well may not have bought it. The height and the bag storage seem to be not well thought out. I'll keep it till it breaks, but as others pointed out, the height above the counter does kinda suck.

I know how that it, dang work stuff gets in the way of everything.

Thanks for taking the time and the explanation.
I think that is swaying me away from it.

 

[chef k-dude]

I have the 5200 as well. Like my previous FS it can get fussy when things arent just right, but I think any homeowner type unit is going to be like that. We, as a society cant keep from...like letting kids play with stuff, getting hurt, then suing becasue we are idiots...so they have to make things idiot proof. If you have an irregular shaped item in the bag and it creates any sort of ridge or fold in the sealing area, the machine will simply not clamp and seal properly. It can be maddening. I want a machine that will work so mercilessly you could lose a finger if not careful! But, I'm qualified for that as a retired metal worker, I used machines that could lop off a hand all the time!

All that said, once you get the hang of the 5200 you can get fairly efficient with it. I think the bag roll-seal-cut deal is actually a bit of a time saver. If you buy bulk rolls you have to save a core/spool and roll off enough bag to another spool/tube so the roll will fit in the machine. It's designed to handle the FS packaging and they dont sell bulk...that I've seen.

The bag material will usually stay near the white line indicator in the bottom seal bar, so you can get in the habit of not even opening that flop-out thing and just press seal. I can get on a bit of a roll with it until the machine decides it doesn't like how a bag is inserted and starts bieng a PITA.

The other thing to know, is see where it says "push here" in Mr_Whipple's pics? Yea, silly me thought that meant "push here". You need to push DOWNWARD on that bar, not the direction of the "push here" sticker which would have you pushing the face of that bar instead. Drove myself nuts till I figured that out.

The Youtube videos I found on this thing were just stupid. People who "received the product for a review" using it right out of the box with no experience. I saw one dude sealing a steak, he must have had 3 feet of bag!

Best of luck! I've never used the accessory sealer thing on it.