Vacuum Sealers – What Is The Best Option For Your Home Bbq Leftovers?
Have you ever been in a situation where you have a bunch of leftover BBQ and you don’t want to waste it, or worse still – reheat in the microwave! There are a number of options that will change the way you look at any leftovers.
Now some of you will be saying “What left-overs?” Well with one of these vacuum sealers in your arsenal you can now cook in bulk and always have your favourite cooked meat on hand. Perfect for those smaller portions for a late-night snack, or a quick family meal.
As it turns out, like most things in life, there is a seemingly endless array of options available. Here I hope to take some of the hard work out of your hands and provide a summary of what I have learnt during my research for a suitable vacuum sealer for my own use.
For full disclosure, some of the following links will be to affiliates where I will earn a small commission. The affiliate commissions do not add to the price you pay but do help me keep this website available.
Why Would I Vacuum Seal My Left Overs
Well, it is not mandatory, but there are certainly some significant advantages to doing it. For instance, vacuum-sealed food can last up to 5 times longer than normally packaged foods. There is also the added benefit of reducing the space used in your fridge or freezer.
The vacuum sealing process locks in the flavour and if done correctly will maintain the moistness and won’t dry out.
Correct food handling practices combined with vacuum sealing will give you the ultimate protection against introduced bacteria or pests.
The sealing process is relatively quick and easy, it also provides a great vessel to allow re-heating without drying out.
Vacuum sealing is not limited to leftovers, but anything that you wish to store for any length of time will benefit from this process.
Types
There are two basic types. Chamber or External. Both types have the same basic outcome, to remove the atmosphere (oxygen) from the package. However, each type of vacuum sealer achieves this outcome in different ways.
The External vacuum sealer is by far the most common and typically the most cost-effective. This style of vacuum sealer is often more than suitable for the average home user.
The chamber style vacuum sealer is typically aimed at the commercial end of the spectrum, and are normally more expensive than the external type units.
Some things to keep in mind, external units are not suitable to vacuum seal items with a high liquid content, as the mechanism used to create the vacuum can be damaged in the process. External units will generally have a larger capacity and achieve the result faster.
Other Uses
Preserving Bulk Foods
It is always more economical to purchase food in bulk. With a vacuum sealer, you now have an opportunity to make this bulk food last up to 5 times longer.
Meal Prep
Got a busy week ahead, or going camping? Utilise the vacuum sealer for meal prep. Precut and prepare all your ingredients and seal. Making it an easy option for when you are busy just to pull out a bag of pre-prepared ingredients and make a delicious and fresh meal for you and the family.
Sous Vide
Almost a necessity to cook using the sous vide method. A vacuum sealer will make your life a lot easier.
So Many Options
Below is a representation of the items that I have researched extensively in my own personal quest to get a vacuum sealer that suits my needs.
For my personal needs, I have narrowed the selection down to the external pump versions. The Chamber models will be an overkill for my immediate needs.
I am yet to purchase one but am leaning towards something on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
Like choosing a BBQ, quality is one of the most important factors. Like my old man used to say – “A poor man pays twice”
GERYON Vacuum Sealer Machine
Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine E2900-MS with ‘4S’ function: Food Saving, Space Saving, Time Saving and Money Saving
Pros
- Two sealing modes
- Separated design for easy cleaning
- Affordable
Cons
- Buttons easily activated
- Construction may lead to failure
Enhanced KOIOS TVS-2150 Vacuum Sealer
KOIOS TVS-2150 Vacuum Sealer Machine with ‘4S’ function: Food Saving, Space Saving, Time Saving and Money Saving with its sleek, compact design and easy-to-use operation, the KOIOS TVS-2150 vacuum sealing machine comes in handy for preserving a variety of foods
Pros
- More powerful speedy vacuum sealing and high vacuum pressure
- Removable Drip Tray
- Back Rolling Bag Storage
Cons
- Manual has room for improvements
- The sealing strip can get too hot and melt bags
- Price
GERYON Vacuum Sealer
E2800-C with ‘4S’ function: Food Saving, Space Saving, Time Saving and Money Saving. With its sleek, compact design and easy-to-use operation, the Geryon E2800-c vacuum sealing machine comes in handy for preserving a variety of foods
Pros
- Price
- Slim Design
- Automatic Operation
Cons
- Size, limited bag size
- Price can also indicate the quality of construction
Foodsaver V4400 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine
The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System helps keep food fresh longer. The system removes air, one of the main causes of mold and food spoilage, from bags and creates an airtight seal to lock in freshness
Pros
- Automatic Bag Detection
- Easy to Use
- Hand-Held attachment
Cons
- Price
- Fully Automatic operation
- Uses a lot of bag space fro sealing process
FoodSaver FM2000 Vacuum Sealer Machine
The FoodSaver FM2000 Vacuum Sealing System helps keep food fresh longer. The system removes air, one of the main causes of mold and food spoilage, from bags and creates an airtight seal to lock in freshness.
Pros
- Uses 40% less bag material than previous models
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No Dry/Moist mode
- No Built-in cutter bar
