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What are all the ways you've stored leftovers? I've used sandwich bags, mason jars, Tupperware, you name it. While those options work fine, vacuum sealing systems are the way to go. Nothing hurts more than thinking you're about to warm up leftover Thanksgiving tamales for dinner until you realize they have freezer burn. I'm someone who can definitely appreciate leftovers.
It saves me time and money! When the holidays come around, I like to get extra creative with leftovers. Turkey and dressing sandwiches are my go-to lunch for a least a week. My mom likes to put a Thanksgiving spin on egg rolls. Stuffing egg roll wraps with cranberry sauce, dressing, and turkey is the best! To ensure the longevity of my leftovers this year, I'll be using a FoodSaver vacuum sealer.
Do Vacuum Sealers Preserve Food Longer?
FoodSaver says their FoodSaver bags keep food fresh for up to three years! That's a long time. Leftovers don't last that long in my house, but maybe if you had a successful deer season, you could keep your venison fresh for five times longer.
FoodSaver V2244 Vacuum Sealer System
- 1 vacuum seal roll
- 3 1-quart vacuum seal bags
- 2 1-gallon vacuum seal bags
- 1 accessory hose
This starter kit is the #1 best seller in vacuum sealers on Amazon. It's under $60, which is a total win. I'm a big fan of the compact size. It won't take up a lot of room on your countertop. Besides counter spaces, you should also take into account how much refrigerator space you're saving. Vacuum sealer bags will take up less space than your typical storage containers.
The lower price on this food vacuum sealer is great, but other FoodSaver models have functions that make the process easier. For example, take the 2-in-1 model with an automatic bag detector. That sure would come in handy during the holidays. I'd be on a roll packing up my leftovers!
How to Use the FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer
I 100% look to multimedia for shopping. From customer review images, Instagram posts, you name it. Amazon has a lovely tutorial on many of its listed items. The process looks easy! Just load your bags with food, press the lock latch, then press the vacuum button.
You shouldn't have a hard time figuring out this food preservation system. There are indicator lights that will guide you through the vacuuming process.
Many people asked if you can seal wet or dry foods. You can vacuum seal bags with either. If you're worried about a mess from wet foods, you'll be glad to know that there's a removable drip tray to catch sauce and juices. Did I mention that the drip tray is dishwasher safe? I love it.
What Is the FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Compatible With?
FoodSaver vacuum sealers can seal FoodSaver zipper bags, canisters, and containers. Once you run out of starter bags, head on over to Amazon for vacuum seal rolls. The handheld vacuum sealer is also compatible with mason jars sealers. Looks like we're preserving homemade hooch and wine, y'all!
Similar Item:
FoodSaver Space Saving Food Vacuum Sealer
- Easy To Use: intuitive control panel for greater efficiency
- Under $100
- 3.2 pounds
Consider FoodSaver's compact vacuum sealer. The compact space-saving design is perfect for small kitchens and even great if you'd like to let your Thanksgiving host borrow it. The dimensions are 5.7 x 12.2 x 4.3 inches, and it only weighs three pounds.
The other FoodSaver machine we mentioned is 5.91 x 10.64 x 17.72 inches. So yes, there's quite the difference when it comes to countertop space.
Don't let the size of the FoodSaver Space-Saving Food Vacuum Sealer fool you, though. It features the same vacuum sealing power as the original FoodSaver. Plus, thanks to the easy bag alignment, it's easier than ever to line up the vacuum seal bag to the machine's sealing strip for less bag waste.
This machine is compatible with FoodSaver 8-inch vacuum seal rolls, one-quart size, and one-pint size bags. When used with the handheld sealer attachment, it even works with Food Saver zipper bags and fresh containers (which is sold separately).
These vacuums and storage bags aren't just great for the holidays, if you meal prep, these will come in handy for food storage.
What is Sous Vide Cooking?
You don't only have to use a vacuum sealer machine to preserve leftovers. To sous vide cook, you let the food cook in an airtight vacuum bag. Marinate your food, place it in a vacuum zipper bag and cook your meal in a pot of hot water. Many people prefer to cook their meat sous-vide style to prevent overheating. You can definitely call this kitchen appliance a versatile gadget.
I'm looking forward to using it after the holidays. You won't have the stomach for turkey after eating it for five days straight. Give it another two weeks. After that, you'll be wishing you had some fresh turkey in your freezer.
This post was originally published on November 18, 2019.
