Vacuum pack machine

[Zan]

OK so where did we get to on the chat about food vacuum pack machines?
I am definitely going to get one.
So what brands has everyone got and what do they think of them?
Does anyone know if the Deals Direct one is any good?
Also where was it that people were saying to get the cheap bags from?
Thanks.

[cookie1]

Ours is a Sunbeam and we have had it for years. Friends have the Deals Direct one and have had it for a couple of years with no trouble. In WA you can buy the plastic bags from Master Butchers Limited, not sure anywhere else.
I wouldn't be without it. I put our meat/chicken into it. Freeze casseroles etc and then vacuum seal them, put stewed fruits into it, freeze pies and then vacuum seal them. It's very handy with the TMX as we have leftovers quite a lot.

[faffa_70]

I have a HUGE Christmas list, and this is one thing on it lol so will follow this with interest.

[Zan]

LOL Kathryn it's the only thing on mine so thought I'd better get on with some research or I'd end up with nothing.

[faffa_70]

oh I have an Excalibur Dehydrator, new Waffle Iron, Pasta Extruder, Vacola ....

do I need to go on?? This is what the whole list looks like, nothing personal on it for me at all 

[mel81q]

I also have a sunbeam and its fantastic - cookie, do you only use the sunbeam bags? I need to find somewhere that has cheap bags.

[Zan]

Looking at prices the sunbeam 28 cm one VAC660 appears to be about $216 + post online.
There is a 20cm one for $179 as well.

The deals direct one (assuming 28cm as takes 28cm bags) is $69.95 so that is a lot cheaper. If it is any good.
Bags $37 incl post for the 28cm x 40cm pack of 50
$27 incl post for the smaller 22x30cm ones.
Are they reasonable prices for the bags? What do others pay? (we aren't in Perth).
And what size bags do you use?

[Nay-nay]

I've been looking at these for a while the only thing stopping me is the plastic - does anyone know if it is a 'bad' plastic?? They was a reasonably priced one at Aldi I spotted. 

[cookie1]

Zan is there someone round you that sells butchers stuff to them? This is what the place does here.

[maddy]

I need a new one  possibly an industrial strength one! 
The Aldi one I did buy died 3/4 through doing a sheep. That was the first and last time I used it.
The Aldi bags were very strong, and I think they also fit the sunbeams.
We're getting a cow butchered this week, so I'd like to replace it with a strong one.  I did see them at a field day recently, but didn't get one because they were around $500......but now I think maybe because it was built for heavy use?
What to do  

[stacelee]

I have one of the larger sunbeams which I have been very happy with but I must admit I have never tried to vacuum seal an entire sheep worth of bits.  I buy my vacuum bags through one of our suppliers through our business but I'm sure that they could recommend a local distributer for you....they do the larger vacuum sealers (I couldn't convince my husband that I was allowed to have one of them....it took 5 years for him to let me take a kitchen aid mixer home out of the showroom...and now it hardly ever gets used ).  The link for the vacuum sealers is http://www.internationalcatering.com.au/Catalogue.aspx?categoryid=80

Take care
Stacey

[Renlor]

My dad just bought one (think it's sunbeam) and raves about it......I REALLY REALLY REALLY want one.  What is it with this kitchen appliance fetish I've got?? 

[CreamPuff63]

you're just older ... replaces the bedroom one 

[Very Happy Jan]

you're just older ... replaces the bedroom one 

ROFL  good one CP63

[gertbysea]

you're just older ... replaces the bedroom one 

Now the topic for the debate will be "Is the thermomixer as good as sex?"

Too funny. I vote yes.

Gert