Vac pac machines recommends.

[powler]

Not wanting to hijack the People can't afford to eat thread about Vac pacs, does anyone have any recommendations good or bad of Vac pac machines as there is quite a selection, the Bonsenkitchen seem to be a decent make but are there extra functions I should look for, also the bags/rolls etc.

Thanks

Mick

[Walker570]

I have one by Lakeland, not the cheapest but it works very efficiently.  Rolls off Amazon delivered to door next day(Prime)

[51/50]

DO NOT buy the Foodsaver V3840 from Lakeland (or anywhere else),spare gaskets are not available for them,had i have known that i wouldn't have bought one from Lakeland,overall it's a good machine & it has served me well but it's now losing suction so i'm going to have to buy a complete new machine.

[JohnfromUK]

Although I contributed on vac sealers on the earlier thread, I cannot recommend what I have - on the basis that it is effectively no longer available.  It is an Andrew James branded machine - and has been excellent.  But Andrew James failed as a business and although the machine is available from other places - they charge about 5 times what I paid for mine!

People I know who have them all have different ones and I'm not aware of any having been 'poor'.  I have heard that (as so often) good value is to be found in the Aldi/Lidl specials aisle when they have them.

[old'un]

I have been looking at these vac sealers, looked at the Lidl’s own brand, ok for £20, and Bonsenkitchen Vacuum Sealer VS3802 looks pretty good..https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Bonsenkitchen+Vacuum+Sealer&crid=2B4G2BVXMB5XM&sprefix=bonsenkitchen+vacuum+sealer%2Caps%2C61&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

[51/50]

Check for availability of spares before buying any machine,especially gaskets,if they're unobtainable you're buying a disposable machine.

[243deer]

having worn out a couple of Amazon 'cheap' ones - that always seem to so wrong when you are in the middle of packing a carcass - I bit the bullet and bought one from weschenfelder. still going strong 8 years and 150 ish carcasses later - so it is always the same advice - if you can afford quality then spend the money  - it will likely be cheaper and less frustrating in the long run.

[markm]

Watch for a secondhand buffalo machine on eBay. Semi professional and you can pick up bargains. 

[gmm243]

I bought one off ebay,a cheap one to try and it has bee n bomb proof since. Not sure of the make and can't check as it is down at my folks.Cost about £25.

I buy rolls of tube vac pac bags from Lidl,they usually have 3 different sizes and the thinner ones I use for fish and they are perfect fro trout up to 6lb. A friend buys his rolls from AliExpress and they have also been fine.

[Krico woodcock]

Lidl own brand ( silver Crest) great vac pac. And their rolls,  

[powler]

Thanks for all the input guys, still looking atm.

[Houseplant]

Our Russel Hobbs unit has been going strong for many years and gets a weekly workout. UK company, so must be available in the UK?

[old'un]

22 minutes ago, Houseplant said:

Our Russel Hobbs unit has been going strong for many years and gets a weekly workout. UK company, so must be available in the UK?

did a quick Google search, it seems they are only available in New Zealand and Australia.

[udderlyoffroad]

Depends on your use.  Regular deer, spend on decent one.  Occasional use, Lidl or Amazon

[Houseplant]

10 hours ago, old'un said:

did a quick Google search, it seems they are only available in New Zealand and Australia.

That's a shame, it's very good. I'm sure that marketing strategy makes sense to Russell Hobbs! 

[Gudgeon]

Lidl Silver Crest one has been perfectly good for us. Done several deer already. £25 is a bargain really and a good introduction.

Go more expensive if your volumes justify it.

[old'un]

6 hours ago, Gudgeon said:

Lidl Silver Crest one has been perfectly good for us. Done several deer already. £25 is a bargain really and a good introduction.

Go more expensive if your volumes justify it.

just sent for one of these £29, comes with a 28cm wide roll of bags.

Where do you get your rolls/bags from? looked on ebay and there's loads.

[London Best]

35 minutes ago, old'un said:

 

Where do you get your rolls/bags from? looked on ebay and there's loads.

I think Mrs.LB buys ours at Lakeland Plastics.

[JohnfromUK]

57 minutes ago, old'un said:

 

Where do you get your rolls/bags from? looked on ebay and there's loads.

I usually get mine from Amazon.  I buy various different widths of roll, and usually best prices are packs of 3 rolls. 

[old'un]

45 minutes ago, London Best said:

I think Mrs.LB buys ours at Lakeland Plastics.

 

22 minutes ago, JohnfromUK said:

I usually get mine from Amazon.  I buy various different widths of roll, and usually best prices are packs of 3 rolls. 

thanks both,

Have you noticed any difference between makes? Or are they all much the same.

[JohnfromUK]

17 minutes ago, old'un said:

Have you noticed any difference between makes? Or are they all much the same.

Never noticed any difference at all.  They all work fine, but IF you get a 'kink' (i.e. accidentally seal a fold or crease) they will all be at risk of  slow leak.

[Dave at kelton]

On 19/11/2022 at 22:51, Krico woodcock said:

Lidl own brand ( silver Crest) great vac pac. And their rolls,  

Plus 1

[Gudgeon]

We just buy loads when they periodically turn up in Lidls. I'm sure other bags can be found just as good.