The Lowdown on Vacuum Sealer Bags

There are different types of vacuum sealer bags such as generic, machine-specific, etc. and you can even buy individual bags or a tube of plastic film which needs to be cut and sealed.

However, I recommend getting the thickest, toughest plastic that your machine and budget will allow for most uses. The highest quality bags made from good plastic can also be used in the microwave or can even be boiled.

Some sealer bags can be reused and washed as well. So, with so many options and variations it pays to be educated before you buy – and that’s I have decided to bring you the lowdown on vacuum sealer bags in this post.

OK, let’s dive in and take a look at their advantages, disadvantages, and what factors to consider before you buy.

What Are Vacuum Sealer Bags?

Vacuum sealer bags are available in different sizes and thicknesses (grades) of plastic.

By placing food in vacuum sealer bags (and then sealing them of course!) we can store food for a much longer period in the freezer while avoiding issues such as freezer burn and also keeping storage space to a minimum.

However, it’s not just food, because most types of bags can also be used to store other things like clothes, towels, bed sheets, etc.

So, for example, by using sealer bags for your towels or other clothes, you can get extra space in your closet while keeping the dust and moisture free. Great if, for example, you decide to store away your winter clothes during the summer or if you are just one of those folks who hate to ever throw things out.

However, it’s worth noting that this needs bigger sealer bags than you would use for food, and in most cases, you can’t use a vacuum food sealer – instead, you tend to use an air pump of a vacuum cleaner to evacuate and seal.

Food Storage

The vacuum sealer bags which are used for storing food are generally smaller and thicker and should be made from BPA-free p[plastic so that they don’t leech potentially harmful chemicals into the food.

They are great for storing all kinds of food so, for example, if you work during the day you can cook your food at night and can keep it in a sealed bag in the refrigerator before taking that food for lunch the next day.

Sealing it keeps it as fresh as the time it was cooked – and you get to enjoy it a bit longer in bed, so it’s really a win-win!

Many people also make food in advance for social events or family gatherings. This can be a great time saver, especially if you are cooking for a large number of people.

They Help You Save Money by Buying In Bulk

Vacuum sealer bags can be as expensive as $1 a bag if you buy premium pre-cut ones, or as cheap as 15 cents per bag if you buy rolls of uncut bags.

These come in lengths as long as 100 feet for $15.

With uncut rolls, you’ll spend about the same as you would for standard commercial freezer bags if you bought them in bulk.

You Should Buy Reusable bags

The better-made sealer bags are reusable, and almost all kinds of vacuum sealer bags can be resealed.

Many people leave an extra 3-4 inches at the end of bags they know they will want to open and re-seal several times.

Try To Use Use Multiple Bags

Bags come in 8-inch and 11-inch widths.

Some larger vacuum sealers are wide enough to accommodate two 8-inch bags at a time.

If your sealer has powerful enough suction for two bags at a time, it’s a great way to cut how long it will take to seal, say, 50 elk steaks in half.

Make sure you get some practice first, and double-timing can lead to making twice as many mistakes.

The Best Bags – In My Opinion

The Foodsaver 8-inch or 11-inch by 22-foot long continuous bag gets the best reviews of all sealer bags on Amazon.com.

These bags have a nylon outside covering and 5 layers of plastic on the inside to keep them from tearing.

Depending on your skill and the model of vacuum sealer you bought you may also find that the generic sealer bags work just as well.

If that’s the case, then you’ll be able to save a few dollars by skipping the FoodSaver brand bags.