Foodsaver and reheating
 

I am going to be doing some meat for a church event - around 250 people. I will not be providing all the meat but will be doing 2-4 butts, 2-4 briskets and around 15 racks of ribs. I will need to cook the food 2-3 days before the event.

My questions?

Should I freeze the food with a foodsaver or just use the food saver and put in a fridge?

Best ways to reheat?

Which foodsaver model would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your help.

I have the 2680 from Sam's. It has done a good job for the last two years for me. I like to reheat my Q in a pot of boiling water. I probably would freeze the packages and then put them into the refrigerator section to start thawing back out.:rolleyes: I wouldn't feel comfortable just keeping it refrigerated for 3 days and then feeding it to the masses.

Ditto what Rodger ^^^^^ said except that I have the V2240 from Amazon.

Get the best vacuum sealer that fits your budget and start sealing up the cooked goodies. Boil the food for 15-20 minutes and throw the ribs on a grill-sauce and serve.

Is boiled water the way most reheat their vac-sealed que?....Is that frozen or thawed?....I've been either using the mic or a low oven....:?:

I've always boiled the the bags. I guess my thinking is that the water doesn't get over 212 degrees so in my warped mind it kind of replicates the temp of the smoker without adding to much heat. :biggrin:

Interesting point about the 212 temp....

:-D I'm not saying it's a good reason...it's just the reason I do it.

Plus boiling the bag seems to hold in the moisture better than any other means of reheating. Once opened the meat looks and tastes as fresh as when in came off the grate. A vacuum sealer is one of those must haves IMO.

-dave

Do you thaw first, then reheat....or boil "frozen"??:?:

I drop it in frozen, but I usually only reheat smaller packs. Would probably partially thaw large thick packs (whole butt portions) first. It's a pretty quick process, so wouldn't necessarily thaw completely.

got some pulled chicken in small packs in freezer....dinner tonite, I'll give it a try....Thanks

I read somewhere (maybe my manual, maybe here) that you DON"T reheat the vac seal bags in BOILING water, but very hot water, say 190-200. The boiling water may make the bag leak or melt.

Anybody else remember this?

I've never had any problems boiling the bags, always make sure I use a large enough pot to minimize contact with the metal. From FoodSaver.com -

Good info Teaser...Thanks