VacMaster question - sealing different bag types

[Schmoke]

I normally use the recommended Vacmaster bags, though I recall initially needing to slightly increase the default sealing time, as some bags would lose their seal after a few months and they were REAL easy to pull open.

I also have a stack of the silver Mylar bags, and .. if I have nothing else handy, there're always a couple boxes of Ziplocs in the pantry.

Two questions:

1. Do any of yinz use Mylar, or Ziplocs, to package your stuff?

2. If so, do you need to adjust the time of the hot seal?

Thankew,
J

[Porcine Perfection]

Sorry, know nothing about VacMaster but your avatar brought back a great memory. I collected beer cans as a kid and this was a great series! Thank you.

[IamMadMan]

Vac-Master used to make a great machine with a good sealing bar. I personally use the Weston 2300 sealer, it's been a workhorse for me for about 10 or 11 years. I only had to replace the seal gaskets once, a one minute job.

Originally Posted by Schmoke

I normally use the recommended Vacmaster bags, though I recall initially needing to slightly increase the default sealing time, as some bags would lose their seal after a few months and they were REAL easy to pull open.

If I use a thicker bag than normally required, I often make two seals just as a precaution.

Originally Posted by Schmoke

I also have a stack of the silver Mylar bags, and .. if I have nothing else handy, there're always a couple boxes of Ziplocs in the pantry.

Most vac-Masters are designed to use "Micro-Channel" bags to allow air to escape when the pump is running.

Originally Posted by Schmoke

Two questions:

1. Do any of yinz use Mylar, or Ziplocs, to package your stuff?

2. If so, do you need to adjust the time of the hot seal?

Mylar may not work unless you have a Vac-Chamber machine, a standard sealer may not be able to draw out the air before sealing it unless it has the textured micro-channels.


In reference to zip-loc bags for freezers made by Glad and other; I don't think I'd ever run those through my sealer with the low melting point of polyethylene type materials.

[BillN]

I have a VacMaster 350 and have had great luck with VacMaster bags, I make it a habit to double seal my bags and have never experienced a seal failure. I have purchased a variety of generic bags and all have held their double seals with no issue, however some generic bags will not pump down below 18 on my VacMaster 350 for what ever reason, never had an issue with Vac Master bags pumping all the way down. Personally I would not use ziploc bags in a sealer yet there are plenty of examples on the internet from folks who do. I like to Sous Vide and prior to getting my VacMaster I used ziplocs and always doubled up do to experienced failures in higher heat cooks.