Thinking of getting a vac pac?

[dps51]

here is a nice cheap one for you
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Latest-Quality-Impulse-Heat-Sealer-Plastic-Bag-Film-Sealing-Machine-200mm-300mm/361910801560?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D44293%26meid%3D56d8eff0997a4c50a9505d70276ee8fa%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D232313070515

 

[dps51]

Well, my idea for resealing the foil bag didn't work out. There's just not enough heat in the sealing bar. I tried 3 cycles in one place, and one seal above the other, but it still leaked a bit. Oh well, normal vac bags are fine, as you hardly ever have the freezer door open, so there is near zero light getting to them. It occurs to me there will be more light getting to my hops while they wait for the boil, than the whole year they were sitting in my freezer.

these are the bags I use had no probs with these
some bags I have used don't seal up

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261580300...49&var=560452769582&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Fore]

Showing my ignorance, how long does the stuff you put into the bags keep compared to not using the vac bags?

From memory, while researching for purchase, I think 5 times longer was the standard quote.

Technically it's not a vacuum in the bag, the vacuum simply removed all the air, and the air is bad for longevity.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Thanks ............

 

[Fore]

I bought one of the Lidl machines and it's great even though I haven't used it for hops. I grow veg and I've stuff in my fridge from last week that's still fresh. I also made sushi rolls last night that would normally be binned that I'm eating now. I've done as you say and taking what I need and then resealing the bag, it's worked well so far.

My only gripe is the bags are a bit expensive, I stocked up with a few but have you any links for cheap bags?

I did quite a bit of research at the time of purchase and ended up with what you can find on Amazon under "Embossed Vacuum pouches" by seller Bolsemack. You need to check his different sizes and compare price per cm length, as it varies quite a lot; don't be stung! I think the ones I bought were the longest bags, and they serve me very well. Just 2 things: 1) I had problem getting mine to vacuum at first (they are embossed, not molded grooves). I think though that this had something to do with my vacuum machine being very new and tight, and I don't suffer that too much now; certainly not for resealed bags. Also, there is a trick to use a small piece of bag with molded grooves if you do suffer this. 2) They can't be used for sous vide and are not "robust", so if you put them in a freezer with a lot of turnover, or if you seal sharp contents, you might puncture the bag. Other than that, they are the cheapest I could find at the time.