Vac Packing

[Mercs Own]

With 70 salamis to vac pack I thought it was time to purchase my own vacuum sealer. Love to hear what advice and brands those of you with your own would suggest.

As I have the sunbeam mincer and am happy with that I thought I would go their vac packer as well but keen to hear others thoughts.

Cheers

 

[AUHEAMIC]

Unfortunately not much history with mine as I only purchased it a few weeks ago. 50 odd salamis, some home cured pancetta, bulk purchased hops and some other bits and pieces. Works great. I got one from Aldi for $99.00. Someone at work told me they saw them on special for $79.00 at Aldi in the city (Near the Vic market) this week. They also had the rolls of film(?) on special for $14.00 (I payed $20.00).

 

[razz]

We've been using the Sunbeam 550 for about two years and can't fault it, works perfectly. It takes a 28 cm plastic bag. Only thing with the Sunbeam models is they need a particular type of bag that appears corrugated on one side. Last time I bought those from evilbay they were two rolls @ 5.4 mtrs each for $40. A lot cheaper than the stores.

 

[hairofthedog]

the sunbeams a cracker although a bit pricey $290 @ target

 

[Mercs Own]

the sunbeams a cracker although a bit pricey $290 @ target

I rang the local wine, beer, salami making store to inquire about vac packers and their italian made systems start at around $300 and go up over the $1000.

i am leaning toward the sunbeam vac660. Just got to find a store that stocks them.

edit: didnt see the target bit - really target?

 

[razz]

Got mine from Kmart

 

[Batz]

I bought one of these off ebay a couple of years ago and it still working well

http://tinyurl.com/lprhdu

You can use the cheap bags off ebay for it a well, I buy them in 50's. There are some other ones of ebay but I have heard any reports.
The one I have will reseal the bags craftbrewer suppliers hops in, I believe many will not.

Batz

 

[Mercs Own]

Well I lucked out. I stopped in at the Good Guys to see if they had any sunbeams and they had the vac 440's and one vac660. The 660 was $245 but they only had the display unit so they gave that one to me for $186! Time to vac my salami's.

I will let you know how it works.

 

[benno1973]

I bought one of these. Cheaper than the Sunbeam, and the bags are cheaper for ongoing costs...

 

[brettprevans]

Sounds like you got a bargin there Merc.


There's a thread on the gear and equipment section about vac units. I think Thirstyboy started it.

He got his from the packingcentrre also. So did I. seems to work ok. struggles a bit with really loaded bags but still works, I got mine off ebay for $80 from memory.

 

[Mercs Own]

Sounds like you got a bargin there Merc.


There's a thread on the gear and equipment section about vac units. I think Thirstyboy started it.

He got his from the packingcentrre also. So did I. seems to work ok. struggles a bit with really loaded bags but still works, I got mine off ebay for $80 from memory.

Regarding the bargin I will see as I will learn about the cost of bags etc as I go along - but the unit was a good price!

Thanks for the info on the thread I will check it out.

 

[brettprevans]

Someone was saying that you can pick up the bags at some supermarkets. Kmart, Big W etc all sell them. Otherwise that packing centre place (above link) sells bags but wont let you pick them up (mail order only) which is crap because the postage is a bit high. But the bags are relatively cheap.

hmmmm vac bag bulk buy!

 

[Mercs Own]

Thought I would post a couple of pics of the sunbeam in action. We vaced about 30 salami's yesterday and the machine was great - however it does over heat when you do a lot in a row and it would stop working so as to cool down. This wasnt a problem and it was outlined in the instructions it just means in a production line type environment you cant push it too fast you have to slow down and have a home brew as you go!

First you cut the size bags you want from the roll - then you seal one end off. Put your salami in and line up the open end with the vacuum port and then close lid press vac and seal. Done. Easy.

 

[Katherine]

No you can send some over here Merc... mmmmm

 

[Mercs Own]

No you can send some over here Merc... mmmmm

Katie I made twice as many as last year but some how they are twice as hard to give away!!

 

[brettprevans]

looks like the sunbeam mod3el has a double seal element on it? double the seal means double protection! the one I have only has one seal element

god they look good Paul.

 

[Mercs Own]

looks like the sunbeam mod3el has a double seal element on it? double the seal means double protection! the one I have only has one seal element

god they look good Paul.

Thanks taste bloody good too! The sunbeam has only the one seal strip at the front - the other two black strips are part of the vacuum mechanism.

 

[Bizier]

I can chime in that these are invaluable for freezing/storing any significant QTY of homegrown hops.
I have salami envy :unsure: .

One day I will get in on the home made smallgoods, the absolute best sausage I had was from a family friend's pig, all home prepared and smoked... really something else. I have 3 good smokehouses nearby, but nothing that good.