wrote:


>
> We'll make big batches of stuff like beef stew, chili, GPS, caldo verde
> (soups and stews in general) in a crock pot, divvy them into meal-size
> portions, and freeze them. Then we simply pull a sealed bag from the
> freezer, plop the bag into a pan with some water, reheat it on the
> stovetop until the bag contents are thawed and heated through, cut the
> bag open, and serve. (I'd guess this describes the derivation of the
> "Seal-a-Meal" brand name.) The savings in time and frustration at
> suppertime on the typical weeknight around here cannot be overstated.

A question on the bags, are they interchangable? I have a DCI
(Decosonic) vacuum sealer. The bags come on a roll so you can make
whatever size you want. The DCI bags are fine but seem thin to me. I
still have some of the "Seal-a-Meal" cooking pouches. They seal well
but don't seem to take the vacuum very well. I'd like to try the Tilia
bags as I've heard they are better.

wrote:


>
> We'll make big batches of stuff like beef stew, chili, GPS, caldo verde
> (soups and stews in general) in a crock pot, divvy them into meal-size
> portions, and freeze them. Then we simply pull a sealed bag from the
> freezer, plop the bag into a pan with some water, reheat it on the
> stovetop until the bag contents are thawed and heated through, cut the
> bag open, and serve. (I'd guess this describes the derivation of the
> "Seal-a-Meal" brand name.) The savings in time and frustration at
> suppertime on the typical weeknight around here cannot be overstated.

A question on the bags, are they interchangable? I have a DCI
(Decosonic) vacuum sealer. The bags come on a roll so you can make
whatever size you want. The DCI bags are fine but seem thin to me. I
still have some of the "Seal-a-Meal" cooking pouches. They seal well
but don't seem to take the vacuum very well. I'd like to try the Tilia
bags as I've heard they are better.

> > I think that if you put any appliance on a shelf it tends to go unused. I
> > plugged in my Seal-A-Meal and store it, ready to go, on top of the
> > refrigerator. When I need it, I just reach up and get it. That way it
> > takes up no counter space but it is handy and I don't even have to pug it
> > in.

Our Tilia is one of those appliances that went from "how stupid, why
would anyone pay that much for one of those" to "hmm..I guess I could
see the use, but I can't justify the cost" to "ok, I'm going to just try
it, I can always sell it if we don't use it" to "Wow! I don't know how
we lived without it."

I agree it will get waaay underutilized if it's put in a cupboard - we
actually finally capitulated and put ours on the counter - it really
doesn't take up *that* much room", with some bags tucked behind it so
they are really handy, and we use it *all* the time - daily - and don't
forget that even though it says not to, you can use it (without vacuum,
sealing only) to seal most other plastic bags (NOT bread bags, but the
crinkly plastic like chocolate chips come in, and also any with the
mylar interior like potato chip bags).

Anne

--
I am: Mom, Attorney, Columnist, Advocate for Fathers and Against Spam
http://www.accidentalevangelist.com
http://www.aunty-spam.com
http://www.dadsrights.org

> > I think that if you put any appliance on a shelf it tends to go unused. I
> > plugged in my Seal-A-Meal and store it, ready to go, on top of the
> > refrigerator. When I need it, I just reach up and get it. That way it
> > takes up no counter space but it is handy and I don't even have to pug it
> > in.

Our Tilia is one of those appliances that went from "how stupid, why
would anyone pay that much for one of those" to "hmm..I guess I could
see the use, but I can't justify the cost" to "ok, I'm going to just try
it, I can always sell it if we don't use it" to "Wow! I don't know how
we lived without it."

I agree it will get waaay underutilized if it's put in a cupboard - we
actually finally capitulated and put ours on the counter - it really
doesn't take up *that* much room", with some bags tucked behind it so
they are really handy, and we use it *all* the time - daily - and don't
forget that even though it says not to, you can use it (without vacuum,
sealing only) to seal most other plastic bags (NOT bread bags, but the
crinkly plastic like chocolate chips come in, and also any with the
mylar interior like potato chip bags).

Anne

--
I am: Mom, Attorney, Columnist, Advocate for Fathers and Against Spam
http://www.accidentalevangelist.com
http://www.aunty-spam.com
http://www.dadsrights.org

"Anne P. Mitchell, Esq." > wrote in message
...
>
> I agree it will get waaay underutilized if it's put in a cupboard - we
> actually finally capitulated and put ours on the counter - it really
> doesn't take up *that* much room", with some bags tucked behind it so
> they are really handy, and we use it *all* the time - daily - and don't
> forget that even though it says not to, you can use it (without vacuum,
> sealing only) to seal most other plastic bags (NOT bread bags, but the
> crinkly plastic like chocolate chips come in, and also any with the
> mylar interior like potato chip bags).
>
> Anne

Another option is to mount it on the wall with the screws that are provided.
You have to use it on the counter, but storing it on the wall would keep it
handy but out of the way.

"Anne P. Mitchell, Esq." > wrote in message
...
>
> I agree it will get waaay underutilized if it's put in a cupboard - we
> actually finally capitulated and put ours on the counter - it really
> doesn't take up *that* much room", with some bags tucked behind it so
> they are really handy, and we use it *all* the time - daily - and don't
> forget that even though it says not to, you can use it (without vacuum,
> sealing only) to seal most other plastic bags (NOT bread bags, but the
> crinkly plastic like chocolate chips come in, and also any with the
> mylar interior like potato chip bags).
>
> Anne

Another option is to mount it on the wall with the screws that are provided.
You have to use it on the counter, but storing it on the wall would keep it
handy but out of the way.

"Anne P. Mitchell, Esq." wrote:

> Our Tilia is one of those appliances that went from "how stupid, why
> would anyone pay that much for one of those" to "hmm..I guess I could
> see the use, but I can't justify the cost" to "ok, I'm going to just try
> it, I can always sell it if we don't use it" to "Wow! I don't know how
> we lived without it."

Heh. I got the cool 'you're going to get it if you want it, so why
bother arguing' (he learned *long* ago) but now it's a fixture. If
and when this one breaks, I will get another one. I love having
edible food in the freezer, call me a nut.

I love my Tilia. nancy

"Anne P. Mitchell, Esq." wrote:

> Our Tilia is one of those appliances that went from "how stupid, why
> would anyone pay that much for one of those" to "hmm..I guess I could
> see the use, but I can't justify the cost" to "ok, I'm going to just try
> it, I can always sell it if we don't use it" to "Wow! I don't know how
> we lived without it."

Heh. I got the cool 'you're going to get it if you want it, so why
bother arguing' (he learned *long* ago) but now it's a fixture. If
and when this one breaks, I will get another one. I love having
edible food in the freezer, call me a nut.

I love my Tilia. nancy

Nancy Young wrote:
> "Anne P. Mitchell, Esq." wrote:
>
>> Our Tilia is one of those appliances that went from "how stupid, why
>> would anyone pay that much for one of those" to "hmm..I guess I could
>> see the use, but I can't justify the cost" to "ok, I'm going to just try
>> it, I can always sell it if we don't use it" to "Wow! I don't know how
>> we lived without it."
>
> Heh. I got the cool 'you're going to get it if you want it, so why
> bother arguing' (he learned *long* ago) but now it's a fixture. If
> and when this one breaks, I will get another one. I love having
> edible food in the freezer, call me a nut.
>
> I love my Tilia. nancy

Yep. When mine dies, I'll get one with more bells and whistles. This old thing
does have the jar and cannister attachment, but the sealer is automatic.

BOB

BOB wrote:

> Nancy Young wrote:
<snip>
>>
>>I love my Tilia. nancy
>
>
> Yep. When mine dies, I'll get one with more bells and whistles. This old thing
> does have the jar and cannister attachment, but the sealer is automatic.
>
> BOB
>
>
Ditto. I won't be without one again.

--
Steve

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some folks just don't have any film.

In article >,
says...
>
> A question on the bags, are they interchangable? I have a DCI
> (Decosonic) vacuum sealer. The bags come on a roll so you can make
> whatever size you want. The DCI bags are fine but seem thin to me. I
> still have some of the "Seal-a-Meal" cooking pouches. They seal well
> but don't seem to take the vacuum very well. I'd like to try the Tilia
> bags as I've heard they are better.
>
The bags are not, strictly speaking, interchangeable. For example, the
Tilia Foodsaver can seal most any bag, but it takes a LOT of fiddling to
get it to properly vacuum a non-Foodsaver bag (though it can be done).

I would guess that your Decosonic can seal most bag materials. Unless
someone here can offer advice from personal experience, probably the
only way to see if your unit can handle the Tilia bags is to buy some
and try them. I suspect that in your unit the Tilia bags may vacuum
more thoroughly than the Seal-a-Meal bags because they're a bit more
flexible, but the proof is in trying it yourself.

Bob

We have had a Foodsaver for years.If your going to freeze food,it's
the only way to go,prevents freezer burn and prolongs the foods freezer
life.Our local supermarket recently had a sale on center cut chops,buy
two and get three free,vacuum packed some of them for freezing.But,it's
a personal choice whether or not.

We have had a Foodsaver for years.If your going to freeze food,it's
the only way to go,prevents freezer burn and prolongs the foods freezer
life.Our local supermarket recently had a sale on center cut chops,buy
two and get three free,vacuum packed some of them for freezing.But,it's
a personal choice whether or not.

We have had a Foodsaver for years.If your going to freeze food,it's
the only way to go,prevents freezer burn and prolongs the foods freezer
life.Our local supermarket recently had a sale on center cut chops,buy
two and get three free,vacuum packed some of them for freezing.But,it's
a personal choice whether or not.

If your vacuum machine has the jar attachment,you can marinate
meat,etc. in record time.

If your vacuum machine has the jar attachment,you can marinate
meat,etc. in record time.

If your vacuum machine has the jar attachment,you can marinate
meat,etc. in record time.

T wrote:

> We have had a Foodsaver for years.If your going to freeze food,it's
> the only way to go,prevents freezer burn and prolongs the foods freezer
> life.Our local supermarket recently had a sale on center cut chops,buy
> two and get three free,vacuum packed some of them for freezing.But,it's
> a personal choice whether or not.
>

I have better luck (less freezer burn) wrapping steaks and roasts in
freezer paper than when I vacuum seal them.

Best regards,
Bob

T wrote:

> We have had a Foodsaver for years.If your going to freeze food,it's
> the only way to go,prevents freezer burn and prolongs the foods freezer
> life.Our local supermarket recently had a sale on center cut chops,buy
> two and get three free,vacuum packed some of them for freezing.But,it's
> a personal choice whether or not.
>

I have better luck (less freezer burn) wrapping steaks and roasts in
freezer paper than when I vacuum seal them.

Best regards,
Bob

T wrote:

> We have had a Foodsaver for years.If your going to freeze food,it's
> the only way to go,prevents freezer burn and prolongs the foods freezer
> life.Our local supermarket recently had a sale on center cut chops,buy
> two and get three free,vacuum packed some of them for freezing.But,it's
> a personal choice whether or not.
>

I have better luck (less freezer burn) wrapping steaks and roasts in
freezer paper than when I vacuum seal them.

Best regards,
Bob

Great idea,thanks Bob,will do it in the future.

zxcvbob wrote:

> T wrote:
>
>> We have had a Foodsaver for years.If your going to freeze food,it's
>> the only way to go,prevents freezer burn and prolongs the foods freezer
>> life.Our local supermarket recently had a sale on center cut chops,buy
>> two and get three free,vacuum packed some of them for freezing.But,it's
>> a personal choice whether or not.
>>
>
> I have better luck (less freezer burn) wrapping steaks and roasts in
> freezer paper than when I vacuum seal them.
>
> Best regards,
> Bob
You're kidding right?!? I find that *very* strange. Maybe your
vacuum sealer's broken or something.

--
Steve

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some folks just don't have any film.

With the price of meat these days,extra protection is wise.

Steve Calvin wrote:
> zxcvbob wrote:
>
>> T wrote:
>>
>>> We have had a Foodsaver for years.If your going to freeze food,it's
>>> the only way to go,prevents freezer burn and prolongs the foods freezer
>>> life.Our local supermarket recently had a sale on center cut chops,buy
>>> two and get three free,vacuum packed some of them for freezing.But,it's
>>> a personal choice whether or not.
>>>
>>
>> I have better luck (less freezer burn) wrapping steaks and roasts in
>> freezer paper than when I vacuum seal them.
>>
>> Best regards,
>> Bob
>
> You're kidding right?!? I find that *very* strange. Maybe your vacuum
> sealer's broken or something.
>
If the seal is total, you will not have freezer burn. One reason for
freezer burn when using Tilia is that your food punctures the plastic
bag. This can happen with sharp chop/steak bone, poultry bone or shrimp
shell. The problem is that the small hole may not really cause damage
until after you already placed it in the freezer.
--
Alan

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and
avoid the people, you might better stay home."
--James Michener

Steve Calvin wrote:
> zxcvbob wrote:
>
>> T wrote:
>>
>>> We have had a Foodsaver for years.If your going to freeze food,it's
>>> the only way to go,prevents freezer burn and prolongs the foods freezer
>>> life.Our local supermarket recently had a sale on center cut chops,buy
>>> two and get three free,vacuum packed some of them for freezing.But,it's
>>> a personal choice whether or not.
>>>
>>
>> I have better luck (less freezer burn) wrapping steaks and roasts in
>> freezer paper than when I vacuum seal them.
>>
>> Best regards,
>> Bob
>
> You're kidding right?!? I find that *very* strange. Maybe your vacuum
> sealer's broken or something.
>
If the seal is total, you will not have freezer burn. One reason for
freezer burn when using Tilia is that your food punctures the plastic
bag. This can happen with sharp chop/steak bone, poultry bone or shrimp
shell. The problem is that the small hole may not really cause damage
until after you already placed it in the freezer.
--
Alan

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and
avoid the people, you might better stay home."
--James Michener

Steve Calvin wrote:
> zxcvbob wrote:
>
>> T wrote:
>>
>>> We have had a Foodsaver for years.If your going to freeze food,it's
>>> the only way to go,prevents freezer burn and prolongs the foods freezer
>>> life.Our local supermarket recently had a sale on center cut chops,buy
>>> two and get three free,vacuum packed some of them for freezing.But,it's
>>> a personal choice whether or not.
>>>
>>
>> I have better luck (less freezer burn) wrapping steaks and roasts in
>> freezer paper than when I vacuum seal them.
>>
>> Best regards,
>> Bob
>
> You're kidding right?!? I find that *very* strange. Maybe your vacuum
> sealer's broken or something.
>
If the seal is total, you will not have freezer burn. One reason for
freezer burn when using Tilia is that your food punctures the plastic
bag. This can happen with sharp chop/steak bone, poultry bone or shrimp
shell. The problem is that the small hole may not really cause damage
until after you already placed it in the freezer.
--
Alan

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and
avoid the people, you might better stay home."
--James Michener

On 02 Aug 2004 21:35:35 GMT, ojunk (Mpoconnor7)
wrote:

>I was thinking about investing in one of those where the food is vacuumed and
>sealed in plastic freezer bags. Can anybody recommend a good brand for the
>money. Thanks.
>
>Michael O'Connor - Modern Renaissance Man

The hot thing right now seems to be the Fresh/Food-Saver (as seen on
TV) we upgraded ours to a model 1050 and have come to rely on it quite
a bit. YMMV: but you might want to cross post to rec.food.equipment
for more input.

A-

On 02 Aug 2004 21:35:35 GMT, ojunk (Mpoconnor7)
wrote:

>I was thinking about investing in one of those where the food is vacuumed and
>sealed in plastic freezer bags. Can anybody recommend a good brand for the
>money. Thanks.
>
>Michael O'Connor - Modern Renaissance Man

The hot thing right now seems to be the Fresh/Food-Saver (as seen on
TV) we upgraded ours to a model 1050 and have come to rely on it quite
a bit. YMMV: but you might want to cross post to rec.food.equipment
for more input.

A-

"Vicki L. Simon" > wrote in message
...
> On 02 Aug 2004 21:35:35 GMT, ojunk (Mpoconnor7)
> wrote:
>
> >I was thinking about investing in one of those where the food is vacuumed
and
> >sealed in plastic freezer bags. Can anybody recommend a good brand for
the
> >money. Thanks.
> >

Just bought a FoodSaver unit w/bags. Bags are expensive, although I am told
you can reuse them.
No problems yet-but I've only done a few.

"Vicki L. Simon" > wrote in message
...
> On 02 Aug 2004 21:35:35 GMT, ojunk (Mpoconnor7)
> wrote:
>
> >I was thinking about investing in one of those where the food is vacuumed
and
> >sealed in plastic freezer bags. Can anybody recommend a good brand for
the
> >money. Thanks.
> >

Just bought a FoodSaver unit w/bags. Bags are expensive, although I am told
you can reuse them.
No problems yet-but I've only done a few.

In article >, Vicki L. Simon > wrote:
>On 02 Aug 2004 21:35:35 GMT, ojunk (Mpoconnor7)
>wrote:
>
>>I was thinking about investing in one of those where the food is vacuumed and
>>sealed in plastic freezer bags. Can anybody recommend a good brand for the
>>money. Thanks.
>>
>>Michael O'Connor - Modern Renaissance Man
>
>The hot thing right now seems to be the Fresh/Food-Saver (as seen on
>TV) we upgraded ours to a model 1050 and have come to rely on it quite
>a bit. YMMV: but you might want to cross post to rec.food.equipment
>for more input.
>
>A-

This is a heads up. The Kenmore Vac Sealer will be on sale for $50 starting
Sat. I paid $almost double that last year..


_
(_) Daniel Warren, RPh
_______// Marion NY
(________) Clinical Pharmacist
\ /
| Rx |
/______\
(________)

In article >, Vicki L. Simon > wrote:
>On 02 Aug 2004 21:35:35 GMT, ojunk (Mpoconnor7)
>wrote:
>
>>I was thinking about investing in one of those where the food is vacuumed and
>>sealed in plastic freezer bags. Can anybody recommend a good brand for the
>>money. Thanks.
>>
>>Michael O'Connor - Modern Renaissance Man
>
>The hot thing right now seems to be the Fresh/Food-Saver (as seen on
>TV) we upgraded ours to a model 1050 and have come to rely on it quite
>a bit. YMMV: but you might want to cross post to rec.food.equipment
>for more input.
>
>A-

This is a heads up. The Kenmore Vac Sealer will be on sale for $50 starting
Sat. I paid $almost double that last year..


_
(_) Daniel Warren, RPh
_______// Marion NY
(________) Clinical Pharmacist
\ /
| Rx |
/______\
(________)

"Dan W" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, Vicki L. Simon
> wrote:
> >On 02 Aug 2004 21:35:35 GMT, ojunk (Mpoconnor7)
> >wrote:
> >
> >>I was thinking about investing in one of those where the food is
vacuumed and
> >>sealed in plastic freezer bags. Can anybody recommend a good brand for
the
> >>money. Thanks.
> >>
> >>Michael O'Connor - Modern Renaissance Man
> >
> >The hot thing right now seems to be the Fresh/Food-Saver (as seen on
> >TV) we upgraded ours to a model 1050 and have come to rely on it quite
> >a bit. YMMV: but you might want to cross post to rec.food.equipment
> >for more input.
> >
> >A-
>
> This is a heads up. The Kenmore Vac Sealer will be on sale for $50
starting
> Sat. I paid $almost double that last year..
> _
> (_) Daniel Warren, RPh


I have the Tilla FoodSaver brand and absolutely love it. I buy my meat and
chicken in bulk when it goes on sale, repackage it with the vacuum sealer,
and store it in my upright freezer.

I have two weddings to go to and thought of getting a couple of these for
gifts.

Does anyone know how the Kenmore brand stacks up to the Tilla brand? It
seems like the price is right.

Renee