The Valuable, Versatile Vacuum Sealer

[mfwilliams11]

What is the model of this food saver and of your newer food saver and how long did the first one last? I want one in the future and I don't want one that will break in a year.

[vanessalopezACTRIZ]

Sorry, what's the little bag you put on the top? What's the name and where you can find them? thanks! (you speak very fast for my poor English level and I don't catch it!).

[BabelGut]

YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

[turftamper]

What is the name of your sealer? Did it come with the jar sealer attachment?

[Michigansnowpony]

@turftamper It's a foodsaver brand. I've heard good things about the brand that Cabella's carries as well. Mine came with the regular-size jar sealer attachment, but I had to order the wide-mouthed version (which I tend to use more as most of my jars are wide-mouth). It wasn't expensive though -- around $10 with shipping as I recall. I now have a newer, nicer, "fancier" model from Foodsaver and it's the bomb! I couldn't live without a vacuum sealer at this point I think. LOL

[jevaneez]

good vid! keep those "extended pantry " vids comming

[sciberras89]

you kind of sound like the woman who plays Michael J. Fox's mom in Back to the future

[Michigansnowpony]

@darlingmomof2 -- I have never used oxygen absorbers (nor mylar bags for that matter) in my long-term storage. Never had a problem. I use what my grandmother used: bay leaves. I add them to all dry goods I put in buckets after putting items in the freezer for a spell first. I've had flour last well over a year and rice (due to a rotation error!) last over 10 years.

[gertie2u2]

You know you don't heat up the lids for sealing purposes. You boil them before using them to store food to kill any bacteria. You should still do it when you dry can like that, I would think.

[Michigansnowpony]

@gertie2u2 -- I never boil my canning lids before sealing in regular canning -- just heat them up to soften the rubber gasket so they seal well. With sealing jars with the vacuum sealer, I have found used canning lids tend to seal and hold the seal the best. Go figure!  I got this tip from Granny Miller's site / blog, tried it, and found it to be true.

[ssamorgan2044]

Very nice, helpful video. I recently got my jar sealer and tried it after watching. I love it. : )

[Allen2045]

Great Video

[MrAwachs]

How do you know when it's ok to turn off the machine?

[Michigansnowpony]

@MrAwachs  -- It turns itself off.

[kokonutbaby1]

Cool beans! lol..pun intended, hehe

[bammitt]

@kokonutbaby1

"Cool beans" (snort)....(chortle)...

You made a funny.

Good one too. =;^)

[fashodkm]

Thanks for all the informative information!! Keep up the great videos

[KentuckEfriedSpook]

I do a lot of this, but the only thing I do differently is that I don't re-use the lids. If you look at the lids, they will have a permanent mark in the seal from the previous jars' seal. I just use a new one, they're not expensive at all. I'm just afraid of the seal failing before I have a chance to use the contents.

[Michigansnowpony]

@KentuckEfriedSpook -- Since making this video, I have discovered that using lids used once in canning (waterbath or pressure canner) actually seem to seal better than brand new lids. I got this idea / tip from Granny Miller's website / blog. I was skeptical, but darned if she wasn't right. So, no worries about re-using lids -- at least in my experience.

[originaLkomatoast]

I enjoyed this video, very informative.

[Michigansnowpony]

@originaLkomatoast  Thank you.

[melodicspeed]

Is it possible to use for tomatos, vegetables? instead of boiling etc etc etc etc ?

[Michigansnowpony]

@melodicspeed Hmm, I'm not sure I understand your question, but I'll try to answer: If you mean using the vacuum sealer instead of canning FRESH veges, etc., the answer is NO -- the vacuum sealer will not preserve them. However, it is great for extending the shelf life of dehydrated or DRIED veges. Hope this helps.

[InTheSticks0001]

Monkey see, monkey do. Mine is all hooked up and now I'll do!

[xinecallaw]

Thank you for showing an uber dork like me how to use the mason jar attachment from foodsaver. I was under the impression that the sealer was to replace the lid, therefore only work for one jar at a time. But everytime I did it, once I removed connecting hose, it would unseal and make a mess. Now I see how it works and I am glad I didnt order several at once like I first planned. I blame it on my male genes because I suck at everything involved w/. a kitchen, but I can fix cars and computers NP

[Michigansnowpony]

@xinecallaw -- Uber dork -- haha. I like that one. And don't feel dumb -- I couldn't figure out how those jar sealers worked either until I tried 'em. Even now, it's still seems like magic. ; ) Oh, and I can't fix a car that won't run beyond putting more gas in it, and computers -- past the on / off switch, I'm lost. It's still thrilling when I get a youtube vid to load. Good luck with the vacuum sealing -- you're gonna love this kitchen appliance!

[d4961]

Thank you very much for this very informative and well done video.

[djakejake]

Great video. I agree that you've increased the shelf life of the beans etc., but what do you think about the seasoning packet?

[InvalidMemberAccount]

I use a real vacuum pump, as in air conditioning service. The vacuum pump will literally cause water to boil at room temperature. I have seen it suck moisture out of honey.. For long term storage, I still put in an oxygen absorber. you are never absolutely sure how good your vacuum is because it is the release of the vacuum that causes the lid to be pushed onto the jar.

[vida130]

I really enjoyed this video! I am starting my food supply and my mind is swimming with info! I now have to find out where I am going to store all my coming food supply since I don't have a basement lol...Thank you!

[Michigansnowpony]

@vida130 -- Glad you liked the video and I hope you found it helpful as you start on your "extended pantry". Many Mormans live in areas where they don't have basements and since their doctrine tells them to have a years worth of food on hand, they are very creative in where to store it all: under beds, closets, behind or under furniture, even draping it with a cloth and using a boxload as an accent table. Consistant, (preferably cool) temp and moisture proof is key. Good luck!

[Topaz5866]

Can you seal oatmeal, cinnamon, sugar, and raisins together in a mason jar long term? And do I need to put oxygen absorbers in the jars before sealing? I got several large instant oatmeal containers super cheap using coupons during a sale and I want to store them correctly. Thank you!

[Michigansnowpony]

@Topaz5866 -- I've never personally tried that, but I don't see why one couldn't. I don't use oxygen absorbers in my jars. Some folks do though. It's a personal choice. To be honest, I don't use oxygen absorbers in ANY of my long term extended pantry items. I put things like flour or rice (for example) in the freezer for a few weeks, then put them in the plastic buckets from our local bakery with lots of bay leaves mixed in. I learned that trick from my Grandma.

[MyCameos5866]

Some people put a hole in the lid with tape over the hole before sealing it. What is your opinion about this?

[Michigansnowpony]

@MyCameos5866 -- Well, I've heard of people doing that and I can see where it would be far easier than prying off the lid every time, but I haven't personally tried it yet. I did read on a block (Granny Miller's) where she suggested used (as in used once in conventional canning) lids seal better than brand new lids with the vacuum sealer and in trying them, I think she's right.

[ckpeltomaa]

Hi! My vacuum (mini-plus) is arriving via UPS on the 23rd November. I am now going to also order the jar sealer. We are big meat eaters and each week I buy more than we need for that week and will put it in the full-sized freezer chest after vacuum sealing it. We are also building shelves on large swivel wheels in the basement/cold cellar (this is an 1800's home in Connecticut). I just over-purchased on ground turkey and will add flavorings and vacuum seal it.

[laidbackguy1972]

@ckpeltomaa you can also pressure can to put up meats. if you are canning ground beef or turkey just cook it up first to keep the crumbles texture when canning otherwise if packed raw it will turn into a meatloaf while pressure canning.this way you are independent of power should it ever go out you can have a shelf of meats canned and sitting on a basement shelf and they store well. must use a pressure canner though for all low acid foods. take care!

[guppygirl77]

This is so cool!!! Thank you for posting it!

[Garrisonpea]

Hey Renee,I saw this video and took your advice on watching Wendy Dewitt. I can't thank you enough for this video. I now have a vacuum sealer (with lid attachments) a pressure canner , and a solar oven. I'm getting my "expanded pantry" together using many methods (including dehydrating) I find it enjoyable and a sense of great satisfaction knowing when the times get tough,I won't be worrying if I can feed my family. Thanks again for the ideas.

[wwwfeijoa]

Hi, thanks for the video. Please can you help.... I want to buy a jar sealer but we don't have Ball jars in New Zealand - the jars look pretty much the same though. Would you mind measuring the circumference of the ridge on the glass jar - that's where the attachment would fit over to form a vacuum. I can't think how else I could check before I order one off amazon!! thanks a lot.

[Michigansnowpony]

@wwwfeijoa -- Hello my Kiwi friend! Okay, the regular mouth jars measure 2.5 inches across the opening, and 8.5 inches around the rim. The wide-mouth jars measure 3.25 inches across, and 10.25 inches around the rim. I hope that helps.

Do you have the Kerr brand jars? I believe they are the exact same dimensions as the Ball jars -- at least when you buy lids, they work for both brands.

[wwwfeijoa]

@Michigansnowpony We have Agee jars and others that have no name on! I think the Agee jars will work - because they have a continuous ridge of glass around the jar to ensure a vacuum (the others don't). I've also just found out about sealing jars inside the canisters - yippee! And apparently you can use even babyfood jars. THANKS for your HELP!

[Pippie2010va]

how did you keep your oranges to stay orange, mine turned ?

[Michigansnowpony]

@Pippie2010va -- I didn't do anything special to them. Even now, they are still nice looking in the jar and smell good when I open it up. The only thing I can think of is the oranges I use and used to dehydrate are in pristine condition.  I think that helps. Don't feel bad -- if you can keep your banana chips yellow, you are way ahead of me!! Mine always have at least a hint of brown no matter what I do. They taste okay, so I just shut my eyes when I eat them. LOL

[CountryGirlNOhio]

I do the same thing. The machine and jar sealers are priceless. I have had a chicken in my freezer for over a year an no freezer burn. If you have jars too small for the vacuum lid...buy a large vacuum container, put the jar inside with lid on and ring just snug ... NOT tight......then seal. It also works on other jars with seal tops.

[SpectreXGaming]

Thanks so much for sharing this video with us. I saw a FoodSaver up at Target a few months back but had my doubts. I was instead looking into getting a pressure cooker, but after seeing how the lids can actually be reused with a FoodSaver, I think this might be a much better option for someone on a tight budget.

You rock and God Bless!

[Michigansnowpony]

@SpectreXGaming -- Well, if you can possibly swing it, a pressure cooker is not a bad investment. Properly taken care of, they can last just about forever. I'd be hard pressed to choose between my vacuum sealer, dehydrator, and canner. It would be a three-way tie. Meanwhile, my mixer remains the little hand mixer I had before I was married (24+ years old!!!).  It just won't die. . . .

[ICWWEVERYDAY]

expanded pantry LOL.. good info.

[BigRoach1962]

thank you

[Michigansnowpony]

@BigRoach1962 - You're very welcome and thank you for subscribing to my channel. I hope you find it helpful.

[VivianRinSC]

I've been using my daughter's Foodsaver but I had to buy the hose and jar sealers. Broke one hose and bought 2 more (one for backup). lol. This became a hobby. I found myself looking for more stuff to seal. :p I even started making my own mixes for biscuits, pancakes, breads, cakes, etc. and sealed them with instructions on the labels.

I used rings on my jars because I had so many left over and best way to store them was on the jars.

[TheBgcheez]

I have these attachments but never really knew how to use them. I had always screwed the ring around the the lid :( which wasn't the correct way. Thanks for the demo!!

[KasinH]

Face it, dear heart - you're a prepper. Welcome to the club.

Put a small hole in the middle of the lid and close it with a bit of duct tape. That way you just pull off the tape and won't bend the lid when getting it off. A finishing nail-size hole does it.

[spannernuts]

Thanks for the great demo.  Love the machine, not to big and does the job. It seams saying five years got some people jumping lol.....I know what you mean, it's going to keep for that long but not likley to be in the pantry for that long..

[Michigansnowpony]

@spannernuts - You're very welcome. Right -- I hope not to have anything in my pantry for five years, but things sometimes do get shoved to the back. And while I'll probably give it to the chickens at that point, it's nice to know it's stored well enough that it won't make THEM sick. LOL

[nitanice]

Thanks for sharing, and I look forward to looking up the seminar videos!

[VivianRinSC]

I just watched all of Mrs. Dewitt's Seminar Vids. I know I have several week's worth of food which is down from the several month's worth I used to keep. Motivated to get back to an expanded pantry. lol. I'm also avoiding products with high fructose corn syrup and anything GMO so it's more expensive this time around but will be worth it. :p

[VivianRinSC]

Wow! Now I do want one! lol. I've not had dried beans go bad but I've had bugs infest them so using the canning jars to just protect the food from insects makes alot of sense! Thanks for the vid, I'll now check out Mrs. Dewitt's vids. :)

[jimchat512]

Thanks for the information and showing how the jar sealer works. We have a Foodsaver, but haven't used it to seal jars yet, but you have inspired me to look into ways to start!

Best wishes from snowy northern Michigan!

Jim

[wondnaereh]

You have way too much time on your hands. Storing beans for 5 years? Really?

[Michigansnowpony]

"Too much time on your hands". Oh man -- thanks for the laugh. : ) I'm not storing beans for 5 years, I'm just saying they'd probably last that long stored this way. And then, if they get lost in the pantry, they'd still be good!

[bsaorders]

I vacuum seal almost anything that comes in a plastic bag. I've noticed many of the new bags give off a petroleum smell after time (it gets into the food). So for me, I would not put the bag in the jar with the food for any long term storage.

[katzcradul]

I too would not be without my vacuum sealer...love it! I think old, previously used seals, actually work better with the vacuum sealer than a new seal. They've been "softened up' in the canning process and they seal better. What a great use for old seals that you shouldn't use again when canning traditionally. Got my vacuum sealer on Ebay. I also seal in old store bought jelly and jam jars.

[dsarti1]

I have the wide mouth and normal sized jar attachments they are great

[1fanger]

Hi, i have a pretty good vacuum sealer and it came with something like this. I`m gonna break it out of storage and try it. Thanks for the video.

[Michigansnowpony]

Caution: It's addictive. : ) I saw on the Foodsaver website that they now have an attachment for regular jars. . . If I could re-use jelly jars and such and save my Mason jars for canning, that would be great. I may have to have that one too!

[liabatud67]

5 stars! Thanks for posting.

[AfterTheFox75]

Glad you posted this!!! I always thought the lid attachment was for their special canisters! lol -And I'd always heard their canisters weren't very good. Very happy to learn that I can use my old Ball jars.... cool beans. ;-)

[JosiahsBackpack]

MSP, where did you get the can vacuum sealer from?

[Digitalmanne]

Years and years ago, before the jar adapter, I built a chamber to put the entire jar in, and bought a "scientific" vacume pump that would pull nearly an absolute vacume. Worked great till I tried to store flower. The air came out so fast it was like an explosion inside the chamber. What a mess! It's the joys of learning on your own... LOL

[Frequencitee]

-MSP

Excellent series. I'm gonna b urn these vids to DVD to preserve (pun intended) the educational value of these vids.

Now all I have to do is go solar to be able to play the vids on a PC or laptop, run the sealer, etc...

But, no doubt, excellent series. Thank You!

Max

[Michigansnowpony]

Hi Max, Well thank you! Hey -- can you PM me when you get a minute and tell me how to save and burn youtube videos? I sooo want to burn Dehydrate2Store's videos for my own reference and I can't figure it out.

There's so much on YouTube that I would like to refer back to and I don't want to be at the mercy of the internet.

Thanks,

Renee

[Frequencitee]

-MSP

I sent you a PM with an idea of what I have in mind. Check it out and don't hesitate to ask if you have questions.

GB

[BLBMZ]

Last year I went and bought 3 items, pressure canner, dehydrator and a vacuum sealer. They have paid for themselves over and over again. Wonderful video.

[Michigansnowpony]

Hi Lisa, Yup -- your kitchen must look like mine. I put the pressure canner away, but the vacuum sealer and dehydrator are out on the counter all the time. Thanks for the complement.

[Kittenkattan]

Awesome video Renee! I was alittle nervous about Goathollow's presure cooker canning video. I think this maybe my alternative! Thanks!

John!

[Michigansnowpony]

Thanks John. Get a dehydrator too -- they go hand in hand. Oh, and be buying all your canning jars and lids now. They're plentiful in the stores and you won't find them after the season ends.

[GoatHollow]

John: ..... Chicken :P

[gramig0]

Cool....I bought one off ebay a few days ago...can't wait!

Thanks

[jylster]

expanded pantry, LOL , that's great! I'll steal that phrase

This is so timely for me, I just purchased the jar sealer attachments this week but hadn't had time to figure out how/when to use them.

Thanks!

[Michigansnowpony]

Steal away. : ) I've found in talking to others, that if I suggest they expand their pantries because of (pick your reason:  inflation, possible income loss, droughts, etc.) instead of saying they should get a food storage, they actually seem to "get it".