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jfrizzell · 11-04-2007, 04:30 AM

Has anyone seen this:

http://www.alcoa.com/reynoldskitchens/handi_vac/en/home.asp

Looks like it could be a less expensive alternative to the Food Saver. I picked one up at the grocery store today for $8.99 and there's a $5 rebate so it's worth a shot!

I'll post an update when I've had a chance to use it with some hops.

Iordz · 11-04-2007, 05:25 AM

Looks like a good deal. I was thinking of buying a vacuum sealer to use with bulk hops and grains. I think I will be looking out for one of these now. Where did you get it?

howlinowl · 11-04-2007, 07:30 AM

How much are the bags? The device is a good deal, but is this the same marketing as for razors? They give you the razor, then charge you 4 bucks a pop for the cartrages to make up the difference. Are the bags reuseable? If so, that might offset the cost of the bags a bit.

Allan

**Orfy** · 11-04-2007, 07:51 AM

My mum used to make our school sandwiches at the beginning of the week and freez them.
She used to do the same thing with freezer bags and a srraw to suck the air out.

**kinison_fan** · 11-04-2007, 01:35 PM

Thanks for passing on the info. This sounds like a good deal.
I checked out their webpage FAQ here a few highlights:

How much does Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ System cost?
Suggested retail price is $9.99 for the Reynolds® Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealer Starter Kit that includes 1 Vacuum Sealer and 3 Quart Size Vacuum Freezer Bags. The cost is $3.29 for cartons of 14 Quart Size Bags or 9 Gallon Size Bags.

Where can I buy the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ System?
The Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealer and Vacuum Freezer Bags System is available at major Grocery and Mass retailers.

Can I reseal Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer Bags?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Freezer Bags are resealable so you can remove part of the original contents and reseal the Bags. Remember to follow food safety practices and place the Bag back in the freezer before the original contents defrost. Once all original contents are used, discard Bag.

How long will the batteries last in the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealer?
Typical battery life is 100 bag evacuations but can vary based on Bag contents and usage patterns. Install six new AA alkaline batteries when needed.

ScubaSteve · 11-04-2007, 02:26 PM

Man....that's a good deal. I always knew foodsavers were way overpriced.

homebrewer_99 · 11-04-2007, 02:30 PM

Stick with a food saver. They get you on the bags for sure.

With a food saver all the bag sizes are customized by you. I even cut them into 4x4 squares, seal 3 sides and pre-measure out my hops.

That system can't do it.

Just my opinion.

jfrizzell · 11-04-2007, 02:36 PM

Yeah but a FoodSaver is expensive and other than hops, I really would have no use for one right now - sure, after I get one I'm sure I'd find other uses, but I just can't justify the cost "just for hops".

I think the quart sized bags were $3.00 for 14 at my grocery store and the bags are reusable, up to ten times according to Reynolds, so at a price of $.02 per bag per use, I think that's a pretty good deal.

homebrewer_99 · 11-04-2007, 04:20 PM

Well, in the end we just get what we want/can afford/will get us by.

Funkenjaeger · 11-04-2007, 04:44 PM

I read this thread while SWMBO was out at Target. One cell phone call later...

Need I say more? It was every bit as fast and easy as they say, it literally took less than a minute from the time the thing was still in the package and the hops were still in the freezer, to having them vacuum sealed. I'd say it's $10 very well spent.

Also, FYI, it takes 6 AA batteries but it does come with a set already in it. Not bad for the price.

Now to see how well it holds its seal, and eventually to see how reusable the bag is.