I did the same research and was also totally befuddled. Given the range of opinions on each unit, it was hard to believe any of it.
So, after my first bulk hops purchase I went the cheap way to see if it had any success...if I liked it then I'd consider purchasing a more expensive unit.
Here's what I bought (at Target):
http://www.target.com/Foodsaver-Han...om_size-bin,target_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0
I bought some FoodSaver "ziploc" type bags that are made for it, plus a plastic storage container also compatible with it. I only bought 1.5 pounds of hops - 1 lb Cascade, .5 lb Centennial. I put the lb of Cascade in the plastic container, and the foil sealed 2 oz pkgs of Centennial into a couple of the FoodSaver ziplocs. I charged and used the unit on the container and bags. Watching the bag collapse as the air is released is waaaay cool! Not as cool with the container (no collapsing
), but you can hear a difference in the timbre of the machine's sound when it's working and done.
These bags are reusable. They are supposedly not for the freezer. Reading online reviews, a number of people said they work fine in the freezer if they are not jostled too much during freezer storage. So, I vacuumed them out, placed them in a "real ziploc" freezer bag and put them in our storage freezer in the basement.
I've opened and resealed about 3 times so far - no problems. I also started using the FS bags for cheese and other stuff - works well. However, I can't vouch for them on a long term basis yet.
I was out about $35 for the machine, bags, and container. My thinking is that if these work okay for the next 6-12 months, I might invest in a more expensive solution.
