bit-tech Shopping: Foodsaver Professional III Vacuum Sealer

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3

Strengths: strong suction, easy to use, heavy-duty, well-made product

Weaknesses: expensive-bags aren't cheap, bag cutter gets dull after awhile & I wish they made replacement cutters

Summary: I love this machine! My husband is a hunter so we process, bag, & freeze a ton of venison during hunting season. I had an older model(900)which stood up to almost daily use for about 4 years until the heating strip wore out. This machine is better with more powerful suction & buttons for canisters so the heating strip doesn't get hot every time I vacuum seal a jar of pickles or a canister of lettuce. I've had this one for several months, use it almost daily, & would highly recommend it.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2

Strengths: -great vacuum, Great sealer, Storage compartment

Weaknesses: -no on/off power switch

Summary: I previously had an older foodsaver 550. This model is much more powerful. All the operation settings are digital. No more pushing in the buttons on the side to lock like the 550 model. The seal is also thicker than the 550. When you seal a bag, it looks professional. It is quick and easy to use. There is a vacuum button, canister, seal, pulse button. You have total control of the suction with the pulse function. This is help when you have delicate item that you do not want crush. There is also a storage compartment for your roll of bags and it also neatly tucks away the accessory hose. No more digging thru your kitchen drawers for bags or to find the accessory hose. It is all kept inside the foodsaver. The unit is a little on the large side. Much larger than the 550. My only complaint is that there is no power button. So you have to plug it when you want to use it and unplug it when you are done. The digital display will turn off. It is inconvenient to move my other counter appliance to get to the electric socket to plug in the foodsaver every time i want to use it. But the positives out weight this only negative. Very happy with this upgrade.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 30 Days

Strengths: This appliance offers an opportunity to maintain food quality for a longer period of time. The bags may be reused if properly cleaned and bags may also be resealed.

Weaknesses: The cost of the bags and/or rolls of Foodsaver plastic wrap is quite high. Occasionally a bag will not vacuum properly--could be the operator, though!

Summary: After approximately one month of use, I have used the Foodsaver Professional III several times each week for a wide variety of items--meat, fish, crackers, coffee, wine, cookies. The items which sealed properly have retained their freshness, so this is the true test of the Foodsaver?s usefulness.It is a heavy-duty appliance which appears to be durable and well made.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Years

Strengths: Has EVERY feature you could want & is truly HEAVY DUTY !

Weaknesses: If there are ANY weaknesses, the only thing I could say is... Its sort of big as far as keeping it on the counter.

Summary: The Prof. 3 FoodSaver is BY FAR the BEST sealer on the market, outside of commercial products. Ive had 2 cheaper brands & lesser models in the past, take my advise & DONT WASTE YOUR $$... Just get the Prof. 3 & you wont be sorry! the cheaper brands/models wear out/break way to easily. It has every features/setting you could want & PLENTY of power. The other thing that SOLD me on the Prof. 3 is the fact it is FoodSaver's "signature" model & has been around for FOREVER. It has stood the test of time. For the cost diff. between an average model & the Prof. 3 there is NO COMPARISON.... You will be MUCH further ahead ! Its a FANTASTIC Machine. I own 1 myself for the last yr. & I am buying another for my Mom for Mothers Day !

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: great for salads, lunches, cheese

Weaknesses: not sure if I'm doing something wrong or if I have to much juice when sealing it doesn't seem to get good suction all the time

Summary: So far I'm enjoying having my FoodSaver. I have been waiting for a while to purchase one and this has been a great purchase. I hope you can enjoy this item as much as I am.