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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Islander Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Vacuum Packers
    Posted: 30 May 2020 at 10:32am
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Really not sure if this is an appropriate branch for this question, sorry if wrong!

I have decided to get with the times and buy a vacuum packer.  It will be almost exclusively for fish and meat, and I may like to experiment with marinading and ageing too.

There are a confusing range of machines, prices and sizes on the market.  Don't mind doing my own research, but would appreciate your feedback and opinions on your models.

Much as I like the look of the light commercial models (>$600) I won't get that past the wife, so really I am in the $2-300 bracket.

Are they all equally reliable or do the cheaper unit crap out after a year?

Is there much difference in the cost of packing plastic?  I think a roll would suit me best, that can be cut to size.

So long as the unit has a dry/wet setting, are there any other useful or important features I should look out for?

Thanks for your advice!


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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Bounty Hunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2020 at 12:27pm
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Joined: 14 Nov 2002
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i use an 'Innovation' machine fairly regularly - has worked well and continues to do so

i never really did much research before i bought maybe 5 years ago - but they were popular with users on this site back then
No disintegrations!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote smudge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2020 at 1:03pm
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Yeah I have an innovation one too and it gets plenty of use. It's been good. I was given a near new As Seen On TV type one before that and it didn't work properly
Best gurnard fisherman in my street
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Hook-it Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2020 at 1:04pm
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All are basic machines. Easy to use. like most things one or two may break down early. Have had our latest one for three years gets well worked, bought at Briscoes for $120. They are still that price now. Very good buying. Comes with two rolls of plastic wrap also.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote MATTOO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2020 at 4:55pm
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I have only had a sunbeam.

I'd say I'm disappointed in that it overheats and won't operate after several bags without a rest.

I have no more experience than that.
Still cruising in my now sweetas pimped out Southern 755 HT0!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Hook-it Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2020 at 5:19pm
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Mattoo, it would appear some need you to work slowly. Our last one did just as you said  also a sunbeam. Never had that problem with the Russel Hobbs. Forgot to mention name in my last post. Reviews on the RH came up good hence we bought one.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote MATTOO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2020 at 5:54pm
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Thanks for the insight.
Like to hear if the innovations have had or not had similar problems as I'd like to upgrade.
Still cruising in my now sweetas pimped out Southern 755 HT0!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Uncle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2020 at 7:07pm
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I'd  speak up for the Innovation.
Have had mine about 5 years & it's been brilliant.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote smudge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2020 at 7:54pm
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Never had a problem with the Innovations one
Best gurnard fisherman in my street
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote fitty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2020 at 8:19pm
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Innovation vacuum packer has been very good . We have vacuum packed lots of meat and lots of fish including tuna and marlin . Replacement seals are readily available and reasonably priced . Got my vote !
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote kitno Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2020 at 8:20pm
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"Food Saver" from Briscoes. $130 and never had any problems.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Marligator Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2020 at 8:04am
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I have had a Innovation Vacs for about 7 years and it has never missed a beat, have put hundreds of kilos of fish and meat through mine. I get all of my bags through Zeropak. I get big bulk rolls and then break them down into smaller rolls that fit in the machine. 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote MB Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2020 at 8:06am
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Another happy Briscoes/Russell Hobbs owner. Not saying it's the best or others aren't good, just that I've used it over the last 5 years and no issues. 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Kandrew Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2020 at 10:34am
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Innovation carry spare parts, we needed a new set of seals for ours a few months ago. Took couple of days and all sorted.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Steps Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2020 at 11:15am
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Joined: 14 Oct 2013
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 Back when we brought it we had borrowed a Hobbs, a smaller sunbeam version, and version with roll inside, a innovate, a semi commercial unit couple grand.. that was really cool... and a couple others types over time.
 Price /easy of use.. the sunbeam with roll inside worked out best... could not afford a new unit so purchased a discounted 'new' rebuilt unit.

Have had it for yrs and yrs.. at least 6 or 8... done a lot of work.

 Yes if doing a lot, say breaking down a deer or pig.. have to wait every now and then.
 These moments take to wipe down , pre set up each pack better..

 OH and the other day the missus was packing off a lot smoked muscles and fish...
An did it real fast.. like real fast..
 Then she showed me a trick she used to us as a deli manager yrs ago..

When making the bags..seal 2 at once...
 And when sealing, uses a little more roll...
 put 2 filled bags ends into the vaccuum tray and  pull vaccuum and seal 2 at a time..

 3 at a time doesnt work on the sunbeam, might be worth a go if got room to do it on the more expensive larger models / makes.

And we find the elcheapo Kmart rolls are the easiest to work with and seal.


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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Islander Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2020 at 12:05pm
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Bloody great info there guys, much appreciated.... I can shop with confidence now, knowing the guys 'out there doing it' have spoken!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote kaveman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 May 2020 at 12:18pm
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Yes, i have has an Innovation for at least 6-7 yrs, great machines

www.kavemantackle.co.nz
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote MATTOO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jun 2020 at 6:24pm
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Well I took on the recommendations of the innovations above.
Sunbeam now is on the shelf collecting dust.

Just returned from the Waikato, with lamb and 1/2 a beast.
Stopped in at marine deals purchased an innovation and extra bags and began the bagging with the new innovation.
Stoked, it works as a good tool should.

Thanks for the recommendations.
Still cruising in my now sweetas pimped out Southern 755 HT0!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Steps Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jun 2020 at 8:50am
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Can you make 2 bags at a time  and seal those bags when filled  2 at a time.?

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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Fishb8 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jun 2020 at 4:55pm
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I find my Innovation overheats after about 5 bags. Have learned to just slow down and cool the heat strip with a cold water rinsed towel. Will try the sealing 2 at a time.
Vacuum packing is such a worthwhile effort👍👍
I buy my bags through Banggood Chinese site - way cheaper!
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken
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