Having seen the FoodSaver on TV for years I finally decided to stop waiting and get one, I cost myself hundreds if not THOUSANDS by waiting this long! Waste not, want not...Something my grandparents taught me. I must have watched the infomercials so much that I did not even need to read the instructions, I knew how...But the directions are clear and the machine should become intuitive to use for almost any buyer.. Well, taking them on their word of food life extending by using this machine as true, just knowing that using it now is saving me money. I went through my freezer and repackaged my not so old tater tots into easy to grab portions. Getting some steaks as part of a package deal at a local grocer I was able to make 3 portions of Beef Teriyaki, 2 single portions and a large portion for 2-4 people..Putting my tater tots into portions makes it so when I want some, I don't have to fuss with a bag full of icy little tots..corn o the cob in the freezer CHECK, sealed and saved, my whole bean coffee,CHECK, sealed and saved...Giant bag of dry cat food to save money sealed and saved CHECK!! As you can tell, I am enjoying this kitchen appliance more than I thought I would, and I thought I would as I understand the science of the vacuum seal. Having had mail order meat from several companies over the years, I know they can linger around the freezer for a long time.. I do have just a couple issues, but they are not big ones. Those issues are as follows. #1. PRICE...The price is still a little higher than it could be, but not by much for the unit I have, the 4840. And while it came with a nice starter kit, a unit this nice and in this price point should have a little bit more to get people started, like at least one small container, or perhaps one of the jar sealer attachments. #2, The power cord needs to be about 12" longer for this model. Not everyone has modern numbers of outlets in their kitchen area. Having said that, I still find the value of this unit already paying off. Just knowing I am not throwing away food that was good a few days ago is kind of a relief. I will see how much money it saves me as I already was not prone to wasting food, but was wasting money at the store due to not having a way to keep food as fresh as I want it for more than about a month in my freezer. Now I don't have to worry about that at least. The zipper lock Fresh saver bags are really nice, being able to split a package of ham into portions so I only have to handle what we are currently eating is nice..Will be using the jar sealer tonight to store some dry goods in Ball Mason jars, potato flakes, sugar, etc. I even was able to save a nice portion of a pot roast by freezing it in a rubbermaid container, then putting the cube like frozen portion into a self made storage bag, my first one, using the roll of bag material and build in cutter...No fuss, no muss. EASY. One other point. The space I am creating in my freezer and pantry by vacuum sealing is starting to show now too as a benefit. No more superfluous packaging for my storage. Space for MORE actual food. Overall I am pleased with the units function and look. Will try and update this review with durability update as time passes.On to find more things to use my FoodSaver on tonight..If you find you are throwing a lot of food out from freezer burn, this machine will pay for itself after a month I believe. If I can manage to keep things for more than a month that is a game changer for my wallet!!! Dont wait any longer if you have been considering one of these. PS..I am a sole caregiver to my 91 year old grandma, and as she gets older money has gotten tighter. If I can make my/her money go further, or do more by spending less, then that is always a good thing. Food from a box is OK for a treat, but real food cant survive unless its stored right..
