FoodSaver V3835 Vacuum Food Sealer with SmartSeal Technology
Description:
Includes V3825 Appliance, One 11 inch x 18 foot heat seal vacuum roll, twelve pre-made quart heat seal vacuum bags, 2 1/4 quart oval marinator canister, quick start guide and reference manual. Heat Seal Rolls made of dishwasher safe and microwavable material and can be customized in length. 1 Year Limited Warranty.
Features:
- Vertical Space Saving Design and Integrated Bag Opener
- Indicator lights & Manual Control to indicate current setting, vacuum progress and for added control
- Seal Button, Seal Perfection, Release Buttons, Roll Cutter
- Built-in Roll Holder, Accessory Hose & Port
- Auto Bag Sensing, Removable Dishwasher Safe Drip Tray
Product Details:
Product Length: 18.87 inches
Product Width: 6.0 inches
Product Height: 10.37 inches
Product Weight: 10.0 pounds
Download the FoodSaver v3835 Manual >>
Download the FoodSaver v3835 Manual & Quick Start Guide >>
Reviews:
blows my mind!- Jul 29, 2009
I got this unit at [...], includes the marinate dish, 12 - quart size bags and a roll of bag material.
I've wanted a foodsaver for years but (1) didn't know a lot about them beyond the infomercials (2) didn't know anyone who had one (3) wasn't sure that it was a worthy investment. Things have changed! I've had a few people recommend them and it piqued my interest. We were at Costco and walked by and looked at the box and decided to get it on an inpulse (and it was $20 off). We also buy a lot in bulk and for 2 people, it's hard to go through EVERYTHING before it goes bad.
At first glance it doesn't look like anything spectacular. The box/packaging isn't all that appealing.
SETUP: The cardboard insert is VERY CONFUSING - it tells you to throw it out, but the picture on it makes you think you should throw out the plastic insert as well - I'm glad I didn't. That would have been BAD! STRONGLY recommend reading the instructions first so you know what buttons to push for what. I couldn't figure out why my bags weren't sealing, I had to push the Seal button twice so it would seal to make a bag instead of thinking it needs to vaccuum it out first. Figured that out when the machine spent 3 minutes whirring really loudly and my bag wasn't sealed.
Aesthetics. It stands upright so it takes up little to no space (NICE). We have ours on the counter and it's going to stay there. I like the chrome look, so far it's stayed clean. No fingerprints! It's also nice that it will hold a roll of bags on the inside. (I would recommend getting the bag holder accessory - $10 so you can store the quart size baggies). I would make your own quart size baggies vs. buying them, less expensive that way.
What I've used it for: At first I went a little seal happy and played with the machine. I got bulk size nuts and separated them into 4 packets. We sealed meats (we used to buy freezer ziplock bags but the meat always had freezer burn on them). I've resealed bags of chips (in their original packaging - it won't take the air out, but much easier than wrestling with the bag clips).
DOWNSIDE: You cannot vaccuum pack veggies unless you've blanched and froze them first! That seems like a pain because I like my veggies to be raw to cook. Also have to "pat down" the inside of the bag when sealing meats - the juices rise out of the bag which doesn't seal it properly (some of the juice got between the seal strip) and can damage the machine (figured that out from other users). Also if you're planning on freezing baby food, stock, anything wet, you have to first freeze it, then seal in their frozen state. Instructions recommended using ice cube trays.
Trying out: I just purchased a set of canisters (recommended for storing items that are crushable, veggies, moist and use often items). I went to Bed Bath & Beyond and got the set for $16 ($20 with 20% off coupon). Looking forward to trying them out. Also looking to purchase the 6qt canisters for storing dog food and rice.
This all seems like a "lot of work" but in the end it's worth it. I defrosted a steak that I "foodsavered" and it was tender, juicy and amazing! I never knew that freezer burn could destroy the meat like that. It's definitely changing my outlook on the value of this little machine.
I'm also excited to use this machine now when we travel and pack our wet items and seal it. We use space bags for our clothes to conserve space, but this will help prevent spillage of shampoo, lotions etc.
Foodsaver 3825Jun 26, 2009
I bought this unit, and I am very satisfied with its performance. On the plus side, the unit works automatically and puts a very good seal on the package. It has more control over the vacuum, and the canister hose is now built into the unit. On the con side, the owners manual leaves much to be desired. I would recommend that you briefly read the quick start guide, then go right to the website and watch the videos. I could not get the sealer to work until I watched the video... then it was very easy, and it works great every time.
If your used to the old food saver vacuum units, then this one takes a bit getting used to, because its automatic. The bags feed in the side of the unit, but you have to learn how to feed in the bag! Once it's fed in the machine, then a clamp comes down automatically and does the vacuum or seal (depending on the setting you use), but you have to wait till it's completely done and stopped to remove the bag. If your a volume packager, this is NOT the unit for you, as it takes a bit longer than the older units and you will likely get fustrated. If your like me... and seal when I have leftovers, open cheese, or freezing... this works well, but it is not as fast as the older flip top sealers. I do like the bag holder features, as this has been an issue with me from the beginning.
After reading all the comments on the Internet, I was not sure if I should invest in this unit... but I decided to try it anyway, and am VERY HAPPY with the sealer. The negatives are running 50 /50 on the net, but most people complain about the bag feed. Look at the video, take some time to learn (15 minutes), and then it's easy. If you don't want to read directions and learn... then buy something else.