I didn’t realize how much I needed a FoodSaver vacuum sealer until I actually had one. It started as a gift—along with a sous vide machine—but it didn’t take long for me to discover that this gadget was far more useful than I ever imagined! From preserving fresh produce to making meal prep a breeze, a vacuum sealer is one of the most versatile tools in any kitchen.
Sous Vide Perfection
If you’ve ever cooked using sous vide, you know that a tight vacuum seal is essential for the best results. This is where the vacuum sealer shines! When preparing steak or most other meats, I season them, add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme, and vacuum seal the package. From there, it’s ready to drop into the sous vide water bath for tender, perfectly cooked results.
Speed Up Marinating Time
A vacuum sealer also works wonders for marinating meats. Using the pulse mode prevents the marinade from being completely sucked out, allowing the liquid to penetrate the meat fibers more effectively. This means you can achieve deeply infused flavors in a fraction of the usual marinating time.
Save Money by Buying in Bulk
Buying meat in bulk is a great way to save money, but storing it properly is key. I portion out my meat using a food scale, vacuum seal each portion, and label it before storing it in the freezer. This keeps my freezer organized and prevents freezer burn, ensuring my food stays fresh longer.
Preserve Fresh Produce and Herbs
During the summer, I grow fresh herbs, but I always end up with more than I can use. Instead of letting them go to waste, I blanch and vacuum seal them for future use. The same goes for seasonal fruits like peaches—I love sealing them up for use in the winter when fresh peaches are unavailable.
DIY Ice Packs
One of my favorite unexpected uses for a vacuum sealer is making homemade ice packs. Simply seal ice cubes in a bag, and once the ice melts, pop it back into the freezer for future use. It works great for keeping lunchboxes cool. For a flexible ice pack, add a 2:1 ratio of water to rubbing alcohol before sealing—it stays cold but doesn’t freeze solid, making it perfect for injuries.
Waterproof Emergency Essentials
Beyond the kitchen, vacuum sealers are great for emergency preparedness. Sealing batteries ensures they stay dry while camping or during storms. You can even add matches to the pack, so they remain usable in wet conditions. Another great tip: seal important documents like wills or life insurance policies to protect them from water damage in case of flooding.
The Kitchen Gadget You Didn’t Know You Needed
A vacuum meal sealer is more than just a tool for keeping food fresh—it’s a game-changer for meal prep, food storage, and even emergency planning. If you don’t already own one, it might be time to add this powerhouse gadget to your kitchen!
What’s the most surprising way you’ve used a vacuum sealer? Let’s swap tips in the comments!
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I really need to use ours. I just keep forgetting we have it! I love the idea of marinating this way!
It is such a useful and versatile tool.