FoodSaver Reviews

RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Ilah (Guest Post) (10/24/2008) Bought a model V2240 about a year ago, only used it a few times, less than one roll of bags. It just stopped working. I've contacted customer service 5 times. No response. The Better Business Bureau has over a 100 complaints--the product is junk and customer service does not respond, by email or snail mail and by phone -- no joy there either. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Gordon (Guest Post) (09/11/2008) I am on my third Foodsaver and had the same problem 3 times, and each time I was told I can't get replacement parts. I bought a Professional III ($250.00), and like the others, the O ring lower rubber seal and the upper rubber seal is disintegrating. I wash the rubber parts after use each time, and the infernal machine has only been used for 14 months. No one has replacement parts!! What kind of business is this that requires one to throw away that kind of money for a couple of $10.00 parts. Never again! Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Tom (Guest Post) (09/04/2008) Had the model V420 for two years (it looks like the mini), and it stopped sealing and heating. Customer service tried troubleshooting (no luck), and the upsell, but I'm disappointed this thing simply stopped working. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Bill in Oregon (Guest Post) (08/30/2008) I'm glad I found this forum. My Foodsaver Ultra has been having vacuum problems lately and I thought the machine had gone south. I tried the Seal a Meal bags and they worked fine. Evidently the newer Foodsaver bags don't work as well as the old ones. At least on my machine. Thanks, Bill Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Bill in Oregon (Guest Post) (08/30/2008) I'm glad I found this forum. My Foodsaver Ultra has been having vacuum problems lately and I thought the machine had gone south. I tried the Seal a Meal bags and they worked fine. Evidently the newer Foodsaver bags don't work as well as the old ones. At least on my machine. Thanks, Bill Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By ken widmer (Guest Post) (08/06/2008) Works great on dry food but won't take all the air out when sealing food with moisture, the result is a bunch of freezer burned salmon. Taking it back to Costco. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By rptore (Guest Post) (08/04/2008) I used the very first introductory model for 6 years before it gave out on me (I thought). I bought this new fancy model "specially made for hunters" for whatever that is worth. I hunt and I vacuum seal a lot and this model sucks. Sometimes it works but most of the time it doesn't. The 11" pre-cut bags seem to work the best. The 8" pre-cut bags or rolls do not work good at all. The 6" bags work sometimes. This is a real pain in the rear when you buy large quantities or come home from a hunting trip and try to get all of your items frozen and sealed for keeping. Well it turns out that the old little one was working fine it was just the cheap off brand bags that I was using. I have been using food saver bags since then but the new machine just doesn't work. I guess I am about to get a dose of their customer service because I am going to try to get my money back or get a replacement. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews unit will not seal Post By Brian G. (Guest Post) (07/23/2008) We have been in love with our food saver for over 7 years. We own a food saver Professional II a couple of weeks ago unit stop sealing. I open unit to check the element. Element test good. However no power at plug to heat element. with time I will find the problem. However a wiring diagram would really help. If any one knowns where to fine one. Thank for the info. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Maura (Guest Post) (07/05/2008) I have a Foodsaver Mini Plus, only gently used about 2 years, and loved it. Company says they stopped making them in 2002, so I guess I bought it at closeout. It recently stopped sealing, though still has strong vacuum(no green light, solid or flashing-I think that is what that means)It can't be fixed, not by an authorized repair center in the USA anyway. Rep did the up-sell attempt, but I didn't bite. I may just use the Handi-vac from Reynolds and see if that is sufficient for the time being. The nice disgruntled folks on this feedback forum made me think that I might make a go of fixing it, but thought better of it. I've got 20 million things to do as it is! Any one want this one for free (you pay actual shipping) to help keep it out of the landfill? Just a thought. The model only accepts the smaller bag sizes, so it probably isn't for the hunters. The upside is that it takes up very little counter space, something I'm afraid the newer models can't boast. Send me an email if you'd like a project to tinker with! Thanks, Maura mauramccabe AT optonline.net Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Kaye (Guest Post) (07/05/2008) Based on my call this morning, their customer service hasn't improved at all. Initially, my Model 2040 worked great - bought it 1 1/2 months ago. But suddenly, it wouldn't vacuum all the air out and started sealing too soon. Hm, I'm using a bag, let's try the roll. Roll worked fine. Wait, there's a difference. The roll that came with the machine has bumps just on inside of the bag, but in the new box of bags, it's bumpy inside and out. Incidentally, the bags and roll that came with the machine (the ones that work) were made in Korea. The ones that don't work were made in the USA. So, a call to customer service, no good. They insist the Korean bags are the bad ones and the USA bags are the good one. Um, beg to differ on that. And the only way they'll guarantee the bags is if I buy from them direct, any I bought at the same store I bought the machine, nope, no coverage. So if I order bags from them and discover they still don't work, by then, the store's return period will be over and I'm stuck with an expensive piece of household junk. So I guess I'll just have to return it, which is a pity. (And this does illustrate why I've always been resistant to buying kitchen gadgets that require supplies; all of sudden, "new and improved" doesn't work and you're stuck.) I'm allergic to food molds, and this machine should be a god-send, if it worked. Anyone else notice that there is no way at all to contact them other than by phone? No e-mail, no mailing address, nada. Yeah, their customer service is a joke. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Heidi (Guest Post) (05/08/2008) I have a foodsaver v2840 and I LOVE IT. I believe that most of the errors people may have with their models are user errors. My machine works like a charm, yours would too, please read ALL the instructions. Pre freeze meat or put a paper towel over the meat to avoid moisture from entering the machine. IT'S MEANT TO TAKE AIR OUT OF THE BAG NOT MOISTURE. I would definately recommend to others Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By (Guest Post) (04/11/2008) I have now returned 2 food savers. luckily linen & things took back the machine with no receipt. If I had to buy one again, I would not. Works a few times and then dies. Very unhappy with this product. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By miked (Guest Post) (03/25/2008) The Foodsaver customer service is the WORST I have ever come across!!! I bought my wife a new Gamesaver Turbo Plus for Christmas. When we went to use it, the pump took 5 minutes to suck out all the air and the seal didn't work. Because we bought it online through Tillia we were told to return it and they would send us a new one. They shipped us a new one, but it was a cheaper Gamersaver Sport model. \ When we called customer service they said there was nothing they could do? So I asked for a full refund and they said it was past the 30 day refund date. I was on the phone for almost an hour on 2 separate occasions and they have finally agreed to refund me, but not for 2 billing cycles? Seems suspect at the very least. I am still waiting for the refund. But the story gets better! I decide to buy one at Joes the local sportsmans store, and guess what...the seal doesn't work right out of the box!! I am done with these Foodsavers. They clearly have a defective run of this model and haven't taken any ownership or steps to keep customers happy. A product like this should be at least QA tested before shipping?? Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Garry (Guest Post) (03/02/2008) OK all you unhappy FoodSaver folks needing new sealers. The cloth overing the FoodSaver sealing element is the same as used on a Impulse Sealer. you can order these and cut to length from the below listed web-site. Note; If you are not mechanically inclined, you can cut the old cloth cover off (be careful not to cut the flat metal wire under it) and just tape your new cover on, it is just a protection strip so you don't burn your bag with the heating wire. Those good with a screwdriver, it's easy to replace the sealer cloth and attach as normal. Contact site: WWW.PACNSEAL.COM Impulse sealer parts go to: element kits for standard hand operated impulse sealers go to: need just non-stick covers or self stick adhesive tape strips pick out the size you need (remember, order a size larger then what you need, you can cut it to size). The tech person is very helpful if you should get confused. The repair is an easy repair and only cost about $10. Shame on food saver for not supplying parts! Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By dave (Guest Post) (02/24/2008) Our food saver will not seal small mason jars for some unknown reason. It is 2 yrs old. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post by fart (1) | (02/21/2008) Contact Glad to see I'm not alone on the Food Saver problems (ripoffs). My first one had the torn gasket problem and when I tried to order one, they were 'out of stock' and later 'not available'. Would I like to order a new one--sure. Now the sealer strip in that one won't work and is not replaceable. Would I like to buy a new one? Any suggestions. This is getting old. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By loki (Guest Post) (02/18/2008) Do all of you thrifty people not have Bed Bath and Beyond, Linens n Things, or any equivalent store with an endless return policy in your area? I buy all of my kitchen and household products there and save all of my receipts. if a product ever breaks or fails I can return it for cash until the store goes out of business. I've had my foodsaver for 2 years and it still works great. They have a newer model at bbb that I want so I'll get my receipt take my old still working model in and exchange it for the new one. they'll also give me money back because my current foodsaver cost more than the new one. Now that's great customer service. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Albert Paul Middleton (Guest Post) (01/17/2008) I have had three foodsavers. I don't use them every day, and the last time I used it, the rubber seal had not been re-installed properly and had become pinched. It would not work after that to produce a seal. I called the company to order a new one. They told me that it was too old and they no longer stock the replacement part and I would have to buy a new one. I went to a local store, found a model v2440 and they are the same one. I called back and they could ship me out two rubber seals for that model. HUH!? I will never buy another foodsaver! Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews.. bags.. Post by Ariela (217) | (01/13/2008) Profile | Contact Have any of you ever tried using other types of plastic bags in the food savers.. like qt size baggies.. or another clear plastic bag? I knew somone once who did... but I never asked how it worked out for her. Shes a pretty cheap person tho. I have thought of getting a food saver, and using qt plastic baggies too. Anyone?? Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By SunshineRose (Guest Post) (01/13/2008) I have had my foodsavor for 3 years and love it. I have had no problems. I would buy another one when this one wears out. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By jpl62 (Guest Post) (12/20/2007) I experienced the same as many others with the machine vacuum working but not sealing. I noticed that the heat element had a "pimple bump" that not only caused some seals to leak but probably caused the heat element to fail. Called Foodsaver and got the same story, out of warranty buy another. My Father mentioned it to his friend that had one and experienced the exact same problem. There has got to be a way to change a simple heat element. If anyone has any idea please post. Otherwise look for another manufacturer that cares about the customer. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post by cookwie (1121) | (12/12/2007) Profile | Contact Suggestion - buy one at Target where they are decent about returns if you saved the receipt. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By stayawayfromfoodsaver (Guest Post) (12/12/2007) I ordered a food saver today and then saw this site which prompted me to call food saver to cancel my order. They said they couldn't cancel an order once it was entered! What bull! According to my credit card company the charge has been submitted but is on hold status so there is no reason food saver can't cancel the order. I have to wait until the charge is in approved status so the credit card company can dispute it. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By sallyisupset (Guest Post) (11/10/2007) Service? They don't know the meaning of the word. After returning my food saver to the store because it wouldn't seal (BRAND NEW), I found the replacement machine had the same problem. Called service - was told I had to return it to them, and not Caberla's. I had to ASK for a return shipping tag. The rep RELUCTANTLY agreed, but said it would take approximately 7 days to get the tag, then it would take 6 to 8 weeks before I received a replacement! My reply? You have got to be KIDDING! I told the rep that I would take it back to Cabala's (where they truly know the meaning of "service"), that I would NEVER again buy a food server, and that I would tell everyone I know NEVER to buy one. From what I am reading, however, I don't think they give a ____!. I am also writing a letter of complaint. I have used a food saver for years, and never had a problem. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Bill (Guest Post) (11/06/2007) We have had a Foodsaver for a few years that worked great. Now the heating strip will not get hot. I am an electrical appliance repair person and have diagnosed the problem. The problem is Customer Service is pathetically ignorant, rude, will not provide schematics NOR will they sell you parts to replace defective ones. Looks like if you buy one and it works... they are great. If it breaks , your screwed. I suggest buying one locally as opposed to online... makes it much easier to replace if defective or goes out... for a while at least. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Robert (Guest Post) (10/05/2007) My vacuum line got clogged, so I cleared it, but the line popped off of the pump. There is an "In & "Out" nipple. When I called Foodsaver to ask which nipple to attach the line to, they would not answer, would not send a schematic etc... They tried to get me to buy a new one ! Again, I needed no new parts, just to reattach. When I told them that I'd report them to the Better Business Bureau they tried to dance around the issue with consumer safety concerns etc... Basically, a rip off company. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Foodsaver Sealing Bar Pimples Post By Doggy201 (Guest Post) (09/20/2007) I am on my 2nd foodaver this summer, and it stinks. I purchased my first one at Cabelas 2 summers ago and used it mainly for packaging freshly caught salmon and venison that year. Much to my grief, the next time I went to open up a batch of fish, I found that the bag was full of air and the salmon was already freezer burned. Upon inspection of every bag I sealed, I found 4 little "pimples" in the seal where it looked like air could get through. I pulled out my foodsaver, and sure enough, there were the 4 little pimples/marks about the size of a pinhead in the sealing strip itself. GREAT! Every package of salmon (~40 lbs worth) I opened from then on out that I had packaged with my foodsaver had freezer burn, and I had to trim away plenty of previously good fish to get to the good stuff. I took the 1st foodsaver back to Cabelas and they were nice enough to exchange it. This summer, I used my "new" foodsaver on MORE fresh salmon, and immediately inspected each seal. SAME PROBLEM! More pimples in the sealing strip! 2 days later, the sealed bags were full of air. For this reason, I have used up most of my salmon already and have had minimal freezer burn because I'm using it so fast, but this is ridiculous. The idea of using exorbitantly priced bags for something as precious as fish that I have caught and spent good money/time on to catch and then having the fish turn out just as crappy as using a ziploc sandwich bag really urks me. Vacuum sealing is a good idea, and we have used my Dad's foodsaver for 4 seasons, and it has had no problems, but for this to happen to me twice makes me wonder about shoddy quality control at foodsaver. Do they do test seals with each machine? Where do they get their sealing strips from? From the sounds of it, it doesn't appear that foodsaver even cares to help the consumer who spends the bucks on their product. I will look elsewhere for other ideas or machines. I'm tired of driving to Cabelas to exchange foodsavers every year, especially when they do not work. Foodsaver should send me $40 for the gas I had to use (and will have to use again) to drive to Cabelas and exchange their piece of junk. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By obobob (Guest Post) (09/16/2007) I have food saver 300 only about 1 year old or less. It still seals and vacuums, but it won't make the final seal after it vacuums. Can anyone help with a answer? ps no warranty. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post by Stevea295 (1) | (09/14/2007) Contact I have owned 3 Foodsaver Vacuum sealers over the last 10 years. They usually work very well, however my latest Foodsaver Professional II just stopped working. I called the company and they said that since it is out of warranty by 1 year there are no options to sent the unit in for repair. So I now have a $300 paperweight. Very poor customer service! Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post by doris1434 (1) | (07/29/2006) Profile | Contact Gosh. . so many negative comments. I've been using the Tilia vacuum sealer for 15 years and have replaced it one time. Love my new model. . hands free, option to seal fragile items without crushing. My dealings with the company have been favorable throughout. I purchase bulk cheeses, bacon, sausages, etc., and reduce them to reasonable portions, seal and refrigerate or freeze. I seal most leftovers and freeze them. No spoilage, mold or "what the heck was that?" I use my sealer virtually every day. doris1434 Report Spam or Abuse FOODSAVER SEALING STRIP Post By STAN SMITH (Guest Post) (03/15/2006) I OWN A FOODSAVER PRO II, I HAVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. THIS WEEK IT STOP SEALING, THE MOTOR AND VACCUM ARE FINE. CAN I REPAIR OR REPLACE THE STRIP, AND WHERE AND HOW CAN I DO IT? THANKS, STAN SMITH LOGIC1945 @ VERIZON.NET (remove spaces) Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Pat Hirsch (Guest Post) (02/12/2006) We finished packaging food with the new Foodsaver;upon attempting to use the second roll- well...it will not suction the air out of the bag,although the suction is working.It is a "new look" roll and feels much smoother to touch,which I suspect is the problem.My husband turned the bag inside out and it would then work! Made wrong!!On my way back to Wal-mart. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By (Guest Post) (01/31/2006) This is a terrible company to deal with! First I ordered a Food Saver diretly from Jarden and got a confirmation email with the price. The product came and the receipt included had a total price of $6.00 higher than what was in the email. I checked my credit card and it was charged the higher price. I called customer service and they told me the price I was quoted online and in the email was incorrect. Well sorry, but that isn't my problem. They required me to send them the email that quoted the price. but they wouldn't take it as an email, I had to mail it to them. In the meantime, this was a Christmas present for my wife. We tried using it after she opened it, and it didn't work. It would not seal the bag because the heating strip did not work. I called about getting a replacement and they told me I would have to pay to ship it back. I thought this was unreasonable considering the problems I have had and the fact that it was a faulty product. At that point I just wanted my money back, but again, I would need to pay the shipping, plus the refund would have been minus the original shipping charge. At this point they would have had $15 to $20 of my money and nothing to show. The company finally agreed to give me a prepaid shipping label and refund my money. I shipped the product back and when I checked my credit card, they only refunded me what I should have been charged in the first place, not what I was actually charged. When I called, four days after the refund, they had no record of my account being credited. The customer service people for this company do not know what they are doing. They are not helpful and confused when you call about your account. Most of their informnation is inaccurate. I would stay away from their shoddy products and poor customer service. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post by ibnanaof9 (1) | (01/28/2006) Contact I bought a mini foodsaver and used it almost thru the roll of bags that came with it. then it quit sealing the bag. so i took it back and got another one. the new one didn't even seal at all. i even bought some cheaper walmart foodsaver bags and tried sealing them....no luck. it has to be the machine not getting hot enough to seal the bag. i am extremely unhappy with the foodsaver and will never get another one. i have used ziploc bags to freeze my food in for years with no problems. i am going back to my old method. all i do is squeeze the air out before i seal the bag. it is almost vacuumed sealed, just without the machine doing it. ziploc baggies are alot cheaper than the machine and the bags you have to purchase for it. don't waste your money on this product. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Sue in California (Guest Post) (11/01/2005) I need feedback: Who has taken a precooked item (like a chicken breast or piece of steak) in a foodsaver bag from the freezer directly into the microwave to cook. Is that successful? How long, for example, to cook an individual piece of frozen pre-cooked chicken in a foodsaver bag? What temperature do you use -- ie: high/medium or ?? Is it safe to cook a frozen item in these bags? Or are you worried about leaching of plastic into your food? thanks for all help! Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By Jenns4x4pu (Guest Post) (08/12/2005) I have had 2 food savors the 1st lasted 6 years & I paid about $250.00. I recently had to replace it --died due to operator malfunction (too much liquid sucked in) :-) and purchased a new tilla foodsavor for $140.00. I love it! It is smaller & has more features than my older one and has worked great. I buy the rolls at costco and repackage bulk food (on sale) into meal size portions. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post by cookwie (1121) | (07/29/2005) Profile | Contact What is the best method of cutting the roll so that the cut end does not become slightly diagonal instead of a straight cut? Although my machine comes with a built in cutter, there are times when I'd just like to use a different width roll and don't want the hassle of removing one roll and installing the other. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post by mamaboo (16) | (07/29/2005) Contact I have a food saver and just love it.our nearest grocery store is a 50 mile round trip from the house so i dont shop often,i stock up when i do shop and use my food saver to repackage meats and things down into serveing sizes that are best for me and my hubby.i have found that I can usually find the best deals on replacement rolls and bags on ebay. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post By (Guest Post) (07/29/2005) I have a Foodsaver, model Compact ll. which I paid 150.00 + for. and as long as it worked it was great. The last time I used it I did 4 pkgs. and it worked great. On the 5th pkg it quit. I contacted the company and in effect told me "tough turkey." Now i've spent 150.00+ and have nothing to show for it. Report Spam or Abuse RE: FoodSaver Reviews Post by cookwie (1121) | (07/28/2005) Profile | Contact When I get my next one it will be a model that has the option of vacuuming the package slightly sealed, in addition to all the way, so that delicate items like chips won't be crushed! Report Spam or Abuse In Praise of Food Savers Post by ThriftyFun (3729) | (07/28/2005) Profile | Blog! | Contact Buying an inexpensive food saver will save a lot of money because there isn't as much worry about food getting wasted by freezer burn and going bad in the fridge. You can also use them to reseal potato chip bags, etc. I have used mine to ship things to my son overseas, too. Everything stays fresher and I no longer have to worry about things getting busted open and spilling on other items. A cheap one can be bought for as little as $30 at Walmart. Just think of how much you are saving in the long run. By imaqt1962 Report Spam or Abuse