FoodSaver V3240 Vacuum Sealing System with Starter Kit, H x L x W: 18.62" x 9.13" x 10.71", White

13 years and this things still works perfectly!!

I purchased this FoodSaver model because it received positive reviews both on Amazon and other sites, and I'm pleased with its ease of use and features.I used the entire 11" wide roll that comes with the unit to seal meat and bread going into the freezer. I followed the instructions and froze fresh meat for 1-2 hours before sealing... that worked really well. It's been one week and everything still has an airtight seal.The storage area at the top of the unit keeps the roll handy. I especially like the bag cutter slide. It cuts nice and straight.I'm new to vacuum sealing so here are some basics I learned: the rolls are flat 2-ply plastic tubes. You unroll enough plastic to cover the food plus 3 inches. The Seal feature heat seals one end of the plastic tube creating a bag. Put food into the bag, insert the open end of the bag into the unit, lower the lever and press Vacuum Seal. The vacuum function is noisy but effective! After suctioning air out, the unit automatically heat seals the top of the bag. You can hear the air pressure release before the panel lights go out, indicating that vacuum sealing is complete. There's also a button to cancel the process if needed. The unit defaults to regular suction/dry goods. You can also select gentle suction and/or moist goods beforehand. I used the gentle suction on pre-frozen hamburger buns but it was still crushing the bun.The unit is small enough to be portable but it's more handy to have it on the counter. I like that it doesn't take up much counter space. The suction cups on the bottom hold it in place while pressing buttons and inserting bags into the unit.

I bought this to be a backup to the previous model that I have, which is still working. They are virtually identical, with the exception being how the handle works. For this model, the machine lowers the top down onto the bottom half, to form a tight hold onto the bag. It brings the top half back up, when the operation is complete ( which means don't be in a big hurry to grab the handle and lift, when the light goes out, wait a second. This unit seals well, like the previous model, IF YOU HAVE THE BAG SEATED PROPERLY. Bag top must be IN the vacuum tray, not lying on top of it. As for liquids, like with the previous model, put liquids in a container and seal that. You will otherwise get a migraine, trying to seal liquidity items. I am currently testing this unit, with my old unit sitting on the side. I will post back, if problems arise. I want to check this new one out, while in the ' return window'. One thing that I will say, my previous model, the 3032, is heavier, leading me to think that it was built with more metal parts, giving it longer life (in theory). This new model is very light, which leads me to believe that they used more plastic, rather than metal. I question the longevity of the unit, with plastic replacing previous metal parts. We shall see, AFTER my old unit stops working, who knows when!

My old reliable V3240 got damaged in the move to a new house last year. Ordered a new replacement almost a year ago (Dec 10 2018) for $99 (not on sale). I use it weekly for all meats destined for the freezer. Not so much for leftovers except soups/chili. Happy to report that this new one has worked as reliably as my old one. In fact, I think the vacuum is a little stronger. I noticed that the price is now $139. An increase of $40 in a year?? This dude better not break!

I like to actually use something before I review it. I bought this 7 years ago and it still works great. Big caveat here - I have probably only used this about a dozen times and sealed maybe 40ish bags with it.Pros: Heat sealer works great and makes a seal every time (as long as the bag is clean/drysuction seems to be well dialed in - doesn't turn the bag inside out, but doesn't leave any air in the bag either.bag storage and built in cutter are good, but not perfect... as good as any i've seen. Straight clean cuts, just need to eyeball the bag to make sure it's straight(ish).Has a liquid overflow built in - but i have never needed it, the suction seems to stop by the time liquid from things like steak leaves the bag.It also has a hose connection for use with canisters. I've used it for marinades a couple of times and it works well.Cons: In my case - i simply don't use it a lot. It takes up a bit of counter space, so i keep it in the pantry (out of site, out of mind). I can't really count that against the rating since it's not an issue with function/performance.

I love this unit!! We had been using a Kenmore vacuum sealer and it work well for a few years but lately wasn't vacuuming very well and you had to push so hard to get it to lock to seal. Needed something new and I am so glad I chose this one. The inboard holder and cutter for the bags is pretty handy but the thing I like best, besides the one touch sealing, is that when you seal the end of the bag before filling, the unit automatically seals it twice giving the bag a nice thick sealed end. At first I tried to stop it and take the bag out then I realized that it was sealing twice and the seal is thicker than my old Kenmore. I had to do two seals to make sure the end wouldn't pop with the old unit but this one takes care of that. I learned patience with this unit. I wait until it releases on it's own and every bag has sealed perfectly. If I had a complaint it would be that it sounds like an old Bi-Plane getting ready for take off. A bit noisy but I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good easy to use vacuum sealer!