I paid almost $150 for mine a few yrs ago. $64.99 with 12.60 shipping. Not bad and this has the commercial quality pump.
How usefull are those vacum bags ? I have a little method I've been using with zip lock bags. Maybe you could try it and give me an opinion on how much better a vacum bager would do. If it is worth the cost. I take a regular ziplock bag but my item(s) in it and dunk it under water. Keeping the zip lock open and above water. The water pressure drives the air out and I seal the ziplock. It seems to keep the plastic bag tight around the items and I just toss in freezer or wherever. What advantage do you think the vacum bag machine would give over the method above ?
That's a great idea for "vacuuming" ziplocks, hartage. I have a vac sealer and use it as well as ziplocs for storing foods. I have found the vac sealed items have more longevity. The bags are thicker and more durable than ziplocs.
We just got the V2040 for $80, but I don't know anything about the pump in ours. As for the bags, the vacuum bags are much thicker and tougher than a ziploc. If you buy the actual vacuum bags, they are far more expensive, but I've always been happy with the rolls of make it yourself bags. Make them as big as you like. I just vacuum packed a wool blanket for in the car kit.
I am happy that i just got Foodsaver Vac 550 Vacuum Sealer in $12.99... i am using it last 6 years..it keeps food fresh longer...Fast, easy, extremely high-quality performance...Saves food for longer periods of time, fairly easy to use...Perfect for sealing meats for storage.. for more can read... Best Foodsaver reviews vacuum food sealers review
Not sure how I missed not putting a link in the original Post... Sorry but when I googled around for it at that price, i came up with lot's of 'out of stock' web pages.