Looking for information on smaller chamber vacuum machines

[lindaj1]

Which of the smaller chamber vacuum packing machines work well?  I see VacMaster being used- what model if this is the preferred reliable reasonably priced machine to get?             

Edited October 11, 2017 by Smithy
Adjusted title (log)

[gfweb]

Cabellas has what looks like a good price on VacMasters

[btbyrd]

I have the Vacmaster VP-112. Most home users opt for the 112 or the 215. The 112 is lighter, has a shorter profile, and has a dry-piston pump that's maintenance free. The 215 has a pump that requires the occasional oil change, but it pulls a slightly stronger vacuum and it will last longer because moisture that gets sucked into the pump ends up in the oil, not in the pump itself. But it costs more, weighs more, is taller, and requires the occasional oil change.

 

They can both do vacuum compression/pickling and all the other modernist tricks. One's just bigger, heavier, burlier, and requires the occasional maintenance (and is slightly more expensive). Both should last a home user for a decade or more.

[btbyrd]

Even the "smaller" ones are large and heavy though. Plan out a permanent spot. I keep mine on a shelf; I know some others have theirs on carts with wheels. Still others keep it in the garage or basement. 

 

Here's my rack o' gear, with the VP112 taking center stage:

 

[palo]

vp112, not the best, but certainly the lightest. Have had no problem with mine after 2+ years of use. Weight is a factor.

 

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Edited October 12, 2017 by palo (log)

[JoNorvelleWalker]

I like my Polyscience 300.  It was the lightest unit I could find.  Weight is very much indeed a factor.

 

https://polyscienceculinary.com/products/chamber-vacuum-sealer-300-series-120v-60hz

 

[dscheidt]

On 10/11/2017 at 6:49 PM, gfweb said:

Cabellas has what looks like a good price on VacMasters

They're about 100 bucks higher than the going rate for the 215, looks like.  Didn't check other machines.

 

 

I have had a 215 almost two years.  Run a couple thousand bags through it.  Works fine.  I've changed the oil twice, and should probably do it again.  Takes me about ten minutes, and the machine came with a decade's supply at my rate. 

the other difference between the 112 and 215 is the shape of the chamber.  the 112 is not as deep, but it's wider, and use a 12" wide bag.  (I think.)  the 215 can take a 10". 

[daveb]

On 10/11/2017 at 8:29 PM, btbyrd said:

 

 

Here's my rack o' gear, with the VP112 taking center stage:

 

 

Nice rack!

[daveb]

When I was shopping chamber vacs, being able to lift/move it was important to me.  The 112 goes about 60lbs - this I can carry (not far mind you).  The others in the VM line were closer to 100lbs.  In four(?) years I've had a circuit card failure that was readily replaced, and the aux port failed.   I would do the 112 again.

[flippant]

The VP215 can fit two pint sized (wide mouth) Ball mason jars standing upright. Very handy.