Anyone knows the mil thickness for these bags and why it would be better than non-freezer rated 4 mil zip lock bags? I understand that freezer bags should be different from normal zip lock bags in that they should be more moisture resistant to prevent odors from penetrating. Anyone knows the mil thickness for these bags and why it would be better than non-freezer rated 4 mil zip lock bags? I understand that freezer bags should be different from normal zip lock bags in... » Read More Anyone knows the mil thickness for these bags and why it would be better than non-freezer rated 4 mil zip lock bags? I understand that freezer bags should be different from normal zip lock bags in that they should be more moisture resistant to prevent odors from penetrating. « Show Less
356516
Mil thickness is only one part of the storage protection equation. A more significant part is the blend of the plastic and the way the bag is constructed. You can find cheap, thick bags out there. The cheaper bags lack the construction of Ziploc leaving more opportunity to let in air and moisture. As for Ziploc the mil thickness of Freezer is about 30% greater than storage which is about 30% greater than Sandwich.
356517
I am not sure what it the thickness in mils but it is thicker then the blue ( storage type) bags. I find that one bag no matter what is claimed is not enough in the freezer. So a pack in smaller blue ( storage/ sandwich )bags then a thicker red ( freezer ) bag and it works for me.
1877876
Yes, they can be used for freezer. However, they are not very thick so double bagging would be good and they are NOT "zipper" type bags. I am so glad to be able to find these because I have always had so many uses for just a plain quart size bag WITHOUT all the zipping parts. I was NOT able to buy plain baggies anywhere until I found them here-so I stocked up. Definitely would buy again and again as long as they are available!
781540
We use 1 mil poly bags, but look at the details to see which bags can be used in each sealer. I like Uline's Impulse sealers the best!
639842
They work great. You can get all the air out, so there's no chance for frost. It won't be quite as good if you're freezing chunks of things (since it's nearly impossible to get all those air gaps out) or if you're freezing something soft that can get smashed if you seal it too much. Still, it works very well. Much better than regular Ziplock bags. I've reused some of my bags about 3 times, but I'm sure I can get plenty more uses out of them (so long as you're gentle with them and don't accidentally puncture them).
1404428
We have a FoodSaver vacuum sealer and use these bags without issue. With the amount of bag you are forced to sacrifice between the vacuum and the sealer bar, its more like 1.5 cup useful capacity rather than a pint.
2103802
People braver than me have experimented with & succeeded in using ziplock (thin plastic) type bags on the vacuum sealers, but one such person said he wouldn't do it on a new machine, suggested getting one cheap from a garage sale, Goodwill, etc. Do a YouTube search on the topic to get more specific details. The quality of any sandwich is going to suffer after being frozen. Good quality bread freezes well. Any ingredients with a high water content that's in the sandwiches may ooze water when defrosted & cause the bread to be mushy.
509435
The Largest bag that I have found and been able to use for this unit is 10" x 15". I just took one of those bags and poured 48 fluid ounces of water inside and sealed it up no problem. So at least 48 ounces but it looks like it could handle more but I'll let you takeover testing further where I left off. If you're thinking about buying the machine, its well worth it. I think its my favorite kitchen tool and I use it at least half a dozen times a day. Its paying for itself quickly in all the food its prevented from spoiling not to mention I am now able to buy large cuts of meat, portion them and seal them in bags and freeze them for later, the net price per portion saves more money and because the air is pulled out of the bags, they can stay in the freezer for years. I ate some 2 year old snapper that had been sealed and it was as good as when we bought it. I work part time at a nice restaurant and Vacmaster is the unit used by them. I had never heard of them before,mazing machine that has a lot of creative uses beyond simply sealing food (look up quick pickle and modernist cuisine uses).
639839
They work great for freezing; that's mostly what I use them for. I have reused a few bags for dry goods, a couple times, with no issues yet. Most of my bags are used for uncooked foods, and I have not reused those. So far the system has worked well, with no apparent problems.
1281852
I don't currently have a Ziplock Freezer bag on hand for a comparison, I would say that these bags are of the same thickness. I use them all the time for marinating meat and they have never split or punctured or leaked. I will buy them again.
822370
Thickness, in mm, is not stated. However, these bags are NOT the kind that tear easily or you can stick your hand through. These are great bags that do the job well.
205245
Not sure...I haven't used them in the freezer, but they are as heavy as most freezer bags. Of course they have a typical bread tie and not a seal.
331923
I have not purchased the 5lb bag, so I cannot say for sure whether it is the same. We purchase the 25 pound bag and store them in zip lock bags in the freezer.
863988
I have 2 in the freezer now! We use them usually within two weeks so I can't speak for them after that. You could easily put inside a ziplock or other freezer item for additional protection. Please note only 4oz so fills up quickly.
128112
You may have already got your answer, but hopefully this will help. Ziplock (reg.) bags will not work, but any other heat-sensitive bag will. The heat element that the unit uses to seal the bag, needs to have a material that will respond to the heat that it supplies to secure a viable seal. That doesn't seam too clear, I hope you understand.
812422
I guess that depends on the size of your freezer. This is a gallon jug of quality with a sealable top. I would tend to use freezer bags and not risk breaking this jug in the freezer. Good freezing. JH
451594
I've had no problem with Zip Lock bags. I've found it useful to seal either brand while on a semi cushioned surface and rub your finger over the seal twice, once in one direction then from the other. The ONLY advantage or feature I see in the Food Saver brand I like is the square bottom of the gallon size. That to me is not worth double the price of Zip Lock.
1721209
It really is all about getting a air free seal. As long as I have that I have no problems. I've been using them for years. Also, don't use the bags that are made for another brand. Have never had any luck trying to go cheaper.