Vacuum sealing food is a great way to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. While dedicated vacuum sealer bags are designed for this purpose, it is possible to use standard freezer bags with some techniques, although results may vary depending on the bags and vacuum sealer used.
Using Standard Freezer Bags with a Vacuum Sealer
Standard freezer bags, unlike textured vacuum sealer bags, have smooth inner surfaces. This smoothness can cause the bag to seal prematurely before all the air is removed. However, methods exist to help facilitate vacuum sealing with these bags.
One technique, as described in the provided reference clip from "Using No Name Freezer Bags With My Vacuum Sealer!", involves careful positioning of the bag within the vacuum sealer.
Steps for Positioning the Bag (Based on Reference):
- Lay the Bag: Begin by laying your plastic freezer bag flat within the vacuum sealer.
- Position the First Edge/Tab: Make sure your little tab (referring to the edge of the bag opening or potentially a zip closure tab) is either level with the sealing bar or just barely sticking out.
- Position the Other Edge: Then, take another one (referring to the other side of the bag opening or edge) and slip it into position alongside the first. This positioning helps keep the bag opening properly aligned within the sealer's chamber or sealing area.
- Purpose of Alignment: The bag's positioning helps to keep the opening in line with the vacuum channel and sealing bar, facilitating the process.
Cuz the um the bag will help keep it in line So lay your plastic bag in the vacuum. Sealer Make sure your little tab is either level or just barely sticking out And then take another one. And slip it.
Important Considerations:
- Bag Type: This technique is mentioned in the context of using "No Name Freezer Bags," which are typically standard, non-textured bags.
- Sealer Compatibility: The effectiveness of using standard freezer bags can vary greatly depending on the specific vacuum sealer model. Sealers designed exclusively for textured bags may struggle or fail to pull a sufficient vacuum or create a seal on smooth bags.
- Creating an Air Channel: Sometimes, hacks involve placing a small strip of textured vacuum bag material or even a straw into the opening of the regular bag to create a channel for air to escape, removing it just before sealing. The reference, however, focuses primarily on positioning the bag's edges.
- Seal Integrity: Even if a vacuum is achieved, the seal created on a standard freezer bag might not be as strong or reliable as one made on a dedicated vacuum sealer bag.
While dedicated vacuum sealer bags offer the best results for vacuum sealing, careful positioning and potentially other workarounds can allow some standard freezer bags to be sealed using certain vacuum sealers.
