Vacuum Sealer

[GillettBreweryCnslt]

Hi Everyone,

As you all know I repackage all of my hops in FoodSaver vacuum bags using my trusty FoodSaver 2240. But the issue I'm having is that the bags are expensive and they are not tough enough to handle the sometimes sharp edges of pelletized hops. I have to re-pack about 5% of the bags because if one gets dropped or bumped excessively it looses seal.

So I'm looking for one of two things:
1. An alternative bag to use with the foodsaver and/or
2. A new vacuum sealer that can handle a tougher bag

There are some really nice FoodSaver models that get great reviews (like the FoodSaver 3860) but if I upgrade i still want cheaper and/or tougher bags.

Unfortunately the internet is full of conflicting reviews and I'm getting lost wading through the info available. I just need someone to tell me what to do!

Thanks

Dave

[OntarioBeerkegs]

All bags are prone to it. Even our 4.4mm industrial bags from Calflex from the USA. Usually it is just a case of friction breaking them free and no compromising of the pellets. If you nitrogen flush you get a added layer of protection and no need to worry even if pellets break free.

This is also why places are going to pillow packaging (think potato chips) and removing the vacuum altogether. We should be up and running in a few weeks with our new pillow packer. Going this route will reduce costs in packaging and in customer care. It also produces a far more stable and fresher product every time.

If you are going to vacuum pack I strongly recommend a chamber machine and nitrogen flushing at a minimum. One of those things you need to do even if not in the budget.

I have a small commercial chamber machine that needs N2 we outgrew can part with. Does flush or pillow in low volumes four 1 oz bags at a time or two one pound bags. German made built like a tank. 110V

[GuingesRock]

I was just about to ask about loosely packing with nitrogen as would put less stress on the bags? and could use thinner bags. I think it would be a good selling point. Hop Union is a big name in hops and the fact that their hops are nitrogen flushed is a big selling point. It might work out cheaper and more effective? Much longer shelf life too (I think)? I've paid the extra $6 - $10 per lb to get Hop Union N2 flushed Cascade leaf hops before.

I have had vacuum packed hops from another company packed in some kind of silver foil plastic, and often the vacuum was lost by the time they got to me, so I think it's a common problem. It worried me when there was no vacuum.

[Jayme]

Not sure where you bought the hops packed in mylar, but a number of suppliers have started doing the whole nitrogen flush, no vacuum seal. So it could just be that.

[GuingesRock]

OBK

I see they are upgrading and have a N2 pillow packing system now.