Ziploc vacuum sealed bags for food storage and sous vide cooking
For home cooks exploring sous vide cooking without breaking the bank, finding affordable equipment is key. While DIY immersion circulators can solve the heating issue, vacuum sealing food used to be another hurdle. The FoodSaver, a popular vacuum sealer, often comes with a hefty price tag. Sure, for quick cooks, a simple zip-top bag with air manually squeezed out might suffice. But this method isn’t ideal for safely chilling and reheating food later. Plus, trapped air in regular bags can cause them to float, leading to uneven cooking.
Enter Ziploc and their innovative vacuum seal bags. These Food Saver Bags, paired with a low-cost hand pump, promise similar results to expensive FoodSaver systems. This article dives into a head-to-head comparison to see if Ziploc vacuum bags truly offer a viable, budget-friendly alternative for preserving food and mastering sous vide.
Seal Strength and Performance of Food Saver Bags
Ziploc food saver bags feature a unique flat, plastic valve. Sealing is straightforward: zip the bag closed, place the hand pump on the valve, and pump until air is removed. This quick process creates a vacuum comparable to the FoodSaver. Interestingly, attempts to measure the vacuum strength of both Ziploc and FoodSaver bags didn’t register significantly on a vacuum pressure gauge, suggesting similar levels of air removal.
A key advantage of Ziploc bags is the absence of heat sealing. FoodSaver’s heat sealing can be problematic, especially with moist foods. Liquids often interfere with the seal, leading to frustrating resealing attempts. While Ziploc bags aren’t a complete solution for liquid-heavy sealing (chamber vacuum sealers are better for that), they seal wet and dry foods equally well. This makes them a versatile food saver bag option.
To assess seal integrity and bag permeability, a test was conducted. Folded paper towels were sealed in both Ziploc and FoodSaver bags of comparable size. The initial mass of each towel was recorded. Bags were then submerged in a 60°C water bath for 8 hours. After drying, the towels were weighed again. Mass increase would indicate leaks or water permeability. Crucially, neither Ziploc nor FoodSaver bags showed a detectable mass increase, proving both offer excellent leak resistance when properly sealed as food saver bags.
Cost Comparison: Ziploc vs. FoodSaver Food Saver Bags
Price points can vary, but Amazon prices provide a good comparison:
Ziploc Vacuum System (Food Saver Bags):
- Starter Kit (pump & 3 quart bags): $4.20
- 1 Gallon Bags: $0.69 each
FoodSaver Vacuum System:
- FoodSaver V3460 (Vacuum Sealer Appliance): $149.50
- 1 Gallon Bags: $0.71 each
The initial investment in a FoodSaver system is significantly higher. While individual bag prices are comparable, the Ziploc system offers a dramatically cheaper entry point into vacuum sealing and food saving.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Food Saver Bags
Although Ziploc bags are slightly cheaper per bag, FoodSaver’s continuous rolls are convenient for sealing irregularly sized items like racks of ribs. FoodSaver also offers accessories like rigid vacuum canisters. These canisters are particularly useful for creating a true vacuum environment, unlike bags which are pressed against the food by atmospheric pressure. Canisters excel for vacuum-set foams, brining, or infusing foods.
Ziploc food saver bags, not requiring heat seals, can theoretically be reused. Ziploc advises against reuse due to cleaning challenges and contamination risks. However, for dry goods like rice, resealing Ziploc bags is feasible. FoodSaver bags shorten with each opening and resealing due to the heat seal.
Both Ziploc and FoodSaver bags are BPA-free and food safety tested. Ziploc bags are microwave-safe but not for boiling water. They withstood 8 hours at 60°C in a sous vide bath without damage, suitable for red meat cooking. However, high-temperature cooking wasn’t tested, and Ziploc doesn’t market them specifically for sous vide, despite “sous vide” appearing on the bags (French for “vacuum”).
Conclusion: Are Ziploc Food Saver Bags Right for You?
Ziploc vacuum bags present a compelling, affordable entry into vacuum sealing and sous vide cooking. For under five dollars to start, they eliminate a major cost barrier. They are a fantastic option for home cooks seeking effective food saver bags without a large investment. If you are looking to reduce the cost of sous vide at home or simply want a better way to store food, Ziploc food saver bags are definitely worth trying. And for an equally budget-friendly water bath solution, consider exploring DIY immersion circulator options.
