FoodSaver Jar Sealers

I have just started using the FoodSaver jar sealers and I have to say I love them. They securely attach the lid of the jars with very little effort. I can use them on lots of things that the FoodSaver bags don't work as well for. Here's some of my thoughts on the jar sealers.

How Does the Jar Sealer Work?

The FoodSaver jar sealer works by removing all air from the mason jar and then affixing the normal jar lid which is sealed by the vacuum. You then remove the FoodSaver Jar Sealer and screw on the jar ring and you're all set. You do not need a jar sealer for every jar you want, you just need the normal jar lid.

FoodSaver Jar Sealer Benefits

Vacuum Seal Liquids

I've run into trouble trying to vacuum seal things with even a little bit of liquid, even after using my FoodSaver vacuuming liquids tip and I've discussed my thoughts on FoodSaver canister issues. Using the jar sealer helps me to seal liquids with no problems at all and the glass mason jars are very sturdy. This is also true for powders such as flour or powdered sugar.

Vacuum Marinating Made Easy

The FoodSaver Quick Marinator runs into many of the same problems the FoodSaver canisters do. Using the FoodSaver jar sealer I can achieve the same effect on most foods. Filling the jar with marinade and putting meat into it then sealing it works great. Of course, you can't use this method for large pieces of meat but chicken breast or thighs, vegetables, pork chops, and even some cuts of meat fit surprising well into the mason jar.

Save Money and the Environment!

Not only do you save money by being able to reuse jars there is also no waste when using the FoodSaver jar sealer. My biggest complaint about using the FoodSaver is the amount of plastic I have to throw away. Using the jar sealer instead of FoodSaver bags when I can helps alleviate this issue, especially for things that are regularly opened.

Downside of the FoodSaver Jar Sealer

Super Tight Seal

While this is also a positive, the seal the FoodSaver creates is very tight and can be hard to get open, especially for those of us who aren't as strong. I've found using a butter knife (not a sharp one!) or a screwdriver on a side of the lid will normally be enough to pop it up with minimal effort.

Finding Mason Jars to Seal

The FoodSaver jar sealer only works with Ball® mason jars and Kerr® mason jars. These jars have a lower rim or a short neck so the jar sealer can create a good vacuum. This is not a big deal but more something to be aware of when buying jars to use with the FoodSaver.

Not for Canning

This isn't really a negative but more of a reminder, using the FoodSaver jar sealer only vacuum seals the jar, it does not sterilize the contents and it is not a replacement for canning.

FoodSaver Vacuum Jar Sealer Tips

Before vacuum sealing, make sure both the jar and the lids are very clean, this will help greatly when sealing the jars. There also can not be any chips or cracks anywhere on the jar or the vacuum could be compromised.

If you are unsure of whether a jar you are about to open held its seal, listen for the "pop" of the air rushing out when you open it. If the FoodSaver vacuum seal held it should make an easily audible noise.

Look for wide mouth 2 quart canning jars if you can find them. They hold a lot more than the standard 1 quart or 1 pint jars and can be used to store longer items and items that are bought in bulk.

Do not open the FoodSaver lid when it's finished until you remove the plastic tube or it will break the vacuum seal.

You can also soak your jar lids in hot water to make the gasket a little more flexible, allowing them to seal more easily.

All in all I really enjoy the FoodSaver jar sealer and it is very inexpensive to use and creates very limited waste. I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

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