FoodSaver V3835 Vacuum Food Sealer with SmartSeal Technology, Silver/Black
by FoodSaver
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Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: FoodSaverBrand: FoodSaver
Model: T000-18005
Color: Stainless
Product features:
- Automatic vacuum-packaging system with SmartSeal technology keeps food fresh longer
- 2 vacuum speeds; 2 seal levels;canister mode; marinade mode for marinating in minutes
- Space-saving upright design; LED meter progress lights; auto liquid detection; built-in bag-roll storage
- Includes 11-inch roll, 3 quart-size bags, 2 gallon-size bags
- Measures approximately 5 by 16 by 10 inches
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of FoodSaver V3835 Vacuum Food Sealer with SmartSeal Technology, Silver/Black
Customer Review: Good Idea - Poor Execution
Summary: 2 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Like many of the reviewers here, I have been a long time user of FoodSaver products, at least 20 years. I've pitched them to friends, neighbors, and relatives. I've learned the various "tricks" to successful vacuum sealing. So when I got the opportunity to try the V3835 I jumped on it. I even read all the directions before I used it, even tho I've used one for years.
The idea for this device is good, but poorly executed. I sincerely think that the people who designed it have never used in a real world kitchen. I have limited counter space and can't leave it near food prep area, but move it frequently. This is where some of the design shortcomings are evident.
Let's start with the shape. It is pointy and slippery so you need to use two hands to move it. A handle or hand grip molded into the back would have been a good idea.
Putting the power cord recessed into the bottom is the next drawback. To use the cord you have to place it on to its curved, tippy front, dig the cord out of its tight nook and press it into the small notch on the back. The challenge when you're done with it is to get the cord back in and wrap the plug in a way it won't fall out before you get it back upright. Even Mrs. Boilermate, who is a lot more dexterous and has smaller hands, has trouble with this. A cord wrap on the back would have been more practical.
The canister hose is retracted into the machine on a reel. Another good idea. It can't get lost and is always handy...if you can get it out. It is on the lower right side at counter level. The "knob" you grip to pull it out small, smooth, slippery, and too close to the counter. Again, even Mrs. B. has trouble gripping it. Just changing the grip from horizontal to vertical would be a big improvement.
It has a built in bag cutter on the lower left corner at counter level. Push it once and out it pops, but it is too close to the counter to be useful for opening more than the slimmest of bags. Push it in again and it locks closed. It is best to leave it that way.
The next gripe is the cover for the bag storage. It latches by a clip on either side. Again, there is no "finger hole" so you have to use two hands to open it. Once open, unrolling and cutting the bag is a snap.
Vacuuming and sealing: Like many other reviewers, I had a lot of difficulty.
I cut my first bag and tried to seal it. It took several tries for the end to "take" and the clamp to activate. After filling the bag, getting the open end into the slot proved, again to be a challenge. After several tries, I finally got it to vac and seal. The motor that clamps the bag is loud. The vacuum pump doesn't seem any louder than on other models.
I tried two different rolls and pre-cut bags, and the result was the same...frustration. The fuller the bag, the harder it was to get the end into the slot. Mrs. B struggled with this operation, too.
Did the designers actually fill a quart bag with a quart of (pre-frozen) strawberries and try to vac-seal it, as I did? I tried several times to get the end smooth enough to fit in the slot, slide one end in, and guide the rest of it in. No go. Mrs. B was able to get it after several tries, but the bag went in crooked and wrinkled. Before she could straighten it and smooth it out, the clamp came down and the bag vacuumed and sealed...crooked and wrinkled.
I've gotten into the habit of double sealing my bags especially when the bag wrinkles. Unlike the old style sealer, you cannot double seal bags with this unit. It will only seal when the bag end extends into the vacuum slot, even when in "seal only" mode. In the older style, you can position the bag, close the lid and seal.
The machine seals the bag about an inch from the each end of the bag. That is understandable for the end it vacs from, but a waste on the other end. An inch may not seem like much, but it adds up. Compared to the other problems, this is a minor annoyance.
In the end, this machine is just not worth the hassle. There are just too many design failures. I'm going back to my four-year old V4860.
More FoodSaver V3835 Vacuum Food Sealer with SmartSeal Technology, Silver/Black reviews:
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Description of FoodSaver V3835 Vacuum Food Sealer with SmartSeal Technology, Silver/Black
Introducing the innovative and easy to use FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer with SmartSeal Technology. The Automatic Bag Sensing feature takes all the guesswork out of vacuum packaging. Plus the new vertical profile keeps your kitchen counter clutter-free. Other highlights include LED meter progress lights, auto liquid detection, a built-in retractable hose, an integrated bag opener, and built-in bag-roll storage with a cutter. With a sleek, upright design that takes up minimal counter space, the vacuum sealer measures approximately 5 by 16 by 10 inches.Vacuum Sealers
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