About a year ago I stumbled upon the Ziploc Vacuum seal storage system.  I was curious to see if the bags would work with my Reynolds Handi-Vac but while looking at the bags I noticed the Ziploc Vacuum Starter Kit for only $3.50.  I figured I didn't have much to lose if I wanted to give it a try and if I liked it I wouldn't have to continue to order my Handi-Vac bags online.  So I got myself the Ziploc Vacuum Starter Kit.

The starter kit comes with a hand-held pump and 3 quart size bags.  I had purchased some Chicken egg rolls that have 5 in a pack and I can usually only eat 2 at a time so I knew I would be putting the rest in the freezer.  I opened the starter kit and at first glance thought the pump looked like a tire pump and it does look cheap so I'm not sure how durable it will be over time but with what I paid I don't care if I have to replace it every year or so.

The Ziploc bags are similar to the Handi-Vac bags but a little crispier in texture.  The Handi-Vac bags actually have the appeal of a plastic Ziploc bag.  The Ziploc bags have a diamond weave texture and they actually make a crackling sound like you are popping bubble wrap.  There isn't a "flll line" on the Ziploc bags.  There is a large blue circle in the top right corner and within that circle is a small square where you place the pump.

You pull the handle all the way out of the pump and then press down.  With one pump you can see the air escaping the bag, the second and third pump you can actually fill the resistance as if the pump has filled up with air.  I basically emptied all air out of the bag with two pumps but gave a third for good measure.  The bag was extremely tight and I couldn't see any give in the bag.  And unlike the Reynolds Handi-Vac, I didn't have to move the food around any to manipulate the air chambers to abstract more air.

I have been known to wash and reuse the bags that I stored fishsticks, chicken nuggets or vegetables in.  If I stored raw chicken in a bag I didn't reuse it for fear of salmonella.

The Ziploc bags also have the instructions for using the product right there on the bag and there are 3 steps; which also makes it easy as 1-2-3!  There is a white area where you can write the contents and/date if you desire.  I think the refill box was less than $5.00 for approximately 20 bags.  The bags are available in quart and gallon-size but I rarely have need of a gallon-size storage bag.

I really love the Ziploc Vacuum seal system and will continue to use it.  I even gave them as Christmas gifts to friends that cook and freeze a lot.  I found my Ziploc Vacuum seal starter kit at Walmart but have since seen them in other discount stores and online and I didn't see it for more than $5 in any store.
 

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