ZWILLING Vacuum Sealer Bags Review Are They Worth It for Meal Prep?

Description

A Convenient Way to Keep Food Fresher for Longer

I recently gave the ZWILLING Fresh & Save 10-pc Vacuum Sealer Bags, Sous Vide Bags, Meal Prep – Medium a thorough test in my kitchen, and I must say, it’s an impressive addition to any household. These vacuum sealer bags are designed to work seamlessly with the vacuum sealer food pump, promising to keep food fresh up to five times longer than standard non-vacuum storage methods. While it has some fantastic features, there are a few things worth considering before making the purchase.

Design and Build Quality

The clear plastic design of these vacuum sealer bags is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. They’re BPA-free and come with a silicone valve and a leak-proof zipper, which ensures no accidental spills. The medium size fits a variety of items, from leftovers to fresh fruits and vegetables, making them perfect for meal prep or snack storage. I particularly liked how lightweight (just 2.08 ounces per bag) these are, which is ideal for someone like me who’s constantly moving food between the freezer, fridge, and microwave.

What really stood out to me was the easy-zip closure, which makes sealing the bags hassle-free. Even my cousin, who’s not the most tech-savvy person, managed to use these without much instruction. The bags felt durable and sturdy despite being reusable, and they held up well after a few dishwasher cycles.

Performance and Versatility

Testing these bags with the vacuum pump was straightforward. All I needed to do was fill the bag, zip it closed, dock the pump onto the valve, and press a button. The automatic air extraction was quick and efficient, leaving the food vacuum-sealed in seconds. The bags are also freezer safe, microwave safe (without the vacuum seal), and dishwasher safe, which means they integrate effortlessly into daily kitchen routines.

One of the key benefits is their versatility. From freezing leftovers to preparing ingredients for sous vide cooking, these bags cater to a range of culinary needs. I tried marinating some chicken in the vacuum-sealed bag, and the results were fantastic—the flavors infused in just 30 minutes! Plus, the liquid barrier ensured that the vacuum pump didn’t suck up any liquids, which was a relief when storing soups and sauces.

Key Benefits

• Prolongs food freshness by up to five times compared to non-vacuum storage.
• Reusable and environmentally friendly, reducing single-use plastic waste.
• Perfect for sous vide cooking, marinating, and meal prep.
• Microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, making them highly versatile.
• Easy-to-use leak-proof zipper for a secure seal.

Limitations

As much as I enjoyed using these bags, there were a few less favorable aspects. For starters, while the medium size is versatile, it might not be sufficient for larger items like whole roasts or bulk storage. I also noticed that achieving a perfect seal required a bit of practice initially, as the zipper sometimes didn’t align perfectly.

Another minor critique is the dependency on the vacuum pump, which is sold separately. If you don’t already own one, it’s an additional investment to consider. Lastly, while the BPA-free material is durable, it’s still plastic, so I wouldn’t say these are the most eco-friendly option out there despite being reusable.

• Medium size might not cater to bulk storage needs.
• Requires a vacuum pump, which is sold separately.
• Initial learning curve for achieving a perfect seal.

Competing Products

I’ve tried a few other vacuum sealer bags in the past, including ones from FoodSaver and Anova. Compared to those, the ZWILLING bags excel in their ease of use and the added benefit of being dishwasher safe. FoodSaver bags, for example, are sturdy but often require manual cutting and sealing, which can be tedious. Anova bags cater specifically to sous vide enthusiasts but lack the versatility of being microwave safe.

Where this product shines is its multi-functional design, making it suitable for sous vide, meal prep, and general storage. However, if you’re looking for larger bag sizes or a more budget-friendly option, some competitors might be worth exploring.

Financial Value

From a value for money perspective, I’d say these bags offer great benefits for the price. While they’re not the cheapest option on the market, their durability and versatility justify the cost. Considering you can reuse them multiple times, they’re an excellent investment for anyone aiming to reduce food waste and save on groceries.

If you’re someone who enjoys meal prepping, cooking sous vide, or simply keeping food fresh for longer, these vacuum sealer bags are worth considering. The ability to marinate meat in just 30 minutes or freeze whole meals without worrying about freezer burn truly makes life easier. While the initial setup might be an added expense, the long-term savings and convenience make these bags a smart addition to any kitchen.

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