Vacuum sealers are fantastic tools for preserving food, extending shelf life, and preventing freezer burn. But if you’re new to vacuum sealing, a common question arises: can you use regular plastic bags instead of specialized vacuum sealer bags? The short answer is generally no, but the reasons behind it are more nuanced. Let’s delve into the details.
Why Vacuum Sealers Need Specialized Bags
The primary function of a vacuum sealer is to remove air from a bag and create an airtight seal. Regular plastic bags are designed for containment, not vacuum sealing. They lack the necessary properties to achieve an effective and long-lasting vacuum.
The Impermeability Factor
Vacuum sealer bags are made from multi-layered, food-grade plastic that is specifically designed to be impermeable to air and moisture. This impermeability is crucial for preventing spoilage, freezer burn, and the growth of bacteria. Regular plastic bags, like sandwich bags or trash bags, are often more porous and allow air and moisture to seep through, even after being sealed.
The Embossing Advantage
Many vacuum sealer bags feature an embossed or textured surface on one side. This textured surface creates channels that allow the vacuum sealer to effectively draw air out of the bag. Regular plastic bags are typically smooth on both sides, which can prevent the vacuum sealer from properly removing all the air. The smooth surface creates a near-perfect seal against the vacuum sealer, blocking air from escaping.
Heat Sealing Compatibility
Vacuum sealers work by melting the plastic bag together to create an airtight seal. Vacuum sealer bags are made from materials that are designed to melt and fuse together properly under the heat and pressure applied by the sealer. Regular plastic bags may melt unevenly, burn, or not seal at all, leading to a compromised or non-existent vacuum.
The Consequences of Using Regular Plastic
Using regular plastic bags in a vacuum sealer can lead to several problems, defeating the purpose of vacuum sealing in the first place.
Compromised Seal
As mentioned earlier, regular plastic bags may not seal properly. The seal might be weak, allowing air to leak back into the bag over time. This defeats the purpose of vacuum sealing, as the food will be exposed to air and moisture, leading to spoilage and freezer burn.
Equipment Damage
Attempting to seal regular plastic bags in a vacuum sealer can potentially damage the machine. The plastic may melt onto the sealing bar, causing it to malfunction. The excess heat required to seal unsuitable plastics could also overheat the sealer and shorten its lifespan.
Food Spoilage
Even if you manage to get a temporary seal with a regular plastic bag, it’s unlikely to be airtight enough to prevent food spoilage. Bacteria and mold thrive in the presence of air and moisture, so your food will spoil much faster than if it were properly vacuum sealed. Freezer burn will also occur if the bag is used in the freezer, as moisture will escape from the food and form ice crystals.
Safety Concerns
Certain types of plastic are not food-safe and should not be used for storing food. Using the wrong type of plastic can leach harmful chemicals into your food, posing a health risk. Vacuum sealer bags are specifically made from food-grade plastic that is safe for contact with food.
Exceptions and Alternatives
While regular plastic bags are generally not suitable for vacuum sealing, there are a few exceptions and alternative methods you can consider.
Impulse Sealers
Impulse sealers are heat sealers that use a short burst of heat to melt and seal plastic bags. While they don’t remove air from the bag like a vacuum sealer, they can create a strong seal on regular plastic bags. This can be useful for packaging items or sealing bags that don’t require vacuum sealing. However, keep in mind that food sealed with an impulse sealer will not have the same extended shelf life as vacuum-sealed food.
Double Bagging and Freezing
If you don’t have vacuum sealer bags on hand, you can use the double-bagging method for freezing food. Place your food in a regular freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and then place that bag inside another freezer bag. This can help to reduce freezer burn and extend the shelf life of your frozen food, but it’s still not as effective as vacuum sealing.
Zipper-Lock Bags with a Manual Air Removal
Some heavy-duty zipper-lock bags are designed to be freezer-safe and can be used to store food in the freezer. While they don’t create a perfect vacuum, you can manually remove excess air from the bag before sealing it. This can help to reduce freezer burn and extend the shelf life of your food compared to using regular plastic bags. A straw can assist to suck the extra air.
Using Vacuum Sealer on a Bag-in-Bag System
You can potentially use a vacuum sealer with regular bags if you employ a “bag-in-bag” strategy. This involves placing the food in a regular plastic bag, then placing that bag inside a proper vacuum sealer bag. The vacuum sealer bag is used to create the vacuum and seal, while the regular plastic bag simply contains the food. While this might seem like a workaround, it adds cost and isn’t a recommended solution for long-term storage or situations requiring a reliable seal.
Identifying Appropriate Vacuum Sealer Bags
Choosing the right vacuum sealer bag is crucial for successful vacuum sealing. Look for bags that are specifically labeled as “vacuum sealer bags” and made from food-grade plastic.
Material Composition
Most vacuum sealer bags are made from a combination of polyethylene (PE) and nylon. The polyethylene layer provides flexibility and heat-sealing properties, while the nylon layer provides strength and puncture resistance. Some bags may also include a layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) for added oxygen barrier.
Thickness
The thickness of the bag is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). Thicker bags are generally more durable and resistant to punctures. For most applications, a 3-mil bag is sufficient. However, for sharp or bony foods, such as chicken or ribs, a 4-mil or thicker bag is recommended.
Size and Shape
Vacuum sealer bags come in various sizes and shapes, including rolls, pre-cut bags, and gusseted bags. Choose the size and shape that best suits your needs. Rolls allow you to customize the size of the bag, while pre-cut bags are convenient for smaller items. Gusseted bags are ideal for bulky items.
Features
Some vacuum sealer bags come with additional features, such as resealable zippers or write-on panels. Resealable zippers allow you to open and close the bag multiple times, while write-on panels allow you to label the contents of the bag.
Proper Vacuum Sealing Techniques
Even with the right bags, proper vacuum sealing techniques are essential for achieving optimal results.
Preparation
Before vacuum sealing, ensure that your food is properly prepared. Wash and dry fruits and vegetables, and trim excess fat from meat. Pre-freezing soft items, like berries, will prevent them from being crushed during the vacuum sealing process.
Bag Placement
When placing food in the bag, leave enough headspace at the top to allow the vacuum sealer to create a proper seal. Avoid overfilling the bag, as this can prevent the sealer from removing all the air.
Sealing Process
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific vacuum sealer model. Generally, you’ll need to place the open end of the bag in the sealer, close the lid, and press the “seal” or “vacuum and seal” button. The machine will automatically remove the air and create a seal.
Inspection
After sealing, inspect the bag to ensure that the seal is airtight and that there are no punctures or tears. If you notice any problems, reseal the bag or use a new bag.
Conclusion
While the temptation to use regular plastic bags in your vacuum sealer might be strong, it’s ultimately not a worthwhile shortcut. The risk of food spoilage, equipment damage, and safety concerns far outweighs any potential cost savings. Investing in proper vacuum sealer bags and following proper sealing techniques will ensure that your food stays fresh, safe, and delicious for longer. Remember, the key to effective vacuum sealing lies in using the right equipment and materials designed for the purpose. A small investment in the correct bags will save you money in the long run by preventing food waste and ensuring the longevity of your vacuum sealer.
Can I use regular plastic bags in a vacuum sealer?
No, you generally cannot and should not use regular plastic bags (like sandwich bags or grocery bags) in a vacuum sealer. Regular plastic is typically too thin and not designed to withstand the vacuum sealing process. The vacuum sealer relies on specially designed bags with multiple layers of durable plastic and an embossed pattern to allow air to be properly evacuated.
Using regular plastic will likely result in a failed seal, tears, or punctures in the bag. This defeats the purpose of vacuum sealing, as air will re-enter the bag, negating any benefit of preservation. Furthermore, some vacuum sealers use a heat sealing process, which can melt or damage regular plastic bags, potentially harming the machine itself.
What makes vacuum sealer bags different from regular plastic bags?
Vacuum sealer bags are specifically engineered for the demands of the vacuum sealing process. They consist of multiple layers of food-grade plastic that provide strength, durability, and a barrier against air and moisture. This multi-layer construction prevents punctures and tears during the vacuuming and sealing stages.
Crucially, vacuum sealer bags have an embossed or textured surface on one side. This textured surface creates channels that allow air to be efficiently drawn out of the bag during the vacuuming process. Without these channels, the plastic layers would collapse against each other, trapping air and preventing a proper seal. Regular plastic bags lack this essential feature.
What happens if I try to vacuum seal food in a regular plastic bag?
Attempting to vacuum seal food in a regular plastic bag will likely result in a poor seal or no seal at all. The thin material of the regular bag will probably collapse tightly against the food, preventing the vacuum sealer from effectively removing the air. The lack of embossed channels means air gets trapped.
Even if a seal appears to form initially, it is unlikely to be airtight or durable. The bag may tear easily, or the seal may fail over time, allowing air to re-enter. This will compromise the preservation of the food, leading to spoilage and potentially rendering the vacuum sealing process useless and wasteful.
Are there any types of regular plastic wrap that can be used with a vacuum sealer?
No, regular plastic wrap is not suitable for use with a vacuum sealer. Plastic wrap is too thin, flimsy, and lacks the necessary strength and texture to withstand the vacuuming and sealing process. Its primary function is to cling to surfaces, not to create an airtight seal under pressure.
Attempting to use plastic wrap will almost certainly result in the wrap tearing or melting during the sealing process, and even if it doesn’t immediately fail, it will not create an airtight seal. The lack of structural integrity and the absence of air channels make plastic wrap entirely unsuitable for vacuum sealing applications.
Can I reuse vacuum sealer bags?
Yes, you can often reuse vacuum sealer bags, especially if they have only contained dry goods or non-greasy foods. To reuse a bag, carefully cut open the existing seal, remove the contents, and wash the bag thoroughly with soap and warm water. Ensure it is completely dry before reusing it.
However, avoid reusing bags that have contained raw meat, fish, or other foods that could potentially harbor bacteria. Also, if the bag is torn, punctured, or has a weak seal line after the initial use, it’s best to discard it to ensure a proper and airtight seal in the future. Properly sanitizing and inspecting bags before reuse is crucial for food safety.
Where can I purchase the correct type of bags for my vacuum sealer?
You can purchase vacuum sealer bags at a variety of retailers both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Many major retailers that sell kitchen appliances typically carry a selection of vacuum sealer bags. Online marketplaces like Amazon are also excellent sources, often offering a wide range of brands and sizes.
Specialty kitchen supply stores and stores that focus on food preservation products are another good option, as they often carry a greater variety of bag types and sizes, including options specifically designed for different types of food or vacuum sealer models. Always ensure the bags you purchase are compatible with your specific vacuum sealer model.
Are there different types of vacuum sealer bags, and which should I choose?
Yes, there are different types of vacuum sealer bags, and the best choice depends on your needs. Common types include rolls, pre-cut bags, and bags with gussets. Rolls allow you to customize the bag length, minimizing waste. Pre-cut bags are convenient for standard-sized items. Gusseted bags are ideal for bulky or irregularly shaped items.
Beyond shape, consider the thickness of the bag. Thicker bags provide better protection and are suitable for sharp or bony foods. For sous vide cooking, ensure the bags are specifically labeled as “sous vide safe” and are made from materials that can withstand high temperatures. Choose bags that are BPA-free and food-grade for safety.