I use this everyday. It's sooo much better than the previous Foodsaver. I love that it is hands-free - you put the bag in, lock it down, and vacuum! For someone with carpal tunnel or arthritis, this makes it much easier than the ones on which you have to press. I love the way you can interrupt the vacuum cycle and go right to sealing which avoids crushing delicate items. I love the way the bags are stored inside and the canister hose is stored on the back - easy to locate.
One problem I've read about with the Foodsaver is the canisters leaking. I've decided that most likely this is not really a leak. Whenever it seems like my canisters won't vacuum properly, I check the lights to see if they are cycling properly. If not, I first unplug the hose and then reinsert, switching the ends. I don't know if the switching is the thing that makes it work or I'm just making a better seal when I do this but it usually that takes care of the problem. If that doesn't work, I wipe the seal and the rim of the canister with a damp cloth to make sure nothing is on it that will interfere with the vacuum. I've not had a "leak" since.
Now that my husband and I are empty nesters, it's easy to waste money on food. Usually, we have to buy too much which ends up spoiling or in small portions which is too expensive. Now, we can buy family portions and vacuum the leftovers for later. I use this on lettuce (keeps it two weeks with no brown spots or wilting), bread, fresh fruit & vegetables, nuts, meat, leftovers, and more. It's well worth the money!
