Review of ZWILLING Fresh & Save Vacuum Sealer Bags for Sous Vide Cooking

Description

Efficient and Versatile Food Storage Solution

Using the ZWILLING Fresh & Save 20-Piece Vacuum Sealer Bags, Sous Vide Bags – Assorted Sizes (36800-020) has been a game-changer for my kitchen organization. The set includes 8 small bags, 8 medium bags, and 4 large bags, which means there’s a size for just about everything. From leftover soups to meal-prepped veggies, these bags have become my go-to solution for preventing food waste. The BPA-free plastic construction ensures safety, and the fact that they are freezer, microwave (without vacuum), and dishwasher safe is a huge bonus.

Ease of Use and Design

One of the standout features for me is the easy-zip closure, which makes sealing effortless. Whether I’m in a rush or carefully portioning out meals for the week, the leak-proof zipper design ensures no spills. The addition of a liquid barrier in select sets was a thoughtful touch – it prevents liquids from being absorbed by the pump during vacuum sealing. The clear plastic material makes it easy to see what’s stored inside, which means no more guessing games when rummaging through the freezer. I also appreciate how compact these bags are, saving valuable fridge and pantry space.

Performance and Functionality

The vacuum sealing process is incredibly smooth. Once you attach the pump to the silicone valve and press the button, the air is extracted within seconds. What amazed me is how the pump automatically stops once the vacuum is achieved – no need to hover over it. The result is a perfectly sealed bag that keeps food fresh up to five times longer than traditional storage methods. I even tested it with marinating chicken, and within just 30 minutes, the flavor was locked in beautifully.

These bags are also sous vide compatible, and I’ve enjoyed experimenting with sous vide cooking for precision-cooked steaks. They’ve held up remarkably well in boiling water without any issues. The practical usability of these bags stands out, whether for leftovers, batch cooking, or sous vide recipes.

Key Benefits

• Reusable and BPA-free materials make these bags eco-friendly and safe for food storage.
• The vacuum sealing system significantly reduces food waste, saving money in the long run.
• Multiple sizes (small, medium, large) cater to various needs, from snacks to full meals.
• Sous vide compatibility adds versatility to cooking options.
• Compact design ensures efficient storage without clutter.

Negative Attributes

Despite its many strengths, a few areas could use improvement:

• The vacuum pump is sold separately, which means an additional expense if you don’t already own one.
• While the bags are reusable, frequent cleaning can be tedious, especially for items like oily marinades.
• The silicone valve could be prone to wear and tear after extensive use, though I haven’t personally faced this yet.

Market Rivals

When comparing these bags to competitors like FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Bags or Anova Precision Bags, I noticed that the ZWILLING Fresh & Save bags hold their own in terms of durability and versatility. The FoodSaver bags, for instance, offer similar freezer and sous vide compatibility but lack the thoughtful liquid barrier feature that I appreciated in this set. On the flip side, the Anova bags are slightly more affordable, though they don’t feel as robust or well-engineered as the ZWILLING ones. The German engineering behind this product shines through in its build quality and attention to detail, making it a strong contender in the vacuum storage market.

Cost Efficiency

Considering the overall value for money, this 20-piece set is a practical investment if you consistently meal prep, cook sous vide, or want to minimize food waste. While the upfront cost might seem higher than standard storage bags, the reusability and extended food freshness more than make up for it. If you’re someone who regularly shops in bulk or freezes meals, these bags can save you significant money over time by preventing spoilage. The added bonus of the ZWILLING Culinary World app, which tracks food storage and sends reminders, further enhances the product’s utility.

Final Thoughts on Usability

In my experience, the ZWILLING Fresh & Save system excels in both functionality and convenience. The inclusion of different-sized bags caters to a wide range of kitchen needs, and the vacuum sealing technology ensures food stays fresh for longer. While there are minor inconveniences, like the separate purchase of the vacuum pump, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Whether you’re a busy professional, a home chef, or just someone looking to cut down on food waste, these bags have something valuable to offer.

Additional information