Success using 12″ chamber sealer with 16″x 28″ bag

[Scott Mark]

I was heavily into DryBag at my old home. After we moved, I didn’t get back into it because our new fridge is a side-by-side and there just isn’t as much room. But I decided recently that I was going to figure a way to make it work.

In addition, my Sinbo sealer went crazy. I could seal (as in, the initial corner seals) but after pulling the vacuum, the sealer wouldn’t go. Grr. We got some unexpected extra work and as a reward I ordered a new starter kit and some bags. In addition, I ordered a Vacmaster VP-112 countertop chamber sealer, which I’m thrilled with, and I’ve been doing all sorts of stuff with that.

The bags arrived today. I went to the Roundy’s and picked up a black angus top sirloin subprimal in the bag. It looked like it would fit in the chamber. Wups. I sized it while it was in the bag and I couldn’t close the chamber. But – wait – it would fit if I turned it sideways.

Which means I’ve got to use the Brisket bag – 16″ x 28″. Sealer bar is only 12″ wide. HHmmm.Sinbo to the rescue! I made the seals, then cut those corners off, and now I’ve got a triangle that fits the sealer bar!

The first time I ran the chamber, I got a great fit, but the standard seal time (5) was too low for the Drybag. I put the thing back in, cranked the seal time to 9 and let it rip.

Amazing success. It was everything I hoped for. The bag shrank completely tight to the meat- no paperclip, no collapsed bag, not bother at all, and a really good seal. I’m very much hoping for that kind of success when the new Sinbo arrives and I’m trying to ribeyes.

So, we’ll have aged sirloin for Christmas. I’m guessing that sous vide will increase the tenderness (sirloin tends to be a bit chewy) and this should be a very flavorful steak. It’s resting now in a 34-36F fridge, waiting for Santa.

Best wishes for a great Thanksgiving, for those of you who are celebrating it tomorrow.

[Ron Pratt]

Thanks for the addition – while most folks don’t spring for the cost of a chamber vacuum sealer it’s nice to know someone we can turn to for advice! I know some commercial drying houses use them so I know they work. Happy dry aging and Happy Thanksgiving!

[Rob Babcock]

I have a VacMaster VP215C. I’ll try that technique with my machine.

[Mike Eaket]

Hello What size is the chamber? Can you fit a whole subprimal inside?

Mike

[Scott Mark]

Information on the chamber size is _readily_ available online.

[Rob Babcock]

The specs from the vendor say Chamber Size: 11.25″ x 15.25″ x 5″. You can get half a prime in easily, probably 2/3 or more depending.

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