Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

For years I have craved a FOODSAVER or SEAL-A-MEAL or other vacuum sealing products but I just couldn't swallow the expense of the large units available. I liked the variety of uses and containers available but I really just needed a unit to every once in a while seal gallon and quart size bags. For years I used ZIPLOC's hand pump vacuum bags (Bags = difficult to find, expensive and the seals didn't last) and Reynold's hand held motorized vacuum system (Too much trial and error to get the pump positioned to start vacuuming...and the line was ultimately discontinued). Recently purchased the Handheld FoodSaver model as a present for Xmas and contemplated getting one for myself when lo & behold......WOOT offered the RIVAL Vacuum Sealer for 1/2 the price. I figured....what the hell?? If it sucks I can return it or I am out only a couple bucks. Be advised....The Unit is not the smallest thing & does not have a long power cord and lays horizontally so don't expect to be far from an outlet or get a short extension cord. If you are using on a countertop in front of other appliance (i.e. coffee maker) expect to be a little cramped. I started with the sample quart bags + Gourmet deli cold cuts bought = break up into 2 1-lb portions. NOTE: This unit is NOT quiet. You push down....wait for Hands-Free light & Sealing light to go on....let go....wait for lights to turn off. Hit Open/Cancel button....VOILA! in ~10-15 sec Vacuum sealed food. So far....so impressed. This unit is compatible with SEAL-A-MEAL & FOODSAVER bags and rolls...so ran off to the local warehouse club which have a package of rolls & bags for the lowest price. NOTE: This unit does not offer a bag cutter like the more expensive units.....so a pair of scissors is necessary for trimming roll material. Being at the warehouse club allowed me to pick up a variety of bulk purchase products to test the unit more thoroughly: 1) Large Cuts of meat.....Check 2) Pizza Rolls / Frozen Snacks....Check 3) Pork Chops....Check 4) Chicken....Check 5) Cheese...Check 6) Fruits & Veggies After using the unit so far like 20+ times in 2 days.....I have to say I am impressed at this little unit. It is a very cost effective alternative to larger units. Even after purchasing the package of rolls & bags.....total cost was significantly less than the cost of the basic larger units. While it doesn't have the versatility of other units with a Vacuum tube and other storage containers, or storage for rolls or a bag cutter, this unit is extremely effective if you are just looking to seal gallon & quart size bags....so I have to give it 4 stars. I will update my review at a later date to review its reliability over a long period. UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 2011 Well...the unit is still working great after all this time and many rolls of Foodsaver bags. I will note this....if you plan on sealing alot of stuff at once to create the bags ahead of time. This is because if you use the unit too many times in a row without a good period of time for the sealing coil to cool off.....it will prematurely seal the bag and all the air will not be completely removed from the bag. Also...I figure its good to not overwork the heating coil not as it is the #1 thing that breaks on Foodsavers/Vacuum Sealing units so theoretically this would be the thing to go bad 1st in this unit. Anyhoo if I am sealing a large amount of stuff....I break the food up into the pre-made bags before and....seal a bag.....wait a couple minutes....go on to the next bag....etc.