The FoodSaver V3860 SmartSeal Vacuum Sealer comes in an attractive, slim, upright design and is equipped with some very nice features. Upgrades made to this unit contributes to its enhanced quality and performance.
I was really interested in learning how this unit stood up to comparable models, considering its cost. While doing research, I took notice to the following 3 attributes; 1. Its black chrome finish, 2. The included starter kit packed with accessories, and 3. Its automatic improvements.
Putting It To Work
With any vacuum sealer, you expect to be able to do basic food sealing at the least. But with this vacuum sealer, you can expect to do a great deal more. Mentioning capabilities such as marinating, meat tenderizing, packing pre-planned meals, storing extras, and packing for portion control, touch down on the basics of what can be done. It’s compact size makes it simple to tuck away in a corner when not in use. It’s attractive design makes the counter-top a preferred storing area.
Anyone can benefit from all that vacuum sealing offers. If you buy groceries or cook in excess you would gain from owning one of these units. Meats stored via regular methods such as the freezer last on average six months, maybe. When using a vacuum sealer, meats and other food items will generally last up to five times longer. So go ahead and stock up on your favorite seasonal foods and start enjoying them year round.
More on The FoodSaver V3860 SmartSeal Vacuum Sealer Review
The FoodSaver V3860 comes with everything needed to assist with basic bag packing, storing and sealing, as well as other key attributes to help take your vacuum sealing to another level. Whether you’re sealing canisters, containers, or other FoodSaver accessories, you’ll find doing so to be quick and effortless. Take advantage of all the integrated features to get the most from your sealing experience.
Key Feature
- SmartSeal Technology
- Hands-free use
- Integrated Accessories
- Makes vacuum sealing simple, effective, and easy
- Attractive Design
- Compact, upright design
- Optional Stop/Start Anytime
- Choose manual or automatic setting
- Time Saving Technology
- Automatically begins sealing once bag is inserted
- More User Control
- Adjustable settings; manual and automatic options
- Airtight Seal
- Wider sealing strip for an even stronger seal
Detailed Overview of Features
Seal Levels
2 sealing levels with a sensor for detecting moist and dry foods
Accessory Button
For the best results when vacuuming canisters and other accessories use this button. Push to start vacuuming. The unit will cut off once vacuuming is complete.
Auto Liquid Detection
Built in sensor to detect liquids and prevent spills.
Built-in Retractable Hose
Use the hose when using accessories. Pull hose out to seal and once done the hose will be drawn back in.
Built-in Roll Storage & Cutter
The built-in roll storage is a holding space for bag rolls. The integrated cutter makes creating customized bags easy.
Canister Mode
Use when vacuuming canisters to create a tight seal and when storing food in mason jars
CrushFree Instant Seal
The main purpose of this feature is to protect delicate and fragile items. Use this feature to stop vacuuming and begin sealing,
to create bags, to create seals on Mylar bags and when using the pulsevac mode.
Automatic Operation
Built in sensor detects bag and begins sealing process. The motor automatically shuts off once done. This unit has many attributes that contributes to its automatic operations.
LED Progress Lights
Keeps the user informed of current setting, progress, and unit status.
Vacuum Progress Display, lights up blue to signify vacuuming progress. Lights out indicates the process has completed. Power, speed and food indicator lights signifies the progression of each function.
Marinate Mode
This unit allows for 10 minute marinating by way of a pulsing action which tightens and release in a repeating cycle to speed up the marinating process.
Pulse Function
For manual control. Press as needed to remove air.
Upright Design
Compact, slim design for easy storage.
Vacuum Speeds
2 speed settings…normal and gentle. Default setting is set at normal. Use gentle setting when sealing items that are fragile.
Included Accessories
1 – 11 inch x 10 inch Bag Roll
1 – 8 inch x 22 inch Bag Roll
5 – Gallon Size Bags
5 – Quart Size Bags
1 – 2.5 Quart Quick Marinator
1 – 1.5 Quart rectangular canister with cheese grater
Optional FoodSaver V3860 Accessories
Pint Size Bags
Pre-cut Bags
Jar Sealer
Bottle Stoppers
Freezer Rolls
Customer Reviews
For many consumers, the FoodSaver V3860 SmartSeal Vacuum Sealer is the whole package. The range of individuals leaving reviews varied from novice to more experienced users. Many of the reviews came from previous FoodSaver owners who were looking to upgrade. Other reviews came from individuals who had never owned a vacuum sealer and decided to give this unit a try after reading the reviews. In any case, this unit is very popular. Over 60% of consumers gave it a 5 star rating.
What consumers appreciated about this unit most was design and performance. Many past FoodSaver owners swear by the SmartSeal technology and insist that the upgrades made to newer models adds to its ease of use. Comments were made on its stylish, compact design, which consumes minimum space. The marinading mode works great and is a big time saver. Regarding performance, large sealing jobs were not a problem. Those with gardens reported being able to package large quantities of fruits and vegetables with ease.
The included accessories really add value to this vacuum sealer kit. Consumers were impressed by all that is included. The extra bags and containers give users the opportunity to evaluate their need for optional accessories before investing in items that may or may not be used. For added convenience, a quick start guide is included to help users get started right away.
While most consumers were very satisfied with the V3860, there were a few who were completely or moderately disappointed with this unit. These users felt as if some older models, priced lower, were easier to use and that the manufacture’s improvements were not necessary. There were also complaints about the bag auto sensing feature not working properly.
If you’ve owned one of the older FoodSaver models, your thoughts may be similar. But if you’re okay with change, you actually favor the new technology and upgrades.
Summary
The overall ratings on the FoodSaver SmartSeal Vacuum Sealer were good. The majority of reviewers were pleased and would recommend this product to a friend or family member. Performance, quality, key features and design makes this unit worth the price.
Consumer Ratings
Average Rating 4.2 out of 5 stars
Color
Black Chrome Finish
Warranty
1 year limited warranty