FAQ's
Q: Why are SousBear™ Bags The Best Sous Vide and Food Storage Bags?
A: Because they are the best quality and lowest prices guaranteed! Not only that but we are one of the only trademarked all-in-one kits on the market.
Q: What is Vacuum Sealing?
A: Vacuum sealing (also known as vacuum packing) is a method of packaging that removes air from the package prior to sealing. This method involves (manually or automatically) placing items in a plastic film package or bags, removing air from inside, and sealing the package. The intent of vacuum packing is usually to remove oxygen from the container to extend the shelf life of foods and, with flexible package forms, to reduce the volume of the contents and package.
Q: Does my order ship for free and how fast will it ship?
The cost of shipping is dependent on the weight. We offer free standard shipping for all products throughout the contiguous United States. There is a surcharge for orders shipping to AK, HI and other US territories. We ship same day on all orders received before 2 pm Central Time. Any order placed after 2 pm on a Friday will be shipped on Monday. Find more details here.
Q: Will SousBear™ work with Anova, (and other) Immersion Circulators?
A: Yes! SousBear™ Kits are made to work with all name brand immersion circulators such as Anova, Joule, and more
Q: Are SousBear™ products BPA-Free, US Food Drug Administration (FDA) Approved?
A: Yes! SousBear Bags are BPA Free and are made of FDA approved materials and are phthalate free. They are safe for food.
Q: Can I use SousBear™ bags in the freezer?
A: Yes! You can use all our SousBear Bags for freezing food. Vacuum sealing is ideal for freezing because it removes the oxygen that causes freezer burn. Food stays fresh and tasty much longer.
Q: Where are SousBear™ kits manufactured?
A: SousBear Bags are manufactured in China; just down the road from where FoodSaver™ bags are made.
Q: Can I reuse SousBear™ bags?
A: Yes! They can be cleaned and re-used at your discretion. Be sure to wipe off any grease or food residue inside the bag that may affect the seal. Please take care of scrubbing the Air-Valve to protect the valves seal.
We do not recommend re-using SousBear Bags after storing raw meats, greasy foods or fish.
Q: Air was removed from the bags, but now it seems to be filling up with air, why?
A: It is possible that the seal was not secure on the bag. A wrinkle along the seal can cause leakage and allow air to enter. Sometimes moisture or food material (such as blood, grease, powders, crumbs, etc.) prevent the bag from sealing properly. In the above cases, opening the bag, cleaning the area and resealing should fix the problem.
If you are vacuum packaging sharp food items, the bag may have been punctured. Always cover sharp food items with a soft cushioning material.
Finally, fermentation or the release of natural gases from inside the foods may have occurred. When this happens, food may have begun to spoil and should be discarded.
Q: Why can't certain foods be vacuum sealed?
A: Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts give off gases when they are stored. This gas will cause the bag to expand, and the vegetables will go bad. The best way to store all vegetables is to blanch them first, then cool, dry, vacuum pack and freeze.
Q: Whats the best way to vacuum seal soft or delicate foods like berries or baked goods?
A: Place food on a cookie sheet and stick in the freezer for a while. When the food is solid, it will be ready to seal in your vacuum sealer bag.
Q: How to clean the reusable vacuum bags?
- Use soap and warm water to wash the bags with a sponge or a soft bristled brush. For tough stains, try "Five-Star PBW" or a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice.
- Take care not to scrub the air-valve when washing.
- Rinse the bag thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry by shaking off excess water and hanging up to air dry.
- Store the bag in a dry, cool place once completely dry.
We hope some of these solutions can help you. Please let us know if you have any questions and if we can be of any help to you.