Like all FoodSaver machines, this one vacuums air from containers and seals bags with a simple one-touch operation. It has a manual sealing button for partial air removal and a sealing-time adjustment switch. The machine measures 15 by 5-1/2 by 4 inches, weighs 5 pounds, has a cord-storage compartment, and cleans easily with a damp, soapy cloth. It carries a one-year warranty against defects. For vacuum-sealing food in Tilia's SaverMate canisters, ordinary Mason jars, and other containers that can be topped by a Tilia VacuTop replacement lid, the kit includes a wide-mouth FoodSaver jar sealer. An instruction booklet and video accompany the machine.

The basic FoodSaver container is Tilia's three-layer VacLoc bag: it has two plastic layers and an outer nylon layer to keep moist foods (such as meat loaf or chocolate cake) moist, dry foods (such as brown sugar or flour) dry, and all foods from leaking odor. Included in this kit is one 11- by 10-inch roll for bagging, three quart size bags, and two gallon bags. For cooking, the bags can go directly into a microwave oven or boiling water. They're resealable, reusable, and dishwasher-safe. <I>--Fred Brack</I><P>Editor's note: This product's performance will be affected when it is used at altitudes of 5000 feet above sea level and higher.