Man Cave Demo: DZ-260C Chamber Sealer

*** UPDATE ***
3/25/2020
I have been using this sealer for just over a year now. It's still working fine. It only has one issue that bugs me a little. The teflon tape on the sealer bar tends to wrinkle when you are sealing a lot of bags one right after the other. The unit comes with a roll of replacement tape that you can use to fix that problem but you have to do that occasionally or you will start to get inconsistent seals. This unit also has a motor that is not entirely maintenance free. The oil has to be changed out periodically. It's not that difficult to do but it needs to be done. I did mine today for the first time after a good solid year of use. The clear oil that went into the machine originally is quite discolored now with an orange/yellow hue. I have written up a post about this on my Facebook page. If you search Facebook for #MCMDZ260CUpdate you will find it....
As far as recommendations are concerned, I still think this chamber sealer is a bargain. I have only had ONE bag come open on me since I started using this and I attribute that to the wrinkle on the sealer bar teflon tape. I did not replace it soon enough in one instance. At $350 this is definitely a true bargain. The next closest competitor in the commercial world sells for $600. I am planning to buy that one to give it a try. It has a maintenance free motor. A friend of mine who has it says he has had no issues with the sealer bar teflon tape wrinkling. It has the capability of handling 11" wide bags instead of 10". I may or may not do a review on that one when it arrives.. we'll see......
Here's an overview/demo of my new DZ-260C Chamber Sealer that I picked up on Ebay for $350 last week. This sealer has nearly identical specs to the VacMaster VP210. I decided to roll the dice to see if I can come out satisfied at well under half the price of the name brand model. This video does NOT represent a recommendation at this time. I will do another video in six months or so after I have had a chance to give this sealer a real life workout.
#ChamberSealer #VacuumSealer
Follow me on Facebook for a lot of additional content: / mancavemeals
Instagram: / john_setzler
Thanks!

[@rayc.8555]

So I bought one exactly like this one from ebay two months ago and I have been using the hell out of it. I sealed ammo, all my antibiotics, meds of all kinds, food of all kinds. You nsme it I sealed it. Its is a great tool.

[@jamesbusbee817]

Appreciate that you posted this ... I had chatted with you about this one about 5 Months ago .... So glad I did , I finally bought one similar to that one ... around the same price .. and am so fortunate that it arrived before this outbreak we are going through ... I have used it to put up over 120 lb of meat ... A lot of other items like homemade Beef Jerky , Elbow Macaroni some small first aid kits ...and many other things .... will be using to put up flour, sugar, salt too for long term storage ..... I have been using a 27 sec vacuum time, 1.2 sec Seal and 2.2 Sec Release .... My favorite ... bag is actually the 6 x 10 .... I have 8 x 10 and 8 x 12 ... also , but the 6 x 10 holds .. a decent portion of meat .... for a meal ... for one.

[@jeremymurphy2626]

James what settings are you using now? How is it holding up?

[@frankbalao392]

Been using this. Machine for over a year now and very satisfied with the performance

[@disonesto]

If you want to seal larger jars. All you have to do is tee off the vaccum line to a jar adapter. Just make sure to set your seal timer to zero.

[@NuttyElf]

Great video, just got one myself and your instructions helped a ton. The instructions that come with the machine are incomprehensible.

[@saxmang2000]

How are you liking yours?

[@NuttyElf]

@@saxmang2000 works perfectly, just as well and probably made in the same factory as the vacmasters.

[@ToddCopeland]

Just an update... I have been using mine for a solid year now and use is a _LOT_. Never any real issues. I did replace the Teflon tape with some premium tape I bought on Amazon. Pretty easy and it works just fine. I've changed the oil about 3 times over the past year. As I understand this, this is very important for maintaining the pump. Takes about 10 minutes and is super easy.

[@RjMacProductions]

What "premium" Teflon Tape did you buy? How has it held up? Thanks!

[@gordon6029]

Just about time for an update. I’m thinking about buying one.

[@ManCaveMeals]

Working fine still...

[@gordon6029]

ManCaveMeals thanks. I figure you take care of them they will be fine eh.

[@raymaondg5618]

Thanks for the update...The Vacuum pump thats in that thing sounds like the one we use in automotive A/C work and thats why you can boil water like it was doing and thats why you had the air bubble in the water. I was looking at purchasing a food saver but now im definitely doing to get a vacuum chamber. Thanks for the video

[@michaelshen1226]

Just Bought one on Vevor before watching your video, but now I can sleep well tonight. Thanks!

[@davidl7672]

gah!!! i didn't need to know about that site. now i want an automatic orange juicer or olive oil press.

[@michaelshen1226]

@@davidl7672 Right? Before I found Vevor I was gonna pay about 5 times more for another gaget locally. Free shipping too! Faint*

[@travelswithdan6850]

Laugh me too. Yes Vevor can be a bad habit to get into. they have so many "Useful" things.

[@tothehilt]

Thanks for demonstrating with liquid. Great video! Thorough and informative. I was looking at these on eBay and came to KZbin and found your video. We’ll done and thanks for supporting KZbin as a source of information!

[@CroakerOutdoors]

Appreciate the vid and your insight into the machine. Going to go with the VacMaster 230 myself. VM makes their teflon tape adhere to the sides of the sealing bar and might be worth a shot to avoid the crinkling.

[@YOURSHOESAREUNTIED]

Thank you for doing this review...been in the same boat as you. Hard to pull the trigger on a $900.00 sealer... These Chinese ones have definitely been teasing me.

[@FireWaterCooking]

Looking forward to see if this lasts 6 months! Great walkaround!

[@ToddCopeland]

Just a note on this unit, the motor is 120 watts, which is a good measure for how much vacuum it will pull (as I read). Weston sells units that start as low as 200 watts and go up to 900 watts. VacMasters are 400 watts. A Food Saver sealer is about 120 watts. So this unit might not pull a much better vacuum then a typical Food Saver. One difference is a Food Saver style machine sucks air out of a bag which makes it inefficient. But regardless, the vacuum pump on this unit appears to be far less powerful than the more expensive units.

[@ManCaveMeals]

Todd Copeland it pulls a far superior vacuum to any of my food savers. In fact, it will make a food saver sealed bag blow up like a ballon inside this vacuum chamber.

[@jeffhack6839]

@ 120W the motor driving the compressor would be a 1/6 HP. It no doubt is a vein type compressor which delivers much better vacuum per watt. Chamber size determines vacuum power required. A vane pump is MUCH more efficient than a piston pump.

[@trueintellect]

Absolutely the best video about this machine! Thanks alot!

[@kenweller2032]

2:25 The Maintenance free machines are dry pump, no oil. They are inferior in almost every respect to an oil pump like this. They are less efficient and very noisy. Oil pumps are trivially easy to maintain. Unless you have ZERO mechanical aptitude, go with an oil pump.

[@ManCaveMeals]

Agreed.. the jvr sealer that I am using now has an oil pump

[@CroakerOutdoors]

There's a nice sale on the vacmaster 210 which is maintenance free, but yeah from what I have been reading, it's go with the oil.

[@scottprine6155]

I would assume the VacMaster is also made in China. And, this is an oil lubricated motor so it is like the VacMaster 215, not the air cooled 210. The oil version lasts longer and is quieter and vibrates less. The ones without oil vibrate so much the pressure needle is whipping back and forth. For $350.00 I think I have just found my vacuum sealer! Thanks for the video.

[@ManCaveMeals]

Scott Prine it is quiet.. its quieter than my foodsaver...

[@davewilson1411]

Yep. I started with a 210 and upgraded to a 215. The 215 is noticeably quieter, a little faster and pulls a slightly tighter vacuum The oil based motor is supposed to last longer if you maintain it.

[@CCoburn3]

Two things. When you are putting oil in the machine, the case opens like a clam. The hinge is on the bottom front. Second, the oil is REALLY slow to show up in the oil level window. It's really easy to overfill the oil reservoir. I'd advise putting in a little oil and waiting for about a minute to add more. And, if you do overfill the machine, the only way I could find to drain the oil is to turn the machine upside down. But there may be a drain plug somewhere that I didn't spot. The instructions are PITIFUL. But watch this video a few times, and you will get the hang of things pretty quickly.

[@tomluque]

The metal ribbon in the clear bag is a replacement heating element. Use the special tape over the element so plastic does not melt on the metal ribbon. Wish you would have shown in the book where the add oil screw is.

[@andyjochem2153]

Any updates on the sealer? Getting ready to pull the trigger on one and wanted to know how its working for ya.

[@MMichaelJJ07145]

Andy Jochem also wondering.

[@humansloth4096]

I have had mine for about 5 months and I love it. Only problem I had was the teflon tape of the sealing bar. Some holes had burned through. I replaced the tape with the spares that were included and now it works fine. Otherwise the quality has been fine and the vacuum pump works great.

[@coolobuttface]

they make great marinaters ya know

[@TrailVapor]

long term review needed: all Chinese export stuff lasts a few days

[@ManCaveMeals]

Still working perfectly

[@maddog45auto66]

Is your $350 chamber vac still working good? Thinking about buying one

[@ManCaveMeals]

it is but its not my main unit anymore... but this thing is definitely worth the price.

[@maddog45auto66]

@@ManCaveMeals Thank you for getting back with me I enjoyed watching your video and inspired me to buy one thanks again take care

[@michaelagnew7825]

great review

[@tublily]

Thanks for the video! What's the biggest object that can be put into it? I'm curious about the maximum height available between the bottom of chamber and the lid

[@ManCaveMeals]

there is not enough room for somethign like a pork butt or a whole chicken

[@machariagitau8659]

Can you seal the plastic bags with the same machine without vaccuming? Maybe if I reduce the vaccum time? Asking because I have tube bags that are open on both ends.

[@ManCaveMeals]

I dont know.. this machine isnt designed to work with that type of bag but you could probably make it work

[@Buldgr]

Just curious if that machine is still working?

[@mitchellsewell275]

The air bubble in the water test was there when you put the water in the bag. Had you been more careful I think you would have had no air bubble. I will test it myself soon. Mine just arrived today. I am picking up vacuum pump oil tomorrow at NAPA.

[@ManCaveMeals]

Is an air bubble in a bag of liquid gonna cause a problem?

[@mitchellsewell275]

Man Cave Meals Not likely. I was just noting its origin. I don’t believe the bubble is an indication of any weakness in the performance of the unit.

[@mjstef71]

Is the lid tall enough to seal a quart jar lying flat???

[@ManCaveMeals]

yes.. but they have an add-on canister that works with this sealer that is big enough to hold larger jars and multiples of smaller ones

[@coolobuttface]

I'm sold

[@saxmang2000]

I'm on the fence with this model and watching for reviews on it.

[@ManCaveMeals]

I am happy with it so far. I have replaced the teflon tape on the sealer bar once because it wrinkled up some. I am gonna order a replacement roll of that form amazon and see if it's any better quality than what comes with it.

[@NuttyElf]

@@ManCaveMeals that happened to me as well, I have reduced the sealing time to 1.0 and seals the same. Less heat on the tape should last longer.

[@jonblack7066]

Hi. There's a little bit of oil smell when I operate the vacuum. Is that normal? Does it mean that I overfilled the pump? Should I drain it? Thanks!

[@ManCaveMeals]

I dont know.. I dont have that semi cant make a recommendation

[@jfabritz]

That is probably right. If you overflow, the oil gets sucked into the exhaust which is inside the unit. Drain some of the oil and make sure when the unit is cool that is it filled no more than half way (between min/max on sight glass).

[@mib20000]

so I just purchased an avid armour usv20 for 399.00 . so gamble with the chinesium DZ-260 or keep the usv20

[@ManCaveMeals]

They are all 'chinesium'. take your pick. If you are concerned about any gamble then I would avoid the DZ-260 because i don't know where your suppport would come from on that. See my more recent video on the JVC Industries Vac100. I have finally settled in on THAT one as my go-to here. It's more expensive but I'm tired of farting around with this stuff trying to find the perfect solution. The JVR is as perfect as it can get in my opinion.

[@jamesbusbee817]

I am looking for one too.... looks like I will probably try this myself. Thanks for the video showing how it worked for you as I was also wondering about it. Was tickled to see this video.... A question 1. Are you noticing that per the gauge , a full vacuum (max capacity for unit) is being pulled in less than the 45 seconds on most items and have you experimented with it by tried a 35 second vacuum time. 2. Have you tried a 1.1 or 1 second seal time. 3. Do you feel the acrylic top works fine a little assist as I do not see that being an issue. 4 . How long did it take for you to receive your unit? Any info is greatly appreciated Thanks again so much for the Video regardless.....

[@ManCaveMeals]

I have mine set at 40/1.0/1.1 and I'm not having any issues... I don't know if the gauge goes all the way to the far mark or not .. It always gets at least almost there... It tends to go farther depending on how full i have the chamber obviously. The vacuum is very adequate at least on everything I have sealed with it so far. I haven't had any issues at all with the acrylic top. Mine showed up here about 4 or 5 days after I ordered it.... It came much quicker than I expected it would.

[@coolobuttface]

JUst what I need. I like it. food saver bags -- bye bye

[@packratswhatif.3990]

I see room for some Modifications to this unit. Like a deep pan so one could fit 1/2 gallon jars in or maybe 1 gallon jars into it. Yeah, purchase the unit then break it down for some serious changes. Wish I could just buy the chamber with lid only (and heater bar) .

[@carlfrederick7780]

Couldn't you just change out the lid?

[@jeffhack6839]

I just pulled the pin and ordered one. DIY is what I was looking at BUT for the price (455.00 delivered C$), not complaining. Will modify electronics for more ease and variation of use, nothing more. Should anyone need more than what this machine delivers, Only $$$$$ are required.

[@carlfrederick7780]

Jeff Hack umm, I was looking at this machine as well, then saw diy versions for 30 bucks and an old fridge. magnet for ziplocks, gallon jars possible. was a nobrainer for me, gonna make one next week

[@jeffhack6839]

@@carlfrederick7780 Get a channel. Videos of your process would be awesome. Post in 'Howto and Home" I thinks. Just make sure to wear the proper PPE. Use your own money as your significant other will, well, ( wonder where all the money went ). Just sayin'.

[@cyrilagnew7651]

Does it do mylar bags? I'd yes how thick??

[@ManCaveMeals]

I dont know on this one. My JVR Indistries Vac100 will but I don't know the thickness specs

[@NC-oc3ld]

Couldn't you just lay down the jars to seal them?

[@roynielsen1911]

Thanks for the video! Can a quart mason jar fit in the unit laid down? Obviously not with liquid or powder in it, I'm thinking for dehydrated fruits and vegetables as a staging area while waiting for other items to finish dehydrating before bagging.

[@ManCaveMeals]

Roy Nielsen it might.. dont have any quart jars around here to try it

[@ManCaveMeals]

Roy Nielsen it might.. dont have any quart jars around here to try it

[@quantumchang4410]

Great review. Can it seal aluminum mylar bags?

[@TweedleDeez]

Anyone know where to get sealing strip parts for this?

[@ManCaveMeals]

I ordered teflon tape to use on mine from amazon

[@rociocarbajal9040]

Hey men!! thank you for the post.it is very usefull. how long do you use it evry day? cause i am thinking to buy one and i will need it to use for maybe 3 hours daily

[@ManCaveMeals]

I would NOT recommend THIS unit for that much work. I would want one that had some sort of warranty and support system.

[@timothybinford61]

Just want to inform you that in general the higher better build machine actually use an oil filled pump they are faster and last longer that oiless versions the vp210 is oiless the vp215 has an oil pump. Remember when you vacuum pack liquids water it actually boils producing vapors which get into pumps oiled pumps will clean the water out of pumps and when oil turns milky it should be changed the oiless pumps will wear out faster do to water and wear...l also oiled pumps generally vacuum much faster than oiless.

[@ManCaveMeals]

I have actually discovered that vacuum packing liquids is much easier if you simply reduce the vacuum time to about 1/2 to 1/4 of the normal time. It keep it from boiling the liquid from the extreme low pressure and you end up with as good of a vacuum as you need for it.

[@timothybinford61]

ManCaveMeals also oiless pumps are much quieter I am glad you showed this vacuum sealer off I will probably buy one in future as an extra one since my vp320 is over 200 lbs and hard to travel with

[@ManCaveMeals]

@@timothybinford61 This cheap one is as quiet or quieter than my foodsaver. I am not trying to promote this as something that is better than any of the premium models of chamber sealers. It's just one of those things where I decided to take a gamble myself because I don't believe *I* would personally spend the $$$ to have one of the premium models for home use. One of two things is going to happen as a result of my test with this. 1 - it will work fine and I'll be happy with it for a long time or 2 - it will fail and I will have become spoiled on having a chamber sealer and I'll replace it with one of the premium models. :)

[@fishhuntfamily]

Great review...How is the unit holding up?

[@nogrey]

How do you feel about it now? Is it still a good vacuum sealer in your opinion? Any issues?

[@spangler2k3]

do you have a link to those bags on amazon? i smoke alot of cheese and those look perfect for individual sealing. Thank you for the video

[@np8781]

Any updates on how well it's held up? Almost at the one year mark.

[@ManCaveMeals]

No issues at all so far

[@np8781]

@@ManCaveMeals Thanks for that quick reply!

[@amuseonx]

Okay, I got the unit... I had the seal timed at 1.5 and it burned through the plastic. I lowered it to 1 and it didn't get all of the air out. I'm still playing with it.

[@ManCaveMeals]

I have mine set at a 35 second vacuum, 1 second seal, and 1.1 second cooling. The seal and cool times may vary depending on the thickness of the bags you are using.

[@parrothead454]

I have order 2 of these units from 2 different sellers on amazon. Each one came with oil leaking and covering exterior of unit. Did yours come half full of oil and leaking?

[@ManCaveMeals]

No. I believe I mentioned either in the video or the description that oil was NOT included with this unit and that I had to buy it separately.

[@arielacostapr]

Hi!, Do you know how I can find the sealing belt replacement part? I've tried to contact the seller, even the company, and nothing.

[@ManCaveMeals]

Ariel Acosta i have no clue where you might get replacement parts on a product like this.

[@apoetcalledanya]

Video on how to replace heat strip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imi5qXZ-bL6DjMU

[@stevenbosler7054]

How can you seal bags if you buy them in rolled form, other then running it all the way through a sealing process.

[@ManCaveMeals]

You can run a cycle with a 1 second vacuum cycle

[@GeeNiusPix1]

How has it held up sealing foods? Steaks, Burgers, meat with marinades or Vegetables? The price is fantastic. There are a lot of look a like and similar model numbers out there. At least you have an informative video which has helped me a great deal so far. I'm "watching" one now on ebay. Let me know how you've fair out after you've had it 6 months. Thanks, G

[@ManCaveMeals]

I have had no issues with mine so far. I am very pleased with the results I'm getting from this sealer.

[@shermdog6969]

Can you do a video on doing a whole chicken?

[@rh5549]

Hey i just bought one, what is the max size bag you can use in these?

[@ManCaveMeals]

10x12 is the biggest I used

[@rh5549]

@@ManCaveMeals right on thanks for the reply

[@theodoremiller2953]

Any updates on this unit?

[@humansloth4096]

What thickness vacuum sealer bags do you find work best? 3 Mil or 4 Mil? I have found that the sealing bar burns right through 3 Mil bags.

[@ManCaveMeals]

I think everyrthing I have is 3 mil... if you are burning through them you need to back the time setting down on the seal

[@humansloth4096]

@@ManCaveMeals Thanks for the info. I had already dialed back the sealing time to 0.7 seconds. In my case I think the issue was the teflon tape. It had some holes burned through it. I replaced the teflon tape with the spares that came with the chamber vac. No problem sealing now. I think I will buy some extra teflon tape for the future.

[@markjoiner8146]

Do you have the link to your 6month review?

[@ManCaveMeals]

I didn't do a new video review. I updated the video description here to include that.

[@jason3000tt]

very nice review, but 45 seconds is a bit much.

[@ManCaveMeals]

I played around with a lot of different settings. This thing was new to me when I did this video. 30 and 35 seconds is adequate for most things.

[@WanderlassS]

Are you still using it? Have u encountered issue the past yr?

[@ManCaveMeals]

I have switched through two more chamber sealers since I got this one. This one still works great. You just have to replace the Teflon tape on the sealer bar periodically

[@10colt01]

Does the white bar meet the sealer bar when the lid is closed? My sealer bar is free floating in the machine I believe

[@ManCaveMeals]

Only during the sealing stage

[@10colt01]

Man Cave Meals awesome thanks man. I just vacuum sealed every loose item in my home

[@frangourdet]

How's the vacuum sealer now? Was it worth the cost?

[@ManCaveMeals]

Fran Gourdet working great and still happy with it

[@frankbalao392]

How much this unit weighs

[@ManCaveMeals]

frank balao its heavy.. i would guess 60 lbs

[@jfabritz]

21 kilos or about 46 lbs.

[@kevinhill3549]

Has it lasted?

[@ManCaveMeals]

Kevin hill yes. No problems so far

[@kevinhill3549]

I'm going to purchase one today if I don't have to pay a thousand bucks I'm not

[@voiceofintelligence]

Do you know if this will seal a 5 mil mylar bag?

[@ManCaveMeals]

Idon't know about mylar.

[@rayc.8555]

Yes. it does for me.

[@Ryanyu2001]

Can it fit size 11 width plastic bags?

[@ManCaveMeals]

10" is about the max you can seal on the sealer bar with this one.

[@Elkmonger]

One year later and that machine is $520. A 150% increase.

[@mitchellsewell275]

Just ordered on eBay for less than $350 including the NJ sales tax.

[@Elkmonger]

@@mitchellsewell275 Thanks I never looked on Ebay. Google had DZ-260's in that price range but the fronts were different. Some had real high shipping prices. What you found is perfect. Good luck with it and thanks for letting me know. Ima get one.

[@mitchellsewell275]

I tried to copy the screen shot of my order for you. I am unable to get that to work so here is the information: Description: 120W Table Top Chamber Vacuum Sealer Digital Vacuum Packing Machine 10" Seal Bar (173421955264). FYI the price increased immediately after my purchase but it is still reasonable. The item ships from CA but the seller is Hong Kong based.

[@mitchellsewell275]

I received my unit today. I will get oil from NAPA tomorrow and give it a go.

[@Elkmonger]

@@mitchellsewell275 Great JM So since I posted last my Daughter's school started On-Line schooling and she needs a new computer and decided she would like a notebook Air. Starts at $1k, reviews say upgrade processor, I say upgrade memory, she wants a mouse and of course some accessories. $2k later we're waiting for it. That escalated quickly :-( Maybe next month. As long as I get one by Archery season I'll be happy.

[@TheEvilmooseofdoom]

Updates..?

[@ManCaveMeals]

Lensflare Deviant its still working perfectly

[@TheEvilmooseofdoom]

@@ManCaveMeals Well, I pulled the trigger myself. Expect it tomorrow.

[@airlar4857]

Get what you pay for.. Chinese companies buy US made products, reverse engineer them, and then build their knockoffs with cheaper components. I hope it holds up for you

[@ManCaveMeals]

I think I made it very clear in this video that this was a gamble at best

[@900stx7]

For basically the the same U.S. made unit, you will pay three times as much for a slightly better product. So unlike the American unit, with the Chinese unit you actually do "get what you pay for".

[@airlar4857]

@@900stx7 "slightly better"... that's when I knew you were a fool. You keep buying the cheap shit (and replacing it with more cheap shit each time it breaks), and I'll buy US made, once.

[@900stx7]

@@airlar4857 You just keep on overpaying . Whatever makes you happy.

[@airlar4857]

@@900stx7 your argument and opinion are blatantly on the clown side, given the results of the video, but you keep buying cheap Chinese crap to replace the Chinese crap that already broke. When you're on your 3rd or 4th widget and you've paid double what I paid, maybe you'll wise up. If not, maybe you can get a marketing job for the CCP. Best of luck!