VacMaster Pro 380 vs Weston Pro 3500-3000

[@bobkos333]

Your wild noise is from one of the cooling fans. They get dry bushings and make this noise. My Pro-2300 did this from the time I bought it till the day I took the fan all apart and lubed the bushings.

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks!

[@Nini330zsg]

After 6 hours of vacuum sealing research, hundreds of review video, you helped me decide! It’s a really good review video!

[@bobbygfl]

Ami Li thats great! Thank you for the comment!

[@incanada83]

Jing Li, Hi :-) Did you find one? Everywhere I looked, both are out of stock :-(

[@Nini330zsg]

@@incanada83 i recently found the weston 3500 on amazon, but it had minor problems just after a few uses still usable, but now going in on my 3rd month, i believe the fuse went out... :( is it just me or i feel like everything i buy from amazon breaks down within a year nowa days good luck

[@incanada83]

@@Nini330zsg hey , thanks for writing back :-) I looked up reviews on this (and few other) vacuum sealer and it doesn't look all that good (I'm not even sure who's really writing those reviews). I don't think it's amazon, I think it's just plain crap nowadays, with most of what one can buy. Check it out if it's fuse or not. Maybe you just got a "lemon"? Or...exchange for another unit? There are exceptions but most of the things I try to buy (small appliances, clothing, gadgets etc) are old (or Retro). All of them work better and were made to last. Now....I'm so undecided what maker of food sealer to buy. I'm beginning to wonder if I could use my vacuum cleaner; it could suck carpet fibers out of carpet LOL

[@Nini330zsg]

@@incanada83 i totally agree with you retro last way better. lol vaccum cleaner works awesome if you can just figure out the sealing part.

[@bhonest1902]

Just purchased the Weston 3500 from Amazon with a 4 year warranty. Thank you!!!!

[@bobbygfl]

B Honest awesome!! You’ll love it. It’s a beast.

[@1brokenbychrist]

Best comparison video on these 2 different units hands down! Thank you it helped me a lot!

[@bobbygfl]

Thank you!

[@dianaoprea23]

Thank you for taking the time to do this video review. It helped me to make a decision which Vacuum Sealer to buy. Placed the order. Hope it will prove itself price worthy. Thanks for good explanation.

[@bobbygfl]

DIANA OPREA awesome! Enjoy. Love the clamp down feature on both. You can’t really go wrong with either.

[@sealerdave]

I thought up the idea for the Weston Pro-2300 in 2006 and sold the first Weston Pro-2300 ever made , its the best unit made. I have sold hundreds in the past the 3500 looks like an improvement definitely, the best value plus all parts are available in USA

[@bobbygfl]

Dave wow very cool. I have to admit the unit has performed perfectly I love it.

[@cookingwithcad6382]

Great video. I am about to pull the trigger on a Weston Pro 2300 as I need an upgrade from my FoodSaver units as I am now vac sealing my whole smoked briskets. Thanks again for a very educational video and I look forward to your future content.

[@bobbygfl]

COOKING WITH CAD thanks!! You’ll love it.

[@full_metal2452]

Is the 2300 just smaller than the 3000?

[@bobbygfl]

LaRueOBR556 yes.

[@dustinwiggins3686]

Hey Yolo! Been using the 3500 for a week or so. AMAZING MACHINE! thanks for the comparison video!!!

[@bobbygfl]

Dustin Wiggins that’s awesome. Thank you!

[@sandrawadsworth6883]

Thank you for the video, I went with the Weston Pro-3500 because of the dual seal. I am in the process of trying to get it to work because it was sold as turns on but doesn't start. Hopefully I get it up and running cause I love it from watching your video.

[@bobbygfl]

Sandra Wadsworth thank you! Mine is still going strong. Hope you get it operating.

[@bobbygfl]

Sandra Wadsworth their customer support is very good if you call them.

[@sandrawadsworth6883]

@@bobbygfl So I got it working!! I don't know why but the Ebay seller said it was a return, turns on but doesn't start. I got it and found out they took the control board off and half the screws were missing too. Got some screws at Ace and had to get some fiber washers cause the back vibrated loud but so far its working like it should. Not a bad $170 investment I would say. Now on to having fun with foods. Thanks again for the videos

[@bobbygfl]

Sandra Wadsworth thats awesome! A bargain and a great machine! And the best part is you fixed it yourself.

[@johnbaptist7476]

Hello friend , I have VA Master 3000 , why it does not vacuum good enough to seal it ? Thank you for your response 🧐👍🙏👌

[@bobbygfl]

I’d start with the heat tape.

[@zanzibarbob7]

Great review. I bought the Weston 3500 about two years ago. It worked great until it didn't. It just stopped pulling vacuum. No decrease in performance, just stopped. Starts up and you can hear the fans spinning normally, and seals but no vacuum. I tried different bag styles, but no luck. I have only used it lightly as I have a chamber vac I use most of the time, but when I need something to seal that is larger, I use this. I contacted Weston for some help but they were limited in advise. What I am looking for is the probable cause of the issue so I may advise someone who can help me with a repair. I know this is a long time after your post. Please advise if you can. Thanks!

[@bobbygfl]

Check out my channel I posted on what’s inside video. The diaphragm probably fell off the frame or has a hole in it and cracked.

[@cribb6900]

Your review helped make a decision today. I did however buy the 3000 because apparently weston no longer give a warranty for the 3500

[@bobbygfl]

You’ll love it. The latches I never use. Overall it’s the same unit.

[@cribb6900]

@@bobbygfl I hope so. We buy meat at the meat market to last us one or two months at a time. The last vac ( $60 bucks on Amazon) I had couldn't keep up. It would struggle after about 10 bags.

[@dustinwiggins3686]

Great Video! Definitely sold me on the 3500!!!

[@bobbygfl]

Dustin Wiggins thank you!

[@bobkos333]

I don't understand the purpose of the vacuum timer unless you are constantly vacuuming the same identical package wit hthe same identical content. I messed with it and it often fell short of proper vacuum because it timed out. Any thoughts on a practical use for the home user (or commercial user)?

[@bobbygfl]

It’s exactly for that. This is a commercial unit designed for the medical weed market. Sealing the same content size weight many times again and again.

[@kwd57]

The 3500 uses time to set vacuum and the 380 uses the actual vacuum amount, which is a reason I went with the 380. Time may not always give you the same result, since the bags are not always the same size. The 3500 does look like a nice machine. If you just want to seal the end of the bag, you don't have to put the end of the bag in the vacuum bay, just put in over the sealing bar. Good video, thanks.

[@707SonomaComa]

Wow, nice observation. How did you know that?

[@kwd57]

@@707SonomaComa I said a few things here, so I am not sure what you are asking about, but I have been vacuum sealing since the late 80's. If you want to ask about a specific thing, I will answer it for you.

[@707SonomaComa]

@@kwd57 about the vacuum suction power.

[@kwd57]

@@707SonomaComa I think you are asking about timed vac. vs actual vacuum. If the machine uses an adjustable time period to run the pump, it will most likely over vac. or under vac. the product you have in the bag. Any changes in the size of the bag or the amount of the solid mass in the bag will change the amount of time to run the pump to get the desired outcome. If the machine has an adjustable vac. function, it will give you the same amount of vacuum in the bag, no matter the size of the bag or what is in it. It makes it much better when you want to vac, seal something soft like bread, so you don't squeeze it to much. I chose the Pro 380 because of that function. Its too bad they don't sell it anymore. I hope this answers your question.

[@bobbygfl]

I set mine too I think 12 seconds of vacuum but I always stop at early

[@cmsandovalen]

Thanks for the review, appreciate your help, I think I will go for the Weston sealer.

[@bobbygfl]

Carlos Sandoval thanks for the comment! Honestly if I didn’t have access to the other one and it wasn’t kind of a one of a kind I would too.

[@tri-forceblades3123]

I just got a brand new one still in the original manufacture packaging. The tape on the outside was almost dry rotted. Lol This thing is a beast. Thank you again for reviewing this sealer. I do have a question about where you got the information dealing with the use of sealing Cannabis flower.

[@bobbygfl]

Directly from Weston. I called their tech help line and that’s what I was told.

[@tri-forceblades3123]

@@bobbygfl thank you

[@marionstrader7859]

will this machine seal flat mylar bags, aluminum foil bags, etc. ? I am disabled and do not get much money so I a trying to find a good machine that does not cost all my check. I so enjoyed this video thank you for it.

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks!

[@full_metal2452]

Why are there so many bad reviews on the Weston one having sealing bar burning/ breaking on Amazon? Trying to decide but scares me off

[@bobbygfl]

LaRueOBR556 I can totally see how setting the seal time to high would cause burn through or burn of the protective fabric membrane. Also using it to fast could also cause it to burn. This thing is a professional machine and my guess is the people reviewing it have no idea how powerful it is. User error. I would not be scared off the thing is incredible. Yother night I sealed about 15 steaks one right after another I could never have done that with my seal a meal home sealer.

[@cmsense8193]

I know these seal 15 to 16 inches, but what is the widest ( inches) the Pro 3500 vacuums?

[@bobbygfl]

17 I believe.

[@MrRiverGrove]

The latching lid is great. I wish I knew that before buying the vacpak-it. Pressing down the top door to get a vaccum seal is a pain.

[@bobbygfl]

thanks!

[@TheJrivera1]

Great review... I just purchased one... Thank you

[@bobbygfl]

Jose Rivera thanks!!

[@707SonomaComa]

The Weston seems great, I love the powerful motor. But have you read the Amazon reviews? Some not so good about heating element. And they say Customer Service is horrible. So who does have the best Customer Service in the vaccuum packing industry?

[@bobbygfl]

My experience with customer service was very good. As far as the heating element I haven’t had a problem however I did replace the tape with thicker tape from Amazon. Seems to perform better. Anyway thanks for the comment and as far as who has the best customer service nowadays it’s anyone’s guess.

[@707SonomaComa]

@@bobbygfl wow, I didn't know you could upgrade to a thicker tape. Do you have a link to that?

[@bobbygfl]

@@707SonomaComa here’s the link for the product I bought. I think I put this on the bottom: Teflon Tape/PTFE Tape for Vacuum... www.amazon.com/dp/B07GRQL5RM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share And this on the top: Teflon Tape/PTFE Tape for Vacuum... www.amazon.com/dp/B07GRY47T4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@jkxss]

@@bobbygfl They don't even have a phone line anymore. I just got a 3000 from Best Buy and it came with dings and paint chips. Didn't even have a power cable as far as I could see (I didn't break the black cushion seal). I'm getting a SquareTrade warranty and figure it will pay out.

[@jkxss]

Update, they shipped out a new pro 3000 on Tuesday no questions asked after I sent in the email form via the website on Friday. I think they figured out my shipping address based on the serial number I provided them. So far the customer service has been terrific (no questions asked), but very slow email replies (over two business days per response). I haven't gotten an email since Tuesday (and I replied within an hour).

[@donhgr]

Seen a lot of negative comments on KZbin and google about the Westin dying after about a year, kind of scary for that cost. I’m in the market for a new vacuum sealer but not sure which to buy

[@bobbygfl]

Flat Top Phone is still going strong I have not had a single issue

[@kcmdjdkdn282]

@@bobbygfl Hey, is it still working?

[@bobbygfl]

Perfectly

[@SRhudy10]

Curious how it does with the Umai dry age bags since they do not have the ridges like regular vacuum bags have. Thanks in advance, and for the videos! Especially the dry aging ones. FYI, I purchased the Meater meat probes based mostly on your review and love ‘em...thanks!

[@bobbygfl]

It’s a pain! But it works. You have to use the felt thing. Maybe that replaces the ridges? I don’t know the geometry of sealing these bags but it’s a pain. You’ve got to get it just right but then it works perfectly.

[@jflsdknf]

Awesome video! Just ordered the 3500.

[@bobbygfl]

stirling thank you! You’ll love it. I have not had a single problem with mine

[@geraldmazerolle3571]

just bought this unit today... and the handle is impossible to open... don't want to force it any suggesstions please

[@bobbygfl]

Is it latched? I can’t recall what would cause it to be stuck.

[@geraldmazerolle3571]

@@bobbygfl no latch but did something not suppose to do… use force to open and it works. Now it works perfectly. Thanks a lot!

[@bobbygfl]

Awesome! Sometimes that’s the only option!

[@Akinius]

Anyone know of any other units that make a dual seal? I'd love one of these 3500s but they not available anywhere I can find...

[@tullyriverquail]

Home Depot has the pro-3000 for $529 (-$25 if you sign up for a credit card). Whadda deal IF it's the same pro-3000 sold by Westin

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks!

[@ChristopherKomuves]

I also just noticed that the 3500 has a dual seal bar and the 3000 has a single seal bar. That's a big difference I had not noticed.

[@bobbygfl]

Agreed!

[@ignacioarguellol.244]

Hi! Great video, I tried to get the Weston 3500 but it is sold out :c Should I get the 3000 series? My main use would be packing shrimps to commercialize I live in Ecuador and it’s pricey to deliver heavy items. Also considering getting the weston professional advantage or it would hold for commercial usage? Thanks in advance

[@bobbygfl]

Ignacio Argüello L. I go for the 3000 series it’s basically the same.

[@shellyszuch7144]

are either one good for mylar bags?

[@bobbygfl]

Not that I know of

[@chefbservices]

Great info! Thanks a lot man

[@bobbygfl]

Awesome! Thanks

[@richardramirez2557]

Thank you that’s a fantastic review. Where do you get large bags for these?

[@bobbygfl]

amazon. i buy the two pack 50ft rolls

[@robertmiddleton753]

@@bobbygfl Do you use a specific brand? Can you provide a link? TY

[@frenchyalicea649]

Do you still have the 3500 and have you had any issues with it so far?

[@bobbygfl]

Frenchy Alicea yes I do. I use it a couple times a week to save leftovers or freeze meat. I have had zero issues and I am still on the same heat proof tape that goes over the burners. It’s starting to scar a little but I bet it lasts another six months or so. As far as the unit itself absolutely zero problems and I’ve even left it on overnight a couple times. We keep it in the laundry room because we have the space it’s really not something you can put away and take out regularly it’s too freaking heavy.

[@frenchyalicea649]

@@bobbygfl any idea if this model was made into "cabelas model 350/380" and that's why it was discontinued?

[@bobbygfl]

Frenchy Alicea no I’m sorry. I have no idea.

[@PresidentGas1]

@@frenchyalicea649 The Cabela is made in the same factory as the Vacmaster.

[@msteel2021]

It has been a year and a half now. What is your review of it today?

[@bobbygfl]

I kept the Weston. I love it. It has performed perfectly. Several times I have used the wider bags and it really has the muscle to suck out all the air. I have not even had to replace the heat tape. I do however have to lift it and reset it occasionally. If the heat tape gets a wrinkle it will not seal perfectly. Anyway overall I am very thrilled.

[@wu-hsing-daisy1972]

PRO-3500 is a good machine! durable stainless housing!

[@bobbygfl]

Work horse for sure. Thanks for the comment!

[@ericlarson8941]

Can you tell me if the Weston 3500 has an option to start the vacuuming process, and then stop it whenever you want and start the sealing process? Or once you start the vacuuming process, you have to just wait til it's done and it seals itself? I know you can use pulse to choose exactly how much vacuuming you want, and then seal it, but that's kind of annoying because then you have to stand there holding the pulse button until you're ready to seal. A lot of vacuum sealers have the option to just press the start vacuuming button, and then whenever you want to seal you just press the seal button and it stops the vacuuming. So I'm curious if the Weston 3500 has this.

[@ericlarson8941]

In case it's not clear exactly what I'm asking, an example would be say I have a large bag of something like fruit or cereal that I don't want to get crushed. I don't want to stand there for 10+ seconds just holding the pulse button until it's vacuumed to my desired level. So I'd like to just be able to start the vacuuming, walk away and do a couple other things for 10-15 seconds and then just come back and hit the seal button when I'm ready to seal and it stops the vacuuming process and starts sealing.

[@bobbygfl]

Eric Larson yes. I know exactly what you’re saying. This is how I seal everything. You start the suction and leave the machine set for 10 or 12 seconds. Then you can press seal whenever you want and it will stop the suction and begin the seal. It’s great for preventing things from crushing or blood or liquid from entering the seal chamber. Thanks for the question!! This is my favorite machine I have ever used for vacuum sealing.

[@ericlarson8941]

@@bobbygfl Could you do me a huge favor and actually measure the sealing bar? I keep seeing conflicting measurements ranging anywhere from 15 to 17 inches. And this machine isn't even on their website so there's no official source to see. I want to buy this machine but only if the seal bar is 16+ inches.

[@ericlarson8941]

@@bobbygfl in the video you say the weston bar is a half inch longer than the vacmaster bar. The vacmaster bar is confirmed to be 16 inches, so im assuming the weston is 16.5 inches, which would be amazing. But i just want to be sure.

[@bobbygfl]

Eric Larson sure. I just measured my Traeger grill shelf for another viewer and I happen to have my tape measure right in my hands. The ceiling bar is exactly 16 inches. There is a half inch on either side that makes up the attachment to the electrical connections but the maximum ceiling area that you’ll get is 16 inches

[@chlako29]

Hi, thanks for the video. Does this work with a normal plastic bag, or do we essentially need the ridged vacuum bags?

[@chlako29]

The Weston Pro one

[@bobbygfl]

Tanushree Raj no no vacuum sealer works with a regular bag the special bags have little channels on one side that allow air to pass around the food.

[@macylwang7864]

Where can I still find the Weston pro 3500? I saw pro 3000, wondering if they are the same sealer?

[@bobbygfl]

It’s not made anymore. The 3000 is basically the same. The 3500 was specially made in a small batch. If you can find one it’ll be on eBay or another resale site.

[@chrisminblkdiamond]

Will either featured vacs do mylar bags? If not which one would you recommend that does mylar?

[@bobbygfl]

Chris M they both should do Mylar. It speaks the same. May need to tweak the heat and time.

[@Pedrodb87]

Can the Weston pro 3000 do canisters? With the hose and vacuum seal lest say mason jars?

[@bobbygfl]

Pedro Balza yes. The kit is separate but there’s a port to attach.

[@orbit9221]

If you were to bag up potato chips or nacho chips, do they crumble under the pressure as it's sealing?

[@bobbygfl]

Ben Connor no. You’d set the suction time to 1 or 2. Or just stop it manually and seal.

[@JohnDoe-vs7qf]

Can the VacMaster Pro 380 properly seal Mylar Bags as well?

[@bobbygfl]

Adam Pecoraro yes, they claim they will. Just set the time as low as possible and work your way up.

[@JohnDoe-vs7qf]

@@bobbygfl excellent, thank you

[@franciscopacheco7864]

Hello, good evening, I have a question, I need to buy a device and I wanted to know which one could you recommend between the Lem 1088b and the Vacmaster pro380, thank you very much.

[@bobbygfl]

francisco pacheco the LEM looks like a better unit. It’s more compact, does not have the bag storage on the inside indicating larger internal pumps. Just my take without actually using one.

[@franciscopacheco7864]

@@bobbygfl Thank so much.

[@michaelmercado2369]

Amazing weston 3500 features but i dont know where to buy.. i am on a start up business of selling different types of dried fish... hope the cheapest price..thank you

[@bobbygfl]

michael mercado Amazon. Good luck with the business!

[@ansonklock]

very informative. did you end up keeping the pro 3500? and have you used the "canister" port?

[@TheLissabee]

Good question, I just ordered the 3000 and am wondering if there is an option for canister? I don't see anything in the description? I guess I just assumed it had one.

[@bobbygfl]

tetontrees thank you! I ended up keeping the 3500. Aside from being ridiculously heavy it’s awesome. And I have not yet used the canister port.

[@bobbygfl]

TheLissabee I think there is an option for the canister port on both the 3500 and the3000. I believe it is a little port on the side.

[@zanzibarbob7]

I ordered the 3500 today based on your review. What makes the 3500 nearly 10 pounds heavier than the 3000? Thanks.

[@bobbygfl]

zanzibarbob7 the body mostly. It’s much thicker stainless. Also the pump is bigger. It’s an impressive machine. Mine is still going strong. Zero issues. I use it all the time. I just ordered a roll of 15” bags! It seals perfectly.

[@zanzibarbob7]

@@bobbygfl Mine arrives Thursday and look forward to it. Thanks for the great Comparison.

[@zanzibarbob7]

One other question...Do you use the latches for holding down the lid and if so, how. What was the thinking and purpose from them and are they necessary for normal use? On my old Elcheapo model when I want to seal a bag I insert it, rotate the cam lock, and hit seal button. No vacuum needed.

[@bobbygfl]

zanzibarbob7 My understanding is that the latches are not part of the standard 3500 unit. If yours does come with latches in my opinion they’re useless I have never used them. Unlike cheaper Machines the lid is so heavy that it holds the bag in place just fine.

[@707SonomaComa]

@@zanzibarbob7 it is now August 2021 and I'm wondering if you got your machine? If so, how do you like it now, any issues or regrets?

[@theshecamel9126]

I'm at 28:00 and it looks like he likes the Weston !!! ????

[@bobbygfl]

theshecamel just a little bit. Lol. Thanks for tgg HT e comment.

[@conkshell9445]

CAN THEY SEAL LIQUIDS ??

[@bobbygfl]

conk shell yes. They both can. You push the manual seal as soon as the liquid is at the seal point.

[@conkshell9445]

kay... will look into one..the Vac Master that was $600 suddenly shot up to 1400 !! (VP112 ??)

[@bobbygfl]

conk shell wow!

[@alesiagilda]

I bought a Weston pro 2300 and this is the second one. They email you no phone calls. I bought bags and only God knows what they are they don’t work on the machine. Vacmaster has support I got all this food and on the second machine.

[@bobbygfl]

Hope it all works out.

[@alesiagilda]

@@bobbygfl I think it is the bags. Found some with holes in them. It may not be the machine. Nevertheless, the company only respond via email.

[@bobbygfl]

@@alesiagilda this is what I use: 2-Pack 11" X 50' Vacuum Sealer Rolls, Honeycomb Embossed Commercial Grade FoodVacBags, Foodsaver Compatible Storage or Sous Vide Bags (total 100 feet) www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQ8IXIK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_oTtSFbC1R40VJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@slartybartfast6868]

need a little more in depth of operation and set up, but not bad. I could figure out what needed done from watching your vid. All good.

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks!

[@seriousorry]

Weston is a terrible company. Some products work ok +-. Their qc out of china is terrible. Good luck if you have a problem with a product down the road.

[@bobbygfl]

seriousorry I was concerned about that. Fingers crossed. So far so good. It’s a real work horse.

[@kwd57]

If you just want to seal the end of a bag, there is no reason to put the end of the bag in the channel. Put the end of the bag over the seal bar only.

[@bobbygfl]

kwd57 thanks!

[@EdlundInside]

I vacuum pack my Mylar with my Weston. No need for oxygen absorbers

[@bobbygfl]

Good deal thanks for the comment

[@mib20000]

3500 no where to be found on amazon I bought a avid armour chamber vac

[@bobbygfl]

i'll check that one out. thanks for the comment!

[@khodayehrangekaman315]

Hello friend , I have bought pro-2300 , it only worked good 1 year , then turned to A wishy washy toy . sometimes it sucks the air good & sometimes he gets tired to suck all the air . I have changed seals , those black sponge on top & bottom , heat element cover , still it is A perfect junk & waste of money 🙃🤫🤭 What can be wrong brother 🤑😲

[@bobbygfl]

That’s strange this one is still going strong

[@jordanwilliams6262]

This guy is doing my head in I can only watch it for not even five minutes he doesn’t know what he’s talking about it you should review the thing first , then come on and talk I’m I’m turning off

[@bobbygfl]

Jordan Williams sorry you didn’t like the the video.

[@oscarc7993]

@@bobbygfl Video was actually pretty good mate, cheers!

[@bobbygfl]

Oscar C thank you!!

[@larrybenoit1274]

Way too big for the average home owner. Needs its own room.

[@bobbygfl]

Lol. It is a workhorse though