ALDI Special Buys - Vacuum Food Sealer $59.99, Sous Vide Stick $74.99, Slow Cooker $69.99 (Starts 20 July)

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ALDI

• 

  Sheng on 17/07/2022 - 23:43

  +9

  Time to stock on rolls now.

  P.s The next week catalogue is the one to look out for. Mate works at Aldi and they get early viewing. Hotpot divider pot or Korean BBQ plate for $35.

  • 

    not a bot on 17/07/2022 - 23:50

    Damn now I'm excited, the hotpot and bbq plate are a bring your own burner type thing right?

    • 

      Sheng on 17/07/2022 - 23:52

      +2

      Stove top and induction compatible. Die cast aluminum

  • 

    yjxdl on 17/07/2022 - 23:52

    next week meaning the week 24th July-30th July？

    • 

      Sheng on 17/07/2022 - 23:53

      30th July.

  • 

    wiz187 on 18/07/2022 - 07:12

    Rolls are way better value on Amazon, 6mx6rolls $35

    • 

      Jhonka on 18/07/2022 - 10:00

      Yeah. I got 10x from Ebay for a little bit more.

      • 

        Clementt on 20/07/2022 - 11:11

        Can anyone please recommend any rolls or which one to buy to use with this ambiano sealer?

        If can provide link would be good.

• 

  imed on 17/07/2022 - 23:50

  +1

  Any reviews on the vacuum food sealer?

  • 

    1v1MeTetris on 18/07/2022 - 00:46

    -8

    The latest science hour with Dr Karl had someone raving about this specific one

    • 

      caprimulgus on 18/07/2022 - 01:44

      +16

      Sorry, but with respect, I think your comment is a bit misleading…I mean, the caller mentioned they have one, and mentioned it was currently being advertised in the catalogue. I would hardly call it "raving about this specific one" (as if they are specifically identifying this particular model as being a good vacuum sealer).

      If anything, any "raving" was on the part of Dr Karl, being surprised that vacuum sealers could be purchased so cheaply. (He had no idea.)

      I wouldn't take anything meaningful from that discussion, beyond the fact a random caller to a chat show (who we have no idea about their experience with vacuum sealers or consumer electronics in general), said they had one, and didn't even state any opinion on it anyway (nor any details of how long they have had it). (Tbh, I would err towards the caller sounding pretty clueless, and their opinion, which they didn't even state, being not really that valuable anyway…)

      FWIW, I have the more expensive Ambiano model ($80), that was last offered on special buy on 29 June 2022 (https://offers.kd2.org/en/au/aldi/pbxyu/). Had it for years (I'm guessing about 8-10 years?), and still going strong! Can't say how this model compares to the one I have, though. Originally they were the same price, but over the years, the black model I have has become the more expensive offering, and this one cheaper. But previously, they were both sold for the same price ($70), alternating between which was offered. (In additional to another model, that has in-built roll holder.)

      • 

        1v1MeTetris on 18/07/2022 - 01:49

        -8

        Sounds like you love to be a contrarian but as you couldn't tell from the way the guy spoke his upbeatness and energy and enthusiasm and happiness was clear that he liked it. He didn't want to name the brand but he hinted at this being the one several times.

        • 

          caprimulgus on 18/07/2022 - 01:54

          +8

          @1v1MeTetris: Not at all, mate. Just wanting to be clear on what was and wasn't said.

          Obviously you interpreted something different from the conversation than I did. Here is the link, so anyone reading can decide for themselves:
          https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/dr-karl-podcast (relevant question is about a quarter of the way through - sorry, I can't see the time stamp)

          If you take that as a meaningful endorsement of the quality of this vacuum sealer, then all power to you! (I don't agree, but I'm not the one buying it, so what I think is not important!) :)

          Edit: also to correct what I wrote above, this model IS the one with the in-built roll holder. Sorry, I got it mixed up with a different vacuum sealer (Aldi alternates between about 3 or 4 different ones!).

          Ps. Just listened again - to me, his enthusiasm is a response to the hosts' surprise about him owning a vacuum sealer. It was enthusiasm about being able to vacuum seal at home with a consumer device…I don't read into it any particular knowledge or endorsement of this particular vacuum sealer being high quality (compared to any other consumer vacuum sealer). But as I said, link is provided above for anyone to listen for themselves and interpret from his enthusiasm what you will, and make your own buying decision! :)

          All I can offer is my personal experience with the $80 model linked above (the one offered on 29 June special buys), as someone who has owned serveral consumer sous vide machines since around 2012-2013 (currently own 3). Interpret from my enthusiasm whatever you like! :)

          • 

            caperite on 18/07/2022 - 07:29

            @caprimulgus: What are your thoughts on the sous vide machines? Not sure I'm ready to take the leap but have been curious about them fire a while.

            • 

              anzacpaul on 18/07/2022 - 09:38

              @caperite: I have a couple of SV machines, and it really comes down to what you're trying to get out of them, and whether you think the end result is worth the effort.

              For example, they make awesome mashed potato, because you can cook the salt/butter/potatoes straight in the bag without waterlogging them, and sure, they cook meats to a set temperature, but I've found over time I prefer the result from a weber and a decent instant read thermometer.

              • 

                caperite on 18/07/2022 - 19:51

                @anzacpaul: Thanks for the input, @anzacpaul, @caprimulgus, @ozy.

                It's mostly protein I'd be looking for and it sounds like I can get the results I want in other ways. Def don't want a one trick pony.

            • 

              caprimulgus on 18/07/2022 - 11:03

              @caperite: I think what anzacpaul said is pretty fair.

              Sous vide machines are a fun tool to use. But they are just one tool / technique to achieve certain things, that often can be achieved in other ways (eg. reverse searing a steak).

              Eggs are another example of a compelling use case for me (if you particularly like eggs done in specific ways that are harder to achieve by poaching or other methods). For someone who likes their eggs in a way that can be easily done by poaching / is happy with poached eggs, then sous vide is not really useful.

              If you are interested in sous vide, I would suggest getting a cheap Inkbird model and having a play. A vacuum sealer of some sort is good to have anyway, so mainly it's the cost of the sous vide machine itself that you are paying to have a play with. And they are cheap enough these days (Inkbird for $80-$90) that it's not too much of an investment to give it a try to see if you like it.

              But, I would hardly say they are necessary. :)

            • 

              ozy on 18/07/2022 - 19:12

              @caperite: They’re great mate, sous vide for life

        • 

          [Deactivated] on 18/07/2022 - 04:06

          +7

          @1v1MeTetris: It is not contrarian to call out your completely misleading statement.

          • 

            neofelis on 18/07/2022 - 06:16

            +2

            @[Deactivated]: Buy a foodsaver the Aldi bags are ok.

            Everyone I know who has had Aldi, Kings, or Inkbird has eventually upgraded to foodsaver. I just went foodsaver.

            • 

              imed on 18/07/2022 - 08:56

              @neofelis: Thanks, what's the difference between the foodsaver and this Aldi one? Just trying to justify spending the extra dollars!

              • 

                GhostofB on 18/07/2022 - 10:11

                +2

                @imed: I don't have personal experience with those particular ones, but I've had a few vacuum sealers over the years. In general, they're very simple devices. A pump to draw the air out of the bag, and then a heating element to seal the bag. Other than that, you can have a few differences in the electronics. My cheap sealer doesn't offer as much control over the sealing process, I can manually over-ride a little with the cancel button but for the most part there's few options. A better sealer may have a stronger vacuum motor, a better quality heating strip, and more buttons/smarts on it to make it easier.

                That said, I will never buy an expensive vacuum sealer. I've never failed to seal a package correctly with a cheap one.

            • 

              andresampras on 18/07/2022 - 10:13

              @neofelis: What do you use them for?

              • 

                Lets Make Sandwiches on 18/07/2022 - 19:28

                @andresampras: What I think is so funny (based on likes and dislikes) is how many people know about some odd TV show talking about an obscure special buy on an aldi website. I guess there's all types on this site……

              • 

                neofelis on 18/07/2022 - 20:56

                +1

                @andresampras: I vacuum seal American bbq food. I then sous vide it to reheat. It's like freshly made bbq straight off the smoker.

                Other than that I use it to seal fish food so it's fresh for long.

                I have the foodsaver bags and the Aldi ones, neither have ever given way after 8 months now.

                If you don't want to go foodsaver the trick to these Aldi/kings/Inkbird is to double seal everything.

                • 

                  caprimulgus on 18/07/2022 - 21:30

                  @neofelis: I used to double seal, but I've actually found the trick with these cheaper sealers is to leave the bag sitting in the sealer to cool before removing. I figure if you remove the bag straight away, the seal might not have set properly, and the plastic may pull apart ever so slightly (especially around a crease), resulting in an ineffective seal that can "pop" (messy when it happens!).

                  By leaving the sealer latched, it not only gives the seal time to set, but potentially also continues the sealing time ever so slightly longer from the residual heat of the clamp, as it cools. (Quite possibly it is just this extra time allowing for a crease to fuse that makes the difference, as the rest of the seal is probably already set without having to wait.)

                  After leaving the bags in the sealer to cool before opening the sealer, I haven't had a single seal "pop" yet. (YMMV, but seems to be working for me!)

                  (If I am sealing something I am particularly concerned about breakage, then I'll do both! Better to be safe!)

  • 

    Jhonka on 18/07/2022 - 10:12

    Seems a bit pricey. Previous ones have hovered around $30. This one does have some additional features like the trip tray and built in slide cutter.

  • 

    jaybo on 18/07/2022 - 12:34

    this one's fancier than a previous one that i've got - looks to have a roll holder/cutter built in.

    i got the super basic one and it's perfectly fine for solid things, i believe there's a difference between ones rated/designed for liquids and the super cheap one isn't that (it'll just suck liquids into it's vacuum bay thing… .which gets messy)

    i've vac sealed probably 30 things in the ~2 years i've owned it and it's still working as intended, can't complain about it but i don't have extensive knowledge of anything better :D

  • 

    kzrocky on 18/07/2022 - 19:02

    I had one of those vacuum food sealers about 10 years ago. I used it heaps to bag fish that I caught, fish bait etc..
    It got a good workout. I had it for 5 years then I put in on the nature strip with for sign on it "Free still working", as I bought a chamber one (for $400).

    It was the first vaccum sealer I ever had, and it convinced me these things are almost a must have item.
    I bought the cahmber one as I found I was using it a lot more than just bagging fish.
    I used to do a big cook, and seal up all the curries, veges, soups etc and then freeze them.

• 

  sol3x on 18/07/2022 - 00:06

  How are the AA batteries does anyone know?
  I guess you get what you pay for?
  Need for a smart door lock.

  • 

    bdl on 18/07/2022 - 00:20

    I've had aldi brand leak more than other brands but YMMV

  • 

    andresampras on 18/07/2022 - 10:14

    +3

    Eneloops, not alkalines.

    This is OzBargain.

  • 

    mrgeckoz on 18/07/2022 - 11:41

    You joined in 2011 and still asking this question, shame, shame!
    Every true OzBargainer should have more than enough Eneloops!
    ;)

    • 

      USER DC on 18/07/2022 - 22:59

      +1

      Or LADDA (aka IKEA branded Eneloops)

      People buying eneloops only for brand name tax

• 

  Creamsoda on 18/07/2022 - 00:19

  +5

  thought people might want to know Hard Anodised are not dishwasher safe like they claimed on the label.

  my set started dissolving.

  https://cookeryspace.com/is-hard-anodized-cookware-dishwashe…

  • 

    dufflover on 18/07/2022 - 00:26

    +3

    I've learnt to never put "non-stick" in the dishwasher no matter what is claimed anyway.

    I actually quite like the wok. Used it a lot more than I expected since the last special buy. Very useful large surface area. Very tempted to buy a spare for the long run as it'll start wearing off anyway with use and hand washing.

  • 

    Sub on 18/07/2022 - 01:54

    +4

    Yes. I had bought a pan from Aldi a year ago. It had 5 year warranty. The pan had dishwasher safe coating.
    But within a year, the pan has lost all coating and is now sticky. One reason might be that we put it in dishwasher as it was marked dishwasher safe.

    I returned it yesterday to Aldi under warranty.
    Time to buy new one from this deal & I'll not put it in dishwasher this time…
    Might last more years.

• 

  dufflover on 18/07/2022 - 00:29

  Maybe it's user error but I've been a little disappointed with the kitchen gas torch. Bought it thinking it'll be easier lighting my charcoal starter cubes if there's any breeze but most of the time I can't reliably start the torch even indoors. Definitely fuel in it when I shake it.

  • 

    prankster on 18/07/2022 - 00:33

    return and get a new one?

  • 

    Buyingcrap on 18/07/2022 - 04:06

    +1

    Have a chimney? Buy a $20 butane camping stove and put the chimney on top of that. Coals are going in a few minutes.

    • 

      dufflover on 18/07/2022 - 11:11

      Yeah I do a set and forget with the chinney and lighter cubes. Spend the 30min odd cutting up the veggies and what not. It was just the lighting part I was wanting to improve.

  • 

    GeneralSkunk on 18/07/2022 - 08:53

    Thanks, might give this one a miss then.

    How are you using the charcoal? I’ve never cooked with it.

    • 

      dufflover on 18/07/2022 - 11:13

      hehe I'll leave this for others. I only ever do quick cooks like steak/meat and veg. I throw in smoking chips or pellets out of randomness, not because I know what I'm doing 😆

  • 

    nzcoops on 18/07/2022 - 09:25

    Thanks, I was considering dropping in for one for that very purpose (since my gasmate one has just died).
    Will avoid.

  • 

    Jhonka on 18/07/2022 - 10:14

    I just use a torch adapter that clips onto butane cans.

• 

  BlueberryOrangeJuice on 18/07/2022 - 00:38

  The slow cooker any good? Wanted one for a while. Would it be better than this - https://www.myer.com.au/p/slow-cooker-with-timer-hp5590-8932…

  • 

    flashi007 on 18/07/2022 - 01:15

    +1

    Honestly get a Phillips pressure/slow cooker. It’s an ozbargain favourite. Often on sale with cash back (usually around Xmas time or Mother’s Day).

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/661816

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 18/07/2022 - 06:16

      +1

      The problem with electric pressure cookers is with all the ones I've seen their maximum pressure is lower than a dedicated pot type that sits on a hotplate. May as well buy this type, get a higher pressure, so less cooking time, and all the ones I've seen have the correct base to be used on any heat source including induction. That said, people should read my other post a few down before buying.

    • 

      BargainShopaholic on 18/07/2022 - 13:01

      +1 on the Philips viva pressure/slow cooker combo!

      If you get it from Costco, it comes with an extra stainless steal inner pot too! Same price!

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 18/07/2022 - 06:39

    +7

    Make sure your reasons for a slow cooker are solid. Most people buy one because they had a meal at someone's place who has one. Or they hear the "cook dinner while you're at work" spiel. We stopped using ours completely once we got a (good brand) pressure cooker. It made no sense doing the same prep time, then leaving a slow cooker turned on for hours, when we could do the same thing in a pressure cooker in 15 minutes or less.

    Slow cookers lose more moisture too from being turned on for hours compared to minutes with a pressure cooker, meaning we came home to things like stews with chunks of uncovered meat sitting on top that were darker/drier/tougher because the moisture had escaped.

    Energy use was another reason, more so now electricity has skyrocketed.

    Finally, having repaired electrical appliances and seeing their awful quality control today, plus that loss of moisture, I'm not comfortable leaving a slow cooker on for hours unsupervised. What happens if your car breaks down, or you get a flat tyre and the spare is too underinflated to drive on, or someone forgot to put the jack back in the boot, etc. You get home 3 hours later than expected and it's lost even more moisture.

    Just cut up the food, brown any meat in the pressure cooker on high (it's only partially for taste, more for appearance, so can be skipped), lock the lid on, and 15 minutes on the hotplate while you have a shower or sit down - and it's done with the same (but usually better) result.

    • 

      drprox on 18/07/2022 - 07:11

      Agree pressure cooker is the winner of the two all day. I have a Fissler and it's been superb

    • 

      LSGH on 18/07/2022 - 07:42

      +1

      We had the previous model Aldi slow cooker, worked well for a few years. Then one day it caught fire. Lucky I was WFH and my desk was 5 metres from the unit or else I could have come home to a burned down house. Heard a clicking noise then noticed smoke coming from the bottom part.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 18/07/2022 - 08:10

        Damn… luck-ee.

        Apart from my fridge and aircon (because it starts via a remote) every other power point is switched off until an item is used.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 18/07/2022 - 08:23

        Actually that reminded me… I was watching a sailing video on youtube… the guy was about to leave his boat when his TV (turned off, but on standby power) started smoking. Who cares about clocks on microwaves etc being set on the right time - turn them all off and buy a wall clock, lol!

    • 

      singlemalt72 on 18/07/2022 - 10:38

      If you have a rice cooker you don't need a slow cooker - we do all sorts of curries and casseroles in the rice cooker and they are great.

• 

  jonoo on 18/07/2022 - 01:34

  Does anyone know if their enamel coated cast iron cookware is a regular thing? I got some a few years ago and they've been great.

• 

  Overcomerak on 18/07/2022 - 02:04

  Does this deal include any free frying pan?

• 

  MeesusEff on 18/07/2022 - 02:11

  +2

  Don't get the Goliath cling wrap, it's next to useless. A piece of paper will probably do a better job. Decides to cling maybe 20% of the Time (and not very well), won't even stick to itself.

  • 

    landril on 18/07/2022 - 10:04

    The kitchen garbage bags are also rubbish! Too easily punctured

    • 

      Ahyao17 on 18/07/2022 - 11:18

      They end up with the rubbish regardless how tough they are dont they? :P

      • 

        landril on 18/07/2022 - 11:26

        Holes in ones garbage bags + food waste is not ideal!

        • 

          Ahyao17 on 18/07/2022 - 11:29

          @landril: no they are not!

  • 

    sistermay on 18/07/2022 - 15:15

    Is that just a bad batch ? I meant to go there on Wed just for the cling wrap, anyone else found the cling wrap bad quality ??

    • 

      MeesusEff on 18/07/2022 - 15:34

      +1

      I dunno, but it was like a 3/600m roll and it took me ages to finish even though I was basically wrapping the whole plate up with it. I won't ever try it again lol. The first one I bought was ok, 2nd one was the bad one. I guess u could buy it and then return it if it's still crap, so much waste though lol.

• 

  [Deactivated] on 18/07/2022 - 06:01

  Before anyone buys that pressure cooker have a close look at the dial. It should eject out of the handle by turning to one extreme position while pressing down/pulling up, etc. I've seen a few cheap pressure cookers like this with a nasty thin plastic bellows type thing that will tear/perforate over time. (It's no bargain if it breaks so you have to buy twice.)

  Also even if it doesn't have that nasty thin plastic bellows, make sure you can source replacement lid gaskets. They become less supple over time and can make it difficult to obtain a good seal. You want to be able to obtain replacement gaskets for several years at least. How often depends on how much use. Some people replace them every 6-12 months, others buy a spare and keep it until they notice the current one stiffens.

• 

  WT on 18/07/2022 - 07:59

  sous vide has meh reviews

• 

  mooreshady on 18/07/2022 - 08:23

  Who still uses that pressure cooker? Would be instant hit if it has buttons to press on others like Instant pot

• 

  gromit on 18/07/2022 - 08:29

  Vacuum sealer rolls much cheaper on Amazon.

  • 

    Voucherd on 18/07/2022 - 21:01

    Do you have aby links to decent bags you have used?

    • 

      gromit on 19/07/2022 - 08:21

      bought 10 rolls of these https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07FLYF1L2/ref=ppx_yo_d… (though I have not used any yet, they only arrived last friday).

      there is also these at the moment though I have not tried them. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09NRT9RYT/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0…

      The vendor I purchased from for the rolls I just finished is no longer available unfortunately, But have tried a lot in the past, only ever had one bad lot and that was from Ali Express where there were too many crease lines in theroll making them very difficult to use.

      PS: At one stage I bought 45 and 30 metre rolls which was fantastic value however the rolls didn't fit the built in storage and cutter to the sunbeam devices we use (and we use those precisely for the convenience of those built-in cutters as it speeds up making bags which is a huge benefit when you have to do hundreds).

• 

  tre180 on 18/07/2022 - 09:53

  +1

  FYI the kitchen thermometer is terrible, the touchscreen is dreadful. Get an inkbird instead

  • 

    drprox on 18/07/2022 - 13:58

    +1

    And some eneloops because they seriously love batteries!

• 

  ozeebee on 18/07/2022 - 11:37

  What’s the meat grinder like?

• 

  jaimex2 on 18/07/2022 - 13:48

  Do they have stock on anything yet? I stopped going to Aldi for special buys after how bad its been in the last two years.

  None or very limited stock even for at doors open.

• 

  yama131 on 18/07/2022 - 14:29

  +1

  whats with the sultry voice in the aldi cookware videos… lady you trying to smash?

• 

  IDontWantToSignUpJu… on 18/07/2022 - 16:09

  Can you use any brand vaccuum sealer rolls with one of these non-handheld sealers?

  • 

    gromit on 18/07/2022 - 16:27

    +1

    pretty much. We used to use the aldi ones with sealer rolls purchased from amazon or ali express (much cheaper than the aldi rolls) and they worked fine. I use a sunbeam sealer now so no idea if the aldi ones have changed (but I doubt it).

    FYI, we use it a lot as we slaughter a few steers and sheep during the winter months and vac seal all the meat before freezing. e.g. made and sealed about 200 bags of meat in the last 2 weeks.