The convenience and ease of use of the foodsaver bags is a true gift for the person/people who like to cook. You can prepare extra portions and put them in the freezer for future use, knowing they will come out as fresh as when you put them in the freezer. Refrigerator (short term storage) is just as simple with the zipper-top bags that can be handheld vacuumed either with your large units, or your smaller, handheld units....I think my wife would trade me before she would trade her foodsaver units!