About four months ago, I ran into a problem getting affordable Ziploc bags in the sizes I use most frequently. This led me to rethink my use of Ziploc bags. Yes, I know that they can be washed and reused but I've had problems with holes appearing or bag seams ripping when I do that. And my most frequent use for them is the freezer.
So I went online looking for replacements that were made to be reused. I found PEVA bags and Silicone bags. So I decided to try both.
The first problem is that neither of those bags are sized like Ziplocs, regardless of what their listings say. Whoever writes the ones for Silicone bags is smoking something really good. You'll understand what I mean when you go looking. So my first task was to grab a bag of each size Ziploc that I frequently use and measure them. That was helped by the fact that most of the bag listings, PEVA and Silicone, will have an image that shows you the dimensions of the bags. After that it was just a case of deciding which ones I could afford and ordering them. Manufacturer doesn't really appear to change the quality any that I've noticed. Stasher silicone bags are way out of my price range so I bought generic.
After a few months of using them, I've learned a bit. PEVA bags are okay. The problem with them is that while they can handle the freezer great, they can't handle heat. So I can't use them for leftovers or ground meats or anything that will fit itself to the bag unless I am willing to allow those to defrost naturally in my fridge. Anything that doesn't "form fit" I just pull out of the bag before I defrost it. They are absolutely great for pre-making my baking and granola mixes though. Also for doing homemade bacon in. Or marinating. And they are easy to clean, easier than Ziplocs. So I will get good use out of what I ordered and probably order more as needed for pre-made mixes.
Silicone bags are great, but they are expensive, replacement clips are nowhere to be found, and the sizing on them in no way matches Ziploc bags. They can take all temperatures but are not quite as great about getting air out as Ziploc bags or PEVA, unless the item itself is softer. But I love them because items can go from the freezer to the fridge to being cooked. I am mainly using them for leftovers because I can just grab the whole thing and toss it in the microwave or into a pot of water (with my steamer piece on the bottom). I will definitely, slowly, add more of these over time. And eventually get some of the large ones that will actually hold a gallon of something.
Oh, and before I forget again, you will want a roll of freezer tape to label both of these bag types. On the Silicone bags you'll need to put the tape on the clips because it won't adhere to the bags at all. Or if anyone knows of a better way to label them, please let me know. But writing directly on the bags isn't something I want to do, although I've debated trying china marker on them and seeing if it washes off okay.
Now, Ziploc bags are still around in my house. I just don't use them quite as much. I save them for things where I expect to toss the bag afterwards. And the form fitting freezer stuff until PEVA bags solve that temperature issue. (Some manufacturers are working on that.)
I bought all of mine through Amazon and I wasn't picky about manufacturers. Everything I received has so far performed identically regardless of manufacturer. And I gifted family members with Silicone bags for Xmas because they would find them useful for their lifestyles.
Oh, and before I forget yet again, the longer handle version of the tea tongs are very useful for grabbing items out of deep jars, and for wet items they leave the excess moisture behind. But they don't really work well for holding items while I slice them. Oh well. They have proven very useful in the kitchen though and I will continue to use them.
I hope you are having good and productive days.
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