This is my first JVR machine, though I've used chamber sealers for many years. The reason I decided to go with JVR was the availability of parts, and what seems to be a very satisfied user base. If size and weight were not an issue for me, I would have purchased the Vac110 instead of the Vac100 because of its more conventional chamber design. (The ability to use external accessories is nice, though one could always purchased a separate vacuum pump and chamber for this). I have had this machine for about a month. It gets used at least a few times every week, and I store in on the wheeled card in my pantry.
Design: Interesting curved lid design - works well with the auto start on close. Recessed circular center in chamber is an useful touch to give additional chamber height for small items. Bag retaining clips are also unusual, but work well in practice. Display is easy to read, and buttons have a good response. Easy access to the internal modular components is just fantastic. Removable IEC power cord is welcome.
Function: Very easy to use, though I have a few minor quibbles about the software. It would be nice to be able to name the presets rather than just have program numbers. (I ended up sticking labels on the front with preset names and times.) Also pressing the pump button should automatically skip heating/cooling, instead of having a dedicated program with 0.0 times set.
Quality of construction and materials: Terrific. Feels solid and is well built. I would have preferred a stainless steel chamber, but it holds 1 bar of vacuum without issue. I will just need to be careful about spills in the chamber, as plastic can retain odors. Case is made of heavy gauge SS, and components look robust.
Maintenance: Wow, is this easy to maintain! Oil level and condition can be observed from the outside, and changing oil is a breeze. All the parts are clearly identifiable, and super easy to replace if necessary. Also kudos to JVR for being very transparent - parts are very reasonably priced, and clearly shown on their website. A refreshing change from many companies that price gouge you on parts, in the interest of obsolescence while creating more landfill waste.
Other comments: I am used to an analog vacuum gauge, and was initially not thrilled about the digital transducer display. I understand that they may have had to do it because of design and space restrictions. Though I have to say that once I calibrated it for my elevation, it is very accurate (I checked it against an external gauge on the accessory port). It reads to 3 decimal places, which certainly beats the cheap segmented displays of other manufacturers’ entry-level machines.
The bundle came with a cover that is well made, and keeps out dust. Black filler plates are of high quality, though I would have preferred the non-gloss white plates (which I think they had in the past).
Suggestions to JVR: Since you have a dedicated Pump button, consider having it bypass the programs, and have its own programmable time. Or have it just be a stop/start button. For me personally, when using external accessories, a timed vacuum cycle is generally not of much use, as I always use the manual skip function when desired vacuum level is reached.
So far, I'm a very satisfied customer after a month of use. JVR’s documentation is clearly laid out, they have great support team , and informative online videos. The unit is fast, performs flawlessly with both poly and mylar bags (with retort bar), and seals mason jars well using the external 3Gal accessory. I hope to use this machine for many years to come.
