Summary: This is a upgrade for me. I have used the older model foodsaver for years. It allows me to buy in bulk,freeze it and not have to worry about freezer burn. How many times have you bought the larger packs of hamburger divided it up and froze it only to find it freezer burnt 3 months later. You just threw away any savings. Not with the foodsaver. I was cleaning out my freezer getting ready to restock. I found a roast that I had packed in a foodsaver bag 2 years ago,it was as fresh as the day I froze it. I love the way the new model has storage for the bag material right in the machine and also the cutter is there so you have a straight cut every time.