What are the best leak proof bags for brining and curing?

[Dave in AZ]

Hi, I need a recommendation for a strong leak proof bag , 1 or 2 gallons, I can cure stuff in.

I’ve been using some ziploc 2gal bags to do various equilibrium cure brines and rubs. They work great when you get one with no leak, but like 50% have a leak and I have to dump in another bag. And the leak is usually from a side or corner, not the zip part, no pressure, just laying in a pan.

I like the ziploc bags better than open bucket, as I can use a very small amount of brine, like 10 to 20% of meat weight, and get a quarter to half inch layer of brine around meat. Then place in roast pan, small space in fridge, and easy to rotate daily with no mess.

So yeah, need an exact brand and product name recommendation for a ziploc style large bag that doesn’t have leaks. I was looking at those thick siliconenreusable ones, but they are mostly too small and I can’t decipher if they are actually good…
Thx!!

[bocephus]

Dave in AZ Do you have a vacuum sealer? You could just seal them without using vacuum, or just use vacuum for short time then seal.

[Dave in AZ]

bocephus that’s a decent idea. I could mess around with heights so I can get air out of bag without wetting seal area. But I’m hoping someone knows a strong good bag for marinating, some professional or heavy duty thing food service folks all use or such

[calldoctoday]

Dave in AZ I use those five gallon or 2.5 gallon food grade buckets that frosting came in. I get them free at Walmart every now & then, including the lids. They work great, are compact, & fit i the bottom shelf of the refer.

[johnsbrewhouse]

Dave in AZ These are the bags I use. I get them from US Foods/ Chiefs Store. I do double bag when I brine in the bag. I have never had a leaking bag though. ZipLoc brand bags failed all the time on me. If you don’t have a US Foods you can get these from Amazon, they are the same bag, just branded for First Street.
https://www.[link removed]/First-Street-2-Gallon-Reclosable-Freezer/dp/B008M1H8HM
DYNAMIC RESEALABLE FREEZER BAG 2 GALLON

[Dave in AZ]

johnsbrewhouse thx so much John, that’s just what I was looking for!

[Dave in AZ]

calldoctoday great idea! Home Depot actually has these for just a few bucks! And I also got a black “meat lug” I can work inside of, a bigger lazy susan to spin tray on while using sausage stuffer, and a nice spray bottle for misting stuff on the grill!
Looking at these, I can definitely fit in fridge, has sealable airtight lid, and I can get a whole belly in there pretty easy…maybe 2? How much do you get in these 2 gal ones? Great tip!

[Dave in AZ]

johnsbrewhouse John, got these today, look good. Wish I had them last night when making loin ham, ended up using 3 ziplocks. Thx for the tip, I will post after I use them

[Tex_77]

Dave in AZ google briner buckets.

[Dave in AZ]

Tex_77 thx Tex, that 8 quart one looks like it would work, and the neat submerge cap looks useful. Doh, I just got back from home depot with 4 food grade 2 gallon buckets with sealable lids! Wish I had seen that 2 gal briner before. But I suspect I will own one soonish, will give these 2gal a try and see if I can keep meat submerged.
Thx for the tip!

[johnsbrewhouse]

Dave in AZ Just used one today to brine up a butt for a pulled pork to smoke tomorrow. I use them when I make my sausage to store it in the fridge before stuffing. Just give the bag a roll, tear it down the sides and slide it into my stuffer.

[calldoctoday]

Dave in AZ Very nice, especially the lug tip. I always like the free ones though, especially if food grade & clean. Back in the 70’s you could often get this stuff for free from the cafeterias, etc. as they would change them out after so long, including stainless, & get new ones. The old ones still had lots of life left in them & they were happy to give them to you if you asked. Those were the days!