This is my first Instructable. I hope its to your liking.

Ok, I know its not a "perfect" solution but it does work well. I came up with a simple way of removing a good bit of the air out of the freezer bags. It has worked very well for me over the years and out of the blue I decided to share!

First you need to use freezer bags. My experience has found that the regular bags don't hold up as well.

Second if the meat has sharp edges I recommend cutting them or not using this process. It can cause a hole in it when it freezes.

Third Its not perfect. It doesn't take all the air out. BUT it does get a lot of it.

Step 1: The Water Bath

Fill a sink with COLD water.
Make sure that its full enough that you can push the whole bag underwater.
I use my sink. But any container big enough to get the bag underwater is good enough.

PS Don't forget about the displacement of the water when you put the bag in. Leave enough room so it doesn't spill over if you are using a bucket or large pot. Another good reason to use a double sink like I use.

Step 2: Fill the Bag With Meat

Fill your bag with meat you are freezing. Remember that if you fill it too much and the bag doesn't seal all the way easily then you over filled it.

After you have checked the seal open a corner a small amount.

Step 3: Submerge the Bag

Now place the bag in the water, keep the seal above the water level. Work the bag around a bit until you get all the air out of the bag, you wont get it all but try to do your best. This isn't a professional sealing machine that will remove it all, so you will still have some air.

When you are happy with the amount you have gotten out, push the bag down till you have the seal ALMOST underwater. Seal it the rest of the way.

Step 4: Check Your Work

Now lift the bag out. It should have a nice "airless" look. Dry it off, check to make sure it doesn't expand any, if so you have a leak. Repeat the process and see if it reseals. If not you may have a bad bag. Also look to make sure you haven't introduced water into the bag. If so you either let the open part of the seal go under the water or you have a hole in the bag.

Freeze as soon as you can. Again remember this doesn't remove ALL the air.

I have been using this for years. It has cut down the freezer burn that you get just by tossing the meat into the bag.

Thanks for reading!