Where can I find "food safe" glass marbles for sous vide cooking?
I would like to find "food safe" glass marbles for sous vide cooking. They can be used for keeping bags from floating, to space out ingredients in a bag, or even as "filler" space in a chamber vacuum to get a higher level of vacuum sealing. Even for bags that don't float, the extra weight can keep the bags from moving in the current generated by a immersion circulator with a strong water pump.
Here is an example of using them as a anti-floating weight.
Many "toy" glass marbles are in China or other countries. They may have lead or cadmium or have other dangerous metals or chemicals added -- especially if the glass is colored and even clear glass may be made with chemicals that are not "food safe".
Does anyone know where to purchase glass marbles or beads that are guaranteed to be "food safe"???
Best Answer
I would recommend using Whiskey Stones. They are used in whiskey instead of ice cubes. So they should be heavy, won't rust, and are supposed to be immersed in liquid that you'll consume. I think that probably meets all your criteria.
Another alternative is to use a rack. This comes with the Sous Vide Supreme and I find it quite useful for keeping meat submerged. It does however only accommodate certain sizes of meat. It works quite well. You can buy it separately online for $12.
Pictures about "Where can I find "food safe" glass marbles for sous vide cooking?"
Are glass marbles food grade?
Many "toy" glass marbles are in China or other countries. They may have lead or cadmium or have other dangerous metals or chemicals added -- especially if the glass is colored and even clear glass may be made with chemicals that are not "food safe".Are glass marbles toxic?
Like any glass, the composition of these beads can vary. Some glass beads have been found to contain toxic metals like lead and arsenic. This is a concern because the beads are typically pulverized during use and generate dust.Do glass marbles contain lead?
BEST ANSWER: The marbles are Glass, they do not contain lead.This Amazing Propane Torch Trick Will Turn You Into AN ABSOLUTE HERO with your friends and family!
More answers regarding where can I find "food safe" glass marbles for sous vide cooking?
Answer 2
You can always go with steel pie weights.
Answer 3
There are glass marbles that are used by Whisky enthusiasts to keep the amount of air in half-emptied bottles down. They should do your job.
Answer 4
You could always use binder clips and clip them to the outside of the bag.
If you need more weight you could hook/tie something to the clip.
Answer 5
http://www.marblekingusa.com/Home_Page.php
These marbles are lead-free and made in USA
Answer 6
Toss a couple of knives, from your flatware, into the bag. The items pictured (without bones) should not float if you were able to get air out of the bag...not sure why any weight would be necessary in that case. Bones contain air(as do veggies). In this case a weight, rack or clip is helpful.
Answer 7
Almost all borosilicate glass is food-safe, but if you want to be absolutely sure, get clear colourless glass, at least colourless on the outside even if there is something encased inside. Pyrex is borosilicate. Many marble makers also prefer to use borosilicate over soft or sodalime glass.
Use of metals (their oxides and other compounds) always manifests itself through colours, whether opaque or transparent.
Brilliant idea to use glass marbles inside. Glass is inert. I favour that over metals, however unreactive in this type of application.
Answer 8
My solution is to use a simple vegetable steamer, as shown here: http://bbq4dummies.com/2013/07/floating-bags-in-sous-vide-cooking-the-7-solution/
Answer 9
I just ordered some 1" 304 stainless steel balls from here. They're reasonably priced and I think they will safely get the job done.
https://www.craigballsales.com/aisi-304-stainless-steel-balls-1-25.40mm-diameter-lot-of-25.html
Answer 10
You can use ceramic pie weights, which are little ceramic marbles made for "blind baking" pie crust. They are made for baking and withstand up to 480 Fahrenheit.
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