Vacuum sealing food is a way to store and preserve it in an airtight environment, typically in a bag or pouch, to stop microorganisms from growing on the food.
Perhaps the key selling point of the best vacuum sealers is the way they keep your food fresher for longer. The best part? You can achieve this without any degradation in the quality of the food.
During the vacuum sealing process, most bacteria is expelled from the storage punch or bag as the air is removed. This provides you with an impeccable and super-hygienic storage environment for all your favorite foods.
With some ingredients like steak, you’ll prevent the blood from leaking out if you store it in a vacuum sealed bag, and the meat won’t dry out, maintaining the weight of your steak while also extending its lifespan.
You can also readily vacuum seal a range of pre-prepared foods, from meat, fish, and veggies through to sliced meats, salads, and cheeses.
You’ll find you can also vacuum seal liquids, so try pre-portioning some soups and sauces and then freezing them so you always have some on hand.
So, you’re getting the twin benefits of slashing wastage while improving the shelf life of your food when you use the best vacuum sealer, but what should you consider when you’re comparing food sealers?
If you keep these pointers uppermost in mind, you should now have no problems negotiating our breakdown of the top 12 vacuum sealers.
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The 12 Best Vacuum Sealers
1. Our Pick FoodSaver Bonus Vacuum Sealer
Features
First in line and our overall favorite vacuum sealer comes from the ever-reliable FoodSaver. This company is a dominant presence in this vertical, and this compact countertop model ensures none of your leftovers go to waste.
Where many cheaper food sealers are made of plastic, the rugged stainless steel build here gives you plenty of lifespan.
This starter kit gives you everything you need to get going, including and 11 x 10-inch vacuum seal roll, 3 precut bags, a couple of zipper bags, and a handheld sealer for good measure.
Although this is a corded electric appliance, the power cable is lengthy enough to give you ample scope with placement. The overall footprint is compact enough that it won’t eat up too much space on the kitchen counter either.
The majority of user reviews for this enduringly popular food sealer are positive, we found a few complaints about the amount of noise this machine kicks out. Sealing bags is a pretty quick process, though, so this shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
The wide strip ensures the seal is applied with heat for maximum effect. This also helps to cut down on bag waste.
Using this vacuum sealer couldn’t be easier, and you’ll enjoy one-handed operation, giving you the other hand free to work with the bags.
2. NESCO V-12 Vacuum Sealer
Features
Next up in our collection of the best vacuum sealers come the powerful VS-12 from NESCO. What do you get for your money here, then?
Firstly, this is a pretty lightweight plastic unit, weighing just 6 pounds. It’s still strong and stable enough for purpose, but it’s also easy to shift around if required.
Performance is anything but lightweight, though. Choose from 3 different modes to suit:
- Dry
- Moist
- Double
As well as giving you the freedom to seal both wet and dry foods, you’ll also be secure in the knowledge you can double-seal any particularly delicate ingredients.
This sealer accommodates bags to 11.8 inches long, allowing you to take your pick of your favorite bags rather than being pegged into the manufacturer’s pricey bags. You get 2 bags bundled to get you started, too.
The double vacuum pump is rated at 130 watts, and gives you more than enough firepower without making too much noise.
Onboard storage allows you to keep all your bags where you need them and you’ll also get a bag cutter baked in.
While the sealer looks good and most reviews are pretty favorable, we also encountered some backlash about build quality and lifespan. If you need something more durable that’s cut out for sustained use, though, we review a commercially-rated sealer next, so read on.
3. Weston PRO-2300 Commercial Vacuum Sealer
Features
Next up in our showcase of the best vacuum sealers is a rugged unit from Weston that’s ideal for use in the home kitchen or in a commercial backdrop. For anyone who seals a lot of bags, this model will cope with sustained use without letting you down.
Made from a combination of steel and stainless steel, this sealer is heavy, and it’s also pretty bulky. That said, the design means it won’t look out of place on the kitchen counter.
Rated at 935 watts, this is one of the most capable sealers in terms of raw power. The motor is fan-cooled, and it’s designed with continuous use in mind, so you’ll have no niggling concerned about burning this machine out, even if you’re sealing bags in a high-demand environment.
Luckily, using this machine couldn’t be easier. Simply punch the start button, and let the piston pump seal bar – it’s a double unit in place on this model – do all the hard work for you.
The seal bar on this model is wide and guarantees an airtight bag every time.
If you’re dealing with softer and more fragile foods, you can use the manual mode to manipulate the amount of vacuum pressure imparted.
Despite being superficially easy to use and winning many satisfied fans, we also found some backlash about the learning curve involved out the box.
4. FoodSaver VS0150 PowerVac
Features
FoodSaver is a brand that needs no introduction, and they have a deep bench of highly effective food sealers, including the VS0150 PowerVac.
This is a super-slim model perfect for anyone living in an apartment or anywhere with limited space in the kitchen. As an added kicker, the sealer stands upright so you can store it more easily between uses.
Don’t be fooled by the compact form factor, though. This vacuum sealer gives you all the power you need to effortlessly seal a variety of foods, ensuring they last up to 5 times longer than when storing them without vacuum sealing.
This is an updated version of a classic model that is even more economical when it comes to cutting bags and getting the most out of each roll.
Flick between wet and dry settings to get the best out of all types of ingredients, and allowing you to make your leftovers go further, or to batch-cook meals for the whole week, freeing you up time as you go.
If you enjoy sous-vide cookery, this sealer attaches to a handheld sealer to make your life easier. This does not come included, buy you can pick one up at a reasonable cost.
Overall, this is one our favorite food sealers and it comes from a brand you can rely on.
5. FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine and Starter Kit
Features
FoodSaver is perhaps the best-known brand producing vacuum sealers in a variety of styles to suit.
The first thing to do is choose between this basic configuration with just the machine and options bundling heat-seal roll and bags.
By removing air from the storage bag, you can keep produce fresher for up to five times longer, reducing the likelihood of mold and other kinds of food spoilage.
Despite the rugged appearance, this food sealer is made from plastic rather than stainless steel. That said, the bulky dimensions mean this is a pretty heavy piece of kit.
Once installed on the kitchen counter, though, you’ll find this storage solution helps you cut down on waste while keeping your foods fresh for as long as possible.
One of the welcome extras you’ll get here is a handheld food sealer baked in, allowing you to take care of smaller fiddly tasks with ease.
Ease of use is uppermost, even if you’ve never used a vacuum sealer before. Pick your sealing mode and then enjoy two-button sealing: what’s not to love?
Backed by FoodSaver’s robust 5-year limited warranty, you have nothing to lose by investing in this vacuum sealer, even if the reputation of this company’s customer service is lacking.
6. Mueller Vacuum Sealer
Features
Mueller’s vacuum sealer is marketed as Mueller Austria, but you should be clear that this sealer is made in China. It’s still a decent piece of kit, but you should not be deceived into thinking it’s made in Europe.
Priced keenly, this is a compact food sealer that won’t clutter up your kitchen counter.
As with all the best vacuum sealers, this model allows you to handle wet and dry ingredients with equal efficiency.
As a starter kit, you’ll get everything you need included, down to the suction hose and bags.
The top panel of the sealer houses the control panel, and the soft-touch buttons are easy to use. You won’t need any tech skills to get up and running, and this is a beginner-friendly sealer without compromising functionality.
We found mainly positive user reviews concerning this model, although there is some blowback related to consistency sealing when used on a continuous basis. If you’re planning to seal lots of bags in a high-demand backdrop, explore some of the more robust sealers we review.
If you have lighter sealing needs, this is an efficient and affordable option that’s well worth popping on your shortlist.
7. Geryon Vacuum Sealing Machine
Features
If you have been putting off your decision to buy a vacuum sealer because of the perceived cost, this bargain basement offering from Geryon might swing the balance.
The sleek and elegant lines are surprising for a cheap food sealer at the cheaper end of the price range. Made from plastic, the machine is reasonably lightweight and easy to shift around when required.
You won’t be locked into using proprietary bags here. Feed in most food storage bags up to 12 inches wide and you’re in safe hands here. Many consumers prefer the flexibility afforded by such wide bag compatibility.
To streamline cleaning and maintenance, you can remove the lid for improved access.
Using this sealer is straightforward. Take advantage of responsive soft-touch buttons to navigate the menu, then you’ll get automatic sealing. LED indicators let you see everything you need at a glance.
This sealer comes into its own for sealing both wet and dry foods, helping you to slash wastage in the home kitchen, while also allowing you the freedom to batch cook food for the whole week. That way, when you come home from work, all the tedious chopping and food prep is done, but you can still enjoy healthy and nutritious whole foods.
Crowned by lifetime support from the manufacturer, this is more than you would expect at this price point.
8. Anova Culinary Vacuum Sealer
Features
Anova is a brand synonymous with sous-vide cookers. They dominate this vertical, and it’s no surprise that they also produce a first-class food sealer that helps you get the most out of this pioneering cooking technique.
With the sous-vide technique, you’ll lock all the moisture inside the sealed bag when you cook your food, with none lost during the process. The contained nature of the ingredients and the timed process means you remove all the hassle and guesswork from cooking, while also enjoying succulent ingredients at their very best.
This vacuum sealer is super-simple to use, and it’s ideal for beginners or more experienced sealers.
Although the plastic build could be improved with the addition of some stainless steel, you nevertheless get a hardwearing sealer that’s cut out to cope with some heavy use.
We found almost no complaints related to this vacuum sealer among a sea of positive user reviews. The gripes we encountered reference poor instructions, so you may want to Google for an alternative manual if you come unstuck with this sealer.
Ideal for sous-vide cookery and much, much more, this is one of the best vacuum sealers in a crowded market segment. If you’re still in any doubt about the food sealer, you’ll benefit from a 100-day money-back guarantee, so what have you got to lose?
9. FoodSaver FM2000 Vacuum Sealer
Features
Next up comes yet another sealer from industry heavyweight FoodSaver. This brand specializes in producing these nifty machines, and they bring all that expertise firmly to bear on the FM2000.
Weighing just over 5 pounds, this is a compact sealer that works well in small kitchens. The footprint is small as well, so you won’t need to pack it away between uses if you dislike the hassle of shifting appliances around.
A corded electric appliance, the cable is 24 inches long, meaning you shouldn’t struggle for placement, even if you have limited power outlets in the kitchen.
Like with all the best vacuum sealers, wet and dry ingredients can be optimized when sealing.
Using the sealer is a cinch. Add your food to the bag and then insert the open end of the bag into the machine. The FoodSaver does everything for you, from removing air from the bag to imparting an airtight seal you can rely on.
Cleaning the machine is just as easy as using. Just wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and ensure the inside of the machine is free of debris and you’re good to go.
The few complaints we found about this sealer concern the fragility of the tip at the end of the hose, so make sure you handle this with care.
10. Neeyer Vacuum Sealer Machine
Features
Next in line is another highly efficient food sealer, this time from Neeyer. What do you get for your money here, then?
Despite being marketed as suitable for residential or commercial use, this machine makes the smoothest fit in your home kitchen. You may find it runs into problems if you use it continuously day in and day out, but regular use sealing leftovers at home will present no issues.
Flick between wet and dry sealing modes to suit the ingredients you’re using, and prolong the lifespan of your foods by as much as five times when compare to storing them without sealing.
The suction on this unit is more than fit for purpose and ensures that all your bags are sealed tightly with no air able to get inside. Not only will you store your foods for longer, but it’s more hygienic to do so.
The interface is simple to navigate with ergonomic buttons allowing you to choose your options, and then you can leave the machine to do all the rest for you.
While you get no bells and whistles on this model, you don’t need them. What do get instead is a no-nonsense appliance that stands out as one of the best vacuum sealers up for grabs.
11. Geryon Vacuum Sealer
Features
Geryon serves up a compact yet powerful vacuum sealer that deserves a place on any curated list of the best food sealers.
This is a complete starter kit, so you have everything you need on hand to start saving food and money at the same time.
Like many food sealers, this model is made from plastic which means you should be reasonable about your expectations. If you only occasionally seal bags of food, you should find this model more than meets your needs. Anyone with heavier usage requirements can explore some of the many beefier vacuum sealers we review today.
Choose from twin sealing modes depending on whether you’re working with wet or dry ingredients.
Use any bags up to 12 inches wide, meaning you won’t be forced to buy expensive proprietary bags like you do with some food sealers.
Keeping this unit clean couldn’t be easier thanks to the removable lid, completing a winning package at a very reasonable price point.
12. NutriChef Vacuum Sealer
Features
NutriChef is a world famous brand, making blenders and other appliances like this hard-hitting vacuum sealer.
The first thing that hits you is the understated good looks of this sealer. Most machines in this class look average at best, and often downright ugly.
Fortunately, it’s not a case of form over function, though.
The soft-touch digital interface couldn’t be easier to use, even if you’re not especially confident with tech. Beyond putting the food into your bag and introducing the open end of the bag to the machine, there is little else to concern yourself with here.
Almost all user reviews of this food sealer are positive, but we found a few grips about issues with customer service. With some free bags included along with a wine stopper cork, what’s not to love?
FAQs
1) How can I prevent freezer burn in a vacuum sealer?
There are 3 main factors that cause freezer burn: bacterial growth, oxidation, and dehydration. The main issue with freezer burn is oxygen, the catalyst for all 3 of these elements coming into play. With the best vacuum sealer, you’ll first draw all of the air out of the storage bag before it’s sealed. Failing to get all of the air out of the bag is the only way you’ll experience freezer burn when you’re vacuum sealing food, something caused either by user error or machine error. How can you go about preventing freezer burn from taking you by surprise, then? Well, always carefully check your bag or pouch before it’s still. Look out for any tiny holes that could allow air to get back inside the bag. You also need to establish that there are no air pockets remaining before you get the bag properly sealed. If you take care of this, there’s no reason at all to fear freezer burn.
2) Is it safe to use vacuum sealer bags?
Yes, vacuum sealer bags are generally considered safe, and they are also food-safe. That said, the quality of bag construction will vary from brand to brand. You should also make certain that the type of bag you’re using is suitable for the application you have in mind. Is it freezer safe, for instance? How about boiling the bag or popping it in the microwave? Think about how you plan to use your vacuum sealer, and consider whether you’ll be using wet or dry ingredients. Then, as long as you are not compelled to buy brand-specific bags, look for those that meet with your needs, and do so knowing these things are perfectly safe.
3) Is it possible to vacuum seal soups?
We should lead off by saying that the best way to store soups is inside a vacuum-sealed canister. How about if you don’t have one of these, though? Well, a vacuum sealer will also fit the bill, but you’ll first need to freeze your soup. Attempting to vacuum seal soup while it’s still liquid can cause some of the ingredients to get sucked inside the machine, potentially damaging it and certainly creating a lot of mess. If you freeze liquid in a vacuum-sealed pouch, it will stay fresher for longer. One word of advice: label your liquids. Soups and sauces all tend to look alike when frozen, so save yourself from a lucky dip and label all your frozen liquids.
4) Is it possible to microwave food sealer bags?
If you have vacuum sealed cooked foods, these are perfectly safe to reheat in a microwave. It is inadvisable, though, to try reheating raw foods in the microwave. Make sure you cut off one corner of the bag before you pop it into the microwave. This will allow the steam to escape from the bag as the food reheats. You should steer clear of microwaving any foods filled with oil as this gets super-hot. If you find a food sealer bag overheats in the microwave, the bag could end up exploding, causing a very unsavory mess inside the microwave and wasting your food at the same time.
5) What causes fresh foods to turn brown?
When food comes into contact with oxygen, it can turn brown. This can happen even inside a freezer. The effect is called oxidation, and this impacts the taste of the food as well as how long you can store it. When you vacuum seal your food, you can prevent the oxidation process from happening, meaning there’s no more brown food, and also allowing you to keep everything you store for longer without any reduction in quality.
Conclusion
We very much hope today’s guide to the best vacuum sealers has given you a welter of options and saved you from buying one of the many poor quality models glutting this vertical.
Stick with any of the food sealers we review above and you can buy with your eyes wide open, and a full understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of this nifty appliances. We’ve included something for everyone today.
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