If you want to keep food fresh for months, a vacuum sealer is a game-changer. But with so many models out there, figuring out what is the best vacuum sealer for food can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll look at the key features, compare the main types, and recommend top options for different needs and budgets. By the end, you’ll know exactly which machine is right for your kitchen.
Vacuum sealers remove air from a special plastic bag and then seal it shut. This process, called vacuum sealing, dramatically slows down food spoilage. It prevents freezer burn, locks in flavors, and can even help with marinating. Whether you buy in bulk, grow your own garden, or just hate wasting leftovers, a good sealer pays for itself.
What Is The Best Vacuum Sealer For Food
There isn’t one single “best” vacuum sealer for everyone. The best choice depends on how you plan to use it. A busy family who freezes meals will have different needs than someone who seals dry goods for pantry storage. We’ll break it down into clear categories to help you match a machine to your lifestyle.
Key Features to Consider Before You Buy
Don’t just pick the shiniest box. Understanding these features will help you make a smart purchase that you’ll be happy with for years.
- Sealing Type (External vs. Chamber): This is the biggest decision. External sealers are the common countertop kind. You place the open end of the bag in the machine, and it sucks out the air and creates a seal. Chamber vacuum sealers have a bin where the entire bag goes inside. They are more powerful, better for liquids, but also much larger and more expensive.
- Suction Power: Measured in air watts or by barometric pressure. More power means a stronger vacuum, which leads to longer food preservation. For most home users, a mid-range external sealer has plenty of power.
- Seal Quality & Width: Look for machines with double or pulse-sealing functions for extra durability. A wider sealing strip (like 12mm) is stronger than a narrow one and can handle thicker bags or slight crumbs.
- Bag Compatibility & Roll Storage: Many sealers have a port to use rolls of bag material, letting you cut custom sizes. This is more economical than pre-made bags. Check if the machine needs proprietary bags or can use generic ones.
- Wet/Dry Settings: A “Moist” or “Dry” setting is crucial. The moist setting uses a slower, pulsed suction to avoid pulling liquids into the machine’s chamber, which can damage it.
- Extra Functions: Some models offer accessory ports for sealing jars or canisters, a marinate function, or a simple bag cutter.
Types of Vacuum Sealers: Pros and Cons
External Suction Sealers (Most Common)
These are the classic home vacuum sealers. They sit on your counter and have a hinged lid that closes over the bag’s edge.
- Pros: Affordable, compact, easy to store, great for dry and semi-moist foods.
- Cons: Can struggle with very wet foods or fine powders, uses textured bags (which are more expensive), not as strong a vacuum as chamber models.
They are perfect for the average user who seals meat, cheese, vegetables, and leftovers.
Chamber Vacuum Sealers
These are professional-grade machines often seen in restaurants. The entire bag sits inside a sealed chamber.
- Pros: Superior vacuum strength, can seal liquids (like soups) perfectly, uses smoother and cheaper bag material, faster for multiple bags.
- Cons: Very expensive, very large and heavy, bags can be trickier to position.
This is for serious home chefs, hunters processing large game, or anyone who regularly preserves liquids.
Handheld & Portable Sealers
These are small, battery-powered devices that seal special bags with a one-way valve.
- Pros: Inexpensive, super portable for travel or limited space.
- Cons: Weakest vacuum, requires expensive specialized bags, not durable for frequent use.
Consider these only for occasional use, like sealing snacks for a trip. They are not a replacement for a real sealer.
Top Recommendations for Different Needs
Based on features, reliability, and user reviews, here are some standout models in each category.
Best Overall External Sealer: Nesco VS-12
The Nesco VS-12 strikes an excellent balance of power, price, and features. It has a strong suction, a wide 12mm double seal, and a handy built-in bag cutter and storage for rolls. The moist/dry setting works reliably, and it can seal both bags and canisters. It’s a workhorse that won’t let most families down.
Best for Heavy Use & Liquids: VacMaster VP215
If you need chamber sealer performance, the VacMaster VP215 is the go-to for advanced home users. It’s built like a tank, has a powerful pump, and a spacious chamber. You can seal soups, stews, and marinades without a worry. Just be prepared for its size, weight, and higher cost. It’s an investment for those who truly need it’s capabilities.
Best Budget-Friendly Pick: FoodSaver FM2000
FoodSaver is a trusted brand, and the FM2000 offers core functionality at a very accessible price. It gets the job done for basic freezing and storing. It has a moist setting and uses affordable bag rolls. While it might not have the power or extra features of higher-end models, it’s a fantastic starter sealer that proves incredibly reliable for it’s cost.
Best for Compact Kitchens: Geryon Electric Vacuum Sealer
This sleek, horizontal design takes up less depth on your counter. Despite it’s smaller size, it packs good suction and offers both dry and moist modes. It includes an accessory hose for containers. If cabinet space is tight, this design is much easier to tuck away than a bulky traditional sealer.
How to Use Your Vacuum Sealer Effectively: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting great results is easy once you know the steps.
- Prep Your Food: For best results, pat meats and moist foods dry with a paper towel. For soups or stews, freeze them in a container first, then pop the frozen block into a bag to seal (this is called “flash freezing”).
- Cut and Place the Bag: Cut a bag from your roll, leaving plenty of extra space (at least 3 inches) above the food. Place the open end of the bag in the sealer, making sure it’s flat and clean across the sealing bar.
- Select the Right Mode: Choose “Dry” for bread, crackers, dry grains, or pre-frozen items. Always choose “Moist” or “Pulse” for fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, or anything with moisture.
- Initiate the Seal: Close the lid. The machine will automatically start vacuuming the air out. Once the air is removed, it will heat up and create the seal, then beep to let you know it’s done.
- Check and Store: Gently tug on the seal to ensure it’s strong. Label the bag with the contents and date. Store in the freezer, refrigerator, or pantry as appropriate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple errors can lead to bad seals or a broken machine. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Overfilling the Bag: Leave enough room for the food to settle and for the bag to seal properly. Crumbs or juices on the sealing area will prevent a good seal.
- Using the Wrong Setting: Using “Dry” on wet food will suck liquid into the machine’s pump. This is the most common way people break their sealers.
- Not Cleaning the Seal Bar: Wipe the silicone sealing strip regularly with a damp cloth. Dried food residue can stop it from heating evenly.
- Expecting Too Much from a Basic Sealer: Don’t try to seal a full bag of soup in an external sealer. Use the flash-freeze method instead for liquids.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Take care of your sealer, and it will last for many years.
- Always unplug the machine before cleaning.
- Wipe the exterior and interior, especially the sealing strip and channel where the bag sits, after each use.
- If you do get liquid in the drip tray (on some models), empty and clean it immediately to prevent mold and odors.
- Let the machine cool down between sealing several bags in a row. Most are not designed for continuous commercial use.
- Store it in a clean, dry place. If you keep the bag roll on the machine, cover it to prevent dust accumulation.
Creative Uses Beyond Freezing Food
Your vacuum sealer is more versatile than you might think!
- Marinating Meats: Seal meat with marinade in a bag. The vacuum process pulls the flavor deep into the meat in minutes instead of hours.
- Protecting Important Documents: Seal passports, birth certificates, or old photos from water damage.
- Organizing Travel Kits: Make single-use portions of shampoo, lotion, or first-aid supplies. They won’t leak in your suitcase.
- Sous Vide Cooking: This popular cooking method requires food to be vacuum-sealed and cooked in a precise temperature water bath. A good sealer is essential for this.
- Preserving Seasonal Goods: Seal dried herbs, coffee beans, or nuts to keep them fresh in the pantry far longer.
FAQ Section
Are vacuum sealers worth the money?
Absolutely, if you regularly buy food in bulk, have a garden, hunt or fish, or simply want to reduce waste. The savings on food that doesn’t spoil quickly cover the cost of the machine and bags.
What is the best food vacuum sealer for home use?
For most homes, a mid-range external suction sealer like the Nesco or a FoodSaver model is the best choice. It handles 95% of tasks well without the size or cost of a chamber sealer.
Can you reuse vacuum sealer bags?
You can, if they are in good condition. Wash them thoroughly in warm, soapy water, rinse well, and let them dry completely inside and out before reusing. Don’t reuse bags that held raw meat for other raw meats, due to cross-contamination risks.
How long does vacuum-sealed food last?
It varies. In the freezer, meat can last 2-3 years instead of 6-9 months. In the fridge, fresh vegetables might last 1-2 weeks instead of a few days. Always follow safe food handling guidelines.
Do I need a special bags for my vacuum sealer?
It depends on the machine. Some brands require their own bags for the texture pattern. Many modern sealers work with generic “textured” bags for external sealers. Chamber sealers use smooth, cheaper bags. Always check your manual.
What’s the difference between a vacuum sealer and a bag sealer?
A simple bag sealer just heat-seals a bag closed (like a chip bag). A vacuum sealer first removes the air and then seals it, which is what provides the preservation benefit.
Choosing the right vacuum sealer makes a big difference in your kitchen efficiency. By focusing on how you’ll use it most, you can pick a model that feels like a helpful tool, not a complicated gadget. Start with the basics, avoid the common pitfalls, and you’ll be preserving food like a pro in no time. The extended freshness and reduced waste you’ll achieve are truly rewarding.