How To Use Nesco Vacuum Sealer

If you’ve just bought a Nesco vacuum sealer, you might be wondering how to get started. Learning how to use Nesco vacuum sealer is simple, and it will change the way you store food. This guide will walk you through every step, from your first seal to advanced tips, so you can keep your food fresher for longer with confidence.

Your Nesco vacuum sealer is a powerful tool for reducing waste and saving money. It works by removing air from a special plastic bag and then sealing it shut. This process, called vacuum sealing, slows down freezer burn, prevents spoilage, and helps maintain flavor. Whether you’re portioning out a large meat purchase, saving leftovers, or preparing for a camping trip, this machine is your best friend in the kitchen.

What’s in the Box: Getting to Know Your Machine

Before you plug it in, let’s identify the key parts. Most Nesco models share similar components.

The Main Unit: This houses the motor and controls. The top often lifts up to access the sealing area.
Sealing Strip & Vacuum Channel: Inside the lid is a heated wire that melts the bag shut. Next to it is the channel where air is sucked out.
Control Panel: Usually has buttons for ‘Vacuum & Seal’, ‘Seal Only’, and sometimes ‘Moist’ for damp foods.
Bag Cutter: Many models have a built-in serrated edge for cutting rolls of bag material to size.
Bag Roll Storage: A compartment on the side or back to hold the roll of vacuum bags.
External Vacuum Port: A small nozzle for use with canisters or specialty containers.

Step-by-Step: Your First Vacuum Seal

Let’s run through the basic process. It’s easier than you think.

Prepare Your Food: For best results, food should be cool or frozen. Lay items flat. Avoid overfilling the bag; leave at least 3 inches of space at the top.
Cut the Bag: Use the built-in cutter to cut a piece from the roll. Make it larger than you need—you can always trim it later after sealing.
Seal One End: First, you need to create a bag. Place one end of the plastic over the sealing strip. Close the lid and press the ‘Seal Only’ button. Wait for the light to go off. You now have an open bag.
Add Food & Position: Put your food in the bag. Lay the open end flat across the sealing strip, making sure the bag’s edge is past the heating element inside the machine.
Close the Lid: Shut the lid firmly until it latches. You should here a click.
Start the Vacuum: Press the ‘Vacuum & Seal’ button. You’ll hear the machine whir as it removes the air. The bag will shrink tightly around the food.
Automatic Seal: Once the air is out, the machine will automatically heat the strip and seal the bag. It will then beep or the light will turn off.
Wait and Release: Let the seal cool for a second or two. Then, open the lid and remove your perfectly sealed package.

Choosing the Right Settings

Nesco sealers have different modes for different jobs.

Vacuum & Seal: The standard setting for most dry, solid foods like meats, bread, or cheese.
Seal Only: Use this to close a bag without vacuuming. It’s perfect for sealing bags you’ve already vacuumed and opened, or for sealing bags of liquids.
Moist Setting: Crucial for damp foods like marinated meat, soup, or fresh fish. It has a gentler vacuum to prevent liquid from being sucked into the machine, which can damage it. Always freeze liquids flat before sealing if possible.

Tips for Tricky Foods

Some foods need special care to get a good seal.

Bread & Soft Items: Use the ‘Gentle’ or ‘Pulse’ button if your model has one. Otherwise, place them in a pre-sealed bag and use the external port with a hose attachment to avoid crushing.
Berries & Delicate Produce: Freeze them first on a tray (called flash freezing) before vacuum sealing. This prevents them from being mashed.
Powders & Granules: Place a coffee filter inside the bag above the food to keep them from getting sucked into the machine’s channel.
Foods with Sharp Edges: Bones or pasta shapes can puncture the bag. Wrap the sharp point in a paper towel or use a specialty “bone bag” which is thicker.

Using the External Vacuum Port

That little nozzle on the front or side is very handy. You’ll need to attach the hose (usually included).

Connect one end of the hose to the port on the sealer.
Attach the other end to a vacuum canister or a jar sealer lid.
Turn the machine on. For canisters, there’s often a button on the lid to start the vacuum. For jar sealers, the machine will just run until you turn it off.
This is great for sealing Mason jars of dry goods like coffee, nuts, or flour, or for using reusable hard plastic containers.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Taking care of your sealer ensures it lasts for years.

Clean After Each Use: Wipe the sealing strip and the channel inside the lid with a damp cloth. Make sure it’s completely dry before next use.
Check the Seal Strip: Over time, residue can build up. Gently clean it with a soft cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol to ensure a strong seal.
Replace the Gasket: The rubber seal around the lid can wear out. If the machine struggles to vacuum, this might be the cause.

Common Problems and Fixes

Bag Won’t Seal: The sealing strip might be dirty. Clean it. Also, ensure the bag is placed correctly and isn’t wrinkled over the strip.
Incomplete Vacuum: Check for a tiny hole or wrinkle in the bag near the seal. The gasket might also need replacing.
Machine Stops Mid-Cycle: It may have an auto-shutoff if it overheats. Unplug it, let it cool for 20-30 minutes, and try again.
Liquid Gets Sucked In: Always use the ‘Moist’ setting for wet foods and freeze liquids first. If liquid gets in the channel, unplug the machine immediately and clean it thoroughly.

Creative Uses Beyond Food

Your vacuum sealer isn’t just for the kitchen!

Camping & Travel: Seal toiletries, matches, or first-aid kits to waterproof them.
Important Documents: Protect passports, photos, or paperwork from water damage.
Seasoning Blends: Make large batches of homemade spice mixes and seal them in small bags for easy gifts.
Marinating Meat: Seal meat with marinade in a bag. The vacuum action pulls the flavor deep into the meat quickly—sometimes in minutes.

Choosing Bags and Accessories

Using the right materials is key. Always use bags designed for vacuum sealers.

Nesco Bags: These are guaranteed to work with your machine. They come in rolls or pre-cut sizes.
Generic Bags: You can use other brands, but ensure they are the same thickness and material (nylon/polyethylene). Some cheaper bags may not seal properly.
Reusable Bags: Some companies make washable, reusable vacuum bags. These are great for the environment but follow the care instructions closely.
Canisters & Jars: Hard-sided containers are perfect for items you open frequently, like coffee or salad toppings.

Remember, the goal is to remove as much air as possible. When you’re sealing soft items, you can gently press on the lid to help the machine get a better vacuum. Don’t force it, but a little pressure can help. Also, always label your bags with the contents and date! A permanent marker works fine, or use freezer tape. You might think you’ll remember what that frozen meat is, but in three months, you’ll be glad you labeled it.

FAQs About Using Your Nesco Vacuum Sealer

Can I vacuum seal liquids?

Yes, but with caution. Always use the ‘Moist’ setting. For best results, freeze the liquid solid in a container first, then pop the frozen block into a bag and seal it. This is ideal for soups, sauces, and stocks.

How do I reseal a bag after I’ve opened it?

You can reseal it if there’s enough bag material left. Just cut off the old seal, add your food back in, and use the ‘Seal Only’ function to close it. For a fresh vacuum seal, you’d need to cut the bag open and use a new, larger bag.

Is it safe to vacuum seal raw meat?

Absolutely. It’s one of the most common uses. Always start with fresh, cold meat. Seal it promptly and then refrigerate or freeze it immediately. Vacuum sealing can extend the fridge life of raw meat by several days.

Why did my bag wrinkle at the seal?

A wrinkled seal can lead to leaks. This usually happens if the bag is not laying completely flat over the sealing strip when you close the lid. Take an extra second to smooth it out before starting the cycle.

Can I use my sealer for canning or preserving?

No. Vacuum sealing is not a substitute for pressure canning or water bath canning for preserving low-acid foods. It is for storage only and does not kill bacteria or prevent botulism in the same way proper canning does.

How long will vacuum-sealed food last?

It varies. In the freezer, it can prevent freezer burn for 2-3 years. In the refrigerator, it can extend the life of many foods by 3-5 times. For example, cheese might last weeks instead of days. Always follow food safety guidelines.

My sealer seems loud. Is that normal?

A moderate humming or whirring sound during the vacuum phase is completely normal. It’s the sound of the motor removing air. If it’s making a grinding or screeching noise, then there might be a problem that needs attention.

Getting the hang of how to use Nesco vacuum sealer opens up a world of possibilities in your kitchen. It might feel like a bit of a learning curve at first, but after a few tries, it becomes second nature. Start with something simple, like sealing some cheese or a portion of nuts, and soon you’ll be wondering how you ever managed without it. The savings on food waste and the convenience of having ready-to-cook meals in the freezer make it a tool worth mastering.