You’re probably wondering what is the best food vacuum sealer for your kitchen. It’s a common question, as these handy devices can save you money and reduce food waste by a huge amount.
Choosing the right one can feel tricky. There are so many models, from simple handheld units to powerful chamber machines. Your perfect match depends on what you plan to seal, how often you’ll use it, and your budget.
This guide will walk you through everything. We’ll look at the main types of sealers, key features to consider, and some top recommendations for different needs. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
What Is The Best Food Vacuum Sealer
There isn’t one single “best” machine for everyone. The best food vacuum sealer is the one that fits your specific lifestyle and goals. A busy family who freezes meals will need a different model than someone who sous vides every weekend or preserves garden harvests.
We’ll break it down by category to help you find your winner.
Understanding the Two Main Types of Vacuum Sealers
First, you need to know the basic difference between the two primary designs. This choice is the most important one you’ll make.
External (or Suction) Sealers
These are the most common type for home use. You place the open end of a special bag in the machine. It sucks the air out from inside the bag and then heat-seals the edge closed.
- Pros: They are generally more affordable, compact, and great for sealing bags of all sizes, including pre-made bags and rolls. Perfect for freezing meats, veggies, and leftovers.
- Cons: They can struggle with liquids or very fine powders, as the suction can pull them into the machine. They also don’t remove all the air, leaving a small amount around textured foods.
Chamber Vacuum Sealers
These are more professional-grade. You place the entire bag and food inside a solid chamber. The machine removes the air from the whole chamber, then seals the bag. The bag is then removed, already compressed.
- Pros: Superior vacuum, excellent for liquids and marinades. They use less expensive, smooth-sided bags. Ideal for sous vide, marinating quickly, and sealing soups or stews.
- Cons: Much larger, heavier, and significantly more expensive. The chamber size limits what you can seal.
Key Features to Compare When Choosing
Once you’ve decided on the type, look at these specific features. They make a big difference in how easy and effective the sealer is to use.
1. Seal Bar Quality and Number
The seal bar is what melts the plastic bag closed. Look for a wide, durable bar. Some machines have double or even triple seals for extra security. This is crucial for preventing leaks in long-term storage.
2. Suction Power and Speed
Measured in watts or by pressure (like kPa), this tells you how strong the vacuum is. More power means a tighter seal and faster air removal. For heavy-duty use, don’t skimp here.
3. Bag Compatibility and Accessory Port
Most sealers work with their own brand’s bags and rolls. Some are more universal than others. An accessory port lets you use hose attachments for sealing containers, mason jar kits, or wine bottle stoppers. This greatly expands the sealer’s usefulness.
4. Wet/Dry Settings and Pulse Function
A “wet” setting slows down the suction to help prevent liquids from being pulled up. A “pulse” or manual button lets you control the vacuum level yourself. This is perfect for delicate items like soft berries or flaky fish.
5. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Spills happen. A drip tray that’s removable and dishwasher-safe is a lifesaver. Check how easy it is to wipe down the sealing area and the machine’s exterior.
Top Contenders in Different Categories
Based on reviews and user feedback, here are some consistently well-regarded models in popular categories.
Best Overall External Sealer for Most Homes
The Nesco VS-12 often comes out on top. It strikes a great balance between power, price, and features. It has a strong motor, a wide sealing bar, and a handy marinate function. It’s reliable for everyday family cooking and meal prep.
Best for Serious Sous Vide Enthusiasts
If sous vide is your main focus, a chamber sealer is worth the investment. The VacMaster VP215 is a commercial-grade workhorse favored by many home chefs. For a more compact option, the Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer is designed specifically with the home cook in mind.
Best Budget-Friendly Pick
The FoodSaver V4400 series offers core functionality at a very accessible price. It gets the job done for occasional use, like sealing leftovers or freezing bulk purchases. It might lack some bells and whistles, but it’s a solid starter machine.
Best for Portability and Small Spaces
Handheld sealers, like the FoodSaver FreshSaver, are great for quick jobs, sealing bags for travel, or if you have zero counter space. They use special zipper bags and are powered by batteries or a USB cord. Remember, they’re for light duty only.
How to Use Your Vacuum Sealer Effectively
Getting the best results requires a little technique. Follow these steps for perfect seals every time.
- Prep Your Food: Let hot foods cool completely. Pat wet foods dry with a paper towel. Arrange items in a single layer when possible.
- Cut the Bag: Leave plenty of extra space (about 3 inches) above the food for the sealing process.
- Place the Bag: Insert the open end into the sealer, ensuring it’s flat and aligned over the sealing bar.
- Choose the Setting: Use “Dry” for most things, “Moist” for damp items, and “Pulse” for delicate foods.
- Start the Cycle: Close the lid and let the machine run. It will vacuum the air and then seal automatically.
- Check the Seal: Before storing, gently press on the bag to ensure it’s tight and the seal line is smooth and solid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a great machine, errors can lead to failed seals. Watch out for these pitfalls.
- Overfilling the Bag: This prevents a good seal and can cause leaks. Leave room.
- Getting the Seal Area Dirty: Even a tiny crumb or drop of liquid on the sealing bar can ruin the seal. Always wipe it clean.
- Using the Wrong Bag Type: Don’t use cheap sandwich bags. They aren’t designed for vacuum sealing and won’t hold up in the freezer.
- Forgetting to Label: You will forget what’s in that frozen, opaque bag and when you put it there. Always use a marker or label.
Creative Uses Beyond Freezing
Your sealer can do much more than just protect freezer meals. Here’s some ideas:
- Marinate Meat in Minutes: The vacuum action pulls marinade deep into the meat. What takes hours in a bowl takes 20 minutes in a vacuum bag.
- Preserve Dry Goods: Seal flour, rice, and nuts to protect them from pantry moths and extend freshness.
- Protect Important Documents: Keep passports, old letters, or photos safe from water damage.
- Create Space-Saver Bags: Use it with special bags to compress bulky seasonal clothing or bedding.
- Infuse Flavors Quickly: Make your own infused oils or spirits by sealing ingredients together for a fast infusion.
Maintaining Your Investment
Take care of your sealer, and it will last for years. A little maintenance goes a long way.
- Empty the drip tray after every use, especially if sealing juicy items.
- Wipe the gasket and sealing area with a damp cloth regularly.
- Run a test seal on an empty bag every few months to ensure it’s working properly.
- Store the cord neatly and keep the machine in a dry place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are vacuum sealers worth the money?
Yes, for most people. If you buy food in bulk, grow a garden, cook in batches, or want to reduce waste, the savings on food will typically pay for the machine and bags over time.
What is the best brand of vacuum sealer?
FoodSaver is the most well-known, but Nesco and NutriChef are also highly rated. For chamber sealers, VacMaster is a leader. The “best” brand depends on the type of machine you need.
Can you reuse vacuum sealer bags?
It’s not generally recommended. The sealing process weakens the plastic, and washing them thoroughly is difficult, raising hygiene concerns. For non-food items, reuse might be okay.
How long does vacuum sealed food last in the freezer?
It can last 2-3 times longer than food stored in regular packaging. While regular freezer bags might give you 6 months, vacuum-sealed food can often remain high-quality for 2-3 years.
Do I need a special vacuum sealer for sous vide?
Not a special one, but you do need one that creates a very reliable, watertight seal. Many external sealers work fine. However, for the ultimate convenience with liquids, a chamber sealer is the top choice for sous vide cooking.
Can you seal liquids with a normal vacuum sealer?
You can, but you must be careful. Use the “Moist” setting, freeze the liquid first into a block, or use a container like a jar with a special attachment. Otherwise, the liquid may get sucked into the machine.
Making Your Final Decision
Think about your main goals. Write down the three things you’ll use the sealer for most often. Is it freezing seasonal produce? Sealing weekly meal prep? Or experimenting with sous vide?
Match those needs to the features we’ve discussed. Set a realistic budget that includes the cost of the bags, which is an ongoing expense. Read recent customer reviews to see how models hold up after a year of use.
Remember, the best food vacuum sealer is the tool you’ll actually use regularly. It should feel helpful, not complicated. A simpler, more affordable model used consistently is far better than a fancy machine that sits in the cupboard. Start with clear goals, and you’ll find the perfect kitchen companion to save food, save money, and make cooking a bit easier.