A vacuum sealer is the best tool for extending the life of food and keeping it fresh until you are ready to use it. Not only will this ensure maximum flavor, but it also saves time running back out for forgotten ingredients! Don’t let your hard-earned grocery money go to waste!
If you want to take your sous vide cooking up a notch, Chelsea Cole suggests the best way is using vacuum seal bags. Not only does it get rid of all that pesky air, but it can also come in handy for prepping and stocking your freezer with robustly-sealed ready meals!
In search of the best vacuum sealer, we put eight models to the ultimate test by stuffing them with all sorts of delicious edibles. To determine which model could keep food fresh five times longer than regular storage containers – as they boasted – we evaluated each on ease-of-use, a powerful vacuum/seal combo, and portability as well as extra features that made it more versatile than competitors. TLDR: Check out our results here and learn how we at Insider Reviews kitchen appliances are tested!
The best vacuum sealers you can buy in 2023
Best vacuum sealer overall: The FoodSaver V4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System Starter Kit, a dual vacuum and sealing system that’ll make preserving food for later simpler than ever. With handy progress lights to guide you as you seal away delicious treats, plus an innovative drip tray designed for wet foods – this kit is sure to be your go-to savior!
Best budget vacuum sealer: When it comes to vacuum sealers The Nesco VS-02 is a great option that keeps your food fresh and won’t empty your wallet! It even has an innovative built-in bag cutter along with two levels of suction – perfect proof that affordable choices can still be excellent.
Best handheld vacuum sealer: Zwilling’s Fresh & Save Starter Set is the ultimate kitchen must-have: a compact, convenient handheld vacuum sealer that works with zipper-top bags and glass containers. Keep perishables fresh for longer – all while freeing up drawer space!
Best compact vacuum sealer: Keep your food fresher for longer with the brilliant NutriChef PKVS 12-inch vacuum sealer! This nifty device is small and convenient, but packs a mighty punch when it comes to preserving all kinds of goods from juicy fruits to crunchy snacks.
Best vacuum sealer for hunting and fishing: If you’re a hunter or fisherman, the FoodSaver GameSaver Big Game Vacuum Sealing Kit is the ultimate tool for preserving your catch. Keep it fresh with an innovative power cord that connects to your car – now, even while out in nature, you can enjoy restaurant-quality meals straight from the wild!
Best vacuum sealer for sous vide cooking: The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer has got you covered! It’s a great option if you want to take things up a notch from the trusty zipper top bag. Now, deliciously tender and succulent meals can be yours in no time!
Best vacuum sealer overall
The FoodSaver V4840 is like a superhero, featuring two vacuums in one fantastic device. Wet foods will never be an issue with its drip tray and progress lights, making it super simple to vacuum seal without fail. Get ready for some significant sealing action!
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer
- The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System keeps food fresh for up to five times as long, with automatic bag detection and a two-step sealing process.
- The handheld sealer works on zipper bags, containers, or even specially-made canisters and allows quick marinating.
- The appliance has a removable drip tray drawer for tidy cleanup every time and
- It comes with five-year limited warranty coverage.
Pros
- The vacuum sealer is easy to use.
- Clear lights indicate when the sealing and vacuuming process is complete.
- The handheld vacuum sealer is suitable for delicate foods or jars.
Cons
- The vacuum sealer is bulky and takes up a lot of storage space.
- It is heavy.
- It is pricier than other vacuum sealers.
Then the FoodSaver V4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer should be your go-to. You may be intimidated by its size and an assortment of accessories, but trust us – with practically no instructions, you’ll have sealing success in a snap! And don’t even bother fumbling around for buttons; once you place the open end of the bag into this vacuum channel, suctioning begins automatically. Consider it set!
This Vacuum Sealer has your back with a brilliant light show! Progress is visibly tracked in glowing red and green along its bar, ending with an all-clear signal sure to bring peace of mind.
Sealing with this fantastic sealer is a breeze! From dry to wet, I had no qualms about putting everything from raspberries and crackers to juicy cuts of meat into the machine. If you’re worried about liquid seeping in? Don’t worry – there’s even an indicator light so that if things get too soggy on the inside, your trusty drip tray will be at hand!
The sealer also comes with a handheld vacuum accessory! Perfect for those smaller bags, jars, and marinators. Just know that it takes some pressure to get it going–so if you have limited hand mobility, feel free to use your feet instead!
Best budget vacuum sealer
The Nesco VS-02 vacuum sealer is the one to watch! It’s a bargain brand that packs great value, boasting an inbuilt bag cutter and two suction levels. So if you’re looking for quality at an affordable price point – this could be your perfect fit!
NESCO VS-02 Food Starter
- This vacuum storage set keeps food fresh for up to 5x longer.
- It has an easy-zip closure that creates the perfect seal.
- The set is microwave/freezer safe so snacks can be taken anywhere.
Pros
- The sealer function is quiet.
- The design is sleek.
- It is portable and stores easily.
Cons
- The sliding cutter on this model is not as seamless to use as others.
- It can be harder to close, and it takes some strength.
- There is no manual vacuum option with this model.
Stay confident with vacuum sealing: Nesco has you covered with their VS-02! A great way to get your feet wet without breaking the bank, this sealer is easy as pie and comes loaded up with enough bags for a good start. Not to mention, it’s equipped with its roll cutter, so no fancy gadgets are needed here!
With its two modes, you can rest assured that your liquid and solid foods will remain safe. Extended mode is the real MVP; it provides an extra-strong lock on liquids like marinades or soups so that they won’t make any messy escapes.
Best handheld vacuum sealer
Keep your food fresher for longer with Zwilling’s excellent handheld vacuum sealer! It fits easily into any drawer when not in use and can be used to preserve both zipper-top bags and glass containers – offering the perfect solution no matter what you’re storing.
Zwilling’s handheld vacuum sealer
- It Works with zipper-top bags and glass containers and stores compactly.
- It has an Optimal Performance 110-watt vacuum sealer! Packed with powerful piston pump technology.
- This one-touch unit will keep you from over-vacuuming or crushing delicate foods.
- It has convenient storage capabilities: store rolls of bagging material using its built-in feature plus use a handy bag cutter to create custom sizes – bonus packs include two 7.9″ x 9.8′ roll bags, five 8.”6x 11.”Eight-quart size bags, 五 11.’75 gallon-sized bags that fit perfectly in the chamber, which fits up an astonishing width of 1 .”8 wide!
Pros
- This handheld vacuum sealer is Compact and portable.
- It comes with food-safe glass containers.
- It has a phone app.
- It stores easily
Cons
- This handheld vacuum sealer is only compatible with Zwilling’s bags and containers.
- Containers could be better for bulk freezer storage.
If a clean, fresh kitchen is what you strive for, the Zwilling vacuum sealer can help! It’s an easy-to-use handheld tool that fits right in any drawer and comes complete with its charger – no strings attached (literally). Lock flavor and nutrition in at the press of a button – it really couldn’t be simpler! Keep all your food’s sweet goodness intact with just one click.
Zwilling made it possible to store your food in style – oven-safe, microwave-friendly, dishwasher-approved, and freezer friendly – so you can enjoy freshly preserved eats whenever the cravings strike.
Sick of limp lettuce and soggy salads? Problem solved! Because eating your greens should be a pleasure, not a punishment! This sealer saves the day – pro-longing freshness up to 18 days, three times longer than a standard storage container can manage.
Downside: Sure, this sealer is great for keeping food fresh and maintaining its flavor, but if you’re hoping to sous-vide your evening steak dinner, don’t count on it! With liquids involved, the suctioning power of this sealer will have them soaked up before you can say, “Bon Appétit!”
Best compact vacuum sealer
NutriChef’s PKVS 12-inch vacuum sealer is the perfect solution for a small kitchen – it fits in nearly any space and has multiple uses. Whether you want to store dry food or keep your wet ingredients fresh, this neat little device can handle it all!
NutriChef Automatic Vacuum Air Sealing
- The NutriChef Vacuum Sealer is a money and time-saving solution that is easy to operate.
- It has two sealing modes: dry indication for solid food items and the moist indication for poached, simmered, or steamed food.
- Lab-tested quality increases food shelf life up to 5 times longer than zipper baggies or containers.
- Includes the vacuum sealer.
- Air suction hose.
- Wine stopper cork.
- Five medium vacuum bags (78 x 118 inches).
- One extra long vacuum bag roll (78 x 790 inches).
Pros
- The blender is lightweight.
- It has a gentle mode for delicate foods and dry and moist modes.
- The controls are digital buttons.
Cons
- The machine was too powerful for raspberries, but not crackers.
- It is hard to close (it doesn’t always click to let you know it’s closed).
The NutriChef PKVS vacuum sealer is a sleek showstopper. Its modern look and digital button controls make it stand out from the rest, not just in looks but also user-friendliness! You don’t need to read through instructions – this little powerhouse of preservation can efficiently operate with minimum effort. But if you must have access to all that information, no worries — its manual has got your back covered!
Perfect for the indecisive chef, this sealer soothes any kitchen anxieties with two sealing modes and four food settings. I put it to the test on various edibles – from steak strips to raspberries – figuring out that gentle was best for fragile snacks like crackers and soft fruits, though let’s say we won’t be keeping those crushed raspberries in our pantry!
This sealer has a built-in cutter to cut the roll to whatever length suits your sealing needs. Plus, if something goes awry during use, just hit that handy ‘Stop’ button and put an end to any vacuuming woes!
It comes packed with an innovative wine stopper and suction hose combo, designed to keep that quality flavor intact for longer – so you can get every sip out of your favorite tipple.
Best vacuum sealer for hunting and fishing
You no longer have to worry about carrying a cooler around for your significant cuts of meat – the FoodSaver GameSaver has covered you! Keep it fresh with power cord capabilities that seal it while out in nature.
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer
- The GameSaver Vacuum Sealing System is a heavy-duty machine that can seal and preserve up to 240 pounds of meat, fish, or poultry.
- It has a convenient Grab & design makes it easy to take on adventures.
- The 12-volt adapter powers the machine from autos, boats, or RVs.
- Large rubber non-slip buttons ensure efficient operation in the field or kitchen.
Pros
- The machine has a car plug-in to be taken on the go.
- It has a sleek design and handle for easy portability.
- It can preserve significant cuts of meat.
Cons
- Cons: Doesn’t include any zipper top bag.
- you should buy canisters and zipper bags separately to use the hose.
- It takes a little longer to seal than other models we tested at Best-Reviews.com
Perfect for outdoor endeavors, the FoodSaver GameSaver vacuum sealer is a must-have companion. Pack it up in your car quickly – its lightweight handle and adapter cord make transporting these vacs on any hunting or fishing trip super simple!
This sealer’s built-in cutter and roll let you create custom bags in any shape or size, while the starter kit gives you five pre-cut creations that will save time. No matter what project comes your way – quart or gallon sized – you’ll be ready with this sealing solution!
With the easy-to-open latch and custom buttons, you’ll be sure to seal your food safely in no time. See progress with a nifty little bar that keeps track of it all! Just keep an eye on the clock as this vacuum sealer may take 15 – 20 seconds more than its counterparts — but don’t worry about canisters; we’ve got those covered for you’!
Whether you’re a hunter, an angler, or just someone who likes to eat healthy meals on the go, this vacuum sealer is sure to keep your food fresh. It can handle significant cuts of meat and salmon and ground beef too! Raspberries may be slightly crushed after sealing, but that’s a price we will pay for portability – right?
Best vacuum sealer for sous vide cooking
The Anova sealer may have only some flashy extras, but it is ideal for those looking to take their sous vide or meal prepping to the next level. After all, who needs bells and whistles when you can go beyond zippered bags?
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer,
- The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer is a reliable, compact, and simple-to-use vacuum sealer with ten free Anova pre-cut vacuum sealer bags.
- Sous vide cooking is the perfect level of doneness for nearly any food you choose.
- The Anova vacuum sealer is easy to use: put your food of choice into an Anova pre-cut or rolled vacuum sealer bag, season as desired, insert opened end of the bag into Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer, then remove air and seal the bag with the the the the press of a single button.
Pros
- The product is made by well-known sous vide company and is made specifically for that use.
- The product is lightweight, portable, and has a sleek design for storage.
- The product has a pulse vacuum for delicate foods.
Cons
- The sealer requires more manual effort than other models, as the user must line up the bag and ensure the lid is closed.
- The suction power is weaker than on other models.
If you’re after a simple vacuum sealer, the Anova has got your back! With only three buttons – Vacuum & Seal, Pulse Vacuum and Seal – this baby can help keep liquids sealed while preventing them from entering the unit. It may not be as powerful, but it’s still perfect for those sous vide lovers who want an upgrade on traditional zipper top bags.
This little powerhouse of a vacuum sealer is small and lightweight, so it’ll fit right at home on your countertop or tucked away in any cabinet. The starter set includes pre-cut bags to reduce the hassle factor – no need for extra cutting tools!
What else we recommend and why:
Nesco Deluxe VS-12: Despite its powerful suction, the Nesco Deluxe VS-12 didn’t make our top sealer list. While it’s lock and sealing capability were impressive, this bulky model was a bit of a hog – taking too long to vacuum and finish off your packages with that telltale ‘sucked in’ look.
FoodSaver FM2000: The FoodSaver FM2000 is an economical option for your home food preservation needs. Although it’s small and sleek, its fragility doesn’t match up – crushing delicate foods with a roar louder than our top pick! This model may be worth considering if you want to save some dough, but feel free to snip through rolls by hand.
Our vacuum sealer testing methodology
I tested the vacuum sealers, putting them through their paces and seeing if they could pass my quality assurance challenges. Could these machines withstand rigorous inspection?
Sealing: To ensure the best results, I tested each vacuum sealer. It was a battle of brawn versus brains as I pitted their sealing savvy against measured amounts of food – from ground beef and salmon to avocados and strawberries! Ultimately, my evaluation uncovered which ones reigned supreme when handling various textures, moisture levels…and shapes.
Freshness preservation: By vacuum sealing my meat and crackers on a tight timeline– one month in freezer and pantry respectively – I found that all of these foods stayed good as new throughout. Even produce only needed two weeks at most to remain chilled and crisp-ready. What could be fresher than that?
Ease of use: I looked closely at how quick and easy it was to assemble, use and move these sealers – the instructions were crystal clear for even novice users. Additionally, their lightweight frame made them easily portable, so I didn’t have to worry about carrying heavy stuff or finding extra room in my home!
Extra features: I put each sealer to the test, using whatever materials it had in its starter kit – if I didn’t get a canister with my model, then there was no need to conduct a different experiment. But certain functions couldn’t be overlooked: pulse and gentle vacuum options are essential when dealing with fragile foods like raspberries; any decent food sealer should have those!
Vacuum sealer FAQs
How do vacuum sealers work?
Vacuum sealing is a powerful tool in the battle against food going bad. By creating an airtight barrier between your grub and unwanted gasses or bacteria, you’ll be able to enjoy your meal while it’s still at its peak flavor – no more chowing down on dried-out leftovers!
Are vacuum sealers safe?
Vacuum sealing is a great way to ensure food freshness – assuming the meal was delicious when you sealed it up! Get extra info on shelf life by consulting FoodKeeper, the app created with love and care from your friends at USDA.
If you’re into vacuum sealing, proceed with caution! Certain foods can be hazardous if sealed too soon. The University of Minnesota Extension School warns us to beware: garlic, soft cheeses, raw mushrooms, and freshly cooked or steamed produce should not meet an air-tight fate – only seal at room temperature for maximum safety.
The University of Minnesota Extension school recommends taking the following safeguards when you vacuum seal:
- Keeping hands and surfaces clean when working with vacuum-sealed food is essential.
- Food should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on the type of food.
- Frozen items should always be thawed in the fridge.
How do I contain fluid from getting into my vacuum sealer?
Vacuuming up those liquid-heavy foods can be like navigating a swamp, but don’t let that stop you! With this nifty feature in tow, you’ll never have an issue with messy sealing again. When searching for a suitable sealer to help keep your snacks safe and sound, look for extraordinary chambers designed to handle all our watery friends safely.
Cole’s clever trick will have you conquering liquids in no time: hang your bag off the counter edge and turn on the manual setting. Then, at just a glimpse of liquid near that all-important sealing line – hit “Seal” fast! You’ll be an expert food preserver before you know it.
Can I reuse a vacuum storage bag?
Reusing an old bag isn’t always a good idea; washing is often tough when dealing with raw meats or oil-soaked snack foods—they can harbor bacteria that turn your kitchen into a biological minefield!
Is a food vacuum sealer worth it?
Vacuum sealing could be the answer! Our tests found that vacuum-sealed food stays fresh five times longer than if left in its original packaging, making it an ideal way for savvy shoppers to preserve and store bulk buys. With this innovative solution, you can reduce costs – and save time on meal prep too!