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Vacuum sealers are food storage devices that keep food fresh, prevent freezer burn, and are helpful for sous vide cooking by sucking all of the air out of specially made vacuum sealer bags.
To ensure that you spend your money on the right product for your kitchen, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best vacuum sealer models on Amazon.
Here are our top recommendations.
Compare Top Vacuum Sealers
| Product | Power Level | Settings | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine | 128 watts | Dry, moist, marinate | 10 pounds | 5 years |
| NutriChef Vacuum Sealer | 120 watts | Dry, moist, normal, gentle, marinate | 5 pounds | 1 year |
| Nesco Vacuum Sealer | 130 watts | Dry, moist, double, normal, gentle, pulse, marinate | 6 pounds | 1 year |
| Weston Vacuum Sealer Machine | 935 watts | One-touch automatic, manual control | 22 pounds | 1 year |
| GERYON Vacuum Sealer Machine | 110 watts | Dry, moist, normal, gentle | 2.6 pounds | 2 years |
| Product | Power Level | Settings | Weight | Warranty |
Top 5 Vacuum Sealers
- Best Handheld Option: FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine
- Best Screen: NutriChef Vacuum Sealer
- Best Settings: Nesco Vacuum Sealer
- Best Long Seal Bar: Weston Vacuum Sealer Machine
- Best Compact Sealer: GERYON Vacuum Sealer Machine
Best Handheld Option: FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine
- $239.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes with a long 5-year warranty
✔ Has a removable drip tray that catches any liquids that come out of the bags during sealing
✔ Has a progress bar to indicate how far along the sealing process is for each bag
✘ Takes up a lot of counter or cabinet space with its deep, wide design
✘ Works specifically with 8- and 11-inch bags
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said this vacuum sealer succeeded at keeping a variety of foods fresh. They also complimented the machine’s ease of use. However, some users struggled to get it to seal certain bags.
Best Screen: NutriChef Vacuum Sealer
NutriChef Vacuum Sealer
- $109.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes with five medium bags and one extra-long bag roll
✔ Seals recently cooked foods that are up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit
✔ Included bags are reusable
✘ Takes a while to suck the air out of bags
✘ Not as heavy-duty as other vacuum sealers
What Customers Are Saying
Those who left positive reviews for this machine said that it was easy to set up and use and found its display useful. Dissatisfied customers mentioned that it had poor suction, which made it take longer to suck the air out of bags.
Best Settings: Nesco Vacuum Sealer
Nesco Vacuum Sealer
- $134.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a viewing lid to ensure proper bag sealing
✔ Comes with two bag rolls, though you can use any brand bag with the machine
✔ Includes a cord wrap on the backside
✘ Gets hot to the touch when it’s on
✘ Lacks a removable drip tray
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers thought that this sealer was durable, easy to clean, and fast-working. However, some users claimed that their sealed bags leaked because the machine didn’t close them properly.
Best Long Seal Bar: Weston Vacuum Sealer Machine
Weston Vacuum Sealer Machine
- $449.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a double-piston pump that creates a superior seal
✔ Works with a variety of bag sizes
✔ Made from durable and attractive stainless steel
✘ Costs more than other vacuum sealers
✘ Has a bulky, heavy build
What Customers Are Saying
Those who left positive reviews for this vacuum sealer said that it was made from high-quality materials and that it quickly sealed a high volume of food. They particularly liked it for sauce-covered dishes or other juicy foods. A handful of customers claimed that its heating element was ineffective.
Best Compact Sealer: GERYON Vacuum Sealer Machine
GERYON Vacuum Sealer Machine
- $69.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a control panel with soft-push buttons and indicator lights
✔ Comes with a hose that adapts to suck the air out of containers
✔ Has multiple sealing settings, including moist, dry, gentle, and normal
✘ Has a sensitive touchpad
✘ Has a smaller capacity than some other vacuum sealers
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers mentioned that this sealer features a lightweight build and comes with simple-to-follow instructions. However, some customers indicated that the machine occasionally failed to seal bags properly and noted its lack of integrated bag storage.
Buyer’s Guide
Vacuum sealing preserves food in airtight bags to help it have a longer shelf life than normal refrigerated or frozen food. This buying guide will help you select the best food vacuum sealer for your food storage and pantry needs.
Type
There are two types of food vacuum sealers—chamber sealers and external sealers.
Chamber vacuum sealers hold the food inside the machine. They’re best for sealing large batches of food and moist foods.
External vacuum sealers are countertop models that only touch the edge of the bag, keeping the food on the outside during the sealing process. They’re not as versatile, but they take up less counter space.
Bags
Vacuum sealers require special vacuum-sealing bags. Some vacuum sealers come packaged with bags, while others require you to purchase the bags separately. If you purchase bags separately, be sure they’re compatible with the size of your machine’s seal bar.
Sealing Settings
Many food vacuum sealers include two sealing modes: a dry mode and a wet or moist mode. The dry mode should be your default setting. You should only use the wet setting when you’re sealing juicy foods, such as fresh berries or sauce-covered dishes.
A vacuum sealer may have additional settings, such as gentle pressure, pulse vacuum, or manual, all of which are good for dealing with delicate foods.
Cleaning
Vacuum sealers are not typically dishwasher safe. Take the machine apart before washing it by hand to ensure a thorough cleaning.
You should clean your vacuum sealer regularly to prevent crumbs and liquid from building up.
Other features
Additional features that can improve food vacuum sealer performance and user experience include:
- Automatic bag detection
- Setting indicator lights
- Double sealing
- Non-slip feet
Price
The price of a high-quality vacuum sealer depends on its size, quality, brand, number of bags, and features. Low-end vacuum sealers can cost as little as $25-$50, while large sealers with more powerful suction and many extra features can run for hundreds of dollars.
Set your budget first, and then look for the best vacuum sealers available in that range when shopping.
Brands
There are many brands to choose from when shopping for a vacuum sealer. Some of the most trusted brands are:
- Anova Culinary
- FoodSaver
- GERYON
- Hamilton Beach
- Nesco
- NutriChef
- VacMaster
- Weston
- ZWILLING
Maintenance
It is advisable to clean your vacuum sealer between each use. You should also use a filter and ensure foods are fully frozen before vacuum sealing them to prevent excess crumbs or liquids from damaging the machine.
You can wash most vacuum sealers with warm water and soap. Larger devices typically require more cleaning.
The Best Foods To Preserve With a Vacuum Sealer
You can vacuum seal most food items but there are a few notable exceptions, which we’ve mentioned in the frequently asked questions section below.
If you’re wondering how to make use of your vacuum sealer, here’s a good list of some foods you can preserve with your new machine:
- Baby food and formula
- Baked goods like cookies and brownies
- Chicken, fish, and meat
- Dry goods like coffee beans, herbs, jerky, nuts, and spices
- Fruits and vegetables
- Pre-cooked dishes and soups
- Wine
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of foods shouldn’t I seal?
Avoid sealing mushrooms, bananas, garlic, and unpasteurized cheeses, such as ricotta, camembert, and brie. These items contain anaerobic bacteria that survive in oxygen-free sealing bags, making them prone to mold.
How long do vacuum-sealed foods last?
This will depend on the type of food. Cheeses typically last about eight months, while ground meats and fruits last up to one year. Cut meat, fish, vegetables, and dry foods can last up to two years.
What foods require preparation before being vacuum-sealed?
You should blanch cruciferous vegetables—a group that includes broccoli, cauliflower, and bok choy—before vacuum sealing them. Blanching involves boiling the vegetables and briefly submerging them in ice water. This process prevents the growth of enzymes that can ruin the vegetables.
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