What Is The Best Food Saver Vacuum Sealer To Buy?

Food saver vacuum sealers are excellent at preserving flavor. Are you looking to reduce food waste and save money? At savewhere.net, we help you find the perfect food saver vacuum sealer. These appliances remove air from bags and containers, extending shelf life and preventing freezer burn.

Discover the best food saver vacuum sealer for your needs and start saving money today. With our expert guidance, you can make the most of your groceries and enjoy fresh, flavorful meals every time. Save money using food storage and vacuum sealing systems.

1. Why Should You Use A Food Saver Vacuum Sealer?

A food saver vacuum sealer is an appliance that removes air from a bag or container before sealing it. This process extends the shelf life of food by preventing spoilage caused by oxygen and moisture.

When food is exposed to air, it can lead to deterioration of flavor, color, and texture. A vacuum sealer helps protect against freezer burn, which occurs when moisture evaporates from the surface of frozen food, leaving it dry and unappetizing. Using a vacuum sealer can also help you save money. By buying food in bulk and sealing it for later use, you can take advantage of discounts and reduce food waste. This is especially useful for families or individuals looking to manage their budget more effectively.

1.1 What Are The Benefits Of Using A Vacuum Sealer?

Here are some of the ways using a food saver vacuum sealer can help you save money:

Extended Shelf Life: Vacuum sealing extends the shelf life of your food.
Reduced Food Waste: Properly sealing food prevents spoilage.
Cost Savings: You can buy in bulk and freeze portions for later.
Protection from Freezer Burn: Vacuum sealing prevents freezer burn.
Versatile Use: They can quick-marinate meats, rapid-pickle vegetables, and fast-infuse booze.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), households that actively manage food waste can save up to $1,600 per year. Vacuum sealers make this easier by keeping food fresher for longer.

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2. What Are The Different Types Of Food Saver Vacuum Sealers?

There are several types of food saver vacuum sealers available, each with its own set of features and benefits. The primary types include external, chamber, and handheld vacuum sealers.

External vacuum sealers are the most common for home use. They work by sucking the air out of a bag placed outside the machine. Chamber vacuum sealers, more often found in professional settings, remove air from the entire chamber, allowing for sealing of liquids and other items that external sealers can’t handle. Handheld vacuum sealers are compact and portable, designed for use with special bags and containers that have a compatible valve.

2.1 How Do External Vacuum Sealers Work?

External vacuum sealers, the most popular type for home use, work by drawing air out of a bag positioned outside the device. They’re versatile and suit various needs.

How They Work: These sealers use a clamshell design. Close the lid over the open end of the bag, and the machine creates a vacuum, then heat-seals the bag.
Custom Bags: Many have a built-in heat-sealer and cutter, which allows creating bags of any size.
Accessory Port: Some include an accessory port for a hose to seal jars, bottles, and containers.

2.2 What Are The Benefits Of Chamber Vacuum Sealers?

Chamber vacuum sealers, frequently utilized in professional kitchens, function by eliminating air from the machine’s chamber. This method is very effective for sealing liquids and items that external sealers can’t handle.

Professional Use: Commonly found in restaurants, offering superior sealing.
Sealing Liquids: Capable of sealing liquids without any spillage.
Powerful: Generally more powerful and effective than external models.

2.3 Why Choose Handheld Vacuum Sealers?

Handheld sealers provide an effortless way to preserve food. These small devices can be transported to where the food is, instead of moving the food to the sealer.

Portability: Small and easy to move.
Convenience: Great for sealing smaller portions and leftovers.
Ease of Use: Simple one-button operation makes them user-friendly.

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3. What Features Should You Consider When Buying A Food Saver Vacuum Sealer?

When selecting a food saver vacuum sealer, several factors can influence your decision. Key features include sealing settings, size and bag storage, and available accessories and supplies.

Sealing settings allow you to customize the vacuum strength and sealing time based on the type of food you are preserving. Size and bag storage considerations include the dimensions of the sealer and whether it has built-in storage for bag rolls. Accessories and supplies can extend the versatility of your sealer, allowing you to seal jars, containers, and other items.

3.1 Why Are Sealing Settings Important?

Sealing settings let you customize the vacuum for different foods. This prevents damage to fragile items and ensures a strong seal for moist foods.

Gentle Mode: Use less force to protect fragile foods like cereal and crackers.
Dry and Moist Modes: Separate settings for dry and moist foods optimize air removal and seal strength.
Versatility: Models with more settings offer greater control and flexibility.

3.2 How Do Size And Bag Storage Affect Your Choice?

The sealer’s size determines the size of bags you can use. Built-in bag storage and cutters add convenience, streamlining the sealing process.

Larger Sealers: Needed for sealing whole roasts and large cuts of meat.
Smaller Sealers: Ideal for single servings.
Bag Storage: On-board storage compartments and cutters make bag preparation easier.

3.3 What Accessories And Supplies Enhance A Vacuum Sealer’s Functionality?

Accessories can improve your vacuum sealer’s functionality. They can help you with sealing different types of items.

Accessory Ports: Allow connection to hoses for sealing jars and containers.
Specialized Bags: Ensure an effective seal.
Included Bags: Some models come with a variety of bags to get you started.

4. What Are Our Top Picks For Food Saver Vacuum Sealers?

Based on testing and reviews, several food saver vacuum sealers stand out in different categories. These include best overall, best budget, best splurge, best for beginners, best handheld, best chamber, best for soups and sauces, and most versatile.

Each of these models offers unique features and benefits, catering to a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or a high-end system, there’s a vacuum sealer on this list for you.

4.1 What Makes The Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer The Best Overall?

The Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer is an intuitive and versatile option. It has settings for various foods, ensuring optimal results.

Precise Control: Allows precise vacuuming.
Gentle Mode: Perfect for delicate foods.
Easy to Use: Simple latch locks and timer.

4.2 Why Is The Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine The Best Budget Option?

The Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine stands out due to its affordability and features.

Inexpensive: A budget-friendly choice.
Multiple Modes: Includes settings for gentle and normal vacuum strength.
Easy Cleaning: Can be disassembled for cleaning.

4.3 What Justifies The FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System As A Splurge?

The FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System is a great machine. It offers a range of features and high performance, justifying its higher price.

Fast and Powerful: Quickly seals various items.
Easy to Clean: Removable and dishwasher-safe drip tray.
Built-in Handheld Sealer: Adds versatility.

4.4 Why Is The Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer Best For Beginners?

The Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer is easy to use, which makes it an excellent option for beginners.

Simple Controls: Features three buttons for easy operation.
Quiet and Compact: Operates quietly and doesn’t take up much space.
Pulse Button: Allows controlled air removal for delicate items.

4.5 What Makes The FoodSaver Cordless Handheld Food Vacuum Sealer Stand Out?

The FoodSaver Cordless Handheld Food Vacuum Sealer is praised for being compact and portable.

Inexpensive: Affordable and convenient.
Compact and Portable: Easy to store and transport.
Long-Lasting Charge: Seals up to 60 quart bags on a single charge.

4.6 Why Choose The Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer?

The Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer is simple to use. It allows for advanced sealing techniques, making it a top choice.

Easy to Use: Straightforward operation.
Multifunctional: Suitable for various sealing tasks.
Powerful: Provides effective and consistent sealing.

4.7 What Are The Advantages Of The FoodSaver VS5960 Elite All-in-One Liquid+ Vacuum Sealer?

The FoodSaver VS5960 Elite All-in-One Liquid+ Vacuum Sealer is designed for sealing wet foods.

Seals Liquids: Proclaims the ability to seal wet foods like soups and salsas.
Upright Design Saves Space: Can be easily slid to the back of the counter.
Automatic Grab and Seal: Automatically grabs bags when it senses them and clamps down to start the vacuuming process.

4.8 Why Is The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System Considered The Most Versatile?

The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System has a standard vacuum and bag sealer, along with a removable hand vacuum that works with reusable bags, wine bottles, marinating containers, and more.

Bag Sealer and Accessory Vacuum in One: A standard vacuum and bag sealer, along with a removable hand vacuum.
Some Bags Included: A selection of bags and a pair of wine bottle corks are included.
Hand-Held Vacuum Isn’t Tethered: This little hand vacuum is completely removable, so you aren’t tethered to the machine and can use it where you need it.

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5. How Do We Test Food Saver Vacuum Sealers?

To provide reliable recommendations, we conduct tests on vacuum sealers. This involves observing how well machines remove air and create seals, rating ease of use, assessing power, evaluating versatility, and examining design.

These tests help us determine which vacuum sealers perform best in real-world conditions and which ones offer the best value for your money. By following a detailed testing process, we ensure that our recommendations are accurate and helpful.

5.1 What Do We Observe During Testing?

During the testing process, we observe several key aspects of each vacuum sealer. These include how well the machines remove air and create a seal, how effectively they protect food from oxygen, and how gently they seal delicate foods.

Air Removal and Seal Creation: We seal items. Then we check for stray air pockets that indicate an imperfect vacuum.
Protection from Oxygen: We monitor test samples for brown spots and other signs of oxidation.
Delicate Foods: We test gentle settings on delicate foods to see how well the bag compresses.

5.2 How Do We Rate Each Vacuum Sealer?

We rate vacuum sealers based on ease of use, power, versatility, and design. This helps us provide a complete assessment of each product.

Ease of Use: We note any steps that are confusing or difficult.
Power: We time the sealers from start to finish to judge how efficiently they work.
Versatility: We test each available setting, such as moist mode and gentle strength.
Design: We make note of any problems with control buttons, hinges, and lid latches.

5.3 Who Are Our Testers?

Our testers have experience working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.

Lab Team: They have spent collective decades working in professional kitchens.
Experienced Food Writers: Our testers specialize in kitchen tools and gadgets.

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6. What Have We Learned From Long-Term Testing?

Long-term testing has provided valuable insights into the performance and reliability of vacuum sealers. We’ve learned how accessories can enhance functionality, and seen advancements in sealing liquids.

These findings help us provide informed recommendations and guide you towards the best vacuum sealer for your needs. By considering these long-term takeaways, you can make a well-informed decision and invest in a vacuum sealer that will serve you well for years to come.

6.1 How Can A Vacuum Sealer Help Your Budget?

Vacuum sealers thwart freezer burn on meats and vegetables. They extend the life of dry goods.

Money-Saving: They minimize food waste.
Extended Life: These vacuum sealers keep food fresher.

6.2 Why Are Accessories Important?

Accessories are helpful for zipper bags, marinating containers, wine bottles, and more. These make the sealer more useful.

Adaptability: Accessories give adaptability to different items.
Usability: Vacuum sealers are more helpful in the kitchen.

6.3 Have Liquid Sealing Capabilities Improved?

Standard vacuum sealers traditionally haven’t handled liquids well, but they’re getting better.

Advances: Sealers handle liquids better than before.
Chamber Vacuums: Consider a chamber vacuum if you want to vacuum seal bone broth without freezing it first.

6.4 How Else Can You Use A Vacuum Sealer?

Using a vacuum sealer for marinating and making quick pickles can speed up meal prep, and it’s fun, too.

Quick Meals: Vacuum sealing helps with meal prep.
Flavor: The vacuum sealing process enhances flavor.

7. What Else Can You Vacuum Seal Besides Food?

Vacuum sealers aren’t just for food. They can protect important documents and precious metals. They can even compress bulky clothing for easier storage.

Vacuum sealing papers protects against water damage, while sealing jewelry prevents tarnish. By exploring these alternative uses, you can maximize the value of your vacuum sealer.

7.1 How Can Vacuum Sealing Protect Important Documents?

Vacuum sealing important papers prevents them from being damaged by floods.

Protection: A vacuum sealer keeps papers safe from water and mold.
Preservation: Important documents remain intact.

7.2 What Are The Benefits Of Vacuum Sealing Precious Metals?

Vacuum sealing jewelry can keep it clean and free of tarnish and rust.

Tarnish Prevention: The vacuum sealing protects items made of metal.
Preservation: Metals remain clean and shiny.

7.3 How Can You Compress Bulky Clothing With A Vacuum Sealer?

Bulky clothing, winter jackets, and camping equipment like sleeping bags will shrink way down when the air is sucked out of them.

Convenient Storage: Smaller space is needed.
Damage Prevention: Sealed clothing protects from water and mold.

8. What Should You Not Vacuum Seal?

Some foods should not be vacuum sealed because it can accelerate spoilage or cause safety concerns. These include raw onions, cabbage, soft cheeses, and hot foods.

Understanding which foods to avoid sealing can help you prevent food waste and ensure your safety. By following these guidelines, you can make the most of your vacuum sealer while minimizing potential risks.

8.1 Why Shouldn’t You Vacuum Seal Raw Onions And Cabbage?

Raw onions, cabbage, and similar veggies produce gases that can create bubbles in a vacuum bag and make it lose its seal.

Gas Production: Onions and cabbage produce gases.
Seal Failure: This causes the vacuum bag to lose its seal.

8.2 What Happens When You Vacuum Seal Soft Cheeses?

Creamy or crumbly cheeses like Brie, blue cheese, feta, goat cheese, and fresh mozzarella contain live bacteria and fungi that can thrive in an airless environment.

Mold Growth: Soft cheeses will get moldy quickly in an airless environment.
Faster Spoilage: Soft cheeses can spoil faster.

8.3 Why Should Hot Foods Cool Before Vacuum Sealing?

Hot foods give off steam that can expand the bag and break the seal.

Steam Expansion: Hot foods release steam.
Seal Breakage: The expanding steam breaks the seal.

9. How Long Does Vacuum-Sealed Food Last?

Vacuum sealing extends the shelf life of foods, but it’s not magic. You’ll still need to follow rules like those for safe freezer temperatures.

Vacuum sealing can extend the life of fresh fruit in the fridge while vacuum-sealing cheese can extend its life from a few weeks to several months. If you’re sealing for long-term storage, make sure to keep lots of room between the food and all the edges of the bag. The more air the vacuum is able to remove, the longer the food will keep.

9.1 What Are Safe Freezer Temperatures?

It’s important to ensure your freezer is at a safe temperature to maximize the shelf life of your food.

Food Safety: Safe freezer temperatures protect food.
Shelf Life: Vacuum-sealed food lasts longer.

9.2 How Long Can You Store Meat Or Fish In The Freezer?

Vacuum-sealed meat or fish will last two or three years in the freezer, compared to six months in unsealed bags.

Extended Storage: The vacuum seal increases life expectancy.
Better Preservation: Properly sealed foods taste better.

9.3 How Can You Maximize Long-Term Storage?

If you’re sealing for long-term storage, make sure to keep lots of room between the food and all the edges of the bag. The more air the vacuum is able to remove, the longer the food will keep.

Air Removal: Maximizing air removal helps with long-term storage.
Proper Sealing: Proper sealing enhances food freshness.

10. What Are Some Tips For Using A Food Saver Vacuum Sealer?

To use your food saver vacuum sealer effectively, consider pre-freezing soft foods, avoiding overfilling bags, and ensuring the sealing surface is dry. These tips help prevent damage to delicate items and ensure a strong, airtight seal.

By following these guidelines, you can maximize the benefits of your vacuum sealer and extend the shelf life of your food. Proper usage ensures that you get the most out of your investment and reduce food waste.

10.1 Why Should You Pre-Freeze Soft Foods?

Pre-freezing soft foods helps them maintain their shape during the vacuum sealing process.

Shape Retention: Freezing prevents crushing.
Avoid Damage: Vacuum sealing keeps foods from being ruined.

10.2 How Can You Ensure A Strong Seal?

A dry sealing surface ensures a strong and airtight seal.

Moisture Control: A dry surface is needed.
Seal Quality: Airtight seal ensures maximum shelf life.

10.3 How Does Avoiding Overfilling Bags Help?

Overfilling bags can prevent a proper seal and reduce the effectiveness of the vacuum sealing process.

Proper Closure: Fill the bag with the recommended amount.
Effective Sealing: Prevent loss of quality in your sealed foods.

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FAQ: Food Saver Vacuum Sealer

1. Can you vacuum-seal soup?

Yes, with most external sealers, you can’t put liquids in the bag without making a big mess or even bringing the motor to a stop. The trick for soups, stews, and sauces is to freeze them solid in another container first. Then, pop out the frozen block and seal that in a vacuum bag.

2. Can you vacuum-seal bread?

Yes, a soft and spongy loaf of fresh bread can go in a vacuum bag, but the sealing pressure is likely to smash it beyond recognition. Freezing is also the secret here: Put bread or other baked goods in the freezer for a few hours, then transfer to a vacuum bag for long-term sealing.

3. Do you need to cook meat before you vacuum-seal it?

No. It’s perfectly safe to vacuum-seal raw meat. But fresh sausage, thin slices, and other delicate cuts are apt to be crushed during the vacuum process. Freezing for 20 to 30 minutes will help firm them up and avoid damage, says Robert Miller, Butcher and Owner of The Conscious Carnivore. (The same process works with soft produce and baked goods, too.) When you’re ready to thaw and eat vacuum-sealed meat, Miller recommends placing the packages in a bowl of cold water directly from the freezer to thaw them as quickly as possible. You can even put the bowl in the sink underneath a slow faucet (again, using cold water) to further accelerate the process.

4. Can you use Ziploc bags in a vacuum sealer?

It’s possible, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Your user manual says to use only special vacuum-sealing bags for a reason: They’re specifically designed to make and hold a seal effectively. Vacuum bags are thicker than standard plastic bags, often with textured channels on the inside that help suck air out of every last corner. The material is also made to melt and seal firmly at the exact temperature the heat sealer uses. If you use a Ziploc or non-vacuum-sealer bag, you’re unlikely to get an airtight seal, you might ruin your machine with burning plastic, and you’ll definitely void your warranty. (If you’re worried about cost and waste, look for reusable vacuum sealing bags! There are many brands out there.)

5. How do you clean a vacuum sealer?

“The best thing you can do to prolong the life of any sealer is to keep it clean,” Miller says. You’ll especially want to clean the heat strip that seals that bag, as buildup could lead to a weaker seal that may give out during the freezing and thawing process. Some models offer removable drip trays (and some are dishwasher-safe), which makes cleaning even easier. The machines don’t last forever, though: If you notice ice crystals forming on your vacuum-sealed frozen foods “like a gentle winter frost,” Miller says, “it might be time to look for a new one.” Similarly, if the vacuum isn’t pulling all of the air out of the bag during the sealing process, it may need to be serviced or replaced.

6. What foods should you not vacuum-seal?

Raw onions, cabbage, and similar veggies.
Raw mushrooms or bananas.
Soft cheeses.
Hot foods.

7. How long does vacuum-sealed food last?

Vacuum-sealing can greatly extend the shelf life of all kinds of food, but it’s not magic. You’ll still need to follow rules like those for safe freezer temperatures and storing pantry items in a cool, dark space. (Many brands’ websites and instruction manuals also list their own guidelines for different types of food, and you should follow those if applicable.) But in general, vacuum-sealed food will last up to several years in the freezer and several weeks in the refrigerator. According to FoodSaver, vacuum-sealed meat or fish will last two or three years in the freezer, compared to six months in unsealed bags. Fresh fruit lasts about twice as long in the fridge when it’s sealed as it would otherwise while vacuum-sealing cheese can extend its life from a few weeks to several months. Flour, sugar, rice, pasta, and other dry goods are good for a year or two at room temperature when sealed, while baked goods can last a few weeks. If you’re sealing for long-term storage, make sure to keep lots of room between the food and all the edges of the bag. The more air the vacuum is able to remove, the longer the food will keep.

8. What can you vacuum-seal besides food?

There are lots of items outside the kitchen that could use protection from air and water. If you put important papers like birth and marriage certificates, wills, and insurance information in a vacuum bag before you file them away, you won’t have to worry about damage if there’s a flood or leaky pipe. The same goes for backup supplies of medications, first aid equipment, and other items for your “go bag” in the event of a natural disaster. Seldom-used items made from gold, silver, cast iron, or other delicate metals are a good choice, too: Vacuum-sealing can keep jewelry, silverware, and similar heirlooms clean and free of tarnish and rust. Bulky clothing, winter jackets, and camping equipment like sleeping bags will also shrink way down when the air is sucked out of them. Vacuum-sealing will protect these from damage but also make them much more convenient to store. A vacuum sealer is even helpful for air travel: If you seal up lotions and other liquid cosmetics, you won’t have to worry about them popping open and spilling in your luggage because of the change in altitude and pressure.

9. Why should you pre-freeze soft foods?