Oxygen is the enemy of freshness. Exposure to air deteriorates food’s flavor, color, and texture. Vacuum sealers remove air, creating an airtight seal that significantly extends shelf life and prevents freezer burn. Buying in bulk, preserving seasonal harvests, and preparing emergency food storage become easier with a vacuum sealer.
Vacuum sealing also enables quick marinating, rapid pickling, and fast infusion of flavors into liquids. It’s essential for sous vide cooking, a technique that produces perfectly cooked meals. Beyond food, vacuum sealing protects jewelry, silverware, and other valuables from rust and tarnish during storage.
Best Overall
Nesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/faw-product-nesco-v12-deluxe-rkilgore-03.jpg-065dbdea413643fd921b2cba9f43438c.jpg)
The Nesco VS-12 offers precise control with a gentle mode for delicate items, making it user-friendly. A double vacuum pump ensures thorough air removal, and various settings accommodate diverse food types. Its double heat-seal provides extra security for long-term storage. While loud, its powerful motor guarantees effective sealing.
This Best Food Vacuum Sealer excels in preserving delicate foods like raspberries without crushing them. A built-in timer, roll storage, and bag cutter add convenience. It’s compatible with most replacement bags, offering flexibility.
Best Budget
Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-vacuum-sealers-test-geryon-machine-rkilgore-119-79b076b06b954e10a4c9a3b9d88bc2e2.jpg)
The Geryon provides excellent value with features like multiple vacuum modes and an accessory port for jar sealing. It offers gentle and normal vacuum strength options and accommodates both dry and moist foods. While it may not remove all air, its heat seals remain watertight during cooking.
This budget-friendly food vacuum sealer disassembles for easy cleaning and features a user-friendly design. The touchpad’s sensitivity can lead to accidental activation. Its performance surpasses its price point, making it a great option for budget-conscious consumers.
Best Splurge
FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-product-foodsaver-machine-automatic-bag-detection-rkilgore-32-02a91eee02a7471b914c92b9082a802c.jpg)
The FoodSaver V4840 boasts a powerful motor, automatic bag detection, and a built-in handheld sealer for versatile food preservation. Its fast and efficient sealing capabilities, coupled with easy cleaning and integrated bag storage, make it a premium choice. The lack of a gentle mode might crush delicate items.
This top-of-the-line food vacuum sealer includes a dishwasher-safe drip tray and an LED progress bar. The retractable handheld sealer works with various accessories for added convenience. Its high price point caters to dedicated food preservation enthusiasts.
Best for Beginners
Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-vacuum-sealers-test-anova-rkilgore-31-7e72171c150f409ca58fb7076d295c19.jpg)
The Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer simplifies food preservation with its intuitive three-button operation. Its compact and quiet design, coupled with a pulse button for delicate items, makes it beginner-friendly. While lacking an accessory port and vacuum strength settings, its ease of use makes it ideal for sous vide cooking and general food storage.
This user-friendly food vacuum sealer provides quick and tight seals with minimal noise. It requires manual bag cutting and lacks advanced features. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a perfect starting point for novice users.
Best Handheld
FoodSaver Cordless Handheld Food Vacuum Sealer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-vacuum-sealers-test-foodsaver-handheld-cordless-rkilgore-183-981e64c0a88e42a789bfc57680604637.jpg)
The FoodSaver Cordless Handheld provides portable and convenient sealing with a long-lasting charge. Its compact size and ease of use make it perfect for small kitchens or on-the-go sealing needs. While requiring specialized bags and being slower than countertop models, its affordability and portability make it a valuable tool.
This compact food vacuum sealer offers a single-button pulse control, preventing delicate food from crushing. It efficiently seals chicken for sous vide cooking but may leave air pockets when sealing avocados. It requires FoodSaver’s specialized accessories, adding extra costs.
Best Chamber
Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SES-anovachambervacuumsealer6-Donna-Currie.jpg-843de7fd88d349b2bd8ee781e1ce2447.jpg)
The Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer offers professional-grade food preservation with its chamber design. Its ability to seal liquids and handle various container types sets it apart. The limited chamber capacity restricts the size of sealable items. Its multifunctional settings enable advanced cooking techniques like rapid infusions and compressing for pickling.
This powerful food vacuum sealer delivers consistent results across various food types. It automatically removes air and heat-seals bags. The chamber’s size limitation can be overcome by partially sealing larger bags outside the chamber. Its high price tag reflects its advanced features and capabilities.
Best for Soups and Sauces
FoodSaver VS5960 Elite All-in-One Liquid+ Vacuum Sealer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-foodsaver-elite-all-in-one-liquid-vacuum-sealer-donna-currie-04-63b473f0573949568069944d0b80e67d.jpg)
The FoodSaver VS5960 Elite excels in sealing liquids with its specialized design. Its upright design saves space, while automatic grab-and-seal functionality adds convenience. An included accessory hose enhances versatility. Liquid viscosity limitations restrict sealing very thick liquids.
This innovative food vacuum sealer features multiple modes for various food types, including a dedicated liquid setting. Onboard bag storage and a built-in cutter minimize waste. It comes with a comprehensive starter kit including bags, rolls, and a marinating container.
Most Versatile
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-foodsaver-handheld-2-in-1-vacuum-sealing-system-donna-currie-07-cae65c4e98954c4c95055644f2c48144.jpeg)
The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System combines a bag sealer with a removable hand vacuum, offering exceptional versatility. The cordless hand vacuum works with reusable bags, wine bottles, and marinating containers, expanding its functionality beyond food storage. The difficulty in closing vacuum bags can be mitigated with the included closing tool.
This two-in-one food vacuum sealer provides a compact solution for various sealing needs. The hand vacuum charges while docked in the main unit. The starter kit includes bags, bottle stoppers, and reusable bags, providing a comprehensive solution for food and other item preservation. The included gadget simplifies the sealing of reusable bags.
