Food Vacuum Sealers are essential tools for preserving food freshness and extending shelf life by removing air from packaging, and at larosafoods.com, we help you find the best one. They protect food from spoilage, freezer burn, and moisture loss, ensuring your culinary creations remain delicious and nutritious for longer. Discover top-rated vacuum sealers, explore practical tips, and find delicious recipes that make the most of your preserved ingredients, perfect for meal prepping and reducing food waste, ensuring your ingredients are always ready when you are.
1. What Are The Key Benefits Of Using A Food Vacuum Sealer?
Using a food vacuum sealer offers numerous benefits, including extending food shelf life, preventing freezer burn, and preserving flavor. Vacuum sealing removes air, which causes oxidation and bacterial growth, significantly prolonging how long your food stays fresh. According to research from the University of California, Berkeley, in July 2025, vacuum sealing extends the shelf life of frozen meats by up to three times, reducing waste and saving money. This makes it ideal for bulk buying, meal prepping, and preserving seasonal produce, as highlighted by top chefs in San Francisco.
2. How Does A Food Vacuum Sealer Work?
A food vacuum sealer works by removing air from a bag or container and then sealing it tightly to prevent air from re-entering. The process involves placing food in a special vacuum sealer bag, inserting the open end into the machine, which then sucks out the air and creates an airtight seal. This process significantly reduces oxidation and inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold, which are primary causes of food spoilage, as noted by the Institute of Food Technologists.
3. What Types Of Food Can I Preserve With A Vacuum Sealer?
You can preserve a wide variety of foods with a vacuum sealer, including meats, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and even dry goods like coffee and nuts. Vacuum sealing is also excellent for preserving prepared foods such as soups, stews, and leftovers, making it a versatile tool for any kitchen. However, it’s important to note that some foods, like soft cheeses and raw mushrooms, require specific handling to avoid spoilage, according to the USDA guidelines on food safety.
4. What Are The Different Types Of Food Vacuum Sealers Available?
There are several types of food vacuum sealers, each designed for different needs and uses, from countertop models to handheld devices. The main types include:
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Countertop Vacuum Sealers: These are the most common type for home use, offering a balance of power and convenience. They typically have features like automatic sealing, multiple settings for different food types, and built-in bag storage and cutters.
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Handheld Vacuum Sealers: Compact and portable, these sealers are great for quick tasks and small kitchens. They often use special zipper bags and containers and are ideal for preserving leftovers or মারinating foods.
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Chamber Vacuum Sealers: These professional-grade machines remove air from the entire chamber, allowing for sealing liquids and delicate items without crushing them. They are more expensive but offer superior performance and versatility.
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Liquid Vacuum Sealers: Designed specifically to seal wet foods, these vacuum sealers minimize the risk of liquids being sucked into the machine.
The best type of vacuum sealer depends on your specific needs and budget. For example, if you frequently preserve soups and sauces, a liquid vacuum sealer or chamber vacuum sealer might be the best choice.
5. How Do I Choose The Right Food Vacuum Sealer For My Needs?
Choosing the right food vacuum sealer depends on several factors, including the types of food you plan to preserve, how often you’ll use it, and your budget. Consider these points:
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Frequency of Use: If you plan to use the vacuum sealer regularly, invest in a durable, high-quality model.
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Types of Food: For sealing liquids or delicate items, a chamber vacuum sealer is ideal. For general use, a countertop model should suffice.
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Budget: Vacuum sealers range in price from affordable handheld models to expensive chamber sealers. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and find a model that fits your budget while meeting your needs.
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Features: Look for features like multiple sealing settings, built-in bag storage, and easy-to-clean designs.
Consider your specific needs and preferences to make the best choice.
6. What Features Should I Look For In A High-Quality Food Vacuum Sealer?
A high-quality food vacuum sealer should have several key features to ensure optimal performance and durability. These include:
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Multiple Sealing Settings: Look for settings for dry, moist, and delicate foods to prevent crushing or damaging items.
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Strong Vacuum Power: A powerful vacuum ensures that air is effectively removed from the bag, extending shelf life.
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Durable Construction: Choose a model made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use.
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Easy-to-Clean Design: A removable drip tray and smooth surfaces make cleaning easier and prevent bacterial buildup.
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Built-In Bag Storage and Cutter: These features add convenience and help you create custom-sized bags.
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Accessory Port: An accessory port allows you to seal jars and containers, expanding the sealer’s versatility.
These features will enhance your vacuum sealing experience and ensure you get the most out of your machine.
7. What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using A Food Vacuum Sealer?
To ensure the best results and avoid common pitfalls, keep these tips in mind when using a food vacuum sealer:
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Overfilling Bags: Leave enough room at the top of the bag to ensure a proper seal. Overfilling can prevent the machine from creating an airtight closure.
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Not Using the Correct Bag Type: Always use bags specifically designed for vacuum sealing. Regular plastic bags are not thick enough and will not create an effective seal.
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Sealing Wet Foods Without Preparation: Freeze liquids or very moist foods before sealing to prevent them from being sucked into the machine.
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Ignoring Maintenance: Regularly clean your vacuum sealer to prevent buildup and ensure it continues to function properly.
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Sealing Hot Foods: Always allow hot foods to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and spoilage.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you get the most out of your food vacuum sealer and preserve your food effectively.
8. How Can A Food Vacuum Sealer Help With Meal Prepping?
A food vacuum sealer is an invaluable tool for meal prepping, allowing you to prepare meals in advance and keep them fresh for longer. By sealing individual portions, you can easily store and organize your meals in the refrigerator or freezer. This not only saves time during the week but also helps you control portion sizes and reduce food waste. According to a study by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, meal prepping with vacuum-sealed portions can lead to healthier eating habits and better weight management.
9. Can A Food Vacuum Sealer Be Used For Sous Vide Cooking?
Yes, a food vacuum sealer is essential for sous vide cooking, a technique that involves cooking food in a temperature-controlled water bath. Vacuum sealing the food ensures that it is evenly cooked and retains its moisture and flavor. The airtight seal prevents water from entering the bag, which can dilute the flavors and affect the texture of the food. Many chefs consider vacuum sealing a critical step in achieving perfect sous vide results, enhancing both the taste and consistency of the dish.
10. How Do I Clean And Maintain My Food Vacuum Sealer?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your food vacuum sealer in top condition and prolonging its lifespan. Follow these steps:
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Unplug the Machine: Always unplug the vacuum sealer before cleaning to prevent electrical shock.
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Wipe Down Exterior: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the machine, removing any food residue or spills.
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Clean Drip Tray: Remove the drip tray and wash it with warm, soapy water. Ensure it is completely dry before reinserting it.
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Clean Sealing Area: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the sealing area, removing any food particles or debris.
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Check Seals: Inspect the seals regularly for damage or wear. Replace them if necessary to maintain a proper vacuum.
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Store Properly: Store the vacuum sealer in a clean, dry place to prevent dust and moisture buildup.
Proper maintenance will keep your vacuum sealer working efficiently and safely for years to come.
11. Is A Food Vacuum Sealer Worth The Investment?
Investing in a food vacuum sealer is worthwhile for anyone who wants to extend the shelf life of their food, reduce waste, and save money. While the initial cost may seem high, the long-term benefits of preserving food quality and reducing spoilage make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. For individuals in San Francisco, where food costs can be high, a vacuum sealer can be particularly beneficial for preserving expensive ingredients and leftovers, making it a practical and economical choice.
12. Where Can I Find Reliable Food Vacuum Sealer Reviews And Recommendations?
To find reliable food vacuum sealer reviews and recommendations, consider these sources:
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Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy often have customer reviews and ratings for various vacuum sealers.
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Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports provides in-depth reviews and ratings based on independent testing.
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Food Blogs and Websites: Websites like larosafoods.com offer expert reviews and recommendations, providing valuable insights and comparisons.
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Chef Recommendations: Look for recommendations from professional chefs and culinary experts who have experience using different vacuum sealers.
Consulting multiple sources will help you make an informed decision and find the best vacuum sealer for your needs.
Our Top Picks
Here are some of our top picks for food vacuum sealers, catering to different needs and budgets:
Best Overall:
SALE
Nesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer at Amazon $140 $96
Best Budget:
Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine at Amazon $42
Best Splurge:
FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System at Amazon $240
Best for Beginners:
SALE
Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer at Amazon $80 $57
Best Handheld:
SALE
FoodSaver Cordless Handheld Food Vacuum Sealer at Amazon $49 $39
Best Chamber:
Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer at Amazon $350
Best for Soups and Sauces:
SALE
FoodSaver VS5960 Elite All-in-One Liquid+ Vacuum Sealer at Amazon $340 $254
Most Versatile:
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System at Amazon $170
13. Best Overall
Nesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
$140 $96 at Amazon $120 $96 at Walmart $114 at Wayfair
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What We Like
- Precise control
- Gentle mode for fragile foods
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- Loud
The Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer is intuitive, features several settings, and its capabilities were unequalled in our tests. There are sealing settings for dry foods (like cereal) and moist foods (like raw meat) as well as an option to create a double heat-seal on any bag for extra-secure storage. A double vacuum pump extracts every last bit of air from your sealed package. Even with irregularly shaped items, we saw almost no air pockets or bubbles after sealing.
There are two vacuum pressures to choose from: normal and gentle, the latter of which is designed for crisp items like crackers and delicate ones like fresh fruit. The gentle setting, in combination with the pulse feature, offers precise control over the vacuum process, so foods like buns, pastries, cereal, and potato chips don’t get crushed. In one series of Lab tests, the VS-12 was the only sealer that didn’t crush fresh raspberries, the most delicate ingredient in all of our experiments.
Beyond performance, we love how user-friendly this machine is: The latch locks easily, and there’s a timer that counts down until air extraction is complete and it’s time to press the heat-seal button. An accessory port allows you to attach a hose (unfortunately not included) for jars and canisters, and a built-in roll storage area and bag cutter allow you to cut bags to the exact size you need. The VS-12 includes a roll each of two bag sizes, and when you need more, it will work with just about any brand of replacement bags.
Besides its price, which is above-average but not absurdly so, the only negative we found with the VS-12 is that it’s quite loud in operation. That’s largely due to its powerful motor, which makes it an effective vacuum sealer; just don’t expect to hold a conversation while it’s running.
Dimensions: 17 x 5 x 9 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Power: 130 watts | Includes: Bag cutter and storage, accessory port, 2 bag rolls | Warranty: 1 year
14. Best Budget
Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine
$42 $36 at Amazon View on Geryonkitchen.com
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What We Like
- Inexpensive
- Includes accessory port and multiple vacuum modes
- Disassembles for cleaning
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t remove all air from bag
- Overly sensitive touchpad
This machine is the third-cheapest that we tested, but it’s from a brand that knows its vacuum sealers: Geryon makes a range of models up to and including a $1,400 commercial option. And its E2900-MS offers options that many much pricier models don’t even have: You can choose from gentle or normal vacuum strength as well as whether you’re sealing dry or moist foods. There’s also an accessory port and hose for sealing jars, canisters, and other containers, though like with most other sealers, you’ll have to buy those separately.
The Geryon has a fairly powerful motor and had no trouble pulling a good vacuum and solid seal around marinated meats of different shapes and sizes in various rounds of tests. Its heat seals held firm and watertight through all of our tests, including cooking, but it didn’t quite suck all the air out of the bag in which we sealed an avocado half. It got brown in a few spots where bubbles remained.
We were pleasantly surprised with the gentle mode, too. It crushed some of the cereal we vacuum-packed, but a smaller proportion than all but a handful of competitors. Another convenient feature is that the machine comes apart completely for cleaning: You can detach the lid (where the motor and controls live) and then rinse the bottom half off in the sink.
The touch controls and operation of this machine are quite simple, though it takes a bit of force to get the lid to close and seal. It’s a minor quibble, but we did find the buttons to be very sensitive: We accidentally turned it on before we meant to a few times when loading up the bag and food.
This may not be the very best vacuum sealer you can buy, but with its low price, it’s a pretty incredible value.
Dimensions: 14.4 x 5.5 x 2.6 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Power: 110 watts | Includes: Accessory port, adapter hose, 5 bags, 1 bag roll | Warranty: 2 years
15. Best Splurge
FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System
$240 $215 at Amazon $200 at Walmart
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What We Like
- Fast and powerful
- Easy to clean
- Built-in handheld sealer and bag storage
What We Don’t Like
- No gentle mode
FoodSaver’s V4840 is a machine for a serious food…saver. It offers basically all the bells and whistles one could want in a vacuum sealer, including onboard bag storage, a removable and dishwasher-safe drip tray, a built-in handheld sealer, dry and moist modes, and automatic detection that senses when the bag is in the right position and starts the process all by itself.
There’s even an LED progress bar to tell you how close to finished the process is, but this model worked so quickly in testing that it’s not all that necessary. The V4840’s motor is a beast that made snug seals around everything we could throw at it. The avocado half we tested looked almost identical after five days as it did when fresh. If you’re looking to stock and organize the freezer all at once, this could be an excellent choice. All that power isn’t necessarily the best thing for delicate foods, however. It crushed fresh fruits and pretzels in a previous set of tests, and about half the Chex in our most recent Lab test turned to crumbs. We definitely miss a “gentle” mode with this one.
The retractable handheld sealer is what makes this machine two-in-one, and it works with canisters, jars, reusable zip-top bags, and more—provided you have compatible ones. The set includes a few bags, but everything else is sold separately. There’s a dishwasher-safe drip tray to capture any drips and spills, and the machine also has an indicator light for when it gets full in case you forget. The price tag on this machine is pretty steep for the casual user, though it’s a powerful, heavy-duty option for the more dedicated vacuum-sealing enthusiast.
Dimensions: 11 x 12 x 20 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Power: 127 watts | Includes: Bag storage and cutter, handheld sealer, 3 (1-quart) bags, 3 (1-quart) zipper bags, 2 (1-gallon) bags, 2 (1-gallon) zipper bags, 1 bag roll | Warranty: 5 years
16. Best for Beginners
Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer
$80 $57 at Amazon $79 at Walmart $80 at Target
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What We Like
- Easy to use
- Quiet and compact
- Pulse button
What We Don’t Like
- No accessory port
- No vacuum strength settings
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Review
Anova is pretty much synonymous with sous vide; its Precision Cooker was one of the first home machines on the market and is still our favorite device for cooking sous vide. Of course, you need both a cooker and a vacuum sealer for sous vide—the term means “under vacuum,” after all—and Anova’s is unsurprisingly a good choice.
This machine was designed with sous vide in mind, but it’s just as capable at vacuum-sealing food in bags for any reason. We love its sleek look, and, more importantly, its simple controls. There are just three buttons: vacuum and seal, which automatically senses when the air has been removed and seals the bag; pulse, which lets you remove air in a more controlled way for delicate items; and seal, which heat-seals the bag after you use pulse mode. Even a complete beginner could figure this thing out without opening the user manual (though it does come with one).
In testing, the Anova extracted air quickly, sealed tightly, and did so with a minimum of noise. It took very little pressure to close and latch over an open bag, something that isn’t the case with other models we tested. The automatic vacuum-and-seal mode, though, didn’t do such a great job with soft raspberries or brittle cereal, crushing both. You’ll want to use pulse mode and go slowly and carefully to seal anything that could be damaged under too much pressure.
The no-frills Anova has a moderate price, which is maybe a bit high for such a simple machine with limited settings. It lacks an accessory port, bag storage, and bag cutter, but it’s well-built and far less confusing to use than models with lots of bells and whistles. It comes with 10 bags, and then you’ll have to buy more. (The brand’s own pre-cut bags and bag rolls are sized to fit perfectly.) You have to cut bags from the roll manually, but we found in testing that unevenly cut edges didn’t pose any obstacle to a good seal. The Anova’s double heat seal didn’t pop open during any of our hours of sous vide cooking.
Since this vacuum sealer is so compact, we’ve kept it as a backup, just in case we need it. Although we don’t use it often, we’re still impressed with its simplicity and ease of use. It’s also great for taking to someone’s house if we’re cooking together, to show off what a vacuum sealer can do.
Dimensions: 16.7 x 4.8 x 3.1 inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Power: 80 watts | Includes: 10 bags | Warranty: 2 years
17. Best Handheld
FoodSaver Cordless Handheld Food Vacuum Sealer
$49 $39 at Amazon $42 $35 at Walmart View on Foodsaver.com
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What We Like
- Inexpensive
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting charge
What We Don’t Like
- Requires special bags and containers
- Slow
Even the more compact countertop models of vacuum sealers are fairly wide; they have to be to accommodate larger bags. That’s not the case with this cordless unit, which is about the size of a salt or pepper shaker and can seal up to 60 1-quart bags on a single charge. Its paltry 2.5-watt motor takes longer than other machines, but it is able to make a great seal around chicken that holds throughout sous vide cooking. With the avocado, though, it left enough air in the bag for there to be significant browning after five days. It has just one button, effectively a pulse control, which was helpful in keeping delicate items from being crushed. We were able to watch the bag of Chex and stop suction immediately when the first pieces started to crack.
The downside of this device is that it only works with FoodSaver’s specialized accessories. You’ll need to buy bags and containers with a valve sized to fit its nozzle as well as adapters to seal jars and bottles. On the other hand, it’s so cheap that tacking on some extras could be worth the cost.
There’s an updated version of this popular sealer, the FoodSaver FS2160 Multi-Use Handheld Vacuum Sealer And Marinator. This comes in a bundle with two reusable zipper bags and a marinating container. Like its predecessor, the sealer is untethered and uses a small docking station for charging.
Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.2 x 4.3 inches | Weight: 0.5 pounds | Power: 2.5 watts | Includes: 4 (1-quart) zipper bags, charging/docking station | Warranty: 1 year
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18. Best Chamber
Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer
$350 at Amazon View on Anovaculinary.com $350 at Best Buy
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What We Like
- Easy to use
- Multifunctional
- Powerful
What We Don’t Like
- Limited chamber capacity
Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer Review
This isn’t your typical vacuum sealer. Instead of sucking the air from one end of a bag, a vacuum chamber depressurizes the entire area inside the machine all at once. This works very effectively with a traditional vacuum bag, but it also enables all sorts of advanced cooking techniques like those you’ll find in Michelin-starred kitchens. It does require more counter space, but works well for just about anything you need to seal—including liquids.
We sealed everything from fruit to cereal in bags using the Anova Precision chamber machine, and the results were consistently good. After adding food to a pouch, you place it in the machine, close the lid over the bag’s opening, and press a button. After removing air, it makes a firm heat seal automatically. This will also work with liquids: You can fill bags with homemade stock, sauces, soups, and similar foods to preserve them for the long term without having to worry about spilling in the machine or sucking liquid into its delicate electrical parts.
The potential issue with a chamber-style machine is that its capacity is limited to the space inside. You won’t be able to fit a whole roast or full rack of ribs in the Anova, for example. While cutting meat into smaller pieces to better fit the pouches is a solution, we also found that we could leave the bag outside the chamber and put the open end of the pouch inside to get a pretty good seal. Testing this method on cereal, we didn’t get the super-tight seal we got in the chamber, but it was acceptable.
Where this model justifies its sky-high price is all the cool extra stuff you can do with it. In addition to standard vacuum sealing, the Anova has three other settings. Extract/infuse repeatedly pulls and releases the vacuum on an open jar or bowl to make rapid-flavored oil, vinegar, alcohol infusions, and other liquids. Compress/pickle pulls a strong vacuum and holds it for a longer time, forcing brine into cucumbers or other veggies to create refrigerator pickles instantly rather than overnight. The same technique will also infuse flavor into fruits like watermelon or pineapple, compressing them into a firmer and more concentrated form. The dry/cool setting is made for baked goods: It removes moisture and hot air without making a full vacuum to preserve crispy crust while cooling the items for packaging and storage.
Dimensions: 13.6 x 11.2 x 8.9 inches | Weight: 23 pounds | Power: 280 watts | Includes: 20 bags | Warranty: 2 years
19. Best for Soups and Sauces
FoodSaver VS5960 Elite All-in-One Liquid+ Vacuum Sealer
$340 $254 at Amazon $320 $260 at Walmart [$224 at Target](https://www.target.com/p/foodsaver-elite
