Food vacuum sealers made a name for themselves on the infomercial circuit back in the 1990s, and they’re making a serious comeback for a few reasons.
Vacuum sealers allow you to extend the shelf life of Costco-sized portions of food. You’ll avoid freezer burn and never have to throw out expensive meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables again.
Hunters, fishermen, large families, and others who prefer to make a single monthly trip to the market also stand to benefit from a vacuum sealer.
Whether you’re just getting started with vacuum sealing or a commercial chef who needs to process liquids, soups, and sauces, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.
Table of Contents
The Best Vacuum Sealers for 2024
Here is my list of the best vacuum sealer options for the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. I’ll start with the ten best choices in terms of value, convenience, design, and cost.
Click on the name to read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to read the entire list by clicking here.
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Best Vacuum Sealer Reviews
Here are the complete reviews of the ten best food vacuum sealers in 2024. Keep reading after the reviews for a guide on what to look for when choosing a vacuum sealer.
1. FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System – Best Overall Choice #1
The FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System lands at the top of the list thanks to its low price tag, intuitive design, and generous five-year warranty.
At 11” X 20” X 12”, this vacuum sealer is large enough to accommodate an 11” wide vacuum bag but compact enough that it stows away nicely, even in tight cabinet spaces.
There’s a lot to love about this FoodSaver food vacuum sealer. When you vacuum seal, food stays fresh in the freezer up to five times longer and two times longer in the fridge. And the beauty of it is that this vacuum sealer machine basically does all the hard work for you.
To use, just fill the bag with food and place the open end into the appliance. The vacuum sealing system automatically begins the sealing process.
When you’re done, just pull out the removable drip tray drawer and drop it in the dishwasher. It’s as simple as that.
This unit comes with every size vacuum bag imaginable, including one 11” X 10’ vacuum seal roll, three one-quart bags, two one-gallon bags, three one-quart, and two one-gallon zipper vacuum seal bags.
The FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System is affordable, easy to use, and just as easy to clean. Plus, it comes with a generous five-year warranty. What more could you ask for?
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2. VacMaster VP220 Chamber Vacuum Sealer – Best Overall Choice #2
The VacMaster VP220 Chamber Vacuum Sealer is a commercial-quality chamber vacuum sealer, so it excels at vacuum sealing a wide range of foods, including soups, sauces, and liquid-rich food.
Chamber food vacuum sealers give you a tremendous amount of flexibility. In addition to preserving meats, veggies, and fruits, you can vacuum seal soups, sauces, stir-fries, and any other liquid-heavy food.
Unlike other chamber food vacuum sealers, this one accommodates 12” X 15” bags. So this vacuum sealer is an ideal machine for restaurants and caterers. I also like that this vacuum sealer is heavy on stainless steel. So it’s easy to clean as well as rust- and corrosion-resistant.
However, this vacuum sealer is also a godsend for hunters, meal preppers, and those with large families who need to prepackage large amounts of food.
I’m a big fan of the easy-to-use digital control panel, which provides real-time pressure readings and allows me to set cycle times from 20-99 seconds.
This vacuum sealer measures 15.5” X 19” X 15.75” and weighs in at 82 pounds. So while it has a relatively compact footprint, it is quite heavy, so you’ll need a designated space for it.
If you’re looking for commercial kitchen quality or a home user who needs to preserve mass quantities of foods (both liquids and solids), check out the VacMaster VP220 Chamber Vacuum Sealer.
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3. Avid Armor A100 Vacuum Sealer Machine
The Avid Armor A100 Vacuum Sealer Machine earns a solid rating thanks to its sturdy stainless construction, compact footprint, and affordable price tag.
This vacuum sealer is designed to withstand the rigors of a small restaurant or cafe. Yet this vacuum sealer comes with a budget-friendly price tag, so it is well within reach of the average consumer.
Here’s what you get with this vacuum sealer. A 450-watt stainless-steel sealer that has a 12” wide sealing bar. So this unit is powerful, works quickly, and, unlike other food vacuum sealers, accommodates large bags. You can fit a tremendous amount of food into a 12” bag.
I also like that this unit is made from virtually top-to-bottom stainless steel. So it’s tough, easy to clean, and rust- and corrosion-resistant. Despite its sturdy construction, this vacuum sealer is surprisingly compact and lightweight, so it stows and travels nicely.
This vacuum sealer measures 15” X 10.75” X 3.75” and weighs only 14 pounds. That’s surprisingly light for a vacuum sealer machine of this quality.
This vacuum sealer also comes with many extras, including 30 (10 each – pint quart, gallon) BPA-Free vacuum sealer bags, tubing for vacuum seal canisters, and a replacement vacuum sealer.
If you’re looking for commercial quality without a commercial price tag, check out the Avid Armor A100 Vacuum Sealer Machine.
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4. Potane Precision Vacuum Sealer Machine
The Potane Precision Vacuum Sealer Machine is another fantastic budget-friendly vacuum sealer.
Many budget-friendly vacuum sealers fail to create a perfect seal, which is disastrous. The trouble is that cheap food vacuum sealers create a cloudy seal line. So while the plastic bags look like they’re sealed, one end or the other is wide open.
This compact vacuum sealer creates a clear, arrow-straight seal that extends from each end of the zip-top bag to the other. Just as it should!
While this vacuum sealer does have a fair amount of plastic on it, which isn’t surprising for a budget-friendly vacuum sealer, it also has a stainless steel shell. Because of that, this unit is easy to clean and both rust- and corrosion-resistant.
This vacuum sealer has many virtues, but the built-in bag storage compartment and bag cutter are at the top of the list. These two features work in tandem with each other.
To use, just drop a roll of seal bags into the compartment, pull out the length you need, and cut it. No messing with individual bags that are either too small or too big.
I also like that this vacuum sealer is designed for one-hand operation. A bonus is that this vacuum sealer also comes with an accessory port for sealing containers, two vacuum-sealed bag rolls (11” x 16” and *” X 16”), and an extra foam gasket.
If you’re looking for an affordable vacuum sealer that offers one-handed operation, a generous five-year warranty, and consistent sealing power, check out the Potane Precision Vacuum Sealer Machine.
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5. VacMaster VP210 Chamber Vacuum Sealer
The VacMaster VP210 Chamber Vacuum Sealer is another one of my favorite chamber models.
This is a commercial-quality chamber vacuum sealer, so it excels at vacuum sealing a wide range of foods including liquids, and liquid-rich food.
Most vacuum sealers are suction machines, which means that they vacuum the air out of the zip-top bags, seal them and, in the process, also remove liquids. This leads to partial or failed seals.
Chamber vacuum sealers, however, use completely different technology. When sealing with this chamber vacuum sealer, the plastic bag is placed inside the machine chamber and closed. Then the air is sucked out of the entire chamber, not just the air in the bag.
This unit outperforms most food vacuum sealers on the market. That’s partially because this unit is made for commercial use.
So this vacuum sealer is heavy on stainless steel and light on plastic. Because of that, it is both sleek and sturdy – plus, it’s easy to clean as well as rust- and corrosion-resistant.
At 24” X 19” X 19”, this vacuum sealer doesn’t take up a massive amount of counter space. But at 83 pounds, it is quite heavy, so you’ll need a designated space for this vacuum sealer.
Unlike other chamber vacuum sealers, this one accommodates 12” X 15” bags. So this vacuum sealer is an ideal vacuum sealer machine for restaurants and cafes. But it’s also popular with hunters, gardeners, and those with large families.
If you’re looking to make a moderate investment, the VacMaster VP210 Chamber Vacuum Sealer will serve you well. It will seal solids, liquids, and just about anything you can imagine.
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6. FoodSaver FM2435 Vacuum Sealer with Bonus Handheld Vacuum Sealer
The FoodSaver FM2435 Vacuum Sealer with Bonus Handheld Vacuum earns solid points for its affordable price, compact and lightweight design, and built-in storage and cutting system.
There’s a lot to love about this vacuum sealing machine, mainly that the built-in storage and cutter bar allows you to make custom-sized bags without scissors. Brilliant! What’s more, this vacuum sealer also accommodates 8” and 11” bags.
I also like that this vacuum sealing machine allows you to choose between “moist” and “dry” modes, so you get an airtight seal with a variety of foods, avoiding freezer burn.
Extra features of the FoodSaver vacuum sealer include a removable drip tray, an easy-lock latch for one-handed operation, and an accessory port that allows you to use zipper bags, containers, and traditional vacuum-sealed bags.
This vacuum sealing unit is surprisingly consistent, especially considering the price. You’re able to seal up to 60 consecutive times before the vacuum sealer needs to cool.
Unless you’re operating a commercial kitchen, I’d be surprised if you needed more seals than that in a single session.
If you’re looking for a unit that’s consistent, affordable, easy to use, and very affordable, check out the FoodSaver FM2435 Vacuum Sealer with Bonus Handheld Vacuum.
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7. Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer
If you’re looking to do some casual vacuum sealing and are on a budget, check out the Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer.
This is one of the most affordable food vacuum sealers on the market. Despite its price tag, this vacuum sealer machine performs surprisingly well.
Plus, at only 16.73” X 4.8” X 3.14” and only 2.31 pounds, this vacuum sealer machine is ideal for those with limited kitchen space. This vacuum sealer machine easily tucks into a drawer or cabinet.
So here’s what you get with this vacuum sealer machine: A 110-volt compact vacuum sealer with three buttons, “vacuum and seal,” “seal,” and “pulse vacuum.” With these options, it’s possible to package everything from thick meat and delicate pastries to fruits and veggies.
One limitation is that this vacuum sealer machine doesn’t have an onboard storage system for the bags. That shouldn’t come as a surprise when you consider the size and price of this unit.
Also missing is an onboard bag cutter. Again, not a surprise at this price point. I don’t mind using scissors, especially because you don’t have to make perfectly straight cuts for this vacuum-sealed machine to work.
In terms of user experience, this one is as friendly as they come. Want to vacuum and seal? Just fill your bag and place it into the sealer. Want to just seal? The Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer does that as well.
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8. Weston 15″ Commercial Grade Vacuum Sealer
The Weston 15” Commercial Grade Vacuum Sealer earns a solid rating thanks to its stainless steel construction, commercial-quality design, and mid-range price.
This food vacuum sealer comes with a 935-watt unit with a fan-cooled motor, which allows you to work continuously without overheating. This food vacuum also comes with a 16” extra-long seal bar, which means that you can use a variety of food vacuum bags or customize your own, up to 16” across.
This is a commercial-quality unit, so the 5 mm sealing bar creates strong, wide seals. In fact, this one has enough power to seal whole chickens.
Unlike other food vacuum sealers, this one is made from nearly top-to-bottom stainless steel, so it’s sleek, rugged, as well as rust- and corrosion-resistant.
I also like the one-touch operating system, which allows you to choose between manual and automatic modes. With manual mode, you have more control when sealing soft or delicate foods. Automatic mode works quickly and provides a tight seal.
If you’re looking for a compact footprint, look no further. This vacuum pressure machine measures 15.3” X 23” X 9” and clocks in at only 23 pounds. So in addition to being lightweight, this unit also stows nicely.
If you’re looking for a good vacuum sealer that works continuously without overheating and is good enough for commercial kitchens, but stows away for home use, check out the Weston 15” Commercial Grade Vacuum Sealer.
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9. Avid Armor USV32 Chamber Vacuum Sealer
The Avid Armor USV32 Chamber Vacuum Sealer is another one of my favorite chamber vacuum sealers.
This chamber sealer picks up where air suction hose vacuum sealers fall short. So no more messing with finicky bag rolls or a built-in bag cutter.
To use, fill your bag with food, lay it flat inside the chamber, and close the pouch clamp bar. Close the lid, press the auto vacuum button, and let the machine do the rest. You don’t have to self-feed your bag roll or even use scissors.
This unit has several shining features including heavy-duty stainless steel construction, a glass lid (which allows you to check on your progress without lifting the hood), a one-touch operating system, and a hands-free design.
I also like the adjustable seal time function to ensure a tight seal on every pouch and ziplock bag to avoid freezer burn. Also worth mentioning, this unit requires virtually zero maintenance. And since it’s made from top-to-bottom stainless steel it is rust- and corrosion-resistant.
This chamber vacuum sealer gives you a lot of flexibility to preserve moist foods like deserts, dry foods like spices, meats, or even vacuum seal soup.
If you’re willing to make a moderate investment and want the flexibility to effortlessly preserve liquids and solids, this may be the best vacuum sealer for the job.
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10. Anova Precision Pro Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer
If you liked the minimalist design of the Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer, but need more power and the ability to seal wet foods, check out the Anova Precision Pro Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer.
If you’ve ever tried the vacuum sealing process, you know how annoying it is to live in fear of sucking up excess liquid into the suction hose. Well, the Anova precision vacuum sealer was built with a low-pressure suction function and a double sealer.
So this unit can handle even the juiciest and moist foods you throw at it.
Extra features include a roll storage compartment and a handy bag cutter, which ensures you make swift, clean cuts and a straight seal avoiding freezer burn. No scissors are required.
I also like that this unit operates with the push of a button. To use, simply cut a pouch from the bag roll, fill, dial in your preferred setting (moist or dry foods), and feed the pouch into the machine. The machine creates a double seal in seconds.
Also worth mentioning, this unit features an accessory port that gives you the flexibility to seal canning jar lids and a wide variety of vacuum-ready containers. You can even use this machine to reseal a wine stopper cork.
In terms of value, this may be one of the best vacuum sealers in its price bracket. So I wasn’t all that surprised to read that Anova has sold more than 60 million Anova Precision Pro Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer units worldwide.
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Why buy a vacuum sealer?
Think vacuum sealers are just another gimmicky infomercial gadget? Think again. The best vacuum sealers allow you to buy Costco-sized portions of highly perishable items like meat, cheese, fresh vegetables and significantly extend their shelf life.
Hunters, fishermen, large families, and others who like to make a single monthly trip to the market all stand to benefit from a vacuum sealer.
In my opinion, one of the less obvious (but equally important) reasons to use a vacuum sealer is that they allow you to cook sous vide.
Sous vide
If you’re new to sous vide (pronounced sue-veed), it’s a cooking style that relies on precise temperature to deliver consistent results.
Commercial chefs use it all the time, but sous vide caught on with home chefs too. There are a few reasons to cook sous vide, but as you’ll see, you’ll need a vacuum sealer to do so.
To cook sous vide, attach a precision cooker to a pot of water and set a timer. Now grab that steak you vacuum sealed and clip it to the side of the pot. Once it is done, finish by dropping your steak on the grill to add that charred smokey flavor.
If you’re skeptical of this cooking technique, allow me to list a few benefits of cooking sous vide.
Consistency
When you cook sous vide, you’re cooking moist foods in water and to an exact temperature. As a result, you get precise results and perfectly done food.
Juicier meat
Because your food is vacuum-sealed and, at first, boiled in water, juices are locked inside the meat. So food is juicier, more flavorful, and tender.
Less waste
Did you know that most meat shrinks up to 25 percent when broiled or baked? That’s a significant loss in volume. Alternatively, when you cook sous vide, food loses virtually zero volume.
How long does vacuum sealed food last?
The answer to this question depends on the type of food you’ve vacuum-sealed. Vacuum-sealed cheese, for example, can last four to eight months in the fridge. Lettuce and berries, up to two weeks.
When you combine a vacuum sealer and a freezer, shelf life significantly grows. Vacuum sealed beef and poultry can last up to three years in a freezer. The same goes for coffee, veggies, and bread. Impressive, isn’t it?
What features to look for in a vacuum sealer
There are several features to consider when shopping for a vacuum sealer. These include style, size, bags, price, and the following features below.
Style
Food vacuum sealers are available in two types: chamber machines and external machines. Each has advantages and limitations.
A chamber machine can vacuum seal just about any food item, including delicate foods, liquids, and wet food, without any additional attachments.
External machines are not designed to seal liquids, soups, or marinades because the liquid gets drawn out of the bag and into the air suction hose. Not good. The good news is that you can pre-freeze liquids, then vacuum seal them.
Size
Food vacuum sealers come in a range of sizes. Compact units like the Anova Precision Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer are under 17” wide and weigh as little as three pounds, so these units are ideal for compact spaces and casual use.
More robust, commercial models like the VacMaster VP210 Chamber Vacuum Sealer clock in at 24” wide and weigh as much as 85 pounds. So these units have limited mobility and are designed for heavy output.
Price
Some of the best vacuum sealers come with an affordable price tag. Smaller units designed for moderate home use can be found for under $80. Higher-end chamber models range in price but are typically closer to $1,000.
Ease of use
If you want to streamline your vacuum sealing experience, I suggest shopping for a model with a built-in bag roll and bag cutter. Many food vacuum sealers only work when bags are cut with a precise straight line – and that can be tedious to accomplish with scissors.
What is the best vacuum sealer for you?
So what is the best vacuum sealer for you? That ultimately depends on your budget, preferences, and needs. However, if I had to choose only one vacuum sealer, it’d be the FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System.
At 11” X 20” X 12” and only ten pounds, this vacuum sealer is relatively compact and lightweight, so it’s ideal for small kitchens with limited cabinet space. Despite its compact footprint, this vacuum sealer is large enough to accommodate an 11” wide vacuum bag.
I also like the simple design of the Foodsaver vacuum sealer. To use, just fill the bag with food and place the open end into the appliance. The vacuum sealing system automatically begins the sealing process.
Just pull out the removable drip tray drawer and drop it in the dishwasher when you’re done. Easy peasy.
This unit comes with every size vacuum bag imaginable, including one 11” X 10’ vacuum seal roll, three one-quart bags, two one-gallon bags, three one-quart, and two one-gallon zipper vacuum seal bags.
The FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System is affordable, easy to use, and just as easy to clean and comes with a generous five-year warranty.
I hope you found this list of the best vacuum sealers helpful. You’ll enjoy reducing waste, saving some cash, and experimenting with new cooking methods (sous vide, anyone?) like I do.
Until next time, happy vacuum sealing!
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