Appliance, Home, Kitchen

The Best Vacuum Sealers

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August 8, 2024
alininja

Oxygen is the enemy of freshness. Whether we’re talking about half an apple, a bag of potato chips, or a stack of frozen pork chops—when food is exposed to air, its flavor, color, and texture deteriorate. Reaching for that steak you stashed in the freezer weeks ago, only to find it resembling an ice-encrusted relic, can be a real letdown. A quality vacuum sealer is the answer to preventing freezer burn and keeping your food fresh for longer periods.

After rigorously testing various models by sealing meat, nuts, crackers, and fruit, and monitoring the integrity of the seals over several months, I determined that the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro stands out. It offers a perfect blend of powerful suction and practical features, ensuring your food stays fresh and freezer burn-free.

Best Vacuum Sealers:

Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro
Nesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System
FoodSaver FM2000 Vacuum Sealer
FoodSaver VS5960 Elite All-in-One Liquid+ Vacuum Sealer

Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro

Specification	Detail
Sealing Width	Up to 12 inches
Vacuum Pressure	-0.8 bar (approximately)
Material	Stainless Steel and Plastic
Pulse Vacuum Function	Yes
Built-in Bag Storage	Yes
Integrated Cutter	Yes

The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro offers the suction capability of models that cost twice as much. With multiple controls, it allows for precise adjustments to how food is sealed.

This vacuum sealer features powerful suction, several useful control options, a slot for bag storage, a bag cutter, an accessory port for sealing jars or marinating meat, and a foot-long sealing bar that creates a double seal on bags. Despite its robust features, it’s smaller than many other models, making it easy to store in a cupboard or on the counter.

The simple, streamlined controls and overall design are particularly appealing. While it doesn’t have a cancel button like some other models, opening the lid will automatically stop the suction.

Unlike most models, this machine’s lid closes with little effort, thanks to the handle that runs the length of the unit. The Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro also comes with one starter bag roll.

Nesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer

Specification	Details
Sealing Modes	Dry, Moist, Double
Sealing Width	Up to 12 inches
Vacuum Strength	Adjustable (Normal, Gentle)
Built-in Cutter	Yes
Roll Storage	Yes, with a storage compartment
Accessory Port	Yes, for vacuum sealing containers

The Nesco Deluxe Vacuum Sealer VS-12 offers comparable performance to the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro. It has the same suction power, accessory port, easy-locking lid, bag holder, sliding bag cutter, and a foot-long sealing bar. A cancel button allows you to stop the machine in the middle of a cycle, and there is a gentle pressure setting for delicate items. Long-term testing demonstrates that it effectively reduces freezer burn, even with items frozen for more than two years. However, this model is bulkier and more expensive, making it a viable option only if the Anova Pro is unavailable or advanced controls are highly valued.

FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System

Specification	Details
Sealing Modes	Normal, Moist
Sealing Width	Up to 11 inches
Vacuum Strength	Adjustable
Built-in Cutter	Yes
Accessory Port	Yes, for vacuum sealing containers
Included Accessories	Starter bags and rolls

The FoodSaver V4840 is a robust vacuum sealer designed for serious users. It features onboard bag storage, a removable and dishwasher-safe drip tray, a built-in handheld sealer, and automatic bag detection. The machine operates quickly and efficiently, sealing items tightly, though it may crush delicate foods. It includes an LED progress bar and a retractable handheld sealer for canisters and reusable bags. However, it lacks a gentle mode and has a large footprint. While its high price may be steep for casual users, it’s a powerful option for dedicated food preservers.

FoodSaver FM2000 Vacuum Sealer

Specification	Details
Sealing Modes	Normal, Moist
Sealing Width	Up to 11 inches
Vacuum Strength	Adjustable
Built-in Cutter	No
Accessory Port	No
Included Accessories	Starter bags and rolls

The FoodSaver FM2000 Vacuum Sealer combines power and convenience in a slim, lightweight design that can be stored vertically or horizontally. It is particularly good at sealing various foods, such as chicken and avocados, with tight, long-lasting seals. The unit is simple to use, with vacuum and seal buttons, but there is no pulse mode and only one strength setting, which may not be suitable for delicate items. It handles liquids poorly but has a removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray for easy cleaning. The FM2000 also has an accessory port for additional FoodSaver containers, which are sold separately. It’s a practical option for those looking for a compact and effective sealer.

FoodSaver VS5960 Elite All-in-One Liquid+ Vacuum Sealer

Specification	Details
Sealing Modes	Normal, Moist, Liquid, and Pulse
Sealing Width	Up to 11 inches
Vacuum Strength	Adjustable
Built-in Cutter	Yes
Accessory Port	Yes, for vacuum sealing containers
Included Accessories	Starter bags and rolls

The FoodSaver VS5960 Elite All-in-One Liquid+ Vacuum Sealer is designed to handle wet foods, such as soups and salsas, with improved efficiency, though it’s best for thinner liquids rather than thicker broths. This model features onboard bag storage for easy customization, a built-in accessory hose for zipper-style bags, and multiple modes including dry, moist, liquid, sous vide, marinate, and pulse. It automatically senses and clamps down on bags to start the vacuuming process, making it convenient for users. The stand-up design allows for space-saving on countertops, and the unit includes a roll of bag material, pre-made rolls, a marinate-and-preserve container, and a wine stopper.