The Best Vacuum Sealer Review of 2018
Do you need the best vacuum sealer for sous vide but find the research boring? You're not alone! Thankfully, we worked with several top-rated chefs in America to find you the best!
So, I'm guessing you need a good, practical way to store your food? Or maybe your vacuum sealer is broken and you need an upgrade? With so many options available, it can be difficult to identify which vacuum sealer is the best for you. For this reason, I decided to create a website all about vacuum sealer reviews (and food preservation) to make your job easier!
In my wonderfully not-so-humble opinion, the best vacuum sealer on the market is one that can preserve your meal to be as fresh as the time you put them in, for as long as 3 to 5 times most storage options. Plus, they take up less room in your fridge, freezer or pantry once you take the air out, making them great for saving space. But which particular sealer should you choose? We’ve got you covered in this department as well.
Check Out This List For 2018's Best Food Vacuum Sealer Reviews
- FoodSaver V4840 – Ranked No. 1
- FoodSaver V3240 – Crush Free Instant Seal
- FoodSaver V4880 – Wet & Dry Detection
- FoodSaver V2244 – Budget Vacuum Sealer 2018 (Under 100 Bucks)
- Weston Pro-2300 – Fan-Cooled For Long Operation
- FoodSaver V3460 – Space Saver
- Crenova Vs100S – Used on Any Food 2 in 1 function
- The Weston 65-0501-W Pro – Used on Any Food 2 in 1 function
Other Resources
FoodSaver V4840 – #1 Best Vacuum Sealer for Home Use
This is a great FoodSaver vacuum sealer - FoodSaver has once again proven itself to be one of the top vacuum sealers with the V4840 2 in 1 Sealer! We seek to answer what’s on everyone’s mind- “How is it different from the other FoodSaver offerings in the market? What makes this vacuum sealer the best?”
The first thing that you’ll probably see in the features are the words “fully automatic”, which isn’t false advertising. Simply feed a food-filled heat-seal bag to the FoodSaver V4840, and voila! You get a completely sealed and vacuum sealer bag with just one push of a button.
At the same time, the fully automatic feature can turn out to be the greatest weakness. You’ll find that sometimes, nothing beats the human touch, especially when packing special ingredients such as leafy greens and juicy meats. It will do you a world of good if you read the included manual first before operating. Hey, just because it's the best vacuum sealer on the market doesn't mean it's perfect, right?
Fully Automated Technology. This feature is what separates the V4840 from the rest of the pack (and a big part of why we made it the #1 vacuum sealer). The basic premise is that you only need to feed the machine the open end of the bag and it will do the rest, including shutting off after the sealing operation is completed.
Extra Wide Double Sealing Technology. Twice as wide as other top vacuum sealers, you can easily seal wide bags with impunity.
Retractable Portable. Compatible with all FoodSaver marinates, containers, storage and bags. When not in use, simply tuck them onto the top side.
Rapid Marinate Mode. This caters to the instant society we live in today. Can’t wait for that beef, chicken, veggies or tofu to marinate in a few hours? Then pack it in and you can cook it within minutes.
The 2 in 1 feature pack a powerful one-two punch in the realm of food preservation. Moreover, it looks like they has captured the essence of what people need in today’s world- convenience and an all-in-one tool to store and preserve. Create custom-sized storage bags for your special meals. Use the roll storage and the cutting bar. Then, run it through the sealer for an automatic vacuum seal. Finally, put it in the fridge and bring it out when needed.
Automatically identifies the packing bag and seals it accordingly.
Packing capacity may be used for sealing other commodities. For example, you can use the FoodSaver V4840 on silver, cutleries, and important paperwork.
The handheld sealer can be used for storage containers and ziploc bags. Surprisingly, the FoodSaver V4840 can be used to seal in a wide variety of storage and packing bags.
The automatic feature may not work under special packing circumstances.
The V4840 is a good product for those who want to seal their food quickly and easily using the excellent automatic feature. Moreover, they can enjoy the all-in-one bonuses such as being able to use any bag and create any-sized packing bag with the included cutting bar. Finally, you’ll be able to enjoy marinated meals after just a few minutes of sealing them in. Have that BBQ party you’ve always wanted!
FoodSaver V3240 – Crush Free Instant Seal
The FoodSaver V3240 caters to a specific type of market. People who are already experienced and are enjoying the way vacuum sealing keeps their food fresh will have a lot to like about the V3240. Let’s take a look at how it does a lot of things the right way:
It has a lengthy sealing strip that you can use on 12″ bags. It works on a variety of bags. It even has a built-in cutter to complete the closing process! Perhaps the most impressive is the Crush Free feature, which makes it stand out among other machines in the market.
Aesthetics could probably be its worst feature- it looks like a printer from the 80s! Nevertheless, you probably won’t mind the looks when the V3240 does a LOT of things to preserve and even improve your quality of life.
Powerful & Versatile Technology. The V3240 speed can be turned up if you’re in a hurry. You can choose between damp & moist settings, then press the button for the seal according to the contained within. It works with multi-layered and customized bags.
Convenient Up and Down Design. Have just enough space for a medium-sized machine on your home? Then the V3240 is the perfect choice. It has a relatively small footprint that can fit anywhere in the kitchen. The V3240 tops the list in vacuum sealing efficiency due to its all-in-one ability to seal meals for later consumption.
Crush Free Instant Seal. This feature has us salivating over the kinds of fresh produce we can store with the V3240. Imagine being able to preserve and protect veggies and soft fruits such as bananas without bruising them or turning them into jelly. It’s truly a remarkable piece of machine that can do delicate, precise work.
Automatic vacuum machines that have this many features is a one-of-a-kind product. The V3240 works on a variety of cooking, kitchen environments, which mean it’s a great choice for everyone who has ever used a kitchen or opened a fridge!
One of the best-value vacuum sealers in the market.
All-in-one vacuum sealing product.
The bag cutter and roll holder are essential kitchen tools, and they are included in the V3240.
The Crush Free Seal is simply amazing!
Some bags may not completely seal if the highest vacuum speed setting is used.
We’ve tried it on whatever we could get our hands on. We vacuum sealed steak, pizza slices, salads (with dressing included), and of course, bananas. It worked all amazingly well! The included hose is the topping on the dessert as it allows you to seal in the freshness for storage containers. Couple that with the small footprint and a reasonable price tag, and you have yourself a winner!
FoodSaver V4880 (Best Commercial Vacuum Sealer)
The FoodSaver brand is bigger and badder than ever with the addition of the V4880 in the V4800 series! But is bigger really better? We take a look at the innovation, the additions and the bonuses that come along.
Prepare some premium kitchen or countertop space for when you plan to buy this behemoth. The V4880 measures about 22 by 10 by 9, which is bigger than the V4840 by a few inches. What it lacks grace it makes up for its snazzy-looking appearance and wealth of included features, including one that isn’t on any V4800 model.
It’s big and it looks clunky. The controls are now found at the bottom part of the machine. Part of the problem is finding space for the V4880 to sit on without it looking out of place. The size isn’t just for show- it can work on most commercial kitchen establishments (restaurants, cafes, bakeries, etc.) and perform exactly like a powerhouse would.
Auto Wet & Dry Detection. You won’t have an “oops” moment with the V4880. The machine will automatically sense what type of food you’re sealing and do the necessary adjustments. It’s a beginner-friendly!
Wealth of Features. The completely automatic function seals meat, fish, veggies and fruits in a hands-free convenient method. Simply slide the bag in and press the button without getting your hands dirty. The V4880 includes a handheld retractable sealer and shows off a wide strip for quality seals each and every time.
Pulse Vac Technology. Never worry about accidentally crushing delicate snacks such as bananas and leafy greens again with the Pulse Vac feature. Manually control the vacuuming process and cut the “pulse” off at exactly the right moment for excellent seals.
The V4880 is automatic. It’s flexible. It can sense whether you’re trying to seal moist or dry food. It has all the extra accessories you’d need in an all-in-one sealer. Moreover, it can do pulse vac for that extra-sensitive goodies. In other words, you have everything to gain if you buy the product.
One of the best commercial-grade vacuum sealers available today.
The auto-detect vacuuming feature is a welcome boon for beginners of food saving technology.
Marinate food in minutes, not hours with the rapid marinate mode.
Has a 5-year warranty.
Heavy and bulky.
The FoodSaver V4880 can handle any kind of vacuum sealing job you can throw at it. The automatic technology is smart enough to seal the bag according to conventional wisdom without you ever lifting a hand. Those who prefer a bit of a hands-on approach can make use of the V4880’s pulse vac feature for a picture-perfect seal every time. Make sure to read the included manual to know the extent of what the V4880 can do. From there, you can seal with impunity and watch your friends’ and family’s jaw drop to the floor with your newfound sealing expertise!
FoodSaver V2244 – Budget Vacuum Sealer 2018
(Under 100 Bucks)
FoodSaver has been around for a number of years now, and their latest offering, the V2244 is a product of all those years of experience. Let’s take a look at how the item fares in our review, shall we?
One thing you’ll notice about the V2244 is its compact size. It measures roughly about 10 by 17 and weighs about a pound. This small yet powerful sealer can do its magic on ready-made or custom-sized bags. With a bit of patience and some preparation, it seems that there’s nothing that it cannot seal!
You’ll need to keep an eye out for the gaskets. These gaskets are the first to wear out since they are the one doing the work most of the time. Pick out a dry and cool place, it can mean the difference between immediate gasket replacement and enjoying a few months of sealing without replacing the gaskets. Good thing that these gaskets are cheap to acquire and easy to replace. It’s a pull and slot affair!
Automatic Operation with Manual Override. Seal most food types to put in your fridge with a one-touch operation. For more delicate foods such as green leafy produce, you can push the manual override button to adjust as necessary.
Patented Drip Tray. The V2244 comes with a removable drip tray that you can use to catch overflowing liquids that contain a lot of juices, i.e, steak.
Extra Wide Double Sealing Technology. Seal with less effort on large nutrients that need to be packed with bag materials.
Integral Accessory Port. Need to seal in jars or those in storage boxes? Simply use the included hose and press the start button!
Non-Vacuum Option. You can also seal bags without taking the air out, making it a versatile product.
Those who are unfamiliar with the process should read the manual that comes with the V2244. After all, the first instinct is to fit the bags over the open jaw and press the button, right?
Well, some experts say sealing is an art form. There are different methods for different food types. Green leafy veggies require a manual override in the middle of operation so the leaves won’t be completely crushed. Stews and casseroles will have to be placed in the freezer first so the soup will be frozen. You can even seal jars and compatible containers with the included hose and accessory port.
Use either the Automatic Sealing function or the Manual Override for a more precise sealing.
One of the most affordable vacuum sealers in the market. The value for money is impressive!
Intuitive and easy to maintain.
Operation is nice and quiet.
Doesn’t have smart recognition for knowing what type of vacuum sealing to use.
Missing wetness and dryness sealing detection.
The V2244 is a shining example of excellent, inexpensive sealers that can get the job done quite reliably. This product has enjoyed a huge following in the Amazon marketplace and it continues to do so today. Those who bought the V2244 will easily recoup the investment when they see how much they’re saving on sealing!
Weston Pro-2300 – Fan-Cooled For Long Operation
Reliable and sustainable. Those are the 2 standout features that you get when you consider the Weston Pro 2300. This product is a bit pricier than its counterparts, but it all makes up for the cost with convenient features and a powerful sealing technology. Let’s take a closer look and see what the Pro 2300 has to offer:
The Pro 2300 casts off the plastic moldings and dons a stainless steel body that looks sleek. Go ahead and put it anywhere you like, because this will look good no matter the kitchen or countertop location! Just make sure to peel off the protective layer of film wrapped around the sealer before you start operating though, or you’re in for a bit of trouble.
If you think that all machines come with a complementary supply of bags, you’d be wrong. You’ll have to remember to add in bag orders to the purchase of your Weston Pro 2300 so you can test it out as soon as you get home. Keep in mind that not all bags are compatible with it, so you have to specifically purchase the same-brand bags.
Powerful Sealing Technology. The Weston Pro 2300 is called Pro for a reason. It can handle any task you can throw at it. Starting with the double piston vacuum pump that can be switched to either auto or manual mode, to the generous 15″ XL teflon bar that could seal large bags with ease, it’s a beast in its own right!
Fan-Cooled For Long Operation. The cooling feature becomes an immediate boon if you’re sealing large batches of nutrients. If you’re working or operating in the culinary industry or if you’ve just had a huge party, then you’ll thank how the Pro 2300 can keep on going long after other sealers have overheated.
Repair Kit Included. The Pro 2300 comes with teflon tape that you can use for the heating elements and replacement seals for when the original one wears out. Having this service kit ensures your sealer will be working a long, long time.
The stainless steel body is a nice touch. The fans are there to ensure the Weston Pro 2300 is sufficiently cooled even in extended sessions. The ability to seal up to 15″ bags is an added bonus. All in all, a good buy for anyone who wants to preserve and keep their food fresh for days.
Vacuum seal large batches of food without waiting for the machine to cool down.
Can seal up to 15" wide bags, which saves considerable food and money.
Sleek and stylish in its stainless steel finish.
Other bags may or may not work with the Pro 2300. It's best to use Weston bags.
The Weston Pro 2300 should shine in most commercial settings but it is equally outstanding when you use it at home. The consumable parts can easily be replaced without needing to contact the manufacturer. You can be sure that this will work under your care for years even under heavy usage.
FoodSaver V3460 – Space Saver
FoodSaver dares to be a little bit different this time with their V3460 model. Aside from the form factor, are there any other differences when it comes to features? We answer that question when we take a look and explore the V3460:
The V3460 comes in with a new form that may surprise you. No longer do the outlines resemble a computer printer; rather, the V3460 now looks like a futuristic space oven. Which means you get to save on premium counter and kitchen space while having all the benefits.
Ease of use can go from 5 to zero stars in a matter of minutes after using the V3460. It really depends on the user, though. The right way to start using a product right is still to consult with the manual after opening the box. You won’t need to read it all the way through; just scan for a few minutes to ensure you get a good grasp on how to operate the V3460 properly.
Automatic Sealing Operation. The sensors make sure that everything is done right with just one button press. You can seal in cheese, meats and even more delicate items quickly and easily using the included bag cutter and roll holder.
Space Saver. The V3460 is a must-have in tight, compact living spaces such as condos or apartments. Let it stand in against the far end of your kitchen or in amongst the pots. You choose where to put it and when to use it.
Easy Cleanup. The included drip tray ensures there won’t be any smelly, mucky mess at the end of the sealing process. Push the button to start, then whisk the tray to the nearest dishwasher for quick cleaning.
Marinade Setting. Marinate your favorite meals in minutes instead of waiting for hours.
All the features you’ve come to love about the brand is here. This means you can get compatible sealing bags easily online. Oh, and let’s not forget the innovative upright feature which caters to those who value space.
Leaves a small footprint. The V3460 can be put anywhere in your kitchen.
Affordable, yet provides quality vacuum sealing. A hallmark FoodSaver characteristic.
Dishwasher safe parts. Easy to clean and leaves little mess.
You'll need to use FoodSaver branded bags to ensure perfect compatibility.
The automatic vacuum sealing process may not work on food that come with a lot of liquids.
Apartment and condo owners and renters will now have something they can use in tight spaces. The vacuum sealing technology is spot-on, and there’s no need to use scissors and a holder with the included bag cutter and roll holder. Some people may just buy it because of its nifty Marinade setting that has the ability to produce huge quantities of BBQ-ready meat anytime!
Crenova Vs100S – Used on Any Food 2 in 1 function
This plays the role of keeping your food preserved in its natural state for a long, long time. For this reason you’ll need a good sealer that can do a variety of functions while still being a bargain for the price.
The Crenova Vs100S is one such product- it seals well, is well-built and takes up little space on your countertop. Let’s take a look and see what else this can offer.
The Crenova Vs100S doesn’t have a drip tray, so you’ll have to put something to catch the liquids with if you’re sealing veggies or meat. It’s not as powerful as other high-end models, but it does the job well, albeit with a longer processing time. If you can wait, then this is serviceable enough.
A quick look at the manual reveals a variety of ways Crenova Vs100S can seal up your meat for later consumption. Don’t let the flat design fool you- this has an admirable 80 kPA pressure that sucks up the unneeded air on any storage bag you have lying around. The 3mm extra-wide sealing is a welcome bonus. These two features combined can seal up and store anything from meat, nuts, snacks to veggies without leaving behind any moisture or oxygen.
Extra points go towards the sleek, stainless steel design of the Crenova Vs100S. The low-slung form will make you wonder- is it really a vacuum sealer and not a laptop computer or a high-end speaker? The built is sturdy enough to take a beating.
It’s a point and press mechanism that leaves a lot of room for user errors. Anyone who can push a button can definitely operate the Crenova Vs100S- it’s that easy to use! The smart function allows the user to press only once for the process to start. When the machine detects that the package is devoid of air, then it shuts off. The sealed meat retains its juiciness and freshness. All nutrients are locked in.
Like all machines, it’s not a chore to maintain and use the Crenova Vs100S. All you have to do is to take off the plug from the outlet and wipe the machine with a damp cloth after use.
The Crenova Vs100S is versatile enough to be used on any item- veggies, meat, fruits, you name it, the Vs100S can seal it. The extra wide 3mm strip and the 2 in 1 function makes for an easy sealing process. All you have to do is point, push a button and it does the rest. Quick and easy.
Easy automatic operation.
Small and flat enough so it can fit on any kitchen countertop space.
Has a convenient pulse feature for better sealing.
Brand only covers warranty for 1 year.
The Crenova Vs100S is an affordable for the everyday person who wants a basic, no-fuss unit. The durability and stainless steel body alone will probably outlast other higher-end products on the market. The pulse feature is a huge bonus. All in all, its’s worth every penny!
The Weston 65-0501-W Pro is a bit of a mouthful in terms of name, but make no mistake about it- this ETL-certified countertop vacuum sealer does the job as expected. The adequate watt motor, the suction capacity and a wealth of other features make it a solid choice for both household and professional use.
The Weston 65-0501-W Pro – Used on Any Food 2 in 1 function
There are a few minor hiccups and isolated cases in using the 65-0501-W. For one, it does not include a mechanism for storing or cutting custom bags. You’ll have to be very careful when sealing food that has liquid in it. You’ll also have to be pretty focused on the sealing part and ensure that there aren’t any gaps or risk re-doing the process all over again.
Design. The 65-0501-W comes off with a professional vibe, thanks to its sleek silver-and-black physique and low-slung design. Take a peek inside and you’ll see an angled chamber that helps prevent spillage inside the sealer. You get a hefty 210-watt motor with 23″ HG vacuum strength that can do any job you throw at it. This unit can seal up bags up to 11″ wide.
Operation. This is where the Weston Pro Advantage shines. Given the touchpad operation and the simple labels on each button, operating is as easy as 1-2-3! You won’t even need to read the manual. Push the On/Off button, insert the preferred bag, then press Start. Wait for the automatic sealing function to do its thing, then push the Seal button when it’s done. For soft berries and ones that have fluids, we’d recommend using the Pulse button for more accuracy.
Maintenance. Cleaning is as easy as operating. Take a damp sponge and unplug the unit from the wall. Check the gasket for any particle or left over debris, then let it out to dry.
The Weston Pro Advantage performs admirably as expected of the brand. There’s one thing to keep in mind, though. The company states that the Pro Advantage is an out of chamber sealer, which means that non-embossed and non-textured bags don’t give the best results. Otherwise, it passes with a glowing check on all the important aspects!
There's a manual mode for the more delicate jobs such as sealing soft food, veggies, etc.
Sleek, stylish and is made of high-quality materials.
Ease of use makes it a solid choice for beginners and first-time sealers.
Good suction for almost all kinds of sealing purposes.
Will have to keep an eye for any bag openings during the sealing process.
Stuck with a decision when planning your first purchase? The Weston 65-0501-W Pro Advantage is a good option to consider. The feature that stands out the most is how easy operating is. You can vacuum seal up 11″ bags quite quickly and with minimal fuss. The design is a nice touch as it adds elegance and class to any kitchen space or countertop.
Vacuum Sealer Review 2018: Buyer’s Guide
In choosing among the top vacuum sealers and other types of preservation methods, there’s only one question to ask- “how well and how long can it preserve food?” In the past, you have foil papers, plastic wraps and various Tupperware products, but all of these can preserve meals only up to a couple of days.
They quickly rose up the ranks of food preservation when it was found that they could keep your groceries fresh for a far longer time. If you’ve done a bit of homework online, you’ll find that they are indeed the best choice to store your meat..
Types of Vacuum Sealer Machines
Now that you’re thinking of buying a food sealer, but there’s a new question to be answered- what’s the suitable sealer that I can buy now? There’s a lot of features and functions, but food sealers can generally be divided into 2 types. These are classified on how powerful they are in sucking the air out of the bag, and on how well they can seal the bag.
Personal Use: External Vacuum Sealers
Industrial Application: Chamber Vacuum Sealers
Aside from the two mentioned above, you also get Clamp and Retractable Nozzle Sealers. Let’s take a closer look at each and see what they can offer.
External Vacuum Sealer
The array of sealers you see sitting on store shelves and in online stores are most probably external vacuum sealers. They are the first choice for consumers and with good reason. They work well in most home chores such as storing leftover and bulk groceries. Other models are formed in such a way to save precious kitchen space.
Specialty: Stores and perfectly preserves the flavor for about 5 to 6 times more than other storage methods. The taste is the same as it was days before you packed it in the bag. Operation versatility is another plus- they can seal almost any size bag and can even seal 2 smaller bags in one go.
Advantages: Space saving, intuitive, relatively powerful engine and has a variety of sealing functions.
Disadvantages: Non-portable.
Chamber Vacuum Sealer
The quickest. You’ll need a bit of know-how to do this though. The double-sealing mechanism does the work in half the time. Chamber sealers cost significantly more than external sealers and are often seen in industrial applications.
Specialty: When it comes to commercial packaging, nothing beats the chamber sealer.
Advantages: Can do heavy-duty operation. Can be utilized for wet and dry packaging.
Disadvantages: Heavy and expensive. Takes up a lot of real estate.
Clamp Vacuum Sealer
Clamps are named for their unique, clamp-down designs. The channel bags are used for effective vacuuming. As the air is emptied out, a waterproof seal closes the entrance via heating processes.
Specialty: Great as a low-duty sealer.
Advantages: Has an easy operation that’s cheaper than most sealers. Works in canning jars.
Disadvantages: Clamp sealers are quite rare. Specialty bags are needed for it to work.
Retractable Nozzle Vacuum Sealer
It’s somewhat a subcategory of industrial vacuum sealers. As such, dependability is one of its strengths. The retractable nozzle can be used to create a vacuum inside any bag, so buying in specially-textured bags isn’t a must-have.
Specialty: Light industrial use, or for heavy home usage.
Advantages: Good choice for gas-flush packaging. Has a number of useful features and options anyone will come to appreciate.
Disadvantages: Needs to cool for longer.
Vacuum Sealer Features To Look Out For
- Power. For a food sealer to be worth its weight in gold it has to have a near-perfect sealing ability each time. Airtight packages last longer and taste better, after all.
- Technology. Air pockets are solely responsible for the dreaded freezer burn, and it won’t be much of an issue if it has a potent suction technology housed within.
- Warranty and Replacements. Vacuum machines have moving parts that could wear and tear over time. The motors could fail and the sealers might erode. Getting your money’s worth usually means looking for replacement warranties, free services and repairs where possible.
- Extra Goodies. They come with a wealth of bonuses such as additional bag storage or a bag cutter.
5 Useful Tips When Buying Your Food Sealer
Tip # 1. Think about how you would use the machine. Will you be sealing mostly dry or moist foods? Do you intend to re-use the bags as soon as the ingredients is consumed? Then zip-top bags are your prime option. Look for brands and models that are a perfect fit for your needs.
Tip # 2. Consider how often you’d use it. Smaller models are great holding foods to be fresh for about a week, while the larger, more expensive models make it last for more than that.
Tip # 3. Is space a concern? Perhaps you’re living in an apartment or a condo. If so, then you’ll want a slimmer rather than one that takes up a lot of space for the same features. Estimate the size allowance on your kitchen, then compare them until you get the perfect-sized product without compromising on the features.
Tip # 4. Last but not the least, consider the money you’re willing to shell out. You shouldn’t buy the first one you see, nor should you get the cheapest one in the list. Go for the right balance of features and bonuses that are within your spending budget. For a better value, you may consider sealers that come with complementary resealable bags and containers.
Haste makes waste. Make sure you take the time to check out all the available brands and models. Read about their standout features and try to imagine and see what they can do for your home or your kitchen. Some brands do better than others. Read and see what the people who have bought the product has to say about it. Narrow down your list until you come up with a clear winner for what you really need.
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