The best vacuum sealers can help save on food waste, ensuring that your meals and produce stay fresh and last longer. While there are two kinds of vacuum sealers—chamber and external—the external type is suitable for most households. And although you can vacuum seal just about anything (including avocados!), they’re generally best used to preserve meat, fish, soft cheeses, nuts, herbs and fruits.
A lightweight, portable and highly affordable option, the Geryon Vacuum Sealer is a superb choice … [+] for all types of sealing.
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“The purpose of a vacuum sealer is to put a food item of your choice, often meat, in a low oxygen environment to help preserve it for a longer period of time,” says Kate Kavanaugh, owner of Western Daughters Butcher Shop and host of the Ground Work Podcast. “In the refrigerator, vacuum-sealed meat can last around two weeks and in the freezer for years, as the sealing process helps prevent freezer burn.” As an added benefit, vacuums sealers can double as airtight bags for marinading meats and seafoods, readying the protein in seconds rather than hours.
Ahead, find our list of the best vacuum sealers currently on the market, which we narrowed down according to sealing quality, ease of use, capacity and additional features.
Dimensions: 15.75 x 8 x 4.5 inches | Power: 130 watts | Weight: 6 pounds | Bag storage/cutter: Yes | Sealing options: 3 (plus a choice of normal or gentle vacuum pressure)
Easy to use with multiple sealing settings and the durability of models costing several times its price, the Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer is our best overall choice for vacuums sealers. With a straightforward control panel featuring five simple options to choose from (wet, dry or double sealing for more difficult jobs, and either normal or vacuum pressure), this model is perfect for vacuum sealers with any level of experience. It’s powerful enough for your larger portions while the pulse button allows for the manual control of air extraction to precisely suit more unique or fragile vacuum sealing needs.
It has a hidden storage area for a full roll of sealing bags (comes with two full starter bags in two sizes) as well as a cutting tool for making each bag your ideal size. It works with any brand of bags, too, not just Nesco’s. There’s also the option for double air extraction when you’ve got extra large or heavy portions to get sealed. Best of all, it’s a breeze to keep clean and the controls light up when activated so you always know what the machine is doing.
Pros:
All the necessary features for quality sealing
Comes with a simple to lock handle for one-handed sealing
Cons:
Can be bulky to store
Instructions written in very small print
Amazon
Anova Culinary Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro
Dimensions: 14.75 x 7 x 4.3 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Bag storage/cutter: Yes | Sealing options: 6
This model has a simple control panel with few buttons, making it super intuitive to operate and the best choice of vacuum sealer for beginners. Each button is clearly marked with an easy explanation of what it does in the instructions. And while it has a modern design, it’s not so small that you’ll need a magnifying glass to read the control panel. The panel features buttons for wet mode (for foods containing sauces or marinades) and dry mode as well as a pulse feature for manual stopping and starting, and two types of sealing (one with the extraction and seal, and one with just sealing to reseal opened items with). Once familiar with the instructions, beginners can confidently use this vacuum sealer.
Additionally, this model has a powerful suction and built-in storage for a roll of Anova sealing bags as well as a cutter for custom-sizing. This sealing system is an excellent value as it reflects the quality and craftsmanship of much more expensive brands.
Pros:
Easy to use
Accessory port increases options for external vacuum sealing
Can be effectively operated with one hand
App and QR codes on containers help keep track of foods stored and expiration dates
Cons:
Some found they had to seal bags more than once for it to work
Less than satisfactory customer service
Dimensions: 13.3 x 9.25 x 5.67 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Bag storage/Cutter: No | Sealing options: 1
The Zwilling Fresh & Save Vacuum Food Storage System is an impressive kit featuring the slender, space-saving vacuum sealer, two different sizes of reusable sealing bags and a large dishwasher-safe glass container (BPA-free plastic is also available). Quiet and simple with only one button to deal with, this sealing method is great for the household, camping and any other setting where compact, efficient vacuum sealing is a must.
The bags are easy to seal with the company’s proprietary ‘easy-zip’ sealing and are safe for the freezer as well as the microwave (once the vacuum seal is removed). The design is contemporary and slim enough to fit in most kitchen drawers to save even more counter space. Use the QR codes on each item in the starter set to access Zwilling’s Culinary World app where you can track what’s in each container and how long it should stay fresh.
Pros:
Slim design makes it easy to store
Sealing bags are durable and reusable
Stops automatically when air extraction is complete
Powerful for its size
Cons:
Some found it stopped working effectively sooner than anticipated
Dimensions: 17.6 x 12.6 x 7.95 inches | Power: 130 watts | Weight: 2.62 pounds | Bag storage/cutter: No | Sealing options: 2
In addition to helping you with kitchen prep, storage and preserving leftovers, this nifty gadget can also infuse your foods with a flavorful marinade in about 12 minutes using its accompanying 10-cup Preserve & Marinate container. Plus, it can go wherever you need it to, and sit on pretty much any kitchen counter charging on its own dock until you’re ready to use it.
When you’re done using it, the liquid reservoir of the unit can be removed and popped into the dishwasher. Conveniently rechargeable, this vacuum sealer is also compatible with FoodSaver accessories like Bottle Stoppers, Preserve & Marinate containers and the brand’s vacuum sealer bags. You’ll get to try two of the company’s quart-size zipper bags with your order, too.
Pros:
Conveniently cordless and holds a charge well
Modern, sleek design that doesn’t take up too much countertop space
Cons:
Only has two sealing options—vacuum and marinate
Suction doesn’t automatically stop when done
Amazon
Geryon Vacuum Sealer
Dimensions: 14.6 x 5.67 x 3.3 inches | Power: 110 watts | Weight: 2.62 pounds | Bag storage/cutter: Yes | Sealing options: 4
A lightweight, portable and highly affordable option, the Geryon Vacuum Sealer is a superb choice for all types of sealing, including the variety that eventually ends up in the boiling water bath of a sous vide cooker. Many who’ve tried the Geryon found it created durable multi-layered heat seals reliable enough for sous vide, meaning they were smooth and not prone to air holes or wrinkles during the sealing process (which could lead to leaking when cooking). This model also offers a hands-free sealing experience and a removable cover for easy cleaning.
The model’s control panel has six buttons for easy operating and it comes with a reader-friendly manual. There’s a built-in cutter for customizing sealing bags and the sealer also comes with a roll of starter bags. LED indicator lights help users track where they are in the sealing process. Also included is an accessory port and attachment hose for use when sealing canisters, jars, wine bottles and other containers, too.
Pros:
Generous wide seals, excellent for sous vide
Space-saving
Accommodates sealing bags with up to 12 inches of width
Cons:
Can be difficult to use with low suction power
Takes about a minute of waiting time between seals
Dimensions: 23.8 x 14.5 x 7.9 inches | Power: 190 watts | Weight: 17.21 pounds | Bag Storage/cutter: Yes | Sealing Options: 6
Our top choice for Amazon vacuum sealers, the VacMaster 360 is a favorite with Matt Gillett as well. As the owner of Saddleback BBQ and The Slice by Saddleback, he’s owned for of the models so far, uses it almost daily in his own home. “This model is great for sealing large roasts, prime rib, mashed potatoes or Brussel sprouts, and it works great for large portions or when you’ve got large groups of people to feed. It has the power to do larger cuts of meat, larger portion sizes,” he adds.
The VacMaster PRO360 includes an intuitive control panel with easy preset settings as well as an accessory port, an external vacuum hose for use with canisters and other containers, interior storage with a cutter for 20 feet of sealing bags, and settings for dry, moist, normal, gentle, pulse and marinate features.
Pros:
Professional-quality features
Crafted of durable stainless steel
VacMaster bags are compatible with all brands of vacuum sealers
Cons:
Heavy and bulky
Slightly complicated design for average home use
Expensive
Amazon
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine
Dimensions: 18.03 x 9.84 x 11.02 inches | Power: 130 watts | Weight: 8.93 pounds | Bag storage/cutter: Yes | Sealing options: 4, plus a built-in handheld sealer
If versatility is what you’re after, this feature-rich model comes with custom sealing options, including heat sealing for your longer-term frozen items as well as a built-in handheld sealer for dry goods and refrigerated items. Users can also choose from four settings including dry, moist, marinate (which can be done in minutes) and pulse. It conveniently works with zipper bags and other containers as well.
There’s interior storage for your sealer bag roll with a cutter and alignment tool for just-right sizes. An LED indicator lets you know when the sealing process is done. Overall, this model works great for all types of storage sealing and sous vide cooking.
Pros:
Contemporary design that works with most kitchens
Comes with two rolls of standard size sealing bags and 3-quart size bags
A removable drip tray for easy clean-up
Cons:
Some prefer a bit more powerful suction
Short cable requires that the unit be kept very close to the outlet
Expensive
How We Chose The Best Vacuum Sealers
To determine the very best vacuum sealers currently available, we started by scanning the market, noting popular models at varying price points. Then, we took a closer look at the quality and construction of top-rated models, eliminating any that didn’t meet our criteria for quality. (We also factored in customer reviews at this stage.) To aid in our research of the category, we consulted two experts: Kate Kavanaugh, owner of Western Daughters Butcher Shop and host of the Ground Work Podcast, as well as Matt Gillett, owner of Saddleback BBQ and The Slice by Saddleback.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
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What To Look For When Buying A Vacuum Sealer
There’s a wide variety of vacuum sealers available, and picking the right one for you depends on your specific preferences. Start by considering your budget, your comfort level using vacuum sealers and additional features you’d like to have.
Optimal Sealing
Vacuum sealers should provide a robust seal for your foods all the way around your items. A reliable seal will allow foods to be successfully frozen for months, refrigerated for weeks or bathed in sous vide water for hours. A great vacuum sealer should also be able to gently seal delicate items while efficiently removing air from around oddly shaped or moist items. A little bit of liquid should not be a problem for the best vacuum sealers to contain.
Wrinkles or air bubbles could lead to a diminished vacuum seal, causing leakage, freezer burn or dehydration, so the seal should be smooth.
Ease Of Use
You’ll want to ensure your vacuum sealer is user-friendly enough for your level of expertise, with consideration given to the type of sealing you’ll need to do. Efficiency is a priority, especially if you have a large amount of sealing to do—so a quick sealing process is essential. It’s also nice to have some indication that the process is done, or close to being done, as some vacuum sealers don’t tell you and it’s possible to remove the bag too early.
The process should also be uncomplicated with easy to understand instructions. It’s ideal to have the fewest buttons to select (while offering the functions you need) in the simplest language possible. While some models may offer numerous options, which is advantageous if that’s a priority for you, they can make sealing a lot more complicated too.
Size/Capacity
How much space is available on your surface for your vacuum sealer? You want to consider this when shopping, as well as the size of the items or portions you’ll be sealing. The best vacuum sealers will be at least somewhat lightweight, easy to move around if needed, and simple to store in the average kitchen.
For most household use, a countertop model is the ideal size. These can range from dimensions of 18 to 20 inches in width, 10 to 12 inches in height, and 10 to 12 inches of depth. A few brands vary from this in attempts to take up less counter space, (like with compact vacuum sealer sizes, which can be as small as 6 inches in width, 3 inches in height, and 16 inches in depth (or less), but these are the most standard.
Additional Features
While vacuum sealers should always have a powerful yet gentle suction, you may wish to seek out other additional features depending upon the type of sealing you’ll be doing. Accessories may also be helpful if they come with your vacuum sealer, as they can optimize usage and create more storage options.
These bells and whistles can include:
Bone guards for extra padding when sealing bone-in meats
Canisters for marinating, soups, and stews
Pulse option for precision sealing (allows manual starting and stopping during vacuum sealing process)
Handheld accessories or adapters
Sealer bag dispensers and cutters
Hose accessories for extracting air from jars or canisters
Bottle stoppers for sealing bottles
Who Should Buy A Vacuum Sealer?
“Anyone who is processing a lot of their own meat—hunters, farmers or purchasers of CSA shares may want to invest in a vacuum sealer.” says Kavanaugh, “They’re not necessary for most home cooks, however, and it’s important to remember that butcher paper will often suffice, especially if you wrap meat tightly.”
Gillett also shares that anyone who cooks for large groups can benefit from a vacuum sealer. He says, “whenever I cook large meals for more than ten people, I use one to preserve veggies like mashed potatoes or even meats ahead of time. It gives a lot more precision with the ease of use when it actually comes down to execution time. [Vacuum sealers] could also be used by anyone who wants to preserve a garden.”
Which Is The Best Vacuum Sealer For Heavy Home Use?
The vacuum sealer Gillett uses at home is a VacMaster PRO360, which he says is great for sealing large roasts, prime rib, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and other foods in large portions, or when you have large groups of people to feed.
“It has the power to do larger cuts of meat and larger portions of foods, which works out well for me and my household. While it does cost a bit more at around $300, I’ve had four of them now and they pay for themselves–as far as not having to replace them quickly. It’s actually good to spend a little extra for this product if you do a lot of vacuum sealing. This one is very durable.” As an added perk, VacMaster vacuum sealing bags are compatible with all brands of vacuum sealers.
What Should You Not Vacuum Seal?
Food like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage emit natural fumes that cause vegetables to spoil faster when vacuum sealed. To be on the safe side, only vacuum seal cruciferous vegetables after you’ve blanched and dried them first. Raw mushrooms, garlic, onions, bananas, whole fruits and other foods may also ripen or decay more quickly when vacuum sealed. Lastly, Kavanaugh advises against sealing food that’s sharp (like meat with the bone) and food that’s extra soft (like brioche buns).
Additionally, according to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, vacuum sealing can allow bacteria that only grow in air-free environments to proliferate, spreading disease-causing bacteria which isn’t apparent to the naked eye. To prevent this, they recommend keeping hands and handling utensils clean (and using hands to touch foods only when absolutely necessary), storing vacuum sealed items in the refrigerator or freezer (unless they’re dry foods like nuts) and thawing frozen items in the refrigerator.
