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Preventing food waste can be a constant battle, whether you live alone or are buying in bulk to save money while feeding the whole family. Both leftovers and fresh ingredients can only last so long in a food storage container in your fridge before you find yourself tossing it out — and essentially throwing money away. That’s where the best food vacuum sealers can come in handy, stretching your food’s days-long shelf life into weeks, months, and even years.
Food vacuum sealers suck all of the air out from the plastic bag food is stored in and use a sealing process, preventing spoiling and freezer burn. They can also be used for a method of cooking called sous vide, in which you submerge vacuum-sealed food in temperature-controlled water. For this guide, I teamed up with Meggan, the creative mind behind Culinary Hill, to find the best food vacuum sealers on the market, including her favorite from Vevor.
Whether you’re trying a new way of cooking or a home cook trying to minimize waste, these are the best vacuum sealer machines up to the task.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
- What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Vevor DZ-260S Chamber Vacuum Sealer Machine – $298.99 at Amazon
- Best for Beginners: Nesco Deluxe VS-12 Vacuum Sealer – $112.59 at Amazon
- Best Vacuum Sealer for Sous Vide: Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro – $182.12 at Walmart
- Best Budget: Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine – $41.99 at Amazon
- Best Handheld Vacuum Sealer: FoodSaver HandheldFood Vacuum Sealer – $42.91 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Food Vacuum Sealers
1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Vevor DZ-260S Chamber Vacuum Sealer Machine
At 16 inches and 50 pounds, this Vevor vacuum sealer is not for the faint of heart. Although Meggan only recently started using this model, she used the same one in Culinary School.
“I love that it is a chamber sealer, not a suction sealer, and it’s commercial grade,” Meggan says. “So if you’re truly serious about sealing your food, this will work way better than the little machines that just vacuum the air out.” And even though food is sealed in a chamber, you can still monitor the process with the machine’s controls and transparent lid.
While this vacuum sealer has a high price tag, it also will last a lifetime, making it worth the splurge, so long as you have the usage and pantry storage space for it. “So many food sealers burn out in a year or two, and you end up replacing them,” Meggan says. “The thing is pretty big but worth the space it takes up.”
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 15.9 x 12.6 x 13.4 inches
- Type: Chamber sealer
- Settings: Vacuum gauge and sealing temperature
- Included Bags: None
The Pros:
- Commercial grade
- More precise suction
- Long-lasting
The Cons:
- Big and heavy
- Expensive
What Others are Saying:
The Vevor DZ-260S Chamber Vacuum Sealer Machine was named the best budget chamber vacuum sealer by The Barbecue Lab.
Buy the Vevor DZ-260S Chamber Vacuum Sealer Machine:
2. Best for Beginners: Nesco Deluxe VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
Vacuum sealing your food can be a bit of a learning curve, so if you’re new to it, the Nesco Deluxe VS-12 Vacuum Sealer is an excellent option. It uses a double vacuum pump to suck the air from the plastic bag for maximum air removal. Thanks to its multiple vacuum and seal settings, you can perfectly seal both dry and soft, delicate foods with the press of a button. It will be — dare we say fun — to experiment with sealing delicate items like soft fruits, soft cheeses, and even dry cereal in this machine.
You’ll also get two rolls of plastic for sealing in different sizes for different foods, one of which can be stored within the machine, saving you some space.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 8 x 4.5 inches
- Type: Double vacuum sealer
- Settings: Dry, moist, double, and pulse
- Included Bags: Two rolls (10 x 9 inches and 12 x 10 inches)
The Pros:
- Internal bag roll storage
- Multiple pressure and sealing settings
- Unique double seal and pulse options
The Cons:
- No removable drip tray
- Slow
What Others are Saying:
The Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer was named one of the best vacuum sealers by Wirecutter, and it was dubbed best overall by The Spruce Eats, Good Housekeeping, Serious Eats, and Food & Wine. It also has over 10,000 Amazon reviews and 4.5 stars.
Buy the Nesco Deluxe VS-12 Vacuum Sealer:
3. Best Vacuum Sealer for Sous Vide: Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro
If you’re a sous vide connoisseur, then you probably know Anova for its highly-rated sous vide machines. Luckily for you, the brand also makes an excellent vacuum sealer that’s ideal for prepping food for the sous vide bath. It clamps, vacuums, and seals the food in one fellow swoop, and there’s a wet mode that’s helpful for marinated foods.
Plus, the machine is pretty sleek and has some convenient features, like the built-in bag and cord storage. You’ll also get a kit with an external hose that can be used for things like canning, as well as a roll of bags to get you started.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 14.75 x 7 x 4.25 inches
- Type: Double vacuum sealer
- Settings: Moist, dry, pulse
- Included Bags: 1 roll
The Pros:
- Vacuum hose included
- Built-in bag storage
- Internal cord storage
- Lightweight and compact design
- Accessory port
The Cons:
- Only compatible with Anova bags
- Tray is not easy to clean
What Others are Saying:
The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro is the best overall vacuum sealer pick by Wirecutter, The Strategist, and Serious Eats and the best splurge by Food & Wine.
Buy the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro:
4. Best Budget: Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine
If you’ll only be vacuum sealing occasionally and don’t want to spend too much on a model, this is a great, affordable pick. Geryon’s Vacuum Sealer Machine is easy to clean and has a pretty slim profile for easy storage. With the machine, you’ll get five heat-seal bags, a roll of bags, and an external hose for additional sealing capabilities. It only has two sealing options, which should be enough for the average person and is more than enough, considering the low price tag.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 14.4 x 5.5 x 2.56 inches
- Type: Vacuum sealer
- Settings: Moist and dry
- Included Bags: 5 heat-seal bags (7.8 x 11.8 inches) and 1 roll (7.8 x 78 inches)
The Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Ease of use
- External hose included
The Cons:
- No built-in cutter
- Sensitive buttons
- Doesn’t last forever
What Others are Saying:
The Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine was named the best budget vacuum sealer by The Spruce Eats and CNN Underscored. The gadget also has over 28,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.3-star rating.
Buy the Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine:
5. Best Handheld: FoodSaver Handheld Food Vacuum Sealer
Whether you plan to use your vacuum sealer every day or only on special occasions, you’ll typically be giving up a good amount of storage space on your counter or in your cupboard. However, for the space-conscious, this ultra-compact handheld vacuum sealer from FoodSaver is the perfect solution. This compact machine weighs in at only half a pound and can fit in a drawer. It’s conveniently cordless, holding a charge for up to 24 hours, which is enough time to seal 60 bags.
It can only suck the air out of the brand’s compatible bags and containers. The new design of the vacuum sealer includes a marinate setting that pulses to help compress and marinate foods faster — which is especially helpful if you leave dinner to the last minute!
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 4.33 x 6.5 x 11.42 inches
- Type: Handheld
- Settings: Vacuum and marinate
- Included Bags: 4 vacuum seal zipper bags (1 quart)
The Pros:
- Affordable
- Small, cordless, and portable
- Holds 24 hours of charge
- Easy one-button controls
The Cons:
- No variety of seal or vacuum settings
- Only compatible with FoodSaver bags and accessories
- Works best with dry food
What Others are Saying:
The Spruce Eats recommended the FoodSaver Cordless Handheld Food Vacuum Sealer as the best vacuum sealer for small spaces. It also has 4,400 reviews and a 4.4-star rating.
Buy the FoodSaver Handheld Food Vacuum Sealer:
Other Food Vacuum Sealers to Consider
PowerXL Duo NutriSealer Food Vacuum Sealer Machine
The PowerXL Duo NutriSealer Food Vacuum Sealer Machine has very few bells and whistles compared to some of the other options on this list. With just three buttons and a compact size, it’s pretty easy to use, but it can be a little tricky to line up the bags for an effective seal. The PowerXL Duo NutriSealer Food Vacuum Sealer Machine is available at Amazon for $59.
VacMaster VP220 Chamber Vacuum Sealer
This chamber vacuum sealer is another commercial option, like the Vevor machine that Meggan owns. It can easily and quickly seal moist or liquid food items. However, it’s larger, quite expensive, and better suited for commercial purposes than in a home. The VacMaster VP220 Chamber Vacuum Sealer is available at Amazon for $999.95.
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer
Like the Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer Pro, this machine offers strong suction power and a good seal just with a pared-down design. This model is a bit simpler and doesn’t offer a moist or dry setting or a port for an external hose. Instead, we think upgrading to the Pro version recommended above is well worth it. The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer is available at Amazon for $79.95.
Mueller Vacuum Sealer
This Mueller machine has a simple design and can be used on most foods for preservation. However, it doesn’t offer any added features like a vacuum bag cutter or storage, and the vacuum suction can be a little harsh on more fragile foods. The Mueller Austria Vacuum Sealer is available at Walmart for $69.99.
Zwilling Fresh & Save Starter Set
This handheld, cordless vacuum sealer from Zwilling works similarly to other handheld sealers, and the device has a lithium battery that charges with a USB cable. However, you do have to use the brand’s specific bags, which tend to leak, according to reviews. The Zwilling Fresh & Save Starter Set is available at Amazon for $79.99.
Why You Can Trust Us
Hi! My name is Grace, and I write about home products, including cookware and kitchen tools. I love testing and writing about new products, whether searching for the best at-home cup of coffee or the most affordable nonstick frying pan. Meggan and I collaborated to bring you this list of the best food vacuum sealers, pulling from Meggan’s extensive culinary background as a chef, recipe developer, and founder of Culinary Hill.
Our list started with Meggan’s personal favorite vacuum sealer, the Vevor DZ 260S Chamber Vacuum Sealer Machine, and recommended a few other models she had on her radar. From there, I dove into professional and user reviews on some of the most popular vacuum sealers out there. I then narrowed the list down to well-reviewed models that varied in size and price to satisfy various needs and budgets.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Food Vacuum Sealer
What to Consider Before Buying a Food Vacuum Sealer
Every food vacuum sealer performs the same basic functionality but can have various features and requirements. Consider these factors before sealing the deal:
Size: As you should when purchasing any new kitchen appliance, take stock of how much space you have available and consider how often you’ll be using it. Vacuum sealers come in various sizes, from large chamber machines to handheld cordless devices.
Chamber vs. Suction Sealer: The main difference between the two types of vacuum sealers — chamber and suction — is where you place the food. A chamber model is typically bigger because there’s a chamber within the machine where you place your food and pump the air out of the chamber, whereas a suction sealer will use suction to remove air from an external bag or container. Because air is pressed out, chamber machines can generally handle liquids better than suction sealers.
Bags: Many vacuum sealers are only compatible with certain vacuum sealing bags (usually from the machine’s brand), although some can be reused if washed properly. Before you purchase, be sure to factor in the cost of bags so you’ll be prepared for the recurring expense.
How Do You Use a Food Vacuum Sealer?
Vacuum sealing is generally done with your food in a bag, jar, canister, or container. Chamber vacuum sealers have an interior compartment to place the food before selecting the sealing settings. For a suction vacuum sealer, you’ll place your bag along the sealing mechanism of the machine or use an external hose to suck the air out of the bag or container.
How Long Does Vacuum-Sealed Food Last?
Vacuum sealing your food will definitely extend its shelf life — but by how long? That depends on the food itself and whether you plan to store it in the freezer or fridge. “Use a food vacuum sealer to extend the shelf life of various cuts of meat, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and baked goods,” Meggan says.
Just be sure to clearly label your vacuum-sealed food with the date it was packaged and look up how long it will be safe to eat. FoodSaver says most vacuum-sealed foods can last more than a year in the freezer, but you’ll likely want to eat it sooner!
Does Vacuum Sealing Preserve Food?
In short, yes! “By removing the air from the package, food stays fresher longer without the risk of freezer burn,” Meggan says. In other words, vacuum sealers prevent or slow the bacteria growth and spoiling process, thereby preserving the food.
Is a Food Vacuum Sealer Worth It?
A vacuum sealer is a good investment if you’re going to use it regularly to extend the life of your food. These machines are most commonly used for keeping food fresh or for sous vide cooking, which involves vacuum sealing and immersing your food in precisely temperature-controlled water to cook it.
It can also help save you money in the long run! “[Vacuum sealing] cuts down on food waste (and by extension financial waste) while ensuring the integrity of the food as much as possible,” Meggan says.
The Best Recipes to Use With Vacuum Sealed Foods
A vacuum sealer can come in handy before, during, and after the cooking process. Meggan has several ideas to take advantage of leftovers that you can easily preserve using a food vacuum sealer.
Thanksgiving Recipes
The Best Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers
Soup and Stew Recipes
Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Chipotle Copycat Recipes
Chipotle Steak (Copycat)
Working with Fruits and Vegetables
How to Roast Tomatoes
Soup and Stew Recipes
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Grains and Legumes
How to Make Bread Crumbs
Appetizer Recipes
Toasted Baguette
Working with Fruits and Vegetables
Pickles
Working with Fruits and Vegetables
Pickled Garlic
Working with Fruits and Vegetables
Pickled Asparagus
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
