The Best Vacuum Sealers, Vetted

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Prevent freezer burn, make food last longer, and reduce waste by investing in the best vacuum sealer.

A vacuum sealer removes most of the air from food packaging to extend the food’s shelf life while preventing freezer burn. According to manufacturers, when vacuum-sealed, food lasts five times longer than it would with traditional storage methods. Home cooks who buy in bulk, hunt, or use a sous vide device can benefit from adding a vacuum sealer to their kitchen equipment. A vacuum sealer also comes in handy when storing seasonal produce from the garden or farmers market to use over the winter.

Vacuum sealers have additional uses beyond the obvious long-term freezer storage. Most vacuum sealers have a regular seal function that allows users to reseal any bag of chips, crackers, and more, saving them from becoming stale or infested with insects. Handheld vacuum sealers also allow users to flavor fish or meats in specially designed bags or containers with marinades or rubs within 15 minutes. They enable storage of hard cheeses and replug bottles of wine. And some commercial sealers even allow users to can or jar items such as salsa or jam.

Given the numerous options and settings, we tested these vacuum sealers using all their functions and possibilities, storing everything from chips to cheese. We quick-marinated fish and vacuum-sealed dry-rubbed chops for the long term. We blanched and sealed fresh vegetables and recorked wine. We even vacuum-sealed difficult, prickly items like shell-on prawns to see how the plastic would hold up, and we made some pickles for jarring.

Choosing a vacuum sealer might seem like a simple decision, but a number of considerations affect the choice. Before making a purchase, learn about some of the most important features to look for when shopping for a vacuum sealer, and read our hands-on reviews of some of the best options on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer
2. RUNNER-UP: Hamilton Beach NutriFresh Vacuum Sealer
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: NutriChef Vacuum Sealing System
4. BEST CHAMBER: Avid Armor Chamber Vacuum Sealer
5. BEST FOR STARTING OUT: Nesco Food Vacuum Sealer Starter Kit
6. BEST PROFESSIONAL: Weston Pro 2300 Commercial Grade Vacuum Sealer
7. BEST COMPACT: Geryon Food Vacuum Sealer
8. BEST CORDLESS: VMSTR Rechargeable Vacuum Sealer
9. BEST FOR SOUS VIDE: Anova Culinary Precision Vacuum Sealer
10. ALSO CONSIDER: Mueller Vacuum Sealer Machine

How We Tested the Best Vacuum Sealers

We tested each vacuum sealer rigorously with a number of products: moist and oddly shaped proteins such as shell-on prawns and bone-in chops; delicate items such as crackers and granola; fine, dry powders like sugar and flour; liquids and sauces; and sous vide portions that contain both solids and liquids. We also marinated fish, made pickles, resealed cheeses, protected fragile fruits like avocados and bananas, preserved half-empty bottles of wine, and stored leftovers.

Throughout, we asked ourselves how easy the machines were to use, how quickly they vacuumed and sealed, and how strong the seals were. We also extended our tests to see if the seals lasted in the refrigerator and/or freezer, how well the bags kept items from browning or getting freezer burn, and how well the seals prevented leaks. We also looked at how easy the machines were to move, clean, and store. Finally, we asked ourselves how likely we were to use them again. For all of these questions, we assigned scores of 0 to 4, with 4 being the highest.

Our Top Picks

These recommendations for the best vacuum sealers were selected because of their quality construction, suction power, ease of use, and other helpful features. Whether looking for an external sealer, a container sealer, or a portable option, there’s sure to be a good solution here.

Best Overall

FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer

The FoodSaver V4400 is a versatile two-in-one device. The retractable handheld sealer eliminates the need for attachments and can be used to seal zipper bags, canisters, and other containers. It features settings for dry and moist foods as well as automatic moisture detection, which switches the settings to achieve the tightest seal. With automatic bag detection and sealing, the machine does most of the work.

The complete kit includes a 10-foot-by-11-inch vacuum-seal roll, three 1-quart vacuum-seal bags, two 1-gallon vacuum-seal bags, three 1-quart vacuum-zipper bags, and two 1-gallon zipper bags. Built-in roll storage and a bag cutter allow the creation of custom-size bags, while a dishwasher-safe removable drip tray makes cleanup a breeze.

In testing, however, we didn’t find the process to be entirely intuitive, especially when making custom bags and getting the best seal on both sides. It takes some experimentation to figure out where to place the bags for the machine to grip and seal them properly, and it didn’t always do so in our tests. Fortunately, directions inside the lid helped with our frustration.

The handheld device is easier to use on the premade vacuum-seal bags; it sucks the air out of the bags within seconds. Another attachment also seals jars, which is great for pickles, salsas, jams, and more.

Product Specs

• Difficulty level: Intermediate
• Product dimensions: 20 inches long by 12 inches wide by 11 inches high
• Speed: Moderate

Pros

• Vacuum-hose and mason-jar attachments included for ease of use
• Removable drip tray is convenient and easy to clean
• Double-seal option helps prevent accidental leakage

Con

• Seals can occasionally fail; can lead to food and plastic waste
• Relatively bulky compared to other models; takes up a lot of kitchen space

Get the FoodSaver vacuum sealer at Amazon or Food Saver.

Runner-Up

Hamilton Beach NutriFresh Vacuum Sealer

The Hamilton Beach NutriFresh Vacuum Sealer is a simple-to-use device with five settings that expand its basic functionality. The extended seal mode, for instance, is for moist foods, while the pulse button and adjustable high/low levels provide additional control. In testing, we found that the top must be held down until it clicks, and pressure must be maintained during the sealing process or a true vacuum won’t result. The words “press down during operation” are printed on the machine as a reminder.

The purchase includes two 11-inch-by-20-foot plastic bag rolls, four gallon bags, and six quart bags. Roll storage and a bag cutter are built in, and we found it easy to make bags—the best way to seal oddly shaped items like veal chop or the heel of a loaf of bread. To do so, pull the roll down to the length required, slide across the cutter, and seal one end. Then add food and vacuum seal on the appropriate setting.

Product Specs

• Difficulty level: Intermediate
• Product dimensions: 16.9 inches long by 10.2 inches wide by 5.7 inches high
• Speed: Moderate

Pros

• Bags easy to make and seal; great for speedy regular use
• Low-level and pulse-vacuum options enable sealing of delicate items
• Bags needn’t be perfectly aligned to seal
• Roll storage and a bag cutter built into the construction

Cons

• Does not provide 1-handed operation
• Operation a bit slow; machine must rest after doing several bags in a row

Get the Hamilton Beach vacuum sealer at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, Best Buy, or Hamilton Beach.

Best Bang for the Buck

NutriChef Vacuum Sealing System

The NutriChef Vacuum Sealer is half the price of many popular competitors yet includes a number of features that make it both effective and easy to use. Automatic operation has a one-touch design, and users can choose between dry-sealing and the moist-sealing modes.

The kit includes an air suction hose, a wine stopper cork, five 7.8-inch-by-11.8-inch vacuum bags, and one vacuum bag roll measuring 7.8 inches by 79 inches. We were impressed with its performance preserving half-empty bottles of wine as well as sealing moist items such as scallops and shrimp for both freezing and sous vide use. However, in tests we found that edges must be lined up exactly to create a successful vacuum seal, and that moisture near the seal could result in failure.

Both premade bags and user-made bags are waterproof, so they can be washed and reused. We appreciated this since it not only cuts down on food waste by extending the shelf life, but it also limits single-use plastic waste.

Product Specs

• Difficulty level: Easy
• Product dimensions: 14.18 inches long by 6.07 inches wide by 3 inches high
• Speed: Moderate

Pros

• Versatile option includes air suction hose and wine stopper cork
• Slim and compact design is easy to store
• Bags are waterproof and reusable; more environmentally friendly

Cons

• Edges must be lined up exactly; time-consuming when sealing multiple items
• Cleanup can be challenging
• Any wetness near the seal may cause a fail

Get the NutriChef vacuum sealer at Amazon or NutriChef.

Best Chamber

Avid Armor Chamber Vacuum Sealer

While a chamber-style vacuum sealer may not be a necessity in most households, it comes in handy for canning (with an accessory hose) and vacuum-sealing large quantities of food at once. Chamber-style machines allow users to vacuum-seal liquids and liquid-based dishes without prefreezing them. This model from Avid Armor customizes the process with an adjustable vacuum-time function and an adjustable seal-time function to ensure each bag is sealed correctly based on its size and contents. A double-seal wire creates two seals on every pouch.

Chamber vacuum sealers operate not by sucking air out of the bag but by removing air from the chamber, and in our test this model performed well and proved flexible. It enabled us to seal delicate items—from rice to leftover bread to granola—without crushing them. Bakers who live in warm locations, as we do, may especially appreciate vacuum-sealing such dry goods as flour and sugar to prevent insect infestations. We were also impressed by how quickly we could pickle, marinate, infuse, and compress foods using any container inside the chamber, which we found easy to clean afterward.

All that said, there is a learning curve to this chamber model, and it is rather bulky, so it’s not ideal for small kitchens. We were also a bit disappointed that an accessory hose for jars and canisters wasn’t included.

Product Specs

• Difficulty level: Advanced
• Product dimensions: 14 inches long by 12 inches deep by 8.25 inches high
• Speed: Fast

Pros

• Seals several bags at once; great time saver
• Suitable for sealing powders, grains, cereals, and even liquids
• Great for quick pickling, marinating, infusing, and compressing

Cons

• Accessory hose for jars and canisters not included
• User learning curve includes installation
• Bulky and hard to store; takes up counter space
• Additional features makes this significantly pricier than other options

Get the Avid Armor vacuum sealer at Amazon or Avid Armor.

Best for Starting Out

Nesco Food Vacuum Sealer Starter Kit

The Nesco VS-02 vacuum sealer is easy to use and doesn’t have any unnecessary bells and whistles. An upgraded feature, the seal-time selection switch allows users to extend seal time for a tighter seal on wet foods. Auto shutoff saves energy and acts as an additional safety feature. It quickly reseals chips and other frequently used items and vacuums those meant for the freezer and sous vide.

In testing, we not only found this unit extremely easy to use, but we also appreciated its compact size that didn’t eat up a lot of counter space. It’s fairly inconspicuous—the recessed cord storage space is brilliant—so it’s a boon to small kitchens and folks who are just starting out with vacuum sealing to see if it’s a good fit for their needs. The roll storage compartment and bag cutter accommodate bag rolls of almost 12 inches wide. Each purchase includes two 8.66-inch-by-9.8-foot rolls, five flat 8.66-inch-by-11.8-inch bags, and five flat 11-inch-by-11.8-inch bags.

However, using the extended seal-time function successfully may require a bit of a learning curve. Also, it’s not the fastest model on the market, and unfortunately, in our testing some vacuum-sealed bags failed in the freezer.

Product Specs

• Difficulty level: Beginner
• Product dimensions: 18.31 inches long by 11.81 inches wide by 5.06 inches high
• Speed: Slow

Pros

• Built-in cord storage helps keep the unit neat and organized
• Built-in bag cutter saves time hunting down scissors to open bags
• Compact size is easy to store; great for homes with limited space

Cons

• Sealer must be clicked shut on both sides to work
• Will not vacuum if bag is too wet near seal or moist foods are too wet
• Some of our seals failed in the freezer

Get the Nesco vacuum sealer at Amazon, Target, or Nesco.

Best Professional

Weston Pro 2300 Commercial Grade Vacuum Sealer

Weston’s Pro 2300 is popular in the food industry, but we found much to love at home, too, especially for our bulk-bought pastas, flours, sugars, and proteins for future use. Folks who fish and have a large catch to seal, as well as gardeners with bumper crops, should also appreciate this model. An unexpected bonus we noticed in testing was its fan-cooled motor. Designed for continuous, repetitive use without overheating, it hummed so quietly, it didn’t disturb our other activities while in operation.

At 23 inches long by 15.3 inches wide by 9 inches high (admittedly bulky for some home kitchens), it also features a 16-inch-long seal bar that can package large items and seal multiple bags at once. The automatic setting works for most foods, while the manual-seal option allows users to process more delicate items without crushing them. We did occasionally notice that the suction power wasn’t strong enough but not often enough to dissuade us from recommending this model.

Product Specs

• Difficulty level: Advanced
• Product dimensions: 23 inches long by 15.3 inches wide by 9 inches high
• Speed: Fast

Pros

• Compatible with a variety of bag brands and sizes
• Works quietly compared to other options
• Removable cord with storage compartment; easier storage
• Capable of sealing oily and wet products

Cons

• Vacuum suction is sometimes not strong enough to seal properly

Get the Weston vacuum sealer at Amazon, Weston, or JCPenney.

Best Compact

Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine

This Geryon Vacuum Sealer Machine is compact enough to fit in small kitchens with limited storage space. Despite its size, it can accommodate standard 12-inch bag rolls. We like this model best for sealing leftovers for long storage, such as pizza. It’s also a smart solution for the likes of bacon, ground meat, hot dogs, and other packaged items that may not all be cooked at once, avoiding food waste and spoilage. However, it doesn’t work with liquids.

This Geryon features automatic operation, which is supposed to allow users to work hands-free. But as we found in testing, the seal must be precisely aligned and the lid clicked into locking position—and this proved tricky. The machine also needs 40 seconds to cool down between seals, so it may not be the most efficient option for batch sealing. The kit includes five heat-seal bags, each measuring 11.8 inches long by 7.8 inches wide, and one 7.8-inch by 78-inch bag roll.

Product Specs

• Difficulty level: Beginner
• Product dimensions: 14.4 inches long by 5.5 inches wide by 2.56 inches high
• Speed: Slow

Pros

• Can work with other bags; great versatility to prevent food waste
• Can be double heat sealed for added strength
• Can partially seal without vacuuming and crushing; ideal for delicate food items
• Affordable compared to similar options

Cons

• Lengthy wait after sealing and before opening for the seal to take
• Difficult to line up bags, close, and lock the machine—not so hands-free!
• Liquids will ruin the seal

Get the Geryon vacuum sealer on Amazon or Geryon Kitchen.

Best Cordless

VMSTR Rechargeable Vacuum Sealer