Vacuum sealing comes with the ability to keep your foods and produce fresher for longer. Also, you can protect food from freezer burn. These represent a fraction of the many benefits that you would get from buying and using these machines.
The title of best vacuum sealers for fish and game, however, isn’t one that is bestowed on products easily. Our team had to review more than 20 products, which culminated in the shortlist below. The FoodSaver GM710-000 is particularly impressive, even deserving mention as our Editor’s Choice product of the day. Among the reasons for this is the invention’s extra-wide sealing strip. The fact that you get a removable drip tray with the device is also impressive. However, if you look through the other six products, you are bound to be just as impressed by their quality.
The machines in the table below have made it there due to merit in several areas inclusive of sealing modes, weight, type of vacuum sealer, dimensions, as well as any extra features they may possess. This is because the mentioned features serve to show you how useful the tool is as well as how in tune it is to your needs. In retrospect, our team spent a lot of time checking out any claims made by manufacturer websites about these products. In addition to the table, there are in-depth reviews of the products as well as a buying guide. As such the best vacuum sealer for fish and game is somewhere below, and all you need to do is read through and find it.
Extra features: extra-wide sealing strip, rugged design, removable drip tray, roll storage, built-in cutter, extra-large carry handle; two heat seal rolls, ten pre-cut heat seal bags, and one accessory hose
The FoodSaver GM710-000 is an option that you can take with you even as you go hunting or camping. As such, it incorporates a carry handle that you can grab onto as you take the device to your truck before leaving home. Also, we mentioned the . This makes it possible to vacuum seal wider pieces of meat. As such, this feature goes a long way in enabling the device to seal about 240 pounds of meat in one session.
As a user, you should be careful not to overdo your sealing sessions by going past the 80 consecutive seals provided for. You have to consider that you spent a relatively high amount of money, and it would be wasted by overworking the device since that often leads to a shorter lifespan. You will as well likely note the presence of a 12-volt DC adapter that is capable of working with RVs and boats.
Also, since the manufacturer isn’t sure where you’ll be using the device, they have incorporated a rugged, durable design that even adds rubber buttons to the setup. Another component to take note of is the drip tray that comes with the device. There may be some fluids involved as you are packing your meat. Seeing as though this tray is removable, it makes it easier to clean once you are done using it.
On the lid of the device, there is an included bag cutter that allows the user to make their custom size bags from rolls if need be. In addition to that, there is a replaceable foam gasket that comes in handy in ensuring a secure vacuum seal. Also, the device uses a lock latch that holds the bag in place while it does its job. You will as well be glad to know that the FoodSaver GM710-000 comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Extra features: 130W, accommodates up to an 11.8” width bag, 3 “Seal” settings, the pulse vacuum function, a double vacuum pump, easy-lock handle, built-in bag cutter and roll storage compartment, compatible with any brand of vacuum sealer bags
NESCO VS-12 DELUXE is another impressive offering to feature here, and there are mostly good things to note in its construction and features. This device can handle up to 11.8” width bags. As well the number of consecutive seals this tool can handle is very much impressive, even topping those of the editor’s choice. Installation wise this tool fits well in the kitchen where it can be relatively close to the refrigerator. This way, as soon as the meat or fish leaves the vacuum sealer, it goes directly into the fridge.
Like the FoodSaver GM710-000, you also get a built-in bag cutter in addition to a roll storage compartment. The tool is seemingly made more versatile by the fact that it doesn’t discriminate against brands of sealer bags. Any type that you can find the machine will be able to handle.
Controls are in button form on top of the machine. These allow you to choose between the three seal settings that come with this invention, which include dry, moist or double. As well you can control vacuum pressure with three options to the same. The machine controls the normal and soft vacuum pressure modes. On the other hand, if you choose the pulse vacuum mode, you are going to have to control suction manually.
Extra features: Dry & Moist modes, high-temperature resistant, built-in cutter, Nortel tested & certified; comes with a replacement sealing sponge, ten special bags, cutter, and a pumping pipe
The KOIOS SHA1203FBAA is a lightweight model that performs well when it comes to vacuum sealing, not just fish and game but vegetables and produce as well. However, the manufacturer fails in not telling buyers what to expect in terms of game capacity and cord length. As such, some people may be afraid to choose it. Nevertheless, most of you know your sealing needs, and you can tell if you need something heavy-duty or not. If you usually seal small portions of meat or game at a time, then you are more than welcome to make this purchase. This way you are safe from overworking the device and causing damage in the process.
Whether you plan on using the device with wet or dry foods, you will be glad to know that the device can handle both. Also, you get a cutter for your sealed bags alongside a high-temperature resistant pad under the heating strip.
Extra features: fully automatic simple electric plug-in design, soft-touch digital buttons, LED indicator lights, vacuum strength 12 L/min; comes with a wine stopper cork, five medium vacuum bags, and one extra-long vacuum bag roll
From the outlook, this device is compact, as well as one of the lighter devices to feature on the list. The color scheme as well is relatively simple with its black and white design. This is in conjunction with the button layout that would be straightforward for most people to learn how to use.
Among the not-so endearing qualities is the 3.3’ cable that limits how far from your kitchen socket, you can use the device. Nevertheless, it seems that the device is capable of vacuum sealing your game alongside your fish. One thing you will have to learn as you are using the device is the number of consecutive seals it can handle since this has not been specified. Also, the number of seals has a bearing on the game capacity.
Extra features: Compact size with manual operation; patented removable, dishwasher-safe drip tray; 5-year warranty; comes with 11″ x 10′ vacuum seal roll, three 1-quart vacuum seal bags, two 1-gallon vacuum seal bags, one accessory hose
Another FoodSaver device makes it onto our list. This model prides itself on being compact, as well as its proficiency in doing its job. There as well very few steps to using this device. They include filling a vacuum packet with fish or that piece of game meat and putting the open end of the bag on the vacuum sealing channel. You then need to close the lid, followed by pressing a button. This whole process is seemingly easy as pie.
As well you have the option of buying jar sealers to go with this tool, and you can use them to store more produce when the need arises.
Extra features: 110W, sealing time 6-10 sec, fits up to 12” width vacuum sealer bags and rolls, fully automatic vacuum sealing operation, two sealing modes, soft-touch digital buttons, LED indicator lights, electric plug-in; comes with a full starter kit
The GERYON 0301-E2900-M-BK is the cheapest model on offer and does an excellent job of holding its own in comparison to other pricier options. The cord length may deter a lot of people from buying this device. However, others might overlook that inconvenience due to the machine’s lightweight nature and the two sealing modes available. You can cycle between these two sealing modes just by pressing a button.
Extra features: extra-wide sealing strip, an accessory port for FoodSaver containers and accessories, easy lock latch closure, roll storage, and cutter bar, patented removable drip tray
Here we have a product that is from the same manufacturer as the editor’s choice. As such, there are a few similarities between the two that you should take note of. The first is the easy-lock latch that should make it easier to attach bags before sealing them. You also get the same patented drip tray that you would get with most FoodSaver vacuum sealers. Of course, there have to be a few differences as well. Size-wise this is one of the smaller options on our list and even weighs slightly less than six pounds. This makes it one of the more comfortable options to carry around, albeit it doesn’t come with a handle.
As far as game or fish capacity is concerned, the device can only handle 180 lbs or 60 consecutive seals. You will as well not have to go too far to get storage bags since there is a compartment for the same on the device. If you have any other FoodSaver accessories and containers in the house, you will be glad to know that there is an accessory port for them on the device also. The machine comes in a camo finish as well as a 5-year limited warranty.
Once you have your mind set on buying a vacuum sealer, the next thing to do is come up with a list of viable options. Of course, for you to be able to do this, you need some information on features, pricing and other benefits that may come up as a result of your purchase. For this reason, you need a buying guide so you can tick all the boxes that need ticking as you pick your purchase.
The benefits of a vacuum sealer can only be seen once you have used the device. They include better tasting food since it is likely to be unaffected by outside elements. You also find it inherently easier to organize your food in the fridge since you can see it through the bags and also due to the compact form it takes after vacuum sealing. Transportation becomes easier, as well. Another benefit is found where food takes longer to go bad since bacteria are not effective in the absence of air.
There are many things to consider while choosing a vacuum sealer for fish and game. Features top that list, and hence are looked at in detail below.
As to the variety of vacuum sealers in the market, there are mainly three types. The first is chambered, and this type is capable of sealing both solids and liquids. As such, you will often find these in commercial settings since they can also handle more loads of work. On the other hand, you have external vacuum sealers. The list above only contains this type of sealer with a third and final option being the handheld sealer. Of course, this last one will be the most compact of all.
There are a few ways to determine whether a device is portable or not. The first thing to look at are the dimensions of the device. If the manufacturer intended for you to carry it around, they wouldn’t make it unnecessarily big. This also coincides with the weight of the invention. Once you are done checking these two, you can go ahead to see if the device has a handle like the one portrayed by the FoodSaver GM710-000. All these may serve to indicate whether the device is meant to be lugged around, or if it should find a permanent spot on your kitchen counter. Alternatively, you can look at the product description for this information.
These measurements serve to let you know how easy it is to carry and install the device. Also, more often than not, bigger and heavier devices tend to carry more useful features within them than smaller and lighter counterparts.
Game capacity is a significant determinant in how useful the device is especially if you intend to pack game meat and fish in bulk.
If you are not careful, you may overload the machine and end up causing damage.
The NESCO VS-12 DELUXE can handle up to 100 successive seals and thus will be able to handle more game meat than most of the other options. Contrast that with the KOIOS SHA1203FBAA that can only handle 40 consecutive seals, and the difference in capabilities is quite broad. Nonetheless, people with less vacuum sealing needs can choose the latter, and it will likely cost them less money as well.
Like any other machine, these tools need to be maintained from time to time. Some like the FoodSaver series makes it easier for you by having removable components that you can then clean at your leisure. Others require more complex maintenance routines. There is also the component of operation whereby you have to ask questions on the button layout and how it affects the usability of the device. As a general rule, easy to maintain and operate machines are what most people prefer.
Rollers are only available in higher-end models, and they allow you to make your bags for the storage of your game meat and fish. Cutters as well go with rollers as they enable you to cut the bag to size. While you can always get your bags from the store, this element brings a bit of versatility to your machine. However, you should be willing to spend more if you expect your vacuum sealer to have the option of rollers and cutters.
Bag sizes tend to coincide with the dimensions of the device. More often than not, bigger devices will be able to handle more extended bags in terms of width.
You will no doubt also need to know the extra features that come with your device. These range from the cord length that may affect how you position the device to the warranty you get as a result of your purchase. Some extra features may be particularly useful, while others add a bit of aesthetic value. Make sure you choose wisely.
The FoodSaver GM710-000 is an impressive all-rounder that you can use at home or on your camping trip. The 72” cord length is particularly remarkable since it makes it easier to move the device, all while it is attached to a socket. It as well comes with rolls, a roller, cutter, and many more important components. On the other hand, the NESCO VS-12 DELUXE even tops the editor’s choice when it comes to consecutive seals. Although not specified, this is likely to translate into a big game capacity as well.
If you do choose to go with our third favorite, which is the KOIOS SHA1203FBAA, you will be getting a lightweight model that performs well when it comes to vacuum sealing, not just fish and game but vegetables and produce as well. Nevertheless, all of the devices on this list are worth considering and even buying. As such, you can’t go wrong with picking any of the seven vacuum sealers for fish and game mentioned above.
