Vacuum sealers have found their way into many households looking to make sous vide. The small devices ensure that food stays fresher for longer in a hermetically sealed bag.
Almost all foods can be vacuum sealed with this machine. The big advantage is that it significantly extends the shelf life without the use of additives. Minerals, vitamins, and other important substances are retained longer in fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat. Also, the devices can be used for airtight sealing of important documents or valuables.
The best vacuum sealers for sous vide are available in numerous designs and with different additional functions. The following comparison table presents 10 popular vacuum sealers with their ratings. The review which follows expands on their respective properties and special features.
In the following guide, we will reveal a lot of interesting facts about vacuum sealing. We’ll explain the process of vacuum sealing foods. As not all vacuum dealers are as good as they are advertised! That’s why we’ll present to you the criteria – from the size to durability and ease of use – that must be considered when buying a vacuum sealer for sous vide.
What’s included: (10) 5.9 x 9.8 in vacuum sealer bags; (10) 7.9 x 11.8 in vacuum sealer bags; accessory hose
The prize for the best home vacuum sealer for sous vide is awarded to the KitchenBoss model with its graphite gray appliance. Do you want other colors? You can choose from white, silver, coral orange, red, or even stainless steel.
Virtually all user reviews agree that this automatic device is easy to use, fast, compact, lightweight, and above all efficient! The machine will operate in Inching mode for soft or fragile foods, in Vac Seal mode for automatic vacuuming of dry and wet foods, in Seal only mode for non-vacuum sealing, or even in air suction mode thanks to a pipe.
Its rated power is 100 watts and the stainless metal shell is durable and easy to maintain. Also, you will receive with your purchase a replacement sealing cotton, 20 vacuum bags of two different sizes, a hose accessory, and a manual.
What’s included: (5) 7.8 x 11.8 in pre-cut bags; (1) 7.8 x 78 in bag roll; 15.7 in suction tube
The Vremi vacuum sealer is a fully automatic model that, according to the manufacturer, ensures that the vacuumed food stays fresh up to five times longer. The Keepin’ It Fresh is designed for preserving food and making sous vide. It has comparatively compact dimensions of 14.2 x 5.9 x 3 inches and weighs 1.4 kilograms. It is suitable for film rolls with a maximum width of 30 centimeters.
The Vremi vacuum sealer is strong, fast, and very easy to use. Since the vacuum sealer does not have an integrated cutter, the film must be cut manually. Or you may use prefabricated foil bags like the ones that come with the product. The package includes 5 precut professional film bags, which are tear-resistant and are suitable for cooking, microwave, and sous-vide cooking.
According to the manufacturer, the food is vacuumed at around -0.8 bar. The vacuum performance is not individually adjustable, but the vacuuming process can be influenced using the stop button. The process can be stopped with it. This ensures, for example, that very soft fruit or vegetables are not crushed. The device has a film sealing function, which can also be used without the vacuum function, and seals with a simple seam.
What’s included: (5) 7.8 x 11.8 vacuum bags; (1) 7.8 x 79 in vacuum bag roll
The Mueller vacuum sealer is a very compact and lightweight device. With its small dimensions of 16.6 x 7.9 x 4.8 inches and a weight of just under one kilogram, it is very easy to use. The vacuum output is -0.8 bar. The vacuum sealer has soft-touch buttons that can be used to adjust the vacuum performance to the food. Solid foods can be completely vacuum-sealed. In the case of liquids or soft foods, it makes sense not to select full power.
The vacuum chamber and the seals should be very easy to clean. The manufacturer offers a 2-year guarantee and customer service via email around the clock.
The vacuum sealer has different operating modes and is suitable for sealing open snack bags and other foil bags. A vacuuming process takes around 10 to 20 seconds, the sealing only 6 to 10 seconds.
The vacuum sealer is suitable for vacuum bags and film rolls up to 30 centimeters wide. The package includes the vacuum sealer itself, five medium vacuum bags, a vacuum roller, the air suction hose and a user manual.
What’s included: (1) 11 in x 8 ft roll; (3) 1 qt. vacuum seal bags; (2) 1 gal. vacuum seal bags
The FoodSaver VS0150 is made of durable steel, plastic, and silicone that sets it apart from many other models with just a plastic housing. The device looks classy with its LED lighting and has a solid performance.
The vacuum sealer has a Moist button with which the vacuum output can be adjusted to the nature of the food. The power can be reduced to a fifth, which should also make it possible to vacuum very soft fruit without crushing it. Also, there is the dry mode which you can use for foods such as nuts or coffee.
At around 2.7 kilograms, the weight is slightly above average, but according to the manufacturer, it makes the device much more stable. In addition to vacuum sealing, it can also simply seal foils. This is a practical function that makes it possible, for example, to close open snack bags again. A removable channel should make cleaning easier. The package includes the vacuum sealer, eight rolls, three fresh-keeping seal bags, and two vacuum seal bags.
What’s included: (1) 7.8 78 in roll; (5) 7.8 x 11.8 in pre-cut bags; (1) vacuum tube
The E2900-Black model from GERYON is a vacuum preservation device that will please you first and foremost with its elegant and ergonomic design Likewise, its compact and lightweight dimension will allow you to easily carry and store it anywhere without a problem. In addition to this, the machine is made up of different parts that can be detached for easy maintenance.
The GERYON E2900 offers a simple and practical use thanks to its two vacuum modes which allow keeping dry and wet food with the same efficiency. Its operation is fully automated and does not require any complex action or manipulation. All you have to do is plug the appliance into the nearest power source and select the mode that suits the type of food to be stored using the touch buttons.
In addition to vacuum preservation, this machine also allows you to simply seal the packaging of products (candy, cookies, etc.) that you have not been able to finish. The E2900 of GERYON is also supplied with all necessary accessories for its optimal operation. Among other things, you will have a suction tube that will be useful for vacuuming different types of storage containers.
What’s included: (1) 8.6 in x 9.85 ft roll; (1) 11.8 in x 9.85 ft roll
The Nesco device has a lot of controls which is rare for a machine at this price. It is possible to choose between wet or dry sealing and ordinary or gentle pressure. The wet mode extends the sealing period to ensure a much more secure closure, while the dry way seals as ordinary. Also, it allows you to manually control the vacuum cleaner to wrap delicate foods such as crackers or chips. Without a pulse button, these delicate foods could be crushed by vacuum sucking.
The Nesco can create a double seal on the bag, which will be a great choice for safely containing foods that retain a lot of moisture. You can even use the system to seal additional plastic bins, like processor bags (although the vacuum feature doesn’t work on these).
The Nesco measures approximately 15.75 x 8 x 4.5 inches and its size is quite manageable. Weighing in at just under 3kg, it’s light enough to move around, especially if you’ll be keeping it in a large cabinet.
Nesco American Harvest provides a full line of spare parts for this particular machine. The Nesco includes a single year manufacturer’s warranty, which covers the price of any new component shipped from its in-house repair section.
What’s included: (1) retractable handheld sealer; (1) 11 in x 10 ft vacuum seal roll; (3) 1 qt. vacuum seal bags; (2) 1 gal. vacuum seal bags; (3) 1 qt. vacuum zipper bags; (2) 1 gal. zipper bags
The FoodSaver V4840 vacuum sealer is 19 inches wide, 10.6 inches deep, and 9.5 inches high. You can use the automatic sealer for vacuuming and sealing. If you start the fully automatic program, the vacuum sealer will first draw the air out of the bag. It then seals the bag independently.
You can use the button to select the dry mode, seal mode, or moist mode. If you want to vacuum seal dry food or stable objects, opt for the dry mode. If you want to pack juicy food or steamed or cooked food, set it to the Moist mode.
The model has an integrated cutter. Thanks to it, you can quickly create a vacuum bag in the size you want.
If you are looking for an affordable external vacuum sealer with a cutter, the FoodSaver model may be the right choice for you. In addition to the cutter, the device has a smart technology that makes it discover bags automatically. can regulate the vacuuming duration manually.
What’s included: wine stopper cork; (5) 78 x 118 in vacuum bags; (1) 78 x 790 in vacuum nag roll; air suction hose
The NutriChef vacuum sealer is a bar vacuum sealer that weighs 1.35 kilograms. It is just 3 inches high, 6 inches wide, and 14 inches long. Its maximum sealing width is around 30 centimeters.
Be careful when vacuuming liquids. If you want to vacuum seal liquid foods such as sauces, soups, or stews using a bar vacuum sealer, you should be particularly careful because during the vacuuming process there is a risk that the device can inadvertently suck up some liquid. The liquid inside the device can cause a defect.
When you select the fully automatic user-friendly program, the device vacuum seals the products and then starts the sealing process independently.
If you only want to seal a bag airtight, the sealing time is around 8 to 10 seconds. If you want to vacuum seal sensitive foods such as bread, cakes, or fruit, ideally use the Vac Seal vacuum function. To do this, hold down the corresponding key during the vacuuming process. As soon as you think the device has drawn sufficient air out of the bag, release the button and seal the bag using the separate sealing function.
Also, the device has a dry mode and a moist mode. Select the dry mode if you want to vacuum seal dry food or hard products. Use the moist mode to pack soft or juicy food under a vacuum.
What’s included: (1) 11″ x 10′ vacuum seal roll, (3) 1 qt. precut vacuum seal bags; (2) 1 gal. precut vacuum seal bags; (3) 1 qt. precut vacuum zipper bags; (2) 1 gal. precut vacuum zipper bags; (1) handheld sealer, (1) holder clip
The FoodSaver FM2435 is a vacuum sealer for sous vide that can seal dry and moist foods. There’s also the Quick Marinate mode for marinating your foods.
The material used is stainless steel, which makes it a robust and decorative device. The adjustable suction speeds make it possible to adapt to different types of food to be vacuum-packed. One of them is the manual system. The different functions: automatic or manual vacuuming with 2 sealing levels depending on the type of food (dry or wet), and the possibility of sucking the air out of the container.
Space-saving with the possibility of storing it vertically (dimensions 17 x 4 x 9.2 inches). Bags of different sizes are included with the machine. The ease of use of the vacuum film roll with its built-in cutter avoids waste and achieves a perfect cut.
What’s included: (3) 1 qt size vacuum seal bag; (1) 8 in x 10 ft vacuum seal roll
With 90 watts heating element, the FoodSaver V1110 vacuum sealer offers you a higher vacuuming and sealing efficiency. Conveniently, the model can perform vacuuming and sealing in one pass. The device draws up more than 95 percent of air from the bag and then seals the bag independently.
You can use the stop button to interrupt the vacuuming process prematurely if necessary. The vacuum sealer is suitable for continuous operation without breaks and can be easily operated with just one hand. This should make it easy to process bulk purchases or harvest from the garden without interruptions.
According to the manufacturer, the housing of the vacuum sealer is made of high-quality and easy-care plastic. It creates a wide sealed seam of 2.5 millimeters and is suitable for foils up to 30 centimeters wide.
The device has a viewing window and a status display that shows the work progress. Correct insertion of the bag or film can be checked through the viewing window. The package includes the vacuum sealer, one quart, and one-pint vacuum seal bags, vacuum seal rolls.
A few years ago, vacuum sealers were mainly used in professional kitchens in the catering industry. In the meantime, smaller devices have come into many private households. Here they are not only used by ambitious amateur cooks for sous vide cooking, but they are used to make foods up to ten times longer and help with clear storage.
As soon as food comes into contact with oxygen, the aging process begins. The foods spoil within a few days. This is due, among other things, to microorganisms and enzymes, which slowly ensure that fruit, vegetables, and meat become inedible. To stop or slow down this process, the food is sealed in foil bags, from which the vacuum sealer removes the air.
First, the food is placed in special vacuum bags or a vacuum container. Then the bag is placed in the vacuum chamber of the vacuum sealer. For can-shaped containers, the devices usually have a hose connection. The vacuum sealer is started with a control button and now sucks almost all of the air out of the container. If the food is filled in a bag, the effect can be observed very well: more and more air disappears from the bag and it contracts until the film lies tightly against the food.
Depending on the device, this process runs fully automatically and can be controlled using various operating buttons. The food is vacuum-sealed and sealed within a few seconds. The vacuum sealer usually uses a single or double seal seam that holds well and protects the food from air penetration. Most vacuum foils are very robust and are suitable for freezing, cooking, and the microwave. Some bags can be used multiple times.
Sous vide is a French word for “under vacuum.” Sous vide cooking is a very popular method for gently cooking meat, fish, or vegetables at low temperatures below 100 degrees.
To do this, the vacuum-sealed product is placed in a hot water bath, where it slowly sinks. Thanks to the airtight packaging, most of the flavor and nutrients are retained, which is why food cooked under vacuum is very aromatic.
It should be noted that the aromas of the spices and herbs intensify in this vacuum bath, which is why they should only be used sparingly.
Vacuum sealing devices are available in many different price ranges. The basic functions are often the same. However, the range of functions and the equipment can vary. To make the selection easier, we have put together some criteria below that should play a role when buying:
Vacuum sealers for food processing and sous vide can be divided into three large groups:
These are very small, pistol-shaped devices that have a handle and either a manual or an electrically operated pump. Electrical devices often work with batteries. Hand vacuum sealers are usually inexpensive and are suitable for people who do sous vide cooking. These models can also be used to extend the shelf life of food, but the result cannot match that of larger vacuum sealers. Hand vacuum sealers cannot seal foils. This makes the use of special bags that have a valve necessary. These bags are usually expensive. They often cost more than the device itself.
Pros
Cons
Beam vacuum seals are very common and a great choice for the home kitchen. These devices are available with different functions and in different price ranges. They all master the basic functions of vacuuming and sealing. Cheaper versions can only work with foils or bags. Better devices offer the possibility of vacuuming special cans and containers via a hose connection. Most devices can only process gofreezed film. Gofreezes foil bags have a structure that makes vacuum sealing possible. The structure can be honeycomb or diamond-shaped and facilitates the extraction process.
Pros
Cons
With these devices, the complete bag and its contents go into the vacuum seal chamber. A vacuum is created in the chamber that quickly and effectively removes the air from the bag. The use of seal bags is necessary for the chamber vacuum sealer. Chamber vacuum sealers are too big and too expensive for private use.
Pros
Cons
With some devices, the strength of the suction force can be regulated using buttons. This can be useful if, for example, very soft vegetables or liquids are to be vacuumed. Some devices like the FoodSaver V4840 have a dry and moist mode while others like the FoodSaver V1100 have the Seal and Vacuum mode. Almost all vacuum sealers have a stop button. It can be used to terminate the automatic vacuuming process prematurely. Some can also react to the properties of different foods.
The items included in each product and their number are different. A vacuum sealer has to have a seal bag and vacuum seal rolls. The seal bags may be precut or uncut. Others include a cutting knife. Other products such as the NutriChef Vacuum Sealer have an air suction hose.
But not only functionality and suction power are crucial for a satisfactory result, the bag and the film in which the food is located are also important.
There are big differences here: some manufacturers offer their bags and foils. These bags or foils are available in different designs and sizes. The classic freezer bags or roll of film can be placed in the device and pre-cut there (provided the device has a film holder and a cutting device).
Ultimately, the selection of the bag or the roll also depends on the device type. For chamber vacuum sealers, smooth, edge-sealed bags are required, and for external vacuum sealers, inner structured bags are required. The structure is necessary to be able to draw the air out of the bag via the structure.
In any case, if you’re trying to get started in sous vide, old ziplock style bags are great for you.
Almost every manufacturer recommends using vacuum bags specially designed for their device when vacuuming. Since these are often more expensive to buy than normal freezer bags, the question arises whether this is actually necessary. Vacuum bags have a slightly different structure than normal freezer bags; their surface is non-slip and not smooth. This small difference ensures that the vacuuming works perfectly. With normal freezer bags, the air often cannot be fully evacuated and the food does not last as long.
The stronger the suction power, the less oxygen remains in the vacuum bag and the longer the food will last. Even with sous vide cooking, less oxygen leads to a better, tastier result. As a rule of thumb, the vacuum sealer should vacuum seal at around -0.8 bar. Many commercially available devices achieve this value, from the Mueller MFFVS-01 to the Vremi Keepin’ It Fresh Vacuum Sealer.
The speed of packaging or vacuuming is a determining point in the choice of a vacuum machine. While the slow speed is only suitable for dry and solid foods, the high speed is suitable for wrapping wet, moist, and fragile foods, even soups, and sauces. However, some models offer several suction speeds. Versatile, this type of device will allow you to choose the suction speed according to the fragility of the food and the size of the container used. Some machines with manual vacuuming are also effective for delicate foods because they offer optimal control. Vacuuming the air by impulse, you can regulate the suction speed yourself until the end of the vacuum cycle.
The device should be easy to handle and intuitive to use. This is the case with most vacuum sealers. They have only a few control buttons and are more or less self-explanatory to use. You should pay attention to whether the film can be easily inserted and does not slip. Again, customer reviews are a good source of information for the model you prefer.
Manufacturers have continued to bring innovations to their vacuum machines. These are now more and more sophisticated to offer users better performance and optimum efficiency.
Thus, it is necessary to take into account the features offered by the device during the purchase. For example, you can opt for models that are equipped with a smart temperature control ensuring the waterproofness of the bag.
Others are equipped with two levels of sealing for dry or liquid foods.
Inexpensive devices are often made of plastic and are equipped with cheaper components. This is reflected in the handling and durability of the product. If you want to get a very cheap vacuum sealer, you should read many customer reviews to get an impression of the quality. Even medium and high-priced vacuum sealers are not infrequently made of plastic, but often better processed. Stainless steel versions are a bit heavier, but more robust, stable, and look appealing. Since most people keep the vacuum sealer in a drawer or a cupboard, the aesthetic value is of secondary importance.
The size of the device is an important factor if you care about the counter space available when using the device. It is also important to note that if you are not going to use the machine frequently, you should better go for a model that is space-saving and easy to store.
With 2.6 x 5.5 x 14.4 inches, the Geryon E2900-MS is one of the most compact models on the market. Meanwhile, if you want one of the most lightweight vacuum sealers for sous vide, choose the Mueller MFFVS-01, a sealer that weighs just 2.2 lbs. It’s also our best budget vacuum sealer for sous vide.
With the commercially available vacuum sealers, which are mostly external vacuum sealers, easy handling is almost always guaranteed. The devices have fewer buttons and are designed for the average consumer. The manufacturer’s warranty usually ranges from 2 to 5 years. With 5 years of warranty on offer, the KitchenBoss Vacuum Sealer has one of the best guarantees for users. But there are better offers on the market as some offer lifetime warranty.
However, incorrect use can void this warranty. It is therefore absolutely advisable to buy a device that is easy to use and has clear operating instructions.
For some manufacturers, operating instructions are available for download on the website.
The web is flooded with good recipes which use sous vide (check out this bavette recipe, for instance). If you’re still new to sealing perishables in vacuum packages, these tips and tricks will help you get the most out of your device:
The vacuum sealer for sous vide is an electrical kitchen appliance that can remove the air from special foil bags and then seal them airtight. The film then lies tightly against the food in the bag.
Rated 9.9 out of 10, the Editor’s Choice in this review is the KitchenBoss Vacuum Sealer. This machine has the Inching mode for soft or fragile foods, Vac Seal mode for automatic vacuuming of dry and moist foods, and Seal only mode. This is our choice of the overall best vacuum sealer for sous vide.
The Vremi Keepin’ It Fresh Vacuum Sealer has the best value and is inexpensive, also scoring 9.9. The sealer is a fully automatic model that ensures that the vacuumed food stays fresh up to five times longer.
Our Budget Pick is the Mueller MFFVS-01. The vacuum has -0.8 bar power and is rated 9.7 out of a possible 10 point. It has soft-touch buttons that can be used to adjust the vacuum performance to the food. Solid foods can be completely vacuum-sealed.
