If you like to buy in bulk to save money or simply for the convenience factor, then a vacuum sealer can be just what you need in the kitchen. These handy tools can keep foods fresh for longer so you have less waste. Vacuum sealers are perfect for sealing up fresh produce, meat, and even make-ahead meals.
We’ve reviewed dozens of the best vacuum sealers on the market to find the best of the best. In our search, we specifically considered features like price, versatility, and the functions and settings of each vacuum sealer. Then, we broke down our picks into our top five – including our top pick, best budget pick, and the best handheld vacuum sealer – and listed another 20 incredible options for you to find the best vacuum sealer for your kitchen needs.
If you need a new set of cookware to make sure the food you’re preserving is cooked just-so, then check out The Best Cookware Sets.
Although many vacuum sealers stood out to us in our search, we ultimately chose the FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing Machine as our top pick. In addition to its over 1,300 reviews and average 4.4-star rating on Amazon, this vacuum sealer boasts a built-in roller and cutter, the ability to seal bags of different sizes, and an automatic moisture detection setting to make sure you have the best seal possible.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Over-the-Range Microwaves
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing Machine | 4.4 |
| Runner Up | NutriChef Vacuum Sealer | 3.9 |
| Best Budget Buy | Geryon Vacuum Sealer | 4.3 |
| Best Handheld Vacuum Sealer | FoodSaver FreshSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer | 4.0 |
| Best Chamber Vacuum Sealer | VAC-VIDA Chamber Vacuum Sealer | 4.8 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing Machine
We chose the FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing Machine as our top pick because of the versatile options it offers for anyone who wants a convenient way to save on their food costs. This vacuum sealer can work with a variety of FoodSaver bags and containers, including 8-inch and 11-inch bags, so you can seal just about any kind of food using your preferred method of storage.
One stand-out feature of this machine is its ability to automatically detect moisture in your bag or container. If the machine senses moisture, it will trigger the proper mode to make sure you get a clean, airtight seal. This FoodSaver vacuum sealer will also automatically detect the type and size of bag you use to make sure it has the proper settings ready to go. There’s also a drip tray underneath the sealing area that catches moisture as you seal and a built-in bag storage and cutter.
This sealer’s outstanding rating on Amazon proves how popular of an option it is. Although some customers state that the bag positioning has to be just right for foolproof functioning, most customers agree that its automation is extremely helpful and convenient.
FoodSaver 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing Machine Key Features:
- Includes a handheld sealer function
- Tested and certified by NRTL
- Works with FoodSaver Fresh Containers
- Extra-wide sealing strip
- Lightweight
Our Runner Up Pick: NutriChef Vacuum Sealer
The NutriChef Vacuum Sealer made our cut as the runner-up to the FoodSaver 2-in-1 because it offers many of the same features at a lower price point. Although this model doesn’t quite have all the bells and whistles of some other pricier vacuum sealers, it has the benefit of being incredibly simple to learn to use, which is great for beginners. It even includes a full starter kit that consists of bags, a bag roll, and a wine stopper cork to get you on your way to vacuum sealing your foods.
One of the best features of this sealer is that it has a two-mode sealing system. You can choose to place it on dry mode when you’re sealing any dry food that hasn’t been cooked or switch it to moist mode to seal foods that you’ve steamed or poached. The sealer automatically adjusts what it does to accommodate your food.
Customers who love this product agree that it’s very simple to set up and start using with minimal guidance. However, the vacuum sealer includes a handy instruction manual that should give you all the information you need to use it properly.
NutriChef Vacuum Sealer Key Features:
- Easy to clean surface
- Compact size to save room in the kitchen
- Includes vacuum bags to get started
- Simple control panel design
- Comes in black, silver, or stainless steel
Best Budget Pick: Geryon Vacuum Sealer
The Geryon Vacuum Sealer is priced under $40 to save you money on a vacuum sealer without sacrificing important features, like hands-free automatic sealing and compatibility with different bag types and sizes. You won’t find a bunch of bonuses with this sealer, but if you’re looking simply for a small, lightweight sealer that is easy to use and keeps your food fresh for little money, this one is a good deal.
Another perk Geryon offers with this sealer is that it works with several other vacuum sealer bags from a variety of brands. Not only will you save money on this model compared to other higher-price sealers, but you can use affordable bag options, too, if you prefer. It’s compatible with both vacuum sealing and folded-side bags.
Amazon customers who have reviewed this machine say that its price and functionality are perfect for infrequent users who just need to seal foods a couple of times a week or less. Others say that they love how easy the sealer is to use, especially with its helpful instructions.
Geryon Vacuum Sealer Key Features:
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use for beginners
- 40-second rest period between seals
- Quick sealing process
- Detailed and easy-to-understand instructions
Best Handheld Vacuum Sealer: FoodSaver FreshSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer
Handheld vacuum sealers offer you a convenient way to quickly seal foods without taking up space in the kitchen like a traditional vacuum sealer does. The FoodSaver FreshSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer is one of the best, thanks to its one-touch operation that allows you to both vacuum air out of the bag and seal it at the same time.
This vacuum sealer fits snugly in the palm of your hand. To use it, you just push the button on the front of the unit. It will automatically begin its vacuuming and sealing process and finish up in just a few seconds. Best of all, this vacuum sealer works with a range of FoodSaver sealing bags and containers to boost its versatility. When you’re done, you can store it away in a drawer or cabinet.
A few customers don’t like that the bags for this sealer are pricey, but this handheld sealer itself is an extremely affordable option if you don’t mind leaving out some features to get a simple, easy-to-use sealer. Other customers love that despite its price, the FoodSaver FreshSaver is versatile enough to seal mason jars and other FoodSaver containers.
FoodSaver FreshSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer Key Features:
- Includes food sealing bags
- One-touch operation button
- Quick sealing process
- Compact and easy to store
- Includes charging plug
Best Chamber Vacuum Sealer: VAC-VIDA Chamber Vacuum Sealer
The VAC-VIDA Chamber Vacuum Sealer is a powerful and functional machine that can let you vacuum seal just about anything you need to, including stews, soups, and marinades. Because of its higher price point than traditional vacuum sealers, this chamber vacuum sealer is best for people who do a lot of cooking, like meal prepping in advance for a large family, and will use the unit several times per week.
In fact, the VAC-VIDA’s high-power oil pump is designed specifically for heavy usage. So, even if you cook food daily and need to seal it for storage, this chamber vacuum sealer should do the trick. Its stainless steel exterior also ensures its durability. As a bonus, the finish makes the unit incredibly easy to clean after each use.
With an average 4.8-star rating and over 70 reviews on Amazon, it’s clear that this chamber vacuum sealer stands out to customers. A common praise for this unit is that it’s convenient for people who need to store long or large foods, as many traditional units can’t accommodate the larger bag sizes that the VAC-VIDA can.
VAC-VIDA Chamber Vacuum Sealer Key Features:
- Usable with regular plastic food storage bags
- Heavy-duty oil pump power
- Fits pouches up to 10 x 13 inches
- Adjustable controls
- One-year warranty
Who Should Buy a Vacuum Sealer
Vacuum sealers are designed to keep food fresh for as long as possible, whether you want to keep air and bugs away from your fresh fruit or freeze the steaks you packaged in bulk. A vacuum sealer can enclose various foods with an airtight seal so that you can enjoy them for longer and prevent food waste.
Those who want to freeze foods aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a vacuum sealer, though. These machines are also useful for sous vide cooking, a cooking method that cooks food in airtight bags in temperature-controlled water. Thanks to vacuum-sealed bags, your food gets a perfect cook without losing its natural juices, taste, and texture.
Finally, vacuum-sealing can also help you marinade foods. Most marinades require a minimum of several hours to work through food to flavor and tenderize it. The longer you marinade food, the better your marinade will work. Marinading food in regular containers or food bags, however, can cause the food to go bad in a couple of days. Adding some marinade and food to a vacuum-sealed bag can keep air out while locking the marinade in.
Important Features to Consider
A vacuum sealer for your kitchen should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a vacuum sealer:
- Automation. Some vacuum sealers come with automated functions that make the learning curve much easier for those who aren’t used to using one. Vacuum sealers aren’t always the most user-friendly tools to understand, so having automatic bag size sensors, moisture detection, and other similar features can make the process more simplified for beginners.
- Size. Vacuum sealers come in a range of sizes that accommodate different size bags. Make sure the sealers you consider are the right size for the foods you want to store. If you plan to store larger bags of food for a large family, for example, you might want a sealer that works with 11-inch or larger bags. Single servings, however, can usually work with six to eight-inch bags.
- Type of sealer. Vacuum sealers can be handheld, external, or chamber. Handheld vacuum sealers are compact enough to fit in your hand and use heat to seal bags. External sealers sit on a countertop and can seal small or large bags (some even seal containers) quickly and conveniently. Chamber vacuum sealers can usually seal more than one bag at a time and are the kinds you’ll see most in commercial kitchens. Chamber sealers are also the best for storing liquids.
- Accessories and extra features. You might notice that some vacuum sealers come with extra accessories or features that other models don’t. Sometimes, these units cost a little more money. But, they’re also giving you perks that you won’t find on a similar vacuum sealer, which could outweigh the added cost. Look for bonuses like a handheld sealer, an ability to add other sealing attachments, or a drip tray.
- Price. Your budget should also be something you take into consideration. Vacuum sealers are offered in several prices, with handheld sealers being the most affordable and chamber vacuum sealers being the most expensive. Most people opt for external vacuum sealers for home kitchens, which typically range from $30 to $150.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vacuum sealer and how does it work?
A vacuum sealer is a kitchen gadget that helps you prevent food waste and keep your food as fresh as possible. Vacuum sealers suck the air out of a food storage bag to give your food an airtight seal, similar to how you’ll find a lot of frozen meats at the grocery store. The machines make it possible for you to store fresh produce on the counter without them over-ripening or getting infested by insects and freeze foods without them getting freezer burn.
Vacuum sealers use suction to remove air from a bag while simultaneously heating the bag to seal it so no air can get back in. Some vacuum sealers make the process completely automated by detecting your bag size and positioning the bag properly without your help.
How much is a vacuum sealer?
The price you can expect to pay for a vacuum sealer varies depending on the type of model you choose. Handheld sealers are usually between $15 and $30 while external vacuum sealers (the most common type for home kitchens) range between $30 and $150, on average. Professional chamber sealers are closer to $400 and up.
There are a few more costs to consider in addition to the machine itself. Vacuum sealers sometimes offer other attachments sold separately, like container sealers and jar sealers. You’ll also need to pay for the bags the sealer uses, which can be between $1 and $10 each. Some sealers use bag rolls, which can save you a bit more money over buying sets of bags and allow you to create custom-sized bags. Unfortunately, most vacuum sealers work with only specific types of bags, so it can be challenging to save money with bargain brands.
Can I vacuum seal liquids?
Some vacuum sealers can seal liquids, but usually only if they have a specific function for marinades or liquids. This is because the vacuum sealer is designed to draw out not just air, but also moisture, so liquid will end up in the motor and damage the machine. However, units with a marinade or liquid setting will adjust to make sure they only pull out air instead of the liquid in the bag.
A chamber vacuum sealer does allow you to seal bags with liquids better than an external vacuum sealer. With this type of sealer, you’ll place your bag in the chamber and the technology goes to work to remove air and seal the bag without removing the liquid.
What foods should not be vacuum sealed?
Most foods are completely safe to go in a storage bag and seal with your vacuum sealer. However, there are some foods that will continue to grow harmful bacteria even in an airtight bag, like soft cheeses, mushrooms, raw bananas, and garlic. You’ll also want to avoid vacuum sealing vegetables that give off natural gases, like brussels sprouts, lettuce, onions, and cauliflower, because their gases prevent an airtight seal. Instead, blanch them first, freeze them, and then seal them.
Finally, be sure not to try to vacuum seal foods that were just cooked and still hot. The steam from the food will affect the sealing process. Give your foods time to come to room temperature before attempting to vacuum seal them.
Other Vacuum Sealers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other vacuum sealers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best vacuum sealers list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your kitchen. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Handheld Vacuum Sealers
Dapai Handheld Vacuum Sealer Machine
Vacuum seal small bags of food quickly with this handheld vacuum sealer that can close bags in as quickly as six seconds.
Key Features:
- Cordless and portable
- USB rechargeable
- Includes five compatible bags
Cost: $30
FoodSaver Cordless Handheld Vacuum Sealer
One charge of this FoodSaver handheld vacuum sealer can seal as many as 60 compatible FoodSaver bags and containers.
Key Features:
- Convenient docking station
- Charge indicator light
- One-button operation
Cost: $35
This handheld vacuum sealer has strong power that allows it to seal bags while removing air quickly. You can choose to power the device with batteries or its AC power adapter.
Key Features:
- Seals up to 50 bags on a single charge
- Ergonomic design
- Seals in as little as eight seconds
Cost: $25
The Moyeah Vacuum Sealer is an affordable option for people who don’t need anything fancy or crowding their kitchen countertops. It also includes ten double-zipper bags to get you started.
Key Features:
- BPA-free
- Includes starting kit of bags
- Small enough to fit on the counter
Cost: $15
This handheld vacuum sealer looks a lot different than others, but its contoured handle design makes holding and using it comfortable on your hands and wrists.
Key Features:
- Includes charger and stand
- Cordless design
- Compact and lightweight
Cost: $20
The Vesta Precision Vacuum Sealer is incredibly small, but its powerful motor will get bags airtight and sealed quickly.
Key Features:
- USB charging
- Quickly seals bags in just seconds
- Push-button operation
Cost: $20
This handheld sealer is perfect for creating your own sous vide bags, but you can also use it to keep your food fresh in the fridge or freezer.
Key Features:
- Includes ten zipper bags
- Rechargeable
- BPA-free
Cost: $20
This unique 2-in-1 vacuum sealer not only removes air from your food storage bags, but it can also pump air into other household items, like balls and airbeds.
Key Features:
- Quiet operation
- Small enough for traveling
- Powered by the push of a button
Cost: $45
Chamber Vacuum Sealers
VacMaster VP210 Chamber Vacuum Sealer
The VacMaster VP210 is an excellent option for high-volume sealing needs. It even seals liquids while keeping the motor dry.
Key Features:
- Leaves a double seal on each bag
- 110 V
- Fits bags up to 10 x 13
Cost: $900
VacMaster VP215 Chamber Vacuum Sealer
If you’re looking to seal soups, marinades, and other liquidy foods, the VacMaster VP215 can do the trick quickly and quietly.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-operate control panel
- Oil pump allows continuous operation
- Easy setup and helpful instructions
Cost: $960
Waring Commercial WCV300 Vacuum Sealer
This sleek-looking chamber vacuum sealer features a convenient touchpad for an easily-controlled sealing process.
Key Features:
- 380 W
- Two-gallon chamber
- One-year limited warranty
Cost: $725
A simple touchpad in the front of this vacuum sealer makes it easy for you to switch settings for different foods.
Key Features:
- Seals bags up to 12 x 12
- Adjustable sealing time
- Stainless steel
Cost: $800
External Vacuum Sealers
In just a few simple steps, you can have this vacuum sealer doing its job to keep your food fresh for longer.
Key Features:
- Blue or black
- Intelligent pressure control sensor
- Two sealing modes
Cost: $35
FoodSaver FM2435 Vacuum Sealer Machine
This vacuum sealer by FoodSaver keeps you on track through the sealing process with its LED light indicators and convenient one-touch operation.
Key Features:
- LED light guides
- Seals up to 60 bags at a time
- 5-year limited warranty
Cost: $125
FoodSaver V2244 Vacuum Sealer Machine
You can lock the lid of this vacuum sealer with one hand, making it easy for people who have limited hand usage to operate.
Key Features:
- Removable drip tray
- Easy clean-up
- Can be used with other FoodSaver attachments
Cost: $60
If you seal a variety of foods, you can benefit from having two sealing modes – moist and dry – with this Koios vacuum sealer.
Key Features:
- Includes ten bags
- Creates custom bags with built-in cutter
- Seals up to 40 bags at a time
Cost: $60
With the MATCC vacuum sealer, you can choose between Normal and Gentle modes to make sure more fragile foods, like fruits and soft vegetables, don’t get ruined during the sealing process.
Key Features:
- BPA-free
- Four sealing modes
- Long sealing bar to accommodate large bags
Cost: $50
t
Key Features:
- Includes five bags and bag roll
- Touch control panel with indicator lights
- Creates custom-sized bags
Cost: $50
This vacuum sealer comes with everything you need to seal vacuum bags and other things in your home, like storage bags for clothing and food containers.
Key Features:
- External pump to seal containers
- Power cord storage
- Seven-second sealing time
Cost: $40
This vacuum sealer by Ultty can be started with one button and its indicator lights will let you know what step in the sealing process it’s in.
Key Features:
- Includes 30 vacuum bags
- One-touch operation
- Two-year limited warranty
Cost: $40
