Best Vacuum Sealers are becoming an essential kitchen tool for anyone who loves cooking, meal prepping, or preserving food. As meal prep continues to grow in popularity, finding efficient ways to keep food fresh longer and reduce waste is more important than ever. One of the most effective solutions is using a vacuum sealer.
Whether freezing meals, storing bulk items, or organizing your kitchen, a vacuum sealer helps preserve food, save time, and reduce waste. In this blog, we will explore what a vacuum sealer is, the benefits it offers, key features to consider when buying one, and some helpful tips to maximize its use.
What is a Vacuum Sealer?
A vacuum sealer is a kitchen appliance that removes air from specially designed bags or containers and seals them shut, keeping food fresh for longer. It uses heat and suction to eliminate air, preventing the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, which thrive in oxygen. Sealing food in an airtight bag helps preserve flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Many vacuum sealers offer various settings, allowing you to seal everything from dry foods to delicate items like fruits and vegetables.
There are two main types of vacuum sealers: external and chamber. External vacuum sealers remove air from bags and seal the food, while chamber vacuum sealers eliminate air from the entire chamber, creating a tighter seal. While both types have advantages, external sealers are typically more affordable and user-friendly for home cooks.
Benefits of Using Vacuum Sealers for Meal Prep
Longer Food Shelf Life
A key advantage of using a vacuum sealer is the extended shelf life it offers. By sealing food in an airtight bag, you protect it from air, moisture, and bacteria, significantly reducing spoilage. Vacuum-sealed food can be stored in the fridge, freezer, or pantry longer than traditional methods. Raw meat or fish that typically lasts a few days in the fridge can remain fresh for weeks when vacuum-sealed. It also prevents freezer burn, preserving texture and flavor. Vacuum-sealed foods can last 3–5 times longer than those stored in standard containers.
Food Preservation Without Chemicals
Vacuum sealing helps preserve food naturally without the need for preservatives or chemicals. This means you can keep your food fresh and nutritious without worrying about added artificial substances. Vacuum-sealed fruits and vegetables, for example, retain their nutrients and flavor for much longer than their non-sealed counterparts.
Cost-Effective
By preserving your food effectively, vacuum sealers can save you money. You can buy in bulk, vacuum seal individual portions, and store them for future use. This eliminates food waste from spoilage and prevents you from needing to buy new ingredients as often. Additionally, buying bulk items like meat, cheese, or grains and sealing them properly can lead to significant savings in the long run.
Organized Meal Prep
For those who follow a meal prep routine, vacuum sealers provide an excellent solution for keeping pre-made meals fresh. After cooking in large batches, simply vacuum seal individual portions and store them in the fridge or freezer. This will ensure your meals stay fresh, and you can easily grab and reheat your pre-prepared meals throughout the week.
Time-Saving
Vacuum sealers allow you to store food more efficiently, which translates to less time spent on meal prep and grocery shopping. If you’re someone who likes to prepare meals in advance, having a vacuum sealer can streamline your workflow, so you can cook in batches, store food safely, and always have a variety of meals ready to go.
Top Recommendations
NESCO VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer
Upgrade your food preservation game with the NESCO VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer—a powerful 130-watt machine with a double vacuum pump for maximum air extraction. With three sealing settings (dry, moist, and double), plus adjustable vacuum pressure, it ensures perfect results for every type of food, from delicate pastries to juicy steaks. The easy-lock handle allows for smooth, one-handed operation, while the double heat seal provides extra security for sealing moist foods. Featuring built-in storage for vacuum sealer bags and a bag cutter to customize sizes, this sealer is designed for convenience, efficiency, and long-lasting freshness.
GERYON Vacuum Sealer Machine
Keep your food fresher for longer with the GERYON Vacuum Sealer Machine, designed to prevent freezer burn and reduce food waste with its airtight heat sealing technology. This compact and lightweight vacuum sealer offers two sealing modes—perfect for dry or moist foods—allowing you to customize the preservation process. The detachable upper lid makes cleaning easy, while the soft-touch digital buttons and LED indicator lights ensure a user-friendly experience. With a fully automatic vacuum sealing operation, this machine simplifies meal prep, helping you save time, money, and effort in the kitchen.
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine
The NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer is your go-to solution for extending food shelf life and preventing waste. With automatic air sealing, it efficiently preserves both dry and moist foods, making it ideal for meal prep and bulk storage. Equipped with versatile sealing modes and an air suction hose, it ensures airtight results for all your food storage needs. Its compact yet powerful design features a 110-watt suction element, soft-touch LED controls, and stain-resistant housing for easy maintenance. Plus, it comes with vacuum bags, an extra-long roll, and a wine stopper, making it a complete solution for any modern kitchen.
FoodSaver® 4800 Series 2-in-1 Automatic Vacuum Sealing System
Keep your food fresh up to 5x longer in the freezer and 2x longer in the fridge or pantry with the FoodSaver 4800 Series 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer. Designed for ultimate convenience, it features automatic bag detection and sealing, allowing for quick and effortless food preservation. The built-in handheld sealer extends its functionality to zipper bags, canisters, and containers, while also offering a fast marinating mode. The pull-out drip tray drawer with a dishwasher-safe tray keeps your counters mess-free, making it a hassle-free solution for sealing everything from meats to leftovers.
Anova Culinary Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro
Designed for serious food enthusiasts, the Anova Culinary Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro offers high-powered suction, a double heat sealer, and built-in storage for seamless meal prep and long-term food preservation. It’s one-handed operation makes sealing quick and effortless, while the wet-function mode ensures even the juiciest foods are securely sealed without mess. The integrated bag cutter and hidden cord storage add to its sleek, user-friendly design. Plus, the accessory port and hose allow for sealing jars, wine bottles, and vacuum-ready containers, making it a versatile tool for home chefs and sous vide enthusiasts alike.
Key Features to Look for in a Vacuum Sealer
Sealing Strength
Look for a vacuum sealer with adjustable sealing strength like Anova. The stronger the seal, the more airtight it will be, which is essential for long-term food storage. A powerful vacuum motor is crucial for removing air completely from the bags, keeping the contents fresh and free of contaminants.
Multiple Settings
Some foods are more delicate than others, and you don’t want to crush or damage items like bread or soft fruits. Therefore, look for a vacuum sealer that offers multiple settings, including options for sealing moist foods, delicate items, and dry foods. This will give you the flexibility to preserve a wide variety of foods properly.
Ease of Use
The best vacuum sealers are simple to operate. Look for a model like GERYON that has user-friendly controls, clear instructions, and intuitive buttons or touchscreen functionality. A machine has automatic sealing features and easy-to-replace bags will make meal prep a breeze.
Vacuum Bag Compatibility
Ensure the vacuum sealer, like Mesliese is compatible with various vacuum bags or rolls. Some models only work with specific brands or types of bags, limiting your options. Many sealers work with standard vacuum bags, while others might come with proprietary bag options. Flexibility in this area is a plus.
Size and Storage Capacity
The size of the vacuum sealer matters, especially if you have a small kitchen or need to store larger quantities of food. Compact, portable models are great for smaller kitchens, while larger models provide more functionality if you need to seal large portions or multiple items at once.
Seal Quality
Look for a vacuum sealer like Vsdk Vacuum Sealer Machine that guarantees a reliable, high-quality seal. Weak or inconsistent seals will lead to air entering the bags, which can result in spoiled food. A good vacuum sealer should create a tight, lasting seal every time.
Tips for Maximizing Your Vacuum Sealer’s Effectiveness
- Pre-Freeze Wet Items: If you’re sealing wet or juicy items (like raw meat or fish), freeze them for a few hours before vacuum sealing. This prevents liquids from being sucked into the vacuum machine, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient process.
- Use the Right Bags: Invest in high-quality vacuum bags to ensure a strong seal. Look for bags that are BPA-free and made of thick, durable material to prevent tears or punctures.
- Don’t Overfill Bags: When sealing food, avoid overfilling the bags. Leave enough space around the edges to ensure a tight seal.
- Store Properly: After sealing your food, make sure to store it correctly. Vacuum-sealed food stored in the fridge or freezer will last longer if kept at a consistent temperature.
- Seal in Portions: For meal prepping, it’s best to vacuum seal food in portion sizes that make sense for your family or meal plan. This makes it easier to grab exactly what you need without having to unseal large amounts.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What types of foods can I vacuum seal?
You can vacuum seal a wide range of foods, dry and moist. Raw or cooked meats, poultry, and fish benefit from vacuum sealing, extending their fridge or freezer shelf life. Many fruits and vegetables can also be vacuum sealed, though some may require blanching before storage in the freezer.
Dry foods like nuts, seeds, grains, and pasta stay fresh longer when sealed, as do cheese and dairy products, which retain their flavor and prevent drying. Snacks such as chips and crackers remain crisp and fresh, while leftovers and prepared meals can be preserved for future use. Additionally, bread and baked goods stay fresh longer and are protected from freezer burn.
2. How long can food stay fresh when vacuum-sealed?
Vacuum sealing extends the freshness of food far beyond traditional storage methods. Depending on the type of food and how it’s stored, the shelf life can vary. For instance, raw meats stay fresh for 1-3 weeks in the fridge and up to 3-5 years in the freezer. Similarly, fresh fish lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge and up to 1-2 years when frozen. Fruits and vegetables also benefit from remaining fresh for 1-2 weeks in the fridge and up to 1-3 years in the freezer.
Dry goods like nuts, grains, and pasta last 6-12 months in the pantry, while leftovers and prepared meals stay good for 1-2 weeks in the fridge or 3-5 months in the freezer. By removing air and preventing the growth of bacteria and mold, vacuum sealing preserves the food’s flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
3. What’s the difference between a manual and automatic vacuum sealer?
The primary difference between manual and automatic vacuum sealers lies in how they operate. With a manual vacuum sealer, the user must initiate and control each step of the process. This means manually activating the vacuum function, waiting for the air to be removed, and pressing the sealing button.
While this method offers more control, it requires more time and effort. On the other hand, an automatic vacuum sealer takes care of everything for you. Once you place the bag in the machine, it automatically starts the vacuum and sealing process, offering a more convenient and faster solution. While manual sealers are typically more affordable, automatic ones provide greater ease of use and efficiency, making them ideal for those who want a hassle-free experience.
Conclusion
Vacuum sealers offer a simple and effective way to keep food fresh for longer, reducing waste, saving money, and making meal prep much easier. Whether you’re trying to preserve bulk items, organize your kitchen, or prep meals in advance, investing in a good vacuum sealer can make a difference. Keep in mind the key features, such as sealing strength, ease of use, and bag compatibility, to choose the best vacuum sealer for your needs.
