Oxygen is the nemesis of food freshness. Whether it’s a leftover apple half, an opened bag of crisps, or a package of frozen meat—when food is exposed to air, its taste, appearance, and texture suffer.
That’s why we rigorously tested Food Sealer Machines: They are incredibly valuable kitchen appliances. These devices remove air from a bag or container and create an airtight seal, significantly extending the shelf life of the food inside. They also protect food from moisture, preventing baked goods from going stale and the dreaded freezer burn. Owning a food sealer machine allows you to save money by buying ingredients like meats and spices in bulk, preserve your hunting or fishing catches, or prepare your own sealed survival meals for emergencies.
But the capabilities of a food sealer machine extend beyond just storage. It can accelerate meat marination, quickly pickle vegetables, and rapidly infuse spirits. Airtight bags created by these machines are essential for sous vide cooking, a modern culinary technique that can produce perfectly cooked steak and other unique dishes that are impossible to achieve otherwise, such as savory, freezer-friendly egg bites. Beyond food, vacuum-sealing jewelry, silverware, and other precious metals can prevent rust and tarnish during long-term storage.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
SALE
Nesco VS-12 Food Sealer Machine at Amazon $140 $97
Best Budget:
Geryon Food Sealer Machine at Amazon $42
Best Splurge:
FoodSaver 2-in-1 Food Sealer Machine System at Amazon $240
Best for Beginners:
SALE
Anova Precision Sous Vide Food Sealer Machine at Amazon $80 $60
Best Handheld:
FoodSaver Cordless Handheld Food Sealer Machine at Amazon $50
Best Chamber:
Anova Precision Chamber Food Sealer Machine at Amazon $350
Best for Soups and Sauces:
SALE
FoodSaver VS5960 Elite All-in-One Liquid+ Food Sealer Machine at Amazon $340 $270
Most Versatile:
FoodSaver Food Sealer Machine System at Amazon $170
Best Overall
Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Food Sealer Machine
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$140 $97 at Amazon $120 at Walmart $97 at Target
What We Like
- Precise control
- Gentle mode for delicate foods
- User-friendly design
What We Don’t Like
- Operates loudly
The Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Food Sealer Machine is remarkably intuitive, offering multiple settings to achieve optimal results for a wide array of foods. In our rigorous testing, its performance was unmatched. It features settings for both dry foods (like cereals) and moist foods (like raw meats), along with a double heat-seal option for any bag, ensuring extra-secure storage. Its dual vacuum pump effectively removes virtually every trace of air from your sealed package. Even when sealing irregularly shaped items, we observed minimal air pockets or bubbles post-sealing.
It provides two vacuum pressure options: normal and gentle. The gentle setting is specifically designed for delicate items such as crackers and fresh fruit. Combined with the pulse feature, this gentle setting offers precise control over the vacuum process, preventing crushing of delicate foods like buns, pastries, cereals, and crisps. In lab tests, the VS-12 stood out as the only food sealer machine that successfully sealed fresh raspberries without damaging them, the most fragile ingredient in our experiments.
Beyond its exceptional performance, we appreciate the user-friendliness of this machine. The latch system is easy to lock, and a built-in timer counts down until air extraction is complete, signaling when to apply the heat seal. An accessory port enables the attachment of a hose (sold separately) for jars and canisters, and a built-in roll storage and bag cutter allow for custom-sized bags. The VS-12 comes with two bag rolls of different sizes and is compatible with most replacement bag brands.
Aside from its price, which is slightly above average but justifiable given its features, the only drawback we noted with the VS-12 is its operational noise level. This is primarily due to its powerful motor, which contributes to its effectiveness as a food sealer machine, but be prepared for a louder operation.
Dimensions: 17 x 5 x 9 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Power: 130 watts | Includes: Bag cutter and storage, accessory port, 2 bag rolls | Warranty: 1 year
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Best Budget
Geryon Food Sealer Machine
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$42 at Amazon View on Geryonkitchen.com
What We Like
- Affordable price point
- Includes accessory port and multiple vacuum modes
- Disassembles for easy cleaning
What We Don’t Like
- Does not remove all air from bags consistently
- Touchpad can be overly sensitive
This model is among the most budget-friendly we tested, originating from Geryon, a brand specializing in food sealer machines, offering models ranging up to commercial-grade options. The E2900-MS provides features often absent in higher-priced models. It allows users to select between gentle or normal vacuum strength, and to specify whether sealing dry or moist foods. It also includes an accessory port and hose for sealing jars, canisters, and other containers, although these accessories are typically purchased separately.
The Geryon boasts a reasonably powerful motor and performed well in creating strong vacuums and seals around marinated meats of varying shapes and sizes throughout our tests. Its heat seals remained robust and watertight during all tests, including cooking. However, it didn’t fully eliminate air from the bag when sealing an avocado half, resulting in some browning in areas where air bubbles remained.
We were impressed with the gentle mode, which, while crushing some cereal during vacuum packing, did so less than most competitors. Another convenient feature is its complete disassembly for cleaning; the lid (containing the motor and controls) can be detached, and the bottom half rinsed in the sink.
The touch controls are straightforward, although closing and sealing the lid requires a bit of pressure. A minor issue is the touchpad sensitivity; we inadvertently activated it a few times while loading bags and food.
While not the absolute best food sealer machine available, the Geryon E2900-MS delivers exceptional value for its affordable price.
Dimensions: 14.4 x 5.5 x 2.6 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Power: 110 watts | Includes: Accessory port, adapter hose, 5 bags, 1 bag roll | Warranty: 2 years
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Best Splurge
FoodSaver 2-in-1 Food Sealer Machine System
$240 at Amazon $200 at Walmart
What We Like
- Rapid and powerful operation
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Integrated handheld sealer and bag storage
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks a gentle mode
FoodSaver’s V4840 is designed for the serious food preservation enthusiast. This food sealer machine is packed with virtually every feature one could desire, including onboard bag storage, a removable and dishwasher-safe drip tray, a built-in handheld sealer, dry and moist food modes, and automatic bag detection that initiates operation when a bag is correctly positioned.
An LED progress bar indicates the sealing process, though its speed makes it almost unnecessary. The V4840’s powerful motor creates tight seals on a variety of items. An avocado half sealed with this machine remained nearly identical after five days compared to its fresh state. For those looking to efficiently organize and stock their freezer, this model is an excellent choice. However, its power isn’t ideal for delicate foods. In past tests, it crushed fresh fruits and pretzels, and in our recent lab tests, it turned about half of the cereal into crumbs. The absence of a “gentle” mode is a notable drawback.
The retractable handheld sealer is what makes this machine a 2-in-1 appliance, compatible with canisters, jars, reusable zip-top bags, and more, provided they are compatible. While a few bags are included, other accessories are sold separately. A dishwasher-safe drip tray collects spills, and an indicator light alerts when it’s full. While pricier, this machine is a robust, heavy-duty option for dedicated food sealing enthusiasts.
Dimensions: 11 x 12 x 20 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Power: 127 watts | Includes: Bag storage and cutter, handheld sealer, 3 (1-quart) bags, 3 (1-quart) zipper bags, 2 (1-gallon) bags, 2 (1-gallon) zipper bags, 1 bag roll | Warranty: 5 years
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Karen Tietjen
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Karen Tietjen
Best for Beginners
Anova Precision Sous Vide Food Sealer Machine
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$80 $60 at Amazon $79 at Walmart $80 at Target
What We Like
- Effortless operation
- Quiet and compact design
- Includes a pulse button for controlled sealing
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks an accessory port
- No settings for vacuum strength adjustment
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Review
Anova is nearly synonymous with sous vide cooking; their Precision Cooker was a pioneering home sous vide machine and remains our top pick for sous vide devices. Sous vide requires both a cooker and a food sealer machine, and Anova’s model is, unsurprisingly, an excellent choice.
Designed with sous vide in mind, this machine is equally adept at vacuum-sealing food for various purposes. Its sleek aesthetics and simple controls are appealing. It features just three buttons: “vacuum and seal,” which automatically seals upon air removal; “pulse,” for controlled air removal for delicate items; and “seal,” for heat-sealing after using pulse mode. Even beginners can operate it without consulting the manual (though one is included).
In tests, the Anova quickly extracted air, sealed tightly, and operated quietly. Minimal pressure is needed to close and latch over a bag, unlike some tested models. However, the automatic “vacuum-and-seal” mode was not ideal for soft raspberries or brittle cereals, causing crushing. For delicate items, pulse mode is recommended for careful sealing.
The straightforward Anova is moderately priced, perhaps slightly high for its simplicity and limited settings. It lacks an accessory port, bag storage, and cutter but is well-built and less complicated than feature-rich models. It includes 10 bags, with more available for purchase. (Anova’s pre-cut bags and bag rolls are designed for a perfect fit.) Manual bag cutting from rolls is required, but uneven cuts did not hinder sealing quality in our tests. The Anova’s double heat seal remained intact during hours of sous vide cooking.
Due to its compact size, we retain this food sealer machine as a backup. While not frequently used, its simplicity and ease of use are commendable. It’s also ideal for demonstrating the benefits of a food sealer machine when cooking with others.
Dimensions: 16.7 x 4.8 x 3.1 inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Power: 80 watts | Includes: 10 bags | Warranty: 2 years
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
Best Handheld
FoodSaver Cordless Handheld Food Sealer Machine
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$50 at Amazon $35 at Walmart View on Foodsaver.com
What We Like
- Economical
- Compact and portable
- Simple operation
- Long battery life per charge
What We Don’t Like
- Requires specialized bags and containers
- Operates slowly
Even compact countertop food sealer machines can be bulky to accommodate larger bags. This cordless handheld unit, about the size of a salt shaker, can seal up to 60 quart-sized bags per charge. Its 2.5-watt motor is slower than other machines but effectively seals chicken for sous vide cooking. However, when sealing avocado, it left enough air for significant browning after five days. It features a single button for pulse control, helpful in preventing delicate items from being crushed. It allowed us to monitor cereal sealing and stop suction as soon as cracking began.
The drawback is its exclusive compatibility with FoodSaver accessories. Specialized bags and containers with a valve for its nozzle, as well as jar and bottle adapters, are required. However, its low cost might justify purchasing these extras.
An updated version, the FoodSaver FS2160 Multi-Use Handheld Food Sealer Machine And Marinator, is available, bundled with reusable zipper bags and a marinating container. Like its predecessor, it is cordless and uses a charging dock.
Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.2 x 4.3 inches | Weight: 0.5 pounds | Power: 2.5 watts | Includes: 4 (1-quart) zipper bags, charging/docking station | Warranty: 1 year
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing
We Tested The 7 Best Coffee Canisters For One Month–Here Are The Results
Best Chamber
Anova Precision Chamber Food Sealer Machine
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$350 at Amazon View on Anovaculinary.com $350 at Best Buy
What We Like
- Simple to use
- Multifunctional capabilities
- Powerful performance
What We Don’t Like
- Limited chamber capacity
Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer Review
This is not a typical food sealer machine. Unlike models that extract air from a bag’s end, a chamber vacuum sealer depressurizes the entire chamber area simultaneously. This works effectively with standard vacuum bags and enables advanced culinary techniques common in top-tier restaurants. While it demands more counter space, it excels at sealing various items, including liquids.
We tested the Anova Precision chamber machine with items ranging from fruit to cereal in bags, with consistently positive results. After placing food in a bag, position it in the machine, close the lid over the bag opening, and press a button. It automatically removes air and creates a secure heat seal. It handles liquids well, allowing preservation of homemade stock, sauces, soups, and similar items without spillage or liquid entering sensitive components.
The limitation of chamber-style machines is capacity, restricted to the chamber’s internal space. Fitting a whole roast or rib rack in the Anova is not feasible. While cutting meat into smaller portions is one solution, we found that leaving the bag outside the chamber with only the opening inside still yielded a decent seal. Testing this on cereal, the seal wasn’t as tight as chamber sealing but acceptable.
This model justifies its premium price with versatile functionalities beyond standard vacuum sealing. It features three additional settings. “Extract/infuse” repeatedly vacuums and releases pressure on open jars or bowls for rapid flavoring of oils, vinegars, alcohol infusions, and other liquids. “Compress/pickle” applies a strong, sustained vacuum, forcing brine into cucumbers and vegetables for instant refrigerator pickles rather than overnight processes. This technique also infuses flavor into fruits like watermelon or pineapple, firming and concentrating them. The “dry/cool” setting is designed for baked goods, removing moisture and hot air without full vacuuming to maintain crisp crusts while cooling for packaging and storage.
Dimensions: 13.6 x 11.2 x 8.9 inches | Weight: 23 pounds | Power: 280 watts | Includes: 20 bags | Warranty: 2 years
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
Best for Soups and Sauces
FoodSaver VS5960 Elite All-in-One Liquid+ Food Sealer Machine
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$340 $270 at Amazon $224 at Walmart $224 at Target
What We Like
- Upright design saves counter space
- Automatic bag grab and seal feature
- Includes accessory hose
What We Don’t Like
- Liquid viscosity limitations
FoodSaver consistently innovates its products. A common issue with most food sealer machines (excluding chamber models) is liquid handling. While workarounds exist for sealing wet foods, and machines have improved liquid protection, FoodSaver now offers a model specifically designed for sealing liquids like soups and salsas. While viscosity limitations apply (water-thin liquids are not recommended; bone broth might be problematic, but pasta sauce is suitable).
Beyond liquid sealing, this model offers several appealing features. Onboard bag storage simplifies creating custom-length bags with minimal waste. A built-in accessory hose is ideal for zipper-style vacuum bags, perfect for cold cuts and cheeses. It includes modes for dry, moist, liquid, sous vide, marinate, and pulse. It automatically detects and clamps bags to initiate vacuuming, allowing users to step away.
Despite initial confusion about bag material threading (user error!), we found it user-friendly, with seals holding up well in both refrigerator and freezer. The stand-up design is particularly convenient, saving counter space.
It comes with bag rolls, pre-made bags, a marinate-and-preserve container, and a wine stopper.
Dimensions: 23.6 x 9.8 x 10.9 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Power: 186 watts | Includes: Two 11″ rolls, five 1-quart bags, five 1-gallon bags, ten easy-fill quart bags, five easy-fill gallon bags, five vacuum zipper quart bags, five vacuum zipper gallon bags, wine stopper, and marinate and preserve container | Warranty: 5 years
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
Most Versatile
FoodSaver Food Sealer Machine System
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$170 $150 at Amazon View on Foodsaver.com
What We Like
- Combines bag sealer and accessory vacuum
- Includes a selection of bags
- Detachable handheld vacuum unit
What We Don’t Like
- Vacuum bags can be difficult to close
Offering the best of both worlds, this unit integrates a standard bag sealer with a detachable handheld vacuum for reusable bags, wine bottles, and marinating containers. While some FoodSaver models have accessory ports, this handheld vacuum is fully removable, providing untethered convenience.
When not in use, the handheld vacuum securely docks within the FoodSaver body and charges while plugged in. The FoodSaver can seal bags even while the handheld vacuum is in use, but the handheld unit must be docked to utilize the bag vacuum function.
Its compact design is space-efficient, ideal for storage challenges. We use it for freezer bag sealing and appreciate the handheld vacuum for reusable cheese bags, enabling resealing for continued freshness.
A minor drawback is the difficulty in securely zipping the reusable vacuum bags, though they do seal tightly. However, a bag closure gadget is included to ease this. The set also includes various bags and wine bottle corks. A range of marinating and storage containers and other accessories further enhance its kitchen utility.
Dimensions: 23.6 x 9.8 x 10.9 inches | Weight: 6.3 pounds | Power: Not listed | Includes: Handheld+ Vacuum Sealer, 5 quart-size bags, 5 gallon-size bags, 3 reusable quart-size bags, 3 reusable gallon-size bags, and 2 bottle stoppers | Warranty: 5 years
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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PHOTO: The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
Final Verdict
The Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Food Sealer Machine is our top recommendation due to its ease of use, effectiveness across various food types, and precise control. For budget-conscious buyers, the Geryon Food Sealer Machine offers excellent performance at a great value.
How We Tested Food Sealer Machines
Over years, we have tested numerous food sealer machines, assessing their ability to seal both delicate and robust ingredients, such as strawberries, raspberries, cereals, pretzels, ground beef, and pork. These tests, combined with extensive online research, guided our selection of 23 machines for rigorous head-to-head lab competitions.
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THE SPRUCE EATS / DONNA CURRIE / RUSSELL KILGORE / ABBY MILLIGAN
We Observed
- Air Removal and Seal Quality: We sealed a whole boneless, skinless chicken breast in each machine with half a cup of teriyaki sauce marinade (for liquid-compatible models). We evaluated bag compression, noting air pockets indicating vacuum imperfections. Subsequently, we sous vide cooked the chicken at 165 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour, testing seal strength (only one bag failed) and observing trapped air bubbles which could cause floating during cooking.
- Oxygen Protection: Avocado halves were pitted, with one half unsealed (control) and another sealed with each machine. Refrigerated for five days, we assessed browning and oxidation signs. Machines effectively removing air preserved bright green avocados, while remaining air pockets led to browning.
- Gentle Sealing of Delicate Foods: We sealed a cup of Rice Chex with each machine, using gentle and dry-food settings where applicable. We recorded bag compression, cereal crushing during sealing, and additional crushing upon unsealing and opening. For pulse mode models, we tested manual control for gentler vacuuming and its effectiveness.
We Rated
- Ease of Use and Cleaning: We followed each machine’s instructions, noting confusing steps or better operational methods. Post-testing, we cleaned each unit, rating cleaning ease and initial mess.
- Power Efficiency: We timed each sealer from start to finish during chicken, avocado, and cereal tests to gauge efficiency. Higher wattage didn’t always mean faster operation. Power also presented a trade-off: quicker sealing sometimes resulted in harsher food treatment with crushed cereal and squished avocados.
- Versatility: We tested each available setting, including moist mode and standard strength for chicken, and dry mode and gentle strength for cereal. For models with accessory ports for containers and jars, we evaluated included tool usefulness and the necessity of additional purchases.
- Design Quality: We assessed control buttons, hinges, lid latches, and overall design during testing, noting issues.
About Our Testers
- Our Lab team combines decades of professional kitchen experience, recipe development, and kitchen gear testing.
- Donna Currie, a seasoned food writer, cookbook author, and recipe developer, has tested hundreds of products for us over seven years. She conducted extensive home testing for in-depth reviews of several featured food sealer machines.
Learn More About How We Test Products
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Long-Term Testing Takeaways
After years of extensive testing, we’ve learned key insights about food sealer machines.
- Budget Savings: A food sealer machine is a cost-saving tool, preventing freezer burn on foods and extending dry goods’ shelf life.
- Accessory Benefits: Adapters, while not essential, enhance usability with reusable zipper bags, marinating containers, and wine bottles.
- Improved Liquid Handling: Standard food sealer machines are improving liquid handling, but chamber vacuum sealers remain necessary for sealing liquids like bone broth without pre-freezing.
- Versatile Uses Beyond Storage: Food sealer machines accelerate marinating and quick pickling, streamlining meal preparation.
Other Options We Tested
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The Spruce Eats / Lindsay Boyers
What to Look for in a Food Sealer Machine
Type
Food sealer machines operate in three primary ways, each with pros and cons:
- External Food Sealer Machines: These draw air from a bag or container placed outside the machine. The clamshell design encloses the bag’s open edge, creating a vacuum and heat seal. These are the most common home models, available in various sizes and price ranges. Many include a heat sealer and cutter for custom bags, and some have accessory ports for hoses to seal jars, bottles, and specialized containers.
- Chamber Food Sealer Machines: These remove air from the entire chamber. Bags are placed inside, like external models, but jars, bowls, and various container types can also be used. Chamber sealers are generally more powerful and effective but bulkier and pricier. Typically found in professional kitchens, smaller home-use models are available.
- Handheld Food Sealer Machines: Essentially rechargeable vacuum pumps, handheld models are portable and seal food in place. They are compact and convenient but require compatible valve-equipped bags, containers, and accessories, usually from the same brand. They are less powerful than plug-in models and seal slower.
Sealing Settings
Some food sealer machines have a single vacuum-and-seal button, while higher-end models offer settings for specific foods. Common options include a gentle mode for delicate foods like cereals and crackers. Dry and moist food settings might also be available; moist mode typically runs longer, removes more air, uses hotter seals, and may include a drip tray. (Moist mode is for solid foods, not liquids like soups). Pricier machines often have more settings, though some affordable models are feature-rich.
Size and Bag Storage
External food sealer machines accommodate bags up to their width, and chamber models are limited by chamber size. Larger machines are needed for whole roasts, while smaller ones suit single servings. Larger models require more storage and are typically more expensive and heavier. Bag roll storage is another consideration. Some machines include onboard storage and cutters; others require separate storage.
Accessories and Supplies
Most food sealer machines work with bags, but some offer more. Many external models have accessory ports for suction hoses (sometimes included) for sealing jars, pickling, preserving spices, or even resealing wine bottles. Accessories are often sold separately and must be model-compatible, potentially adding cost, especially for budget models.
Most food sealer machines include starter bags, ranging from a few to several rolls. Additional bags are reasonably priced, and a generous initial supply adds value.
FAQs
How long does vacuum-sealed food last?
Vacuum sealing significantly extends food shelf life but is not indefinite. Follow guidelines for safe freezer temperatures and pantry storage. (Refer to brand guidelines for specific food types). Generally, vacuum-sealed food lasts several years frozen and weeks refrigerated. FoodSaver claims vacuum-sealed meat or fish lasts two to three years frozen versus six months unsealed.
Fresh fruit lasts about twice as long sealed in the fridge, and cheese shelf life extends from weeks to months. Sealed flour, sugar, rice, and pasta last a year or two at room temperature, while baked goods last weeks. For long-term storage, leave bag space for effective air removal for maximum preservation.
Can you vacuum-seal soup?
Most external food sealer machines cannot handle liquids directly. Freeze soups, stews, and sauces solid in containers first. Then, remove the frozen block and seal it in a vacuum bag.
Can you vacuum-seal bread?
Fresh bread can be vacuum-sealed but may be crushed. Freeze bread or baked goods for a few hours first, then vacuum-seal for long-term storage.
What foods should you not vacuum-seal?
- Raw onions, cabbage, and similar vegetables: Allium and Brassica genus plants produce gases that can break vacuum seals. These include onions, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc. Blanching or cooking makes them safe to seal.
- Raw mushrooms or bananas: These continue ripening post-harvest. Vacuum sealing accelerates spoilage. Cook mushrooms and cook or freeze bananas before sealing.
- Soft cheeses: Cheeses like Brie, feta, and mozzarella contain bacteria and fungi that can thrive in vacuum-sealed environments, leading to faster molding. (Hard cheeses are safe to vacuum-seal).
- Hot foods: Steam from warm food can expand bags and break seals. Cool cooked food completely before sealing.
Do you need to cook meat before you vacuum-seal it?
No, raw meat is safe to vacuum-seal. However, delicate cuts like sausage and thin slices may be crushed. Freezing for 20-30 minutes firms them up, preventing damage. Thaw vacuum-sealed meat in cold water directly from the freezer for quickest thawing.
What can you vacuum-seal besides food?
Vacuum sealing protects non-food items from air and moisture. Seal important papers like certificates, wills, and insurance documents to prevent flood or leak damage. Medications, first aid supplies, and “go-bag” items can also be sealed.
Seal seldom-used metal items like jewelry and silverware to prevent tarnish and rust. Bulky clothing, winter jackets, and camping gear shrink and are protected when vacuum-sealed, improving storage. Vacuum-seal liquid cosmetics for air travel to prevent spills from pressure changes.
Can you use Ziploc bags in a food sealer machine?
Using Ziploc bags is not recommended. User manuals specify vacuum-sealing bags for effective sealing. Vacuum bags are thicker, often textured for air removal, and designed to heat-seal properly. Ziploc or non-vacuum bags may not seal airtight, could damage machines with melting plastic, and void warranties. (Reusable vacuum sealing bags are available for cost and waste reduction.)
How do you clean a food sealer machine?
Cleanliness prolongs food sealer machine life. Clean the heat strip regularly to prevent buildup that weakens seals. Some models have removable, dishwasher-safe drip trays for easier cleaning. Machines don’t last indefinitely. Ice crystals on frozen vacuum-sealed foods or ineffective vacuuming may indicate replacement is needed.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
The original author of this roundup, Donna Currie, is a product tester and writer for The Spruce Eats, specializing in kitchen tools and gadgets. She personally tested three food sealer machines in this review.
This article includes contributions from Allison Wignall and Jason Horn, writers for The Spruce Eats; Editor Taylor Rock; and Associate Editorial Director Mary Kate Hoban, who participated in lab testing with review editor Collier Sutter.
Sources
The 6 Best Food Dehydrators of 2025, Tested & Reviewed
Additional reporting by Taylor Rock,
Taylor Rock
Taylor is a former editor for The Spruce Eats.
Learn about The Spruce Eats’ Editorial Process
Allison Wignall, [:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Headshot-4ab49e3de7ee425c822782f8601afa5a.jpg)](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/DPROfWITEKR9gxx3zvqSZ7zPmTY=/200×200/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Headshot-4ab49e3de7ee425c822782f8601afa5a.jpg)
Allison Wignall
Allison Wignall is a staff writer for The Spruce Eats specializing in product reviews. She has contributed to publications like Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living.
Learn about The Spruce Eats’ Editorial Process
and Donna Currie
Donna Currie
Donna Currie is a food writer and blogger focusing on recipes and kitchen gadgets. She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce Eats and authored Make Ahead Bread.
Learn about The Spruce Eats’ Editorial Process
Originally written by Donna Currie [:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Donna-Currie-22da1105951e4c879d7a0767b0832431.jpg)](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/jzbHSHlsd8lx–Q-Tm_iKGKiVkw=/200×200/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Donna-Currie-22da1105951e4c879d7a0767b0832431.jpg)
Donna Currie
Donna Currie is a food writer and blogger specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets. She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce Eats and authored Make Ahead Bread.
Learn about The Spruce Eats’ Editorial Process
Article Sources
The Spruce Eats utilizes high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to ensure factual accuracy. Read our editorial process for details on our fact-checking and content reliability.
