beef salmon and chicken in vacuum sealed freezer bags

The Best Handheld Vacuum Sealers – Our Reviews + Comparisons

Are you looking for an easy way to vacuum seal your food without the bulkiness of a countertop vacuum sealer? We compare 6 of the best handheld vacuum sealers to use at home.

Disclosure: Our writer’s research and recommend the best products for your kitchen. Links to these products are included where you can learn more or buy each product. We may receive commissions on purchases made through these links.

Making the decision to buy a handheld sealer is the easy part; finding the right model is the challenge. To make your decision easier we’re going to review our top six picks for the best handheld vacuum sealer.

First a preview of our recommendations, then we’ll dive into the detailed reviews of each one.

#Our RatingManufacturer & Model
1Best overall, a customer favoriteFoodSaver 31161370 Cordless Food Vacuum Sealer
2Colorful & CompactFoodSaver FreshSaver FSFRSH0055
3Best for Ziplock & Deli ContainersFoodSaver FreshSaver FSFRSH0051
4Best for sous vide cookingWaring Commercial Pistol Vacuum Sealing System
5Best value for the moneyHand Held Vacuum Sealer with 9 Reusable Containers
6Countertop Sealer with Handheld AttachmentFoodSaver V4440

In this article, we’ll also cover the main features and benefits we used to evaluate each product, and an easy chart to compare the differences.

Handheld vacuum sealers keep your food fresher for longer without taking up all your counter space and making enough noise to wake the neighborhood.

These convenient portable sealers can be used to:

  1. Seal meat. Stock up when your favorite meats are on sale without worrying about freezer burn.
  2. Seal perishables. From fresh herbs to guacamole and other perishables, a sealer will keep your foods fresh for longer.
  3. Seal leftovers. Keep your leftovers as fresh as possible to enjoy the next day.
  4. Seal foods for sous vide cooking. Many vacuum seal bags are compatible with water circulators, so you can enjoy sous vide cooking.

These sealers can be used in a variety of ways, but they also offer a number of benefits. A handheld vacuum sealer can:

  • Save you money
  • Prevent waste
  • Keep your foods fresh
  • Prevent freezer burn for tastier meals

Top Features Used in Our Handheld Vacuum Sealers Comparison

Our top picks are selected based on the following criteria:

  • Quality
  • Ease of use
  • Versatility
  • Affordability

All of the sealers on our list are high quality, so you can be sure you’re choosing a product that will last. These models are also easy to use and highly versatile, so you can make the most out of your purchase.

And of course, we also take cost into consideration. Whether you’re budget conscious or just after the best product available, we have a model that’s right for you.

Handheld Vacuum Sealer Reviews – Our Top Picks

Following are our reviews of six great handheld sealers that will help you save money by keeping groceries fresh longer and reducing waste.

1. Most Popular – FoodSaver 31161370 Cordless Food Vacuum Sealer, Handheld

Small in size, but big on power, this FoodSaver handheld sealer can seal up to 60 quart-sized bags on a single charge.

Features & Benefits

  • Charging base with cord-management system
  • One-touch control
  • Dimensions: 4.33 x 6.5 x 11.42 inches
  • Batteries included
Black Cordless Vacuum Sealer

This black handheld vacuum sealer is compatible with FoodSaver containers, bags, and related accessories.

To use the sealer, simply line it up on the zipper bag or fresh container and press the button until the air is removed.

What sets this product apart is the docking station. It looks great on your counter and provides a neat way to store the cord out of sight.

Pros

  • One-button operation
  • Charging station with cord keeper
  • Strong vacuum power
  • Includes 4-1 Quart zipper bags

Cons

  • Doesn’t operate while plugged in

If you want a powerful handheld sealer that looks good on the counter and doesn’t take up too much space, the FoodSaver 31161370 is sure to please.

2. Colorful & Compact – FoodSaver FreshSaver FSFRSH0055

Designed with convenience and ease of use in mind, the FoodSaver FreshSaver FSFRSH055 is a cordless vacuum sealer that helps keep foods fresher for longer.

Features & Benefits

  • Cordless operation
  • One-touch control
  • Dimensions: 6.5″ x 4-2/7″ x 11-2/5″
  • 1-year limited warranty
FreshSaver Handheld Vacuum-Sealing System

This handheld vacuum sealer is compatible with FoodSaver deli containers and vacuum zipper bags. Easy to clean and simple to use, this sealer is ideal for busy households.

One-touch operation makes sealing foods a breeze, and the nozzle can easily be tossed in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. The nozzle also catches any overflow liquids that would otherwise make a mess.

The FSFRSH055 comes with a zipper bag starter kit, deli tray, and charging stand, so you can start using it right away.

Pros

  • Easy one-button operation
  • Cordless for on-the-go use
  • Works with vacuum zipper bags
  • Won’t take up room on your counters
  • Bags can be put in the freezer or used with a sous vide cooker

Cons

  • Not compatible with canisters or containers

If you’re looking for a simple, powerful, and compact food sealer for use with deli containers and vacuum bags, the FoodSaver FSFRSH055 is a great choice.


3. Best for Ziplock & Deli Containers – FoodSaver FreshSaver FSFRSH0051

The FreshSaver FSFRSH0051 from FoodSaver is similar to the FSFRSH055, but slightly smaller in size. Offering cord-free operation and powerful vacuum sealing technology, this model is ideal for small to medium-sized families.

closeup of model FSFRSH0051
FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer Model FSFRSH0051

Features & Benefits

  • Cordless
  • One-touch operation
  • Compatible with FoodSaver vacuum zipper bags and deli containers
  • Dimensions: 4″ x 3″ x 9″

The FreshSaver FSFRSH0051 is a compact, easy-to-use vacuum sealer that offers simple one-touch operation. Powered by a battery, this sealer can be used on the go and recharged when needed.

A built-in nozzle catches overflow liquids that would otherwise make a mess. The easy-clean nozzle can be tossed in the dishwasher in between uses for easy clean-up.

Like other handheld sealers from FoodSaver, the FSFRSH0051 can be used with vacuum seal bags and deli containers. FoodSaver says this model is designed for use with their specially-made bags, but many people have successfully used it with Ziploc vacuum bags.

Easy to use, easy to clean, and portable, this vacuum sealer is a great choice for busy families who are always on the go.

Pros

  • The compact size means this sealer doesn’t take up much space on the counter.
  • The cordless design means you’re free to move around the kitchen.
  • Dishwasher safe nozzle makes this sealer easy to clean.
  • Compatible with all-size vacuum seal bags to keep all foods fresher for longer.

Cons

  • Not as powerful as full-size models.

For simple sealing jobs, the FSFRSH0051 is a great option. Durable and easy to use, this food sealer will keep your foods fresher for longer but isn’t quite as powerful as a full-size model.


4. Best for Sous Vide Cooking – Waring Pro WVS50

The Waring Pro WVS50 looks more like a drill than a vacuum sealer, but this compact model is more powerful and long-lasting than its competitors. With the ability to seal more than 50 bags on a single charge, this model’s battery life is very impressive.

Features & Benefits

  • Pistol-style design
  • Battery Powered
  • Charging stand included
  • 25 one-quart and 25 one-gallon bags included
Waring Commercial Pistol Vacuum Sealing System

The WVS50 features a pistol-style design that makes it easy to seal numerous bags back-to-back. Offering a compact design, this sealer won’t take up much space in your kitchen, and can easily be stored on the included charging stand in between uses.

This model is extremely easy to operate, so you can start sealing your foods right out of the box, with no learning curve required.

Along with the sealer itself, you’ll also receive 25 one-quart bags and 25 one-gallon bags. All of the included bags are BPA-free and safe for boiling, freezing, refrigerating, and microwaving which make them perfect for sous vide cooking.

Pros

  • Easy operation.
  • A heavy-duty battery lasts long enough to seal at least 50 bags on one charge.
  • Bags are included, so you don’t have to spend more on accessories.
  • Pistol-style design allows for comfortable use.

Cons

  • Not compatible with canisters or deli containers.

The Waring Pistol Vacuum Sealer is a great option if you’re looking for a simple sealer for bags. While not compatible with canisters or deli containers, this model creates a strong, long-lasting seal.


5. Best Value – Hand-Held Vacuum Food System with Containers

Our next product is a 19-piece set that includes everything you need to keep your groceries fresh longer. The set includes 5 sizes of plastic reusable containers and a simple vacuum sealing pump that requires no electricity.

Great for college dorms, off the grid living, and energy savings.

Features & Benefits

  • Includes 9 reusable containers with locking lids in 5 sizes
  • Microwave safe
  • Manual Vacuum Pump
  • No battery or electricity needed
Manual handheld set with containers

Keep your food fresh longer without buying yet another electric appliance. Here are just a few examples of what you can expect. Keep guacamole fresh for up to 7 days, lettuce fresh for up to 2 weeks, and chips or crackers for up to 3 weeks.

Each container is microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe. They also stack up neatly and fit inside the largest container to save space in your cupboards.

Pros

  • Complete set – great for gift giving
  • Quick Seal Marinator
  • Environmentally friendly

Cons

  • The seal doesn’t last as long.

If you’d like a simple way to seal in freshness without the need for electricity or batteries, the lasting freshness system is for you.


6. Full-Size Vacuum Sealer with Handheld Attachment – FoodSaver V4440

While technically not a handheld model, the FoodSaver V4440 is still a compact full-size food sealer that’s powerful and easy to use.

Compatible with nearly every FoodSaver product, this model will allow you to keep a wide range of foods fresher for longer.

Black and Silver food sealer system shown sealing fresh salmon
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer V4440 2-in-1

Features & Benefits

  • 2-in-1 design, with retractable handheld sealer for canisters, zipper bags, and containers
  • Automatic bag detection and vacuum sealing
  • Slide-out drip tray drawer
  • Roll Storage
  • Rapid marinate mode

The V4440 is designed for use with a variety of FoodSaver products, from conventional bags to zipper bags, canisters, and containers. Automatic operation allows for easy use and sealing of foods to keep them fresher for longer.

Bags are easy to seal thanks to the automatic detection feature, which automatically initiates the vacuum sealing process. The heat seal creates an airtight environment that keeps air out and prevents dreaded freezer burn.

The V4440 also comes with a retractable handheld sealer that works with canisters, marinators, containers, and zipper bags. The included slide-out drip tray catches any liquids that overflow from the bags, which makes clean-up quick and easy. As an added convenience, the drawer is dishwasher safe.

Rapid marinate mode marinates your food in minutes, and the convenient roll storage keeps your bags within easy reach.

Pros

  • A full-size model with a compact design.
  • Handheld is compatible with zipper bags, canisters, and containers.
  • Easy operation.
  • The airtight seal prevents freezer burn.
  • Works with delicate foods.

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Larger Size

The V4440 is more expensive than your typical handheld sealer, but it also offers more functionality and a tighter seal.

freshly cooked salmon dinner
Using a food sealer is a great way to preserve the freshness of costly proteins like salmon steaks

Which Model is the Right One for You?

All of the products on our list get good reviews and are customer favorites in this category. If we have to pick a favorite, we like the FoodSaver Freshsaver, model FSFRSH0051. It’s compact in size, fits nicely on your counter, and consistently gets good ratings.

We also really like the food storage container set with a vacuum sealing pump. The cost of this system is comparable to many of the handheld sealers and is a one-time investment. The pump is easy to use and since it doesn’t require electricity, can be taken on vacation, used in college dorms, and or off the grid.

Our last recommendation if you have a bigger budget is the FoodSaver V4440. While pricier, this model offers all the benefits of a full-size vacuum sealer, but also offers a retractable handheld sealer for use with canisters, containers, and zipper bags.

For even more reviews on full-size vacuum sealers, read our comparison article here.

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