Best Vacuum Sealer Reviews to Keep Your Food Fresh

Compare some of the best vacuum sealers on the market to keep food fresh longer & prevent freezer burn.

Not every kitchen has a vacuum sealer, but maybe every kitchen should! If you are looking for the best vacuum food sealer for your family, read on and check out our reviews of the most popular vacuum sealers on the market.

Before we dive into the detailed reviews, here are some of the standout features of each countertop vacuum sealer on our list this year.

Standout Features	Model
Best Budget Food Sealer	FoodSaver FM2000-000
Compact & Easy To Clean	FoodSaver V2244
Includes Bonus Handheld Sealer	FoodSaver FM2435
Best Food Sealer for Canners	Foodsaver 4840 2-in-1
Powerful & Portable	Gamesaver GM710-000
Great for Light Use	Seal-a-Meal FSSMSL0160-000
Best Sealer for Commercial Use	Weston 65-0201 Pro-2300
Good Choice for Beginners	Nesco VS-02

One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to buy in bulk, but who can eat 10 pounds of ground beef in a week?

Instead what most frugal shoppers do is freeze the extra, so you get the benefit of the savings plus don’t have to go to the grocery store as often which helps save us even more money.

In this article, we’ll review and recommend our favorite food vacuum sealers, compare their best features, and learn a little more about the top manufacturers.

Short on time? Jump to our top recommendations for 2021.

Vacuum Sealer Reviews: The Top Companies and Best Sellers

There are many brands that manufacture vacuum sealers, but many of the best vacuum sealers are made by a few companies:

• FoodSaver
• Rival/Seal-a-Meal
• Weston
• Nesco
• Cuisinart

Odds are you already have a few devices in your kitchen made by these companies, and you know how great their products are. Let’s take a look at each and what they have to offer.[divider]

FoodSaver: The Biggest Name in Vacuum Sealers

FoodSaver is a company that focuses specifically on creating vacuum sealers. The company was created in 1987 by German inventor Hanns Kristen, who invented the FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System.

Because they put all their research and development efforts into the vacuum sealing niche, FoodSaver is known as the industry experts. When reading vacuum sealer reviews, you will see a lot of recommendations for the FoodSaver brand.

Let’s Compare Our Favorite FoodSaver Sealers

First a quick comparison table, then we’ll go into the details below.

FoodSaver Model	Dimension	Weight	Roll Storage	Price
FoodSaver FM2000-000	17.6 x 10.6 x 5.9 in	5.3 lbs	No	*
FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1	20 x 11 x 12 in	10 lbs	Yes	***
FoodSaver FM2435-ECR	18.4 x 6.5 x 11 in	7.7 lbs	Yes	**
FoodSaver GameSaver Big Game	21.5 x 8.5 x 3.5 in	8.4 lbs	Yes	**
FoodSaver v2244	17.7 x 10.6 x 5.9 in	5 lbs	No	*
FoodSaver V4440 2-in-1	20 x 11 x 12 in	10 lbs	Yes	****

All of these are good machines. The first model – FM2000 is your basic sealer and is the most economical. The FM2000 is a newer version of the next FoodSaver on our list, the V2244, and is quickly becoming a customer favorite. Read our detailed review of the FoodSaver FM2000 Vacuum Sealer Machine.

Our next pick, the FoodSaver V2244 was also a big seller in 2020. It has similar features to the FM2000 with a compact size, removable drip tray, and accessory port. Based on current availability, it seems many retailers are slowly phasing this model out for the updated version above. See our comparison between the FoodSaver FM2000 and V2244.

FoodSaver FM2435-ECR includes a handheld sealer which is great for canners and zipper bags. This one also comes with a variety pack of sealer bags to get you started. See our detailed review of the FoodSaver FM2435-ECR here.

Model 4440 is larger in size and power. Its primary feature is the built-in handheld sealer – a great feature for serious canners and sealing zip lock bags in addition to your traditional sealer bags.

Model 4840 is a very similar unit – the main differences from the 4440 are the color & placement of the buttons. It’s good to check both of these since sometimes one or the other is on sale for a nice discount.

Finally, the Big Game GameSaver is our choice for the hunter in the family. The defining feature of this model is the handle & longer cord. It’s lightweight but rugged which is a good combination for taking it on the road on that hunting or fishing trip.

The GameSaver will seal more consecutive bags which is why it’s a favorite for heavier-use families and hunters. Now on to the detailed reviews.

FoodSaver FM2000-000 Vacuum Sealing System

The FoodSaver FM2000 is one of the most popular food sealers in its category and consistently gets high marks from consumers.  It boasts a compact size and affordable price, so it works well in small spaces or for those with tight budgets.

Our Pick for the Best Budget Food Saver

Key Features

• Compact Size
• Easy Latch Closure
• Uses 40% less bag material than older models, saving you more money over time.
• Removable drip tray for easy clean-up
• 5 yr Limited Warranty
• 17.6 x 5.9 x 10.6 inches
• 5.8 pounds

It is important to note that there is no cutter or bag storage within the unit, this is why it is smaller than many other models. But for tiny kitchens, this popular model is versatile, affordable, and a perfect choice for your first vacuum sealer.

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Foodsaver V2244 Machine for Food Preservation with Bags and Rolls Starter Kit

A Popular Choice for 2021

With a compact size that is easy to clean, the FoodSaver V2244 will help you keep your frozen food fresher for up to five times longer. Preserving bulk foods is a great way to save money and cut down on monthly grocery bills.

Complete with a starter kit that includes a heat seal roll, quart, and gallon size heat seal bags, and an accessory hose, it has everything you need to start keeping food fresher and reduce waste.

Safety features like an automatic shut-off feature, crush-free instant seal, and a safety lock latch make this a great unit for beginners. The non-stick coating on the sealing strip keeps the machine running smoothly and a removable drip tray will help keep your counters clean.

Key Features

• Lower Price Point
• Extra Wide Sealing Strip (11 x 10″)
• Vacuum Bag Starter Kit
• Accessory Hose Attachment
• 5.91 x 10.64 x 17.72 inches
• 5 pounds

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FoodSaver FM2435-ECR Vacuum Sealing System with Bonus Handheld Sealer and Starter Kit

The FoodSaver FM2435 is a great choice if you want both a countertop machine and a handheld attachment that can be used for sealing zip-lock bags or Foodsaver jars.

The zip-lock sealer attachment makes it much easier to preserve soups and sauces since you can hold the bags upright when filling them, then zip it closed before taking the extra step of vacuum sealing.

The vacuum sealer bags that come with this item include one adjustable size 11 x 10 roll, 2 sizes of heat sealer bags (quart & gallon), and 2 sizes of zipper seal bags. This is great, so you get to try out all the different options, then stock up on the types you like the best.

Key Features

• Mid-Range Price Point
• Wide Sealing Strip
• Vacuum Bag Starter Kit
• Handheld Sealer Attachment
• 5 yr Limited Warranty
• 18.4 x 11 x 6.5 inches
• 7.7 pounds

Customers rave about this machine and it gets our recommendation for light to medium use. It’s especially nice if you don’t have room for one of the larger machines. The size makes it nice and easy to put away after use, and attractive enough to leave out on the counter.

A few of the other features of the FM2435 vacuum sealing system are an in-unit bag storage and cutter, wet/dry sealing options, plus a holder clip for the handheld sealer. Overall this makes a great little all-in-one system for your household.

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FoodSaver 4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System

***Great for Canners***

Another FoodSaver vacuum sealer to consider is this 2-in-1 model. This vacuum sealing system is an even more popular purchase since you get both the traditional roller vacuum sealer and a handheld attachment. It is more expensive, but it has many more features and the starter kit includes a wider variety of bags.

Key Features

• The built-in retractable handheld sealer is great for sealing canisters, containers, and more.
• Includes Rapid Marinate Mode which will marinate your meats in minutes instead of hours.
• There are also settings for moist and dry, as well as a bag cutter and convenient roll storage.
• 5 yr Limited Warranty
• 11 x 20 x 12 inches
• 10 pounds

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FoodSaver GameSaver Big Game Vacuum Sealing System

***One of our favorites, portable and powerful***

Another FoodSaver model we highly recommend is the Big Game Sealer of the GameSaver series. This model has a few unique features and was created with the sportsman or hunter in mind.

The 2 unique features we love are the carrying handle and the extra 12 Volt DC Adapter Cord that can be plugged into your boat or RV. This design makes it easy to take on a sportsman’s road trip or a cross-country road trip.

Key Features

• One of the more powerful vacuums, great for hunters & fisherman
• A carry handle and big rubber buttons for larger hands
• 6-foot standard cord PLUS a 15-foot 12volt power cord
• The GameSaver also includes a built-in cutter and drip tray
• 21.5 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches
• 8.4 Pounds
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Could this be the best vacuum food sealer? With a powerful vacuum that can run up to 80 consecutive seals, a portable, but rugged design, extra power options, and an amazing warranty it just could be.

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Seal-a-Meal: Great for Light Use Vacuum Sealing

Seal-a-Meal is owned by Jarden Consumer Solutions who also owns the Food Saver brand and many other kitchen product lines.  Seal-a-Meal is the least expensive line of food savers with a price tag of well under $100.

Seal-a-Meal FSSMSL0160-000 Vacuum Sealer

This light-use vacuum sealer features a press/hold release system and is compatible with 8-inch, 11-inch, quart, and gallon heat-seal rolls and bags.

Key Features

• Compact Design
• Hands-free use
• Removable drip tray for easy clean-up
• 17.1 x 9.3 x 6.2 inches
• 4.2 pounds shipping weight
• 1-year warranty

The Seal-a-Meal is one of the smaller units and should easily fit even in small kitchens. It is delightfully affordable, which makes it potentially the best vacuum food sealer for beginners.

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Weston: A Great Commercial Vacuum Sealer

Weston is a company that makes a number of specialized food preparation and preservation appliances. These include not only vacuum sealers, but dehydrators, meat slicers, tomato strainers, and much more. As such, they have a broad range of experience in the food appliance industry, all of which they bring into play with their vacuum sealers.

Weston 65-0201 Pro-2300 Vacuum Sealer

This is the Weston vacuum sealer we most highly recommend if you are looking for a heavy-duty food sealer. It is commercial quality, so more expensive than many of the models we have shared here, but it is also very popular, with more than 200 reviews on Amazon.com.

Key Features

• Commercial Quality
• One-touch operation (auto mode)
• Custom sealing with manual mode
• Extra-large Teflon bar that can seal 15-inch bags
• Powerful double-piston vacuum pump, a fan-cooled motor, and more.
• 15.3 x 23 x 9 inches
• 14.4 pounds
• 1 Year Warranty

The automatic mode is great for saving time and taking care of simple jobs, while the manual mode is perfect if you have to seal something highly specific that requires special care.

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Nesco: Consistently Great Reviews

Nesco is one of the best-known kitchen appliance brands in the world. If you do not have a Nesco vacuum sealer, you may have one of their toasters, steamers, blenders, coffee machines, or bread makers.

If you have had great experiences with Nesco’s products, you will be excited about Nesco’s line of vacuum sealers.

Nesco VS-02 Food Vacuum Sealer

Our favorite Nesco food sealer is reasonably priced and highly rated on Amazon.com. This model has a lot of excellent features at a low cost, which makes it an excellent buy at any level. Beginners will find it simple to operate, and advanced users will appreciate the great design.

Key Features

• One-touch operation
• Automatic shut-off,
• Bag cutter & roll storage compartment
• 18.3 x 5.1 x 11.8 inches
• 7 pounds
• 1 Year Warranty

The unique feature with the Nesco is you can choose a longer seal time in order to get a tighter seal, and there is also an override function if you are sealing delicate foods

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Cuisinart: Well Known Company & Great Design

This is another kitchen appliance manufacturer you are probably already very familiar with. Along with food vacuum sealers, Cuisinart is known for its coffee makers, can openers, electric skillets and knives, food processors, toasters, tea kettles, waffle makers, and more.

Cuisinart VS-100 Vacuum Sealer

This vacuum sealer is relatively inexpensive and also highly rated. The design is compact and very stylish with stainless steel. Even if you have a small kitchen, you should be able to fit this vacuum sealer easily on a countertop.

Key Features

• An easy locking system, simple operation
• Instant seal for delicate foods
• Extra-wide sealing strip for extra-wide bags
• Drip Tray & Bag cutter
• 14.9 x 5.2 x 2.9 inches
• 3.4 pounds
• Manufacturer Warranty

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about using a vacuum food sealer?  We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions most people have when shopping for the best food sealer.

 Q:  Can you store wet items or only dry items with a vacuum sealer?

A:  Many vacuum sealers can accommodate wet goods as well as dry goods.  You may need to place a paper towel between the food and the seal to keep liquid from interfering with the seal.

 Q:  Do vacuum sealers include built-in bag cutters?

A:  This is one of the most common features out there.  It isn’t universal, but it’s close.

 Q:  What kinds of bags can I use?

A:  That depends on the model.  Some vacuum sealers can only use a specific type of bag designed for them.  Others can use a range of different bag sizes and types.

 Q:  Will this help me save space in my freezer?

A:  No.  This is not like those space-saver vacuum bags you use for clothing.  Nothing will be compressed through this process.  Your food will, however, be spared from freezer burn.

 Q:  Can you use a vacuum sealer on cooked foods?

A:  Yes!  This is a great way to preserve your leftovers.

 Q:  Can you preserve liquids with a vacuum sealer?

A:  Yes, though the procedure will depend on the type of vacuum sealer and the container you are using.  If your sealer does not accommodate jars, bottles or cans, you can still vacuum seal a liquid by freezing it first and then placing the frozen block of food or drink in a bag.

 Q:  How can I be sure that a vacuum has formed?

A:  Most machines will turn themselves off when the vacuum cycle ends, which it will do automatically once a vacuum seal is achieved.  There may be a light that goes off, and the sealing sound will stop.

 Q:  Can you use a vacuum sealer to seal mason jars?

A:  Yes, if you purchase a model that is able to accommodate the jars.  Not all models can.  Some may require additional attachments in order to seal jars, bottles, and so on.  Typically these attachments are inexpensive and easy to use.

 Q:  What if my machine needs maintenance?

A:  Vacuum sealers can last a long time, but they do occasionally require maintenance.  Most vacuum sealers come with a warranty period.  Maintenance outside that period should still be relatively inexpensive. Remember that your vacuum sealer is saving you money by helping you extend the shelf life of your food.

Hopefully, some of your own questions have been answered here. But feel free to email us if you have more. We’ll do our best to answer everyone. [divider_top]

How to Use a Vacuum Sealer for the Best Results

If you want to get the best use out of your vacuum sealer, you need to know what you’re doing.  The exact instructions will depend on the model you buy, but here are some general steps to get your food sealed fast:

1. First, scrub the food you want to preserve (fruits and vegetables, etc.)
2. Place the food inside the bag.
3. Feed it into the machine, with the open edge first.
4. Some machines start automatically.  If yours doesn’t, push the button.
5. You will be able to watch the air being sucked out of the bag.  Once this process completes and the bag is sealed shut, the machine will stop operating.  At this point, you are done!

At this point store the food.  Keep in mind that foods that must be kept in the refrigerator or freezer still need to be stored this way.  Vacuum sealers do not prevent food from soiling! 

Also, consider adding descant packets before you seal your food.  This can help to absorb any oxygen or moisture which may still be left in the bags.  Make sure you regularly clean your sealer so it stays in good working condition.

Different Applications for a Vacuum Sealer Machine

Vacuum Sealers are not just for preparing food!  There are many different uses for this handy product, like preserving collectibles or water-proofing valuables on a fishing trip!  Here is a list of the many ways to use your new home vacuum sealer.

• Seal foods in vacuum bags
• Re-seal wax bags in cereal boxes
• Can goods or enclose goods in jars (to keep, gift, or sell)
• Create spice and condiment packs for emergencies or camping
• Waterproof money, maps, and other emergency supplies for hiking
• Preserve documents and photographs
• Dry-age meat
• Create ice packs
• Waterproof clothing for hiking
• Preserve collectibles
• Store metal items to keep them from getting tarnished (estate jewelry, for example)
• Seal electronics

Now you should have a better grasp on how to use a vacuum sealer and be more familiar now with a few of the numerous different uses for a sealer. Those applications go far beyond food.

Our Recommendations for the Best Vacuum Sealers

Now that you’ve seen some of the most popular items, want to know our recommendation? Here are our top three.

1. We have always loved the GameSaver series and the New Big Game FoodSaver has some great features. Even if you are not a hunter, if you travel and like to save money on the road this is a good option.

2. Our next favorite is the Foodsaver V4400 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine. Complete with roll storage and its own built-in handheld sealer if you are serious about food preservation and want a full-size sealer plus the options to seal ziplock bags and canisters, this is a great choice.

3. Our final recommendation is the FM2000 Vacuum Sealing Machine that gets our vote for the best budget Food Saver. This great unit comes complete with a starter kit of bags and rolls to get started right away.