6 Best Vacuum Sealers, Tested and Reviewed by Experts
Extend the life of your foods with one of these expert-approved vacuum sealers.
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Vacuum sealers work by removing air from a plastic bag, jar, bottle or container filled with food and then sealing it. This keeps your food fresher for longer by creating an environment that makes it very hard for some bacteria to thrive. Vacuum sealers are great if you shop in bulk or cook in large batches: You can portion the food you want to stash away, and the tightly sealed vessel will help prevent freezer burn and moisture loss (or moisture gain, if you want to keep crispy foods crispy!). They're also helpful if you like to cook sous vide, as the tight seal keeps water out of your food.
The pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab tested several popular vacuum sealers by sealing and storing delicate foods like berries, famously quick-oxidizing foods like avocados and meats like hamburger and chicken.
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Accessory port
- Built-in bag cutter and two bag sizes
Cons
- Slow vacuum-and-seal cycle
Dimensions: 17" x 15" x 9" | Settings: Dry, moist and double sealing; normal and gentle pressure | Includes: Tube for working with canisters, one 8.6" x 9.85' roll and one 11.8" x 9.85' roll
Nesco's VS-12 performed well in our Lab tests. The large handle makes it easy to use, the control panel is clearly labeled and it delivers powerful suction. We liked that it offers various pressure settings and an accessory port for things like jar attachments. It has a built-in bag cutter and roll storage compartment, and it comes with two sizes of bags.
Though the vacuum time was the longest in our test, this pick successfully sealed a chicken breast marinated in Italian dressing, a task some other models struggled with (or failed to do). We also appreciate the unique double-seal function, which provides extra peace of mind for longer storage or sous vide cooking.
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Anova Culinary Precision Port Handheld Vacuum Sealer
Pros
- Simple, single-button operation
- Compact for storage
Cons
- No additional settings or accessories
Dimensions: 3.03" x 3.03" x 3.7" | Settings: On/off only | Includes: 10 vacuum bags
Anova makes one of our top picks for the best sous vide machine, and this handheld vacuum sealer also delivers quality performance. It's about the size of a large apple, so it's easy enough to store but unobtrusive enough to leave on the counter if you portion and seal foods often. There's no setup other than charging, and the one-button operation is extremely simple. That said, you do have to make sure the device is properly aligned over the opening of the specialized bags in order to achieve a seal.
In our tests, berries released a little juice but were overall intact. It created a nice seal around an avocado as well. Our marinated chicken did not leak, the liquid traveled up to the device, causing a somewhat lengthy run time. It's a barebones option with no accessories or additional settings, but it's affordable and efficient.
Anova Culinary Precision Vacuum Sealer
Pros
- Great performance in Lab tests
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Does not include a bag cutter
Dimensions: 16.73" x 4.8" x 3.14" | Settings: Vacuum, seal and pulse | Includes: 10 pre-cut bags
Anova is appearing on our list again with this fuss-free and effective countertop vacuum sealer. It does not offer on-board storage for a roll of bags nor a bag cutter, but that's what makes the unit so sleek and compact. It's ideal for small kitchens, apartment life, dorms or just less-frequent use, because it's easier to store.
It's also a great option for anyone new to vacuum sealing or sous vide because it has just three easy-to-understand buttons. It has a satisfying click when it's properly closed and ready to seal. It aced our tests with top scores, especially the avocado test, which shows its ability to create a quality seal on an irregularly shaped food.
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FoodSaver Handheld+ 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System
Pros
- Offers both handheld and countertop versatility
- Works with custom zip-top bags, open ended bags, bag rolls, custom containers and bottles via an attachment
Cons
- Design is narrow but long, so will take up space for storage
Dimensions: 9.56" x 17.87" x 6.62" | Settings: Vacuum and seal, seal | Includes: 5 quart-size bags, 5 gallon-size bags, 3 reusable quart-size bags, 3 reusable gallon-size bags, 2 bottle stoppers
We tested — and recommended — the previous combo FoodSaver vacuum sealer, but we are impressed with and are now recommending this latest two-in-one model. The handheld device, which pops out easily to work with custom bags and containers, serves as the vacuum for the countertop device as well, and the countertop option allows you to seal your own bags. We like that it's more compact than previous FoodSaver models while still offering great versatility.
A side lever is clearly labeled with "Open/Storage/Operate," which makes the device simple to use. The countertop machine includes a little trough that you can remove to rinse out any liquid that collects. Both the countertop and handheld machines sealed a burger patty and avocado well. They were both also successful with our marinated chicken breast: The seal was secure, so there was no leaking from either method. The handheld device faired slightly better with blackberries, but each did cause some slight crushing.
In addition to the custom bags and lidded containers for the handheld device and the open-ended or roll bags for the countertop model, this FoodSaver model also comes with two stoppers that allow you to seal bottles.
Pros
- Slim and simple to use
- Comes with two small bags, two medium bags and one large container (plus works with many sizes of Zwilling containers)
Cons
- No additional settings
Dimensions: 6.02" x 11.61" x 11.14" | Settings: On/off only | Includes: 1 large vacuum food storage container, 2 medium bags, 2 small bags
The best argument for this pick from Zwilling is its ability to work with a wide range of shapes and sizes of containers and canisters, which are even sold in sets like this one for bakers. The containers allow you to extend the life of leftovers and store irregularly shaped foods and delicate ingredients, like berries. They also make it easier to marinate foods under vacuum, which can speed up the time. We like using the containers for items like brown sugar, which is less suited to a bag, and crackers, which we access frequently.
Because we use this vacuum sealer to reseal containers as we interact with them in daily life, we like that the rechargeable device is slim enough to store on the countertop for quick access. It's not the most powerful vacuum on this list (though it does create a lock on the lids of the branded containers), but this also means it performed well with more delicate foods, like berries. The company also offers a variety of bag sizes.
Pros
- Holds up to heavy use
- One-touch operation
- Accessory port
Cons
- Bulky and pricey
Dimensions: 8.7" x 14.7" x 17.5" | Settings: Start, stop and manual seal | Includes: One 11" x 50' vacuum seal roll, maintenance kit with two chamber seals and seal bar tape
Though bulkier and more industrial-looking than the other models on our list, this machine is about as close to commercial-grade as you can get at home. It's great for sealing large quantities of meat.
It's a real workhorse with a 680-watt, fan-cooled motor that prevents overheating even during heavy use. But thanks to an intuitive control panel with one-touch operation, it's simple enough for novices to use. Though we have not tested this model in the Lab, we like that it can even handle 11-inch-wide bags for large hunks of meat — ideal if you like to sous vide brisket or pork butt.
For a more home cook–friendly model, we tested the Weston Compact Vacuum Sealer. It's affordable, and it did a fair job in our tests (though there was some gapping around the avocado and a little less sealing around the burger patty). It has high and low vacuum settings as well as an extended seal setting. Though it was the loudest in our test — and requires you to press it closed during operation — it was overall a moderate noise level and was easy to use.
How we test vacuum sealers
To evaluate food vacuum sealers, the analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute assess functionality, ease of use and any additional unique features like built-in bag cutters and holders. We rate the overall run time, how intuitive the settings are, how loud the machine is and how effectively it removes air as well as how securely it seals the bag or container.
For each model, we sealed one 1/4-lb hamburger patty and placed it in the freezer for one month. We checked it regularly to assess freezer burn. We also sealed a chicken breast marinated in bottled Italian dressing to see whether the sealer could handle wet foods and how the bags handled leaks.
We sealed one half of an avocado in a vacuum-sealed bag and the other half in a zip-top bag with the air pushed out; we then stashed them in a crisper drawer for 3 weeks to compare browning rates. We also vacuumed and sealed blackberries to assess the machine's ability to handle delicate foods.
What to look for when shopping
The best vacuum sealers can vacuum both dry foods and liquids (with a marinate or pulse setting) as well as seal securely. Here's what to consider when looking to buy:
✔️ Handheld vs. countertop: If you lack space, you'll likely prefer the maneuverability of a handheld machine, but if you rely on your food vacuum sealer often, the superior performance and durability of a countertop model may suit you better.
- Handheld models typically use special zip-top bags that have a small port for air removal. They're ideal for small jobs and meal prep. They're less effective at keeping air out, and you will be limited to the bag sizes offered for that device.
- Countertop models are larger and often work with both precut and cut-to-size bags. They're more versatile and provide longer-lasting results since there's no port, which could allow air to escape or enter. Most can also reseal bags, like potato chip and cereal bags. There are also chamber vacuum sealers, which work by putting a bag of food inside the chamber and closing the lid to seal the bags. They can handle multiple bags at once and are also good for larger foods, but they are primarily found in restaurants and are typically bigger and heavier than home models.
✔️ Functions: Do you need something straightforward and intuitive for simple tasks, like freezing occasional cuts of meat or leftovers? If so, a handheld model might be a good choice. Do you need a model that's also designed for sous vide? If so, make sure the bags will stand up to high heat and consider a model that offers double sealing. If you plan to marinate or store liquid items, choose a machine with a moist, wet or marinate setting (and generally use the longest bag you can find or create a longer bag from the roll to help the machine seal wet foods more easily). If you often store delicate items, look for a gentle or pulse setting or the ability to select a lower vacuum level.
✔️ Type of bags: You'll need different-sized bags for different tasks, so consider buying a roll of material rather then pre-cut bags, so you can size the bags to fit your needs. If you plan to sous vide, make sure you get bags that are safe for use in high heat. Just remember: Not all vacuum sealer bags are compatible with all machines, so double-check the model's specifications first. Be aware that handheld models generally require brand-specific bags rather than cut-to-fit bags.
What do you use a vacuum sealer for?
Vacuum sealers are great for proteins (chicken parts, pork chops, sausages, etc.) and for dry goods you often see sold in bulk: nuts, seeds, hard cheeses, coffee, dried fruit and grains. Kitchen Appliances Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou likes to use them to reseal (but not vacuum) standard bags of chips or pretzels.
Fragile foods like berries or flaky pastries often cannot withstand the suction when stored in a bag, but many machines work with containers that can help prolong the life of foods like these. Some machines can also vacuum and seal delicate foods like crackers, cereals and cookies, but you'll need to find suction levels or pulse/delicate settings that work for your needs or, again, opt for containers. Some machines work well with liquids, while others do not, but you can certainly use any of them to store sauces and liquids that are already frozen in individual portions.
Important note: There are some foods that you should not vacuum seal because they are prone to bacterial growth, such as hot foods, soft cheeses and raw garlic, onions and mushrooms.
Can you use zip-top bags with vacuum sealers?
No, you should not use regular or freezer zip-top bags with vacuum sealers. Handheld devices are designed for a specific port on custom vacuum bags. But even sealing them with a countertop model is not advised.
Vacuum sealer bags are sturdier, which allows a stronger seal designed to prevent leaking. They often have a pattern that helps to channel the air out of the bag as it is vacuumed. They may also be better able to withstand heat, which is essential when cooking sous vide.
Is a vacuum sealer worth it?
If you buy in bulk, freeze small portions for meal prep or from a hunt, a vacuum sealer is worth it. It helps prevent most food from going stale as quickly as it would in a non-airtight container and it also helps prevent freezer burn, which affects taste and texture.
"I really like vacuum sealing for keeping food fresher in the freezer," says Papantoniou. "I tend to vacuum seal individual portions so I can defrost them quickly, whether it’s enough food for one person or the amount I need for a recipe. This helps make meal prep easy."
Vacuum sealers are also helpful for sous vide cooking. It ensures a tight seal to prevent any liquid from entering the bag.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Sarah Gregory is a deputy editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She conducted the evaluation of these vacuum sealers and helped develop the methodology for testing. She is a trained cook and has tested numerous products for the Institute, including fish filet knives, immersion blenders and milk frothers
Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
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