How to Compare Vacuum Food Savers

A vacuum food sealer lets you preserve food frozen for a long time.

Food vacuum sealers preserve food by vacuuming out the air surrounding the food and forming a tight seal around the food. They are available in handheld and countertop models,

Handheld Vacuum Sealers

Handheld vacuum sealers are meant to seal small amounts of foods over the short term. Handhelds are powered by batteries so the seal is not as strong as it would be using a countertop model. The appliances come with plastic bags from the manufacturer, however you also can purchase generic vacuum seal plastic bags instead.

Countertop Models

Countertop vacuum sealers are small appliances that produce a tighter seal than handhelds and preserve the quality of foods over longer periods of time. Vacuum sealed foods can be stored with or without refrigeration.

Features

Handheld models take up less storage space, and can be used to preserve the freshness of deli meats, leftovers, or single-serving meals that can be heated or reheated quickly by boiling or microwaving. Countertop models hold larger quantities of food for long-term freezing or storage. They can also be used for "sous vide" cooking, wherein food is sealed in a liquid, and then cooked at a low temperature until done. In general, all vacuum sealers operate similarly, so base your choice on the size and style that best suits your needs.

Commercial Grade

Some commercial grade vacuum sealers do not use bags at all. They feature large bins utilizing special controls for long term storage of bulk items.

Other Uses

Vacuum sealers are not only used to store or freeze food. They can be used to protect jewelry, photos, documents, or other special items against wear and damage.

References

• Canning & Preserving for Dummies: Vacuum Sealing Machines

Resources

• Consumer Search: Vacuum Food Sealers
• Pleasant Hill Grain: Selecting the right vacuum packaging system